Need portrait lens suggestions for my D90 (zoom)

[Joshua_Lee]

Hello all,

I would like some advice from others on what portrait lens I should buy next. I know prime is my best bet with my budget, and if I go that direction it will probably be the 85mm, but I want something I can shoot in studios with limited space. I have the 50mm which I love, but I want something with a little more length than the 50mm and a little sharper than my kit 18-105 which I think I am going to sell. Key note: I am not rich and if it's over $800, I can't get it anyway. Yes, this will limit me, but it's all I have to spend on a lens. I have no problem with used glass. So with that being said, what is the best bang for the buck without sacrificing image quality? Please help!

Thanks,

Josh

 

[eric-holmes]

Subscribed.

I have been tossing around the 85 1.8 or an 80-200 AF-S. I hear great things about both.

 

[Robin Usagani]

check out sigma primes

 

[IgsEMT]

24-85 Nikon

 

[KmH]

24-85 Nikon

Yep! AF Zoom-NIKKOR 24-85mm f/2.8-4D IF and it has a 1:2 marco capability from 35 mm to 85 mm. Used, about $500.

 

[eric-holmes]

Hey Keith, I checked out that lens and this one had some higher reviews. Know anything about it?

Nikon | News | AF-S Zoom-Nikkor 24-85mm f/3.5-4.5G IF-ED

 

[FireGOD]

I'm thinking about getting the Tamron SP AF70-200mm F/2.8 Di and it's around your price range. Tamron -70-200mm F/2.8(Model A001)

What does everyone think of that lens?

I have the Tamron SP 17-50mm F/2.8 VC and I love it.

 

[Ken Rockwell Fan]

Find a used 80-200 AF 2.8 D (2 ring verion). If you squat eBay you'll eventually run across one for around $800. You can get the push pull version all day for around $600. It works just as long as you don't mind the slower auto focus of the older model. I use my 80-200 AF 2.8 D more than any other lens. The sharpness and bokeh is excellent. It's definantly my favorite of all my lens currently.

 

[KmH]

Hey Keith, I checked out that lens and this one had some higher reviews. Know anything about it?

Nikon | News | AF-S Zoom-Nikkor 24-85mm f/3.5-4.5G IF-ED

Nope, don't know anything about it.
It is not included in Nikon's current Nikon USA lens lineup, but no doubt there are used ones available out there.

Digital Camera Lenses | Nikon Camera lenses | NIKKOR Optics

Your link is dated Feb 21, 2002.

 

[Derrel]

24-85 Nikon

Ding! Ding! Ding! Ding! Ding!

24-85 f/2.8~4 is a good choice with the right range....typically $550-$625 or so used.

24-85 f/3.3~4.5 AF-S is slightly newer, AF-S focusing, pretty handy lens, costs less than the older 24-85mm f/2.8~4 model. $350-$395 used. 67mm filter thread model. I have one of these. Good to excellent. Discontinued in 2008 I think it was.

 

[phiya]

This Tamron continues to receive excellent reviews. Its on my short list of lenses, I'd check it out if I were you.

Amazon.com: Tamron AF 28-75mm f/2.8 SP XR ZL Di LD Aspherical (IF) with Built-In AF Motor for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras: Camera & Photo

 

[chris182]

I got the Sigma 24-70 2.8 for my D90 and quickly sent it back and got the Tamron 28-75 2.8 and I LOVE it!! so thats what I would recommend. It also priced very fairly.

 

[IgsEMT]

I got the Sigma 24-70 2.8 for my D90 and quickly sent it back and got the Tamron 28-75 2.8 and I LOVE it!! so thats what I would recommend. It also priced very fairly.

Thanks for feedback on Sigma

 

[Joshua_Lee]

Thanks for all the advice. I have looked at multiple reviews on the Tamron 28-75, and it seems to be the best lens for the money. Some have ranked it to almost the same performance as the Nikon 24-70, but $1000 cheaper. I like the 70-200 but may have to hold off on it until I get the 28-75. I feel I would be to far off with the 70-200 for my style of photography. However, it would be nice for inside a chapel when they won't let you photograph from inside. I will let you know what I think of the 28-75.