Lens help

[StaceyMarkel]

I'm a portrait photographer and will be purchasing a new lens soon. I just can't decide which one. I currently use a D7000 & use a 35 1.8, 50 1.8 mostly. I'm torn between the 70-200 1.8 or the 105. I really want something for portrait use such as lifestyle photography where I can step back a bit and snap special moments. Which should I get??? I like the options with the 70-200 but the macro capability with 105.

 

[KmH]

Clearly you need both the 70-200 and the 105.

There are 2 versions of the 70-200 f/2.8, with the main difference being the newer one has VR II. Optically the 2 are pretty much equal.
Since VR should usually be turned off anyway, a good used 70-200 with the previous VR may help to save enough to allow you getting it, and a good used 105.
Nikon VR explained

This is the older VR version - Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8G ED-IF AF-S VR Zoom Nikkor Lens

For portraiture many portrait photographers opt for the Defocus Control (DC) version, the Nikon 105mm f/2.0D AF DC-Nikkor Lens

 

[StaceyMarkel]

Clearly you need both the 70-200 and the 105. There are 2 versions of the 70-200 f/2.8, with the main difference being the newer one has VR II. Optically the 2 are pretty much equal. Since VR should usually be turned off anyway, a good used 70-200 with the previous VR may hep to save enough to allow you getting it and a good used 105. Nikon VR explained This is the older VR version - Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8G ED-IF AF-S VR Zoom Nikkor Lens For portraiture many portrait photographers opt for the Defocus Control (DC) version, the Nikon 105mm f/2.0D AF DC-Nikkor Lens

Thanks!!!

 

[JaronRH]

If you do mainly individuals, I would skip the weight of the 70-200 and go with either an 85mm or 105 DC. I have both a 70-200 VRII and Sigma 85mm EX and I prefer the 85mm because of the narrower DOF control it gives me (and low-light capabilities) and size. The 70-200 really only comes out for weddings or when shooting families with young kids running everywhere!

I've always wanted to use a 105 or 135 DC!

(I have both a D700 [FX] and D90 [DX] and have used these lenses on both.)