Question on the Nikon 85mm f1.4

[jmtonkin]

So, I've had several people tell me that I should look into the Nikon 85mm f1.4 for a portrait lens. My question is, if I'm shooting on a cropped camera (D300s), should I get the 50mm 1.4 so I'm near the 85mm after calculating the crop factor? I do realize that I'll only really be around 75mm; however, with the 85mm, I'll really be shooting around 127mm which isn't what I want, correct? I'm not sure if I've got my math right either. The DX frames have a 1.5 crop factor don't they?

 

[tirediron]

Your math is fine; as for what you want, well, only you can make that decision. The 85mm on a crop body might be a little long for full portraits, but if you're doing head/bust shots it will be just fine. For general use, I think the field of view of the 50mm might be more useful.

 

[jmtonkin]

If I have any hopes of upgrading down the road, would it be a wise decision to go with the 85mm?