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Hello everyone,
I would like to ask you to give me some tips for the best portrait lenses for Nikon camera. I plan to shoot both, interier and exterier. I consider to buy this one: Nikkor F1.8, 50 mm
http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/5018daf.htm
What do you think?
Thanks
Northy
a todays equivalent of 85-100 lens with a sensible (I am an old film user) aperture
IF the 50mm f1.8 is used on an aps "C" size sensor all will be well
and nokin's, minolta's and canon's all have good glass
(think the best were in the 70's & 80's when they were pushing the boundaries)
sigma / canon 24-70mm f2.8 is probably the best option for portraits if you don't like the prime lens of the 50mm f1.4 or f1.2.
In my opinion the 24-70mm is a good range and a fast lens for low light situations a real good all rounder.
There is of course the other option of canon 24-104mm f4 l usm is lens but it is nearly 2 f stops slower.
or if you can afford the canon 70-200 f2.8 l is usm lens i can vouch that this lens is totally awsome for portraits too but limiting in tight spaces.
We use the Zeiss 100mm Makro Planar and 135mm DC Nikon on a regular basis for head & shoulders and half length - these are both f2. Big groups in the studio are done with the 24-70 Nikon. On location, the 17-35 Nikon is useful when I want to show the surroundings.
We do have an assortment of MF primes that are normally for personal work but are sometimes used when I need the wide aperture.
Rockwell is right about the Nikon f1.8 standard lens because it's a gem for the price. His comments about Nikon lenses in general agree with my 30 years of Nikon experience.
@leftForum:
What do you mean by crop sensor? DX? I have DX camera now, but I want to buy FX later and I am looking for a lenses compatible with both.
crop sensor: there are many different sensors used look here
and the lens is = say a 50mm on full frame/ & 35mm/film camera ON a C sensor the film 50mm equals to about 80mm
general rule is for the future use lenses that are "film" or full frame coverage
Quote: @leftForum:
What do you mean by crop sensor? DX? I have DX camera now, but I want to buy FX later and I am looking for a lenses compatible with both.
Yes, in Nikon terminology, DX is their classification for crop sensor.
The 50mm f/1.8D lens mentioned is an excellend portrait lens on a DX camera but would be regarded as a standard lens on an FX camera.
Basically, on a 35mm film camera or FX (full frame) digital camera, a 50mm lens gives pretty well the same perspective as the human eye. Hence the term "standard" lens.
On a DX (crop sensor) camera, a lens of about 30mm gives the same perspective as the human eye, hence that focal length being regarded as "standard" on such camera.
For portraits, it is generally accepted that you want two factors:
1. a slightly longer focal length than "standard" to give a more flattering perspective for faces. (A shorter than "standard" focal lenth has the opposite effect and makes protuberances such as noses and chins look even bigger).
2. A large aperture which allows the depth of field to be manipulated to produce bokeh in the background so as to accentuate the actual features in the portrait.
So, to summarise, a 50mm fast lens will be a great portrait lens with your current DX camera and, should you later switch to FX, the same lens will be a great standard lens but you may, then, want something around 85mm for portraits.
Hi all,
I already got the new lens so I am very happy with it 
What F-number do you usually use for outdoor portraits? I tried F1.8 and I think it is relatively OK, but...is it enough for portrait?
Digressing most of the well known reviewers are rated by photographic users. Few rate Ken higher than 3 out of 10 
I am assuming you have a DX body and want to shoot portraits with "natural" perspective.
If so the 50mm f1.8 is easily the most affordable option.
"Better" (more expensive) options include the 60mm macro G used for the portrait shots in the 24 MP D3x brochure.
Much more expensive lenses include the 24-70, either 85mm prime or the 105 and 135 DC lenses.
If your budget is modest Ken might be right - provided you do not have one of the lower priced bodies that does not auto focus with D type lenses.
I mostly use the 24-70mm for the versatility it offers for doing anything from head and shoulder portraits, through to full length portraits, and with space, will show surroundings also.
I also use the Canon 70-200mm and the Sigma 10-20mm when the occasion arises.
Quote: There is of course the other option of canon 24-104mm f4 l usm is lens but it is nearly 2 f stops slower.
Am I missing something Ian? I can't see how there is anything more than 1 stop difference between F2.8(24-70mm) and F4(24-105mm).....
It's really a matter of your own style and taste. I've used 50mm f/1.8, 85mm f/1.8 [which I would prefer over a 50mm] and currently use a 60mm f/2.8 macro lens for portrait. Great results, very sharp and the clarity is excellent. Being a macro means i can get in as close as I like too. I have also used a Tamron 17-50mm for portraits on the 50mm end. Also a great lens. You don't have to use a prime.
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