Best portrait lens?

[bevoholic]

Even outside?

Optical triggers like Nikon's CLS don't work well outside. They use IR (infrared) light and the Sun's IR light overwhelms them.

So outside you use radio triggers. If you have a light stand and umbrella setup outside, you need to weight the legs of the stand to make it less susceptible to being tipped over by people or wind.
Ankle weights from Wal-Mart will work for that purpose.

Thanks. Good to know.

 

[reznap]

Even outside?

Yes.
I took this with off-camera flashes outside. Same triggers as I linked to you.

Here's a cheap reflector.. but you'll need someone to hold it, or use a stand and some clamps.

Amazon.com: Opteka 43" 5-in-1 Collapsible Disc Reflector, Translucent, White, Black, Silver, Gold, with Carrying Case: Camera & Photo

 

[ghache]

I bought 2 X 42 ich 5 in 1 relfector from ebay for dirt cheap.
they work really good and would buy them again.

 

[Ginu]

I think best bet is a fast lens like a 35/50mm AFS either 1.4 or 1.8, cheapest route for a beginner and if the OP doesn't like the lens and result, then the lens can be sold quite easy.

 

[reznap]

I think best bet is a fast lens like a 35/50mm AFS either 1.4 or 1.8, cheapest route for a beginner and if the OP doesn't like the lens and result, then the lens can be sold quite easy.

IMO, a 35mm f/1.8 should be on every Nikon owner's wish list.

 

[KmH]

You know, I had a one of the AF-S 35mm f/1.8G lenses for awhile, but I sold it.

For me it had to much lateral CA and I didn't care for the bokeh CA and purple fringing at the larger apertures.

 

[KmH]

How about lets say for a starter one. Something that will do the job well without breaking the bank.

Add www.bhphotovideo.com to your favorites list. If they don't have it, you don't need it. They also have some technical info you can track down.

Their prices are very competitive and they are IMO the most reputable photography store on planet Earth. If you are ever in NYC, plan at least a day to just wander around their store.

 

[bevoholic]

How about lets say for a starter one. Something that will do the job well without breaking the bank.

Add www.bhphotovideo.com to your favorites list. If they don't have it, you don't need it. They also have some technical info you can track down.

Their prices are very competitive and they are IMO the most reputable photography store on planet Earth. If you are ever in NYC, plan at least a day to just wander around their store.

I second this. I have purchased all my equipment from them sans the camera body and kit lenses. Their store in NYC is amazing. Their prices are significantly less than my local camera stores as well.

 

[AmberNikol]

Thanks! I booked marked that site. ;-)

 

[djacobox372]

I would get the 50mm f1.8 af-d over the 50mm f1.4 af-d for outdoor portraits.

At f2.8 and above they're identical in performance (both near perfect), if you want to shoot at f2 or lower, then the 1.4 will outperform, but you'll rarely need to shoot that wide outdoors.

 

[ghache]

I would get the 50mm f1.8 af-d over the 50mm f1.4 af-d for outdoor portraits.

At f2.8 and above they're identical in performance (both near perfect), if you want to shoot at f2 or lower, then the 1.4 will outperform, but you'll rarely need to shoot that wide outdoors.

I shoot my 50mm at 1F4 outdoor with good result.
This picture have really small pp done to it.

IMO, For 150$, that lens can't be beat. never ever

Exposure0.001 sec (1/800)Aperturef/4.0Focal Length50 mmISO Speed100

Exposure0.001 sec (1/800)Aperturef/4.0Focal Length50 mmISO Speed100

 

[bevoholic]

I ended up purchasing the 50mm f/1.8D. Should have it by Friday.

 

[Stradawhovious]

I ended up purchasing the 50mm f/1.8D. Should have it by Friday.

Once you get used to the MF you will wonder what you ever did without it.

Good choice. :thumbup:

 

[bevoholic]

I ended up purchasing the 50mm f/1.8D. Should have it by Friday.

Once you get used to thr MF you will wonder what you ever did without it.

Good choice. :thumbup:

I been practicing using my 18-55 with the focus on M just to get a feel for what I'd have to be doing. I don't think it should be that much of a problem for me.

 

[snaplounge]

I love my Tamron 28-75mm 2.8. Sharp and fast on all length.. My best investment so far. At 5.6 it is sharper than Canon 50mm 1.4 prime.