ND filters for outside portraitist?

Peter69

Peter69

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Just been trying out a f1.4 50mm but it was a bit sunny so couldn't get down to the wide aperture.
This got me thinking, would you use a ND filter?
I'm guessing the right answer is move to reduce the brightness.
 
Peter69 said:
Just been trying out a f1.4 50mm but it was a bit sunny so couldn't get down to the wide aperture.
This got me thinking, would you use a ND filter?
I'm guessing the right answer is move to reduce the brightness.
Click to expand...
All of the above, including why serious photographers really care about high shutter speeds.

My personal preference is to get out of the bright light, as it's rarely flattering, but flattering isn't always the aim and others have other priorities. My only NDs aren't for my primes they're for the zooms and used for long exposures and balancing flash.
 
Phil V said:
All of the above, including why serious photographers really care about high shutter speeds.

My personal preference is to get out of the bright light, as it's rarely flattering, but flattering isn't always the aim and others have other priorities. My only NDs aren't for my primes they're for the zooms and used for long exposures and balancing flash.
Click to expand...
I'm pretty sure the op has a nikon capable of 1/8000. I'm guessing it must be mighty bright.

I've occasionally used a cpl on a mid ranged zoom for outdoor portraits but IMHO moving and using a reflector/flash for fill would be my preference.

S
 
Thanks guys.
Yes I was at f5.6 1/8000s 400iso DOH!
schoolboy error.
It was very sunny in Surrey yesterday
 
would you guys recommend a prime for portrait style photography on a crop (D7100)?
I have a Nikon 35 1.8 G & a Tamron 90 2.8 macro. Should I go for a 35, 50 Or 85ish prime as they appear to be a chunk of money for the 1.4 versions. I'm not earning from photography co cost is always a limitation
 
Hi, I shoot with full frame and the most popular prime for portraits is 85mm. So I would say 50mm on a crop would be a good suit. Matt
 
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Your welcome. 50mm 1.8 is not a bad lens at all to start with. If you search Flickr for 50mm 1.8 you will see what that little lens is capable of.
 
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Peter69 said:
Just been trying out a f1.4 50mm but it was a bit sunny so couldn't get down to the wide aperture.
This got me thinking, would you use a ND filter?
I'm guessing the right answer is move to reduce the brightness.
Click to expand...

Northern Scandinavia in December should be about right :D :exit:
 
Peter69 said:
would you guys recommend a prime for portrait style photography on a crop (D7100)?
I have a Nikon 35 1.8 G & a Tamron 90 2.8 macro. Should I go for a 35, 50 Or 85ish prime as they appear to be a chunk of money for the 1.4 versions. I'm not earning from photography co cost is always a limitation
Click to expand...
Personally, I'm a 'longer the better' for portraits, my favourite portrait lens on film was the 135, so I got the 85 for the crop. The 1.8 is a great lens for the money. The 1.2 is a worse lens in some respects, though when everything is right the results are beautiful.
I'm now saving for the 135 f2 for my FF future.
 
Thanks @Phil V, I've seen some of your photos and they're great.
So, if DXOMark is to believed, the Nikkor 85mm 1.8 G @ £299 with cashback is the one to go for?
I was tempted by the 50 D I was playing with - it felt nice & the Samyang 85mm.

This would be better then the tamron 90 2.8 macro VC?
 
I shoot Canon but I hear good things about the Nikon lens too. I think it's great for that money.
 
Just tried a Samyang 85mm on my D5100 - its a bit close. I had to back up about 20ft to get waist to head shot.
 
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