[Dave]

Already have the Nikon 50mm f/1.8, plus Nikon 17-55mm f/2.8. Both are great for portrait work, but I'm finding I want something a bit longer for tighter crop work.

Not sure whether to go for the Nikon 85mm f/1.8 or at about 50% more the Sigma 50-150mm f/2.8 I have no reason to question Nikon quality after experiencing nifty fifty (in this test Budget prime vs Premium Zoom vs Pro Zoom lens) , but just wonder if the extra zoom range of the Sigma would make more sense

[Dabhand16]

I've always thought that around 85-105 (in 35mm) is the ideal focal length for portraits, so that is around 60-70 with a digital.

How about the Nikkor 60mm f2,8?

[gsgary]

100mm Macro best portrait lens going

[VinnyP]

I have the 85 1.8 and think it's a real bargain. I do occasionally get tempted by the 1.4 and will probably give in one day but it would not be because I have any problems with the IQ of the 1.8 AF-S would sway me if they release it. I have no idea about the Sigma 50-150 but it may add more to your kit not just for portraits.

[Markulous]

Originally Posted by gsgary

100mm Macro best portrait lens going

Sigma 105mm you mean!

[j sotelo]

if your not going to do any shooting in real low light go for the 50-150. but then again, I have the 85mm and im really happy with it.
heres some I took with the 85mm with just light from a window.

I love how you can use the DoF with the 85mm.
Aperture: f/1.8
Shutter: 1/20
ISO: 100



Aperture: f/2.0
Shutter: 1/60
ISO: 100

all I did was crop them.

hope that helps you decide



By the way thats My Beautiful Daughter ....

[sing4england]

I have the Nikkor 85mm f/1.8 AF-D and can't stop telling people how good it is , it is sharp, it is fast, it has beautiful bokeh can't think of a negative, of course the 85mm f/1.4 would be best if you have the budget.

My next lens for portraiture? 180mm f/2.8 AF-D

[VikingPhotography]

Arguably the best Nikkor lenses for tightly cropped headshots/portraits are the 85mm f/1.4 and the 70-200mm VR. Like youre 17-55DX and Sigma 10-20mm, both the Nikkors I've mentioned take 77mm filters - so you don't have to muck around with different filter sizes or step-up rings.

Here's the 70-200 at 200mm, f/4



And here's the 85 f/1.4 wide open



Pricey glass, yes - but well worth it.

[j sotelo]

I tried the 85 f/1.4 at a Calumet store and liked the f/1.8 a little better, actually I thought it was a bit sharper.