Portrait Lens Advice

[joshua_]

Hello Everyone!

I'm ready to buy another 'portrait' lens. AF-S

I have a Nikon D3200 that I've had for about 5 years.

It's been fine for my skill level.

I have 3 lenses...

The one I use most is the Nikkor 35mm 1.8.

I think it came with one or two, I may have bought one of these, I don't remember. Those two are the Nikkor 18-55 3.5 and the Nikkor 55-300 4.5.

What I'd like is another one similar to the 35mm 1.8. Something similar in price and function to the AF-S NIKKOR 85mm 1.8.

I'd spend more and I'm not stuck on brand. Just looking for some suggestions.

Thanks!

 

[cgw118 143]

Look at the affordable 50/1.8g.

 

[s_marolf]

I would go with the 85mm f/1.8. I don't have one but it's on my wish list.

 

[chuasam]

get the 85mm f/1.8G it's fairly affordable and quite a good portrait lens

 

[ac12]

quote
What I'd like is another one similar to the 35mm 1.8. Something similar in price and function to the AF-S NIKKOR 85mm 1.8.
end quote

I am not clear of your question.
It has 2 interpretations.

1) Do you want the DX equivalent of the FX 85mm?
If so, then you want a 50mm lens on your DX camera.
It is not a perfect equivalent, which would be a 57mm lens, but 50mm is the closest production lens.
You have the option of the cheaper DX 50 f/1.8, or the more expensive FX 50 f/1.8 or f/1.4.

2) Do you want an 85mm?
If so, then get the Nikon FX 85 f/1.8.
Nikon does not make a DX 85.

 

[mrca]

You have a 55-300 that covers excellent portrait lengths. If you are shooting portraits, take a look at what length you used most. Or try using it at equivalent lengths and see what you like. A portrait lens doesn't on it's own create the compression that you like, it is the distance from which it is shot. Also, what type of portraits will you shoot? Head and shoulders, 3/4, full length, full length with environment? Often folks use the term portrait lens to refer to head and shoulders. To fill the frame with a 24 or 35 equivalent can put you so close it makes noses look like clown noses. I have never haed anyone ask me to make their nose bigger. 50 is an honest lens and shows the face as it is and puts you close enough for easy communication. An 85 puts you back slightly and adds a subtle nose/ facial compression that is flattering. I prefer the 135, a bit more compression but doesn't scream compression. It is my go to lens for portraiture. For 3/4 the 85 is fantastic. I trained with wedding photographers who charge $ 50,000 for a wedding and the 85 is their most used lens. With 46 mp, I can put on the 85, open it to 1.4 and back up to the same distance I would shoot the 135 then just crop. Remember, distance controls the compression and dof on subject and oof of the bg. When you test your current lens at various eqivalents, remember, you don't have the oof quality or probably the shallow dof which is part of the personality of each lens. But you can get an idea what working distance you prefer and degree of compression. You can also search photos taken with that lens that includes aperture settings and you can get an idea of how much you like the oof quality, ie bokeh. Want to see what a fabulous bokeh lens looks like check out the Nikon 135 2.0 DC lens. Or the old 105 dc recently updated but which I and many others think lost the best characteristics of the old lens.