Nikon portrait lens

kn505
kn505 Posts: 380
edited April 2 in Clubhouse Archives
I am looking for a portrait lens for my Nikon D70. I am thinking about either the Nikon 85mm f/1.4 or f/1.8 lens. Which one would you pick? Or is there a better alternative?

Thanks.
Post edited by RyanC_Masimo on
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  • audiobliss
    audiobliss Posts: 12,518
    edited September 2006
    Dad has the Nikkor 105mm 1:2.8 lens for portraits and has always touted its abilities. Don't know how that compare to the two you mentioned, though.
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  • masanz1
    masanz1 Posts: 511
    edited September 2006
    I agree with audiobliss, on the ones you menton if you have money get the 1.4 if not 1.8 is a very good lens
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  • lomic
    lomic Posts: 407
    edited September 2006
    I've used the 50mm 1.8, can be had for less than $100 and extremely sharp.
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  • danger boy
    danger boy Posts: 15,722
    edited September 2006
    kn505 wrote:
    I am looking for a portrait lens for my Nikon D70. I am thinking about either the Nikon 85mm f/1.4 or f/1.8 lens. Which one would you pick? Or is there a better alternative?

    Thanks.


    for portraits... an 85 to 135mm is pretty standard lens length. If i were you...i'd get the f/1.8 the f/1.4 may be alot more coinage.. and for not much more speed in the lens.
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  • izafar
    izafar Posts: 819
    edited September 2006
    I second the 50mm 1.8. A very good bargain, the next choice should be 85mm 1.8

    Remember that on D70 50mm will behave like 75mm and 85mm will behave like 128mm
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  • audiobliss
    audiobliss Posts: 12,518
    edited September 2006
    izafar wrote:
    Remember that on D70 50mm will behave like 75mm and 85mm will behave like 128mm
    Ooh, good point. That would stress the need for a less powerful lens, though I don't know how the glass in these lenses compare. But, it is all Nikon...should be top notch, at least with these older offerings.

    Dad also has the 50mm lense, and a 28mm, I believe. They're fun to play with.
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  • kn505
    kn505 Posts: 380
    edited September 2006
    Thanks everyone for your help. I think I will get either the 50 f/1.8 or 85 f/1.8, or maybe both.
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  • Strong Bad
    Strong Bad Posts: 4,278
    edited September 2006
    The 50mm 1.8 is the best bang for the buck Nikon lens. I have it and it's great! I did replaced it though for the 50mm 1.4 to get that extra little bit of stop for indoor sporting events.

    I also have the 85mm 1.4 again to get that extra bit of stop for sporting events. Wanna talk about a near perfect portrait lens....this one is it in my book! Only downside is price. You're looking at about $850. Go for the 1.8 at less than half the cost.

    I highly recommend the 50mm and 85mm 1.8's for portrait work. Both are dead on. Start with the 50mm 1.8 at around $100. You can't go wrong!


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  • kn505
    kn505 Posts: 380
    edited September 2006
    $850 for the 85 f1.4 is a very good price. Where do you buy your lens?
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