Prime lens for portraits

ATFphotography

ATFphotography

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Looking to by a prime lens for portrait photography but not sure what to go for? I'm new to dslr cameras but glad I've made the switch on to then as I've seen my photography go to the next level. Would really appreciate the advice.
 
Would be helpful to know your current kit and price range, response will be much better. Also, do you plan to do indoor or outdoor, flash, space available, full body or headshot only?
 
I'm using a nikon d3100 with kit lenses & have a tamron 18-270mm lens. plan to use the lens inside & outside.
 
I'm using a nikon d3100 with a 18-55 mm kit lens but also have a 18-270 tamron lens.

Plan to use the prime lens in all places in & out, I've got around the £200 mark to spend.
 
Get a 50mm!
Well with in budget even brand new!
Make sure you get the G version as this has the built in focus motor so will af on your body!
 
It's personal choice, but if you have been shooting people with your zoom, you can find what focal lengths you are drawn to. Some say the 50mm is a no brainer but I use mine so rarely I honestly wouldn't rush to replace it if it failed (the only lens I can say that about). My favourite focal length on crop is the 85mm 1.8 which is divine (I have no idea what the Nikon version is like).
 
Cheers for suggestions, think I'll see if I can see the 50 & 85 mm lenses in the shop then go from there
 
Phil V said:
It's personal choice, but if you have been shooting people with your zoom, you can find what focal lengths you are drawn to. Some say the 50mm is a no brainer but I use mine so rarely I honestly wouldn't rush to replace it if it failed (the only lens I can say that about). My favourite focal length on crop is the 85mm 1.8 which is divine (I have no idea what the Nikon version is like).
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The Nikon version is excellent. I had one when I shot Nikon and loved it. It's a great lens.

As you say it's personal choice. I use FF so might be tempted by the nifty 50 on a crop. The f1.8 versions are IMHO as good as the faster ones and having owned both f1.8 and f1.4 Canon versions I'm not sure I'd bother going faster than the f1.8 if I was buying again.
 
I'd agree with Phil - the 85mm is an amazing portrait lens for the Canon - not much use to a Nikon user though :(
 
mdollan said:
I'd agree with Phil - the 85mm is an amazing portrait lens for the Canon - not much use to a Nikon user though :(
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Well apparently the Nikon version is good too :D
So we've not been wasting our time here.
wooster said:
The Nikon version is excellent. I had one when I shot Nikon and loved it. It's a great lens.
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The 85mm Nikon f1.8g is going to be nearly double his budget though, I have the 50mm f1.8g and it's a good length on DX and will make a nice match up with the D3100 but you have to be a little closer to your subject obviously.

I would get the 85mm f1.8g,,,,well in fact I will be getting it when funds allow as I don't like to be so close as you have to be with 50mm.
 
I was in same position as yourself ,, i got in order 50 1.4 then an 85 1.8 ,,,, the 50 gets more use than the 85 ,,,, hard i know sumtimes, but get down to a shop and try both out
 
I've got the 35mm 1.8 on my d3100 which I use for portraits and I love it - it stays on most of the time in fact. I believe that on the cropped sensor that the 35mm is equivalent to a 50mm full frame. It is also great for any low light conditions outside. I managed to pick it up on Amazon for £100 a while back but it normally sits at between £140 and £150.
 
There are a few options worth considering. The Nikkor 35mm f1.8DX is very nice, though for some it's a little short for portrait work, then the Nikkor 50mm f1.8G works well too. Both will be inside your budget bought new. Just outside of your budget is the Tamron 60mm f2 which I found was excellent on a DX body and also allows reasonable macro use. The Nikkor 85mm f1.8G is lovely lens but is even further outside of your budget.
 
Ive got a 35mm 1.8 on my D3100 and love it. The photos of my 2 daughters are way better than on the kit lens even I can see this and im only a beginner.
 
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