Portrait lens for Nikon d7000

Bellezzo · Jun 17, 2012

Hello, can you suggest a good photography lens, maybe a prime lens, for the d7000?
Tell me about your experience. I'm certainly not a professional but I'd like to improve and people are usually my favorite subject.
Most likely I'm not gonna buy the lens right away, but only save up for it.

And also, is there any lenses that works not-so-good with the d7000?

Thanks in advance, Katrine

Patriot · Jun 17, 2012

Most would most likey say the 85mm 1.8g or if you have the money 85mm 1.4g. I'm sure there are better options if you dont mind going 3rd party.

Mach0 · Jun 17, 2012

135 f2 dc

Bellezzo · Jun 17, 2012

The 135 f/s DC is a bit pricey! I'm sure it's awesome though.

Nikon_Josh · Jun 17, 2012

Sigma 50 1.4, at a 75mm equivalent its a very usable focal length on Dx for portraits close to an 85mm lens.

If you want the real subject isolation though, perhaps look at the 85mm lenses.

pixmedic · Jun 17, 2012

the Nikkor 50mm 1.4D is actually pretty affordable and is a wonderful portrait lens on a DX camera. Its defiantly worth a little extra money over the 1.8, and is sharper.
I picked mine up for $220 used in mint condition with front and rear lens cap and I havent picked up my 1.8 since.

BXPhoto · Jun 19, 2012

The Nikon 85mm f/1.8G is a fantastic lens. I actually just created a photo thread for it in the lens section... For the money I prefer it over the 50mm f/1.4.

pixmedic · Jun 19, 2012

BXPhoto said:
The Nikon 85mm f/1.8G is a fantastic lens. I actually just created a photo thread for it in the lens section... For the money I prefer it over the 50mm f/1.4.

The 85mm 1.8g is a bit pricier than the 50mm 1.4D, especially if you buy used. And at $220, i think i got a pretty good deal on my 50mm 1.4D. I definitely want to add an 85mm 1.8 to my fixed focal lenses, but i may hold out for a used 1.8D lens. I haven't been able to compare the two lenses side by side myself, but hopefully in the next few months ill be able to put the money away for the 85mm, since it seems to be a very highly rated focal length.

BXPhoto · Jun 19, 2012

I was actually comparing it to the f/1.4G. But you are right about the 1.4D.

pixmedic · Jun 19, 2012

BXPhoto said:
I was actually comparing it to the f/1.4G. But you are right about the 1.4D.

I have heard AMAZING reviews on the 85mm 1.4G but its definitely out of my price range for a while =)
what about the 105mm f2.8?

BXPhoto · Jun 19, 2012

pixmedic said:
I have heard AMAZING reviews on the 85mm 1.4G but its definitely out of my price range for a while =)
what about the 105mm f2.8?

The 50mm f/1.4G or the 85mm f/1.4G... Haha these Nikon lens names crack me up. So much harder to type than 85L vs 50L. The 105mm has been a famous focal length for long time now when it comes to portraits. It also serves a dual purpose as its a macro lens too isn't it? Don't get all carried away into longer lenses for portraits only. I love environmental portraits with wide angle primes too. Or even wider lenses.

These are with 35mm f/1.4L ( canons ) but still the same idea

Destiny Bloss by BX | PHOTO, on Flickr

Leanne at Redrock by BX | PHOTO, on Flickr

Destiny Bloss by BX | PHOTO, on Flickr

greybeard · Jun 19, 2012

It is important to take into consideration the distance you want to work at. With a DX camera you will need at least a 50mm. This will give you a comfortable working distance and proper perspective for portraits.