Best Nikon portrait lenses - DPChallenge Forums

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-120mm f/4G ED VR

09/11/2013 06:08:28 PM · #1

Hi guys.

It's like a nightmare for me: I want a stunning portrait lens.

I have several options and money can be a problem... but at least I'd like to know your opinions:

135mm. f/2 Defocus (I can find it at 1100-1200 euros)
105mm. f/2 Defocus (800-900 euros and there's a guy who sells it for 600 euros)
85mm. f/1.4G (1300-1400 euros)
85mm. f/1.4D (1000-1100 euros)

Damon

Nikon D750

09/11/2013 07:22:18 PM · #2

Hey Alex Ive used both the 85 G and D not much difference in my opinion but great glass nonetheless. Havent used the Nikon 105 but have used the Sigma 105 and it was awesome so Im sure the Nikon is just as good if not better. If had to choose on a budget I would go with the 105 or 85D. Just my 2 cents.

Bear_Music

Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra

Sony 24-70mm F4 Vario-Tessar T* FE OSS

09/11/2013 08:57:43 PM · #3

Nikon is famous for the purity of its 105mm optics. When I shot film, my Nikkor 105mm was my go-to lens whenever possible. It's a great portrait lens. The DeFocus version sounds like a stunning lens to me.

undieyatch

Olympus E-10

Canon EF-S 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM

09/11/2013 09:18:23 PM · #4

Especially for full frame - the 105mm provides a very comfortable "head & shoulders" working distance.

Ann

Olympus OM-D E-M1

Olympus 12-40mm f/2.8 Pro

09/11/2013 09:51:07 PM · #5

The lenses you list are all great. Choosing between them is probably a matter of personal preference.

Other options, especially if money is a problem...

Any of the various 105 Micro-Nikkors are very good portrait lenses.

Also, the 105 f/2.5 AI and AI-S are legendary. They're manual focus, so the focus speed is *really slow*, but they produce wonderful images. I paid $130 USD on eBay for mine.

09/12/2013 03:04:49 AM · #6

Thanks guys.

I thought about manual focus lenses (there's the stunning Samyan 85 1.4) but considering that I could use the lens for my job I necessarily need autofocus.

Other opinions are welcome :)

Nikon AF Nikkor 85mm f/1.4D IF

09/12/2013 06:56:28 AM · #7

Today I'll try the 105mm. defocus... if it works properly I'll get it :)

Tommy_Mac

Nikon D800

09/12/2013 07:02:45 AM · #8

85 1.4!!! Its like magic! :-)

Some shots from here

Message edited by author 2013-09-12 07:05:41.

rooum

09/12/2013 07:31:50 AM · #9

As people have said, they are all great lenses and it really boils down to focal length preference. I think there may be some difference in the two 85mm's but mainly on the focusing accuracy and speed as opposed to the optics (although i have read a few reports that say that the newer 85mm 1/4G has less CA and is maybe sharper but, because of that, lacks some to the older D's dreamy charm. Again, at this level it's down to personal preference i'd say)

Personally i'm more than happy with the 85mm f1.4D as it's a focal length that is just right for me and i love its character. Saying that though, i have been lusting over the 135mm f2 for a while (the 105mm is too close to the 85mm for me). It's not a focal length i really need though as the 85mm (and, on rare occasions i need longer, my 180mm) is generally perfect for work and personal purposes.

Although, if i'm dreaming about lenses that i don't really need but lust after then this beauty has replaced the Nikon for me.

09/12/2013 07:46:32 AM · #10

Tom and Clive, your comments are really appreciated :)

I'll go with 105 if it's in good conditions. Of course 85 1.4 is a great lens, it was one of the options and 135 Zeiss is like going to the moon walkin'... a dream ^_^

My choice for the 105 is because I can try it, it's not pricey and the seller lives here and will come this afternoon to my place. And also because I wanted to have a longer lens (but not too much like 135mm.)

rooum

09/12/2013 07:55:35 AM · #11

I think if you don't already have an 85mm or a 135mm then the 105mm is a great choice. Particularly when paired with your 50mm 1.4G. I very rarely use a 50mm as i've settled into a 24-35-85 trinity way of working for the time being (although i'll pop my manual 50mm on occasionally for personal work or as a walk around lens)

09/12/2013 08:06:03 AM · #12

Originally posted by rooum:

I very rarely use a 50mm as i've settled into a 24-35-85 trinity way of working for the time being (although i'll pop my manual 50mm on occasionally for personal work or as a walk around lens)

Maybe someday I'll get the trinity, it's probably the best option, but surely quite expensive for now. Having 24-70 2.8, 50 1.4 (as you mentioned) and probably now 105 2 I can relax for a few months (maybe a couple of years). I have a 50 1.4 manual as well and I use it the same way you do. Manual lenses and lenses with the aperture rings are useful for me since I use them to shoot videos as well.

rooum

09/12/2013 08:15:05 AM · #13

I don't think there is just one prime trinity really. It's all preference. At the moment i like the 24-35-85 and it suits me very well but a 24-50-105 would be just as good. You are definitely all covered once if you get a 105mm.

Canon EF 24-105mm f/4.0L IS

09/12/2013 08:18:59 AM · #14

Originally posted by rooum:

Yep.

Of course this one is delicious man ;)

mitalapo

Canon EOS-5D Mark IV

09/12/2013 11:00:55 AM · #15

No new lens to

Alexc. He already has way too many ribbons.

Sony 24-70mm F4 Vario-Tessar T* FE OSS

09/12/2013 12:50:08 PM · #16

Originally posted by mitalapo:

No new lens to Alexc. He already has way too many ribbons.

Too late :)

Bear_Music

Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra

09/12/2013 01:35:48 PM · #17

Originally posted by Alexkc:

Too late :)

Whoa... you GOT the 105mm DeFocus?

Message edited by author 2013-09-12 13:36:12.

Sony 24-70mm F4 Vario-Tessar T* FE OSS

09/12/2013 01:54:07 PM · #18

Originally posted by Bear_Music:

Originally posted by Alexkc:
Too late :)

Whoa... you GOT the 105mm DeFocus?

Yeeeeeees!!!

Bear_Music

Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra

09/12/2013 02:01:09 PM · #19

Originally posted by Alexkc:

Originally posted by Bear_Music:

Originally posted by Alexkc:
Too late :)

Whoa... you GOT the 105mm DeFocus?

Yeeeeeees!!!

SWEEEEEEET. I officially envy you. (You may envy my TS-E 17mm in return)

Canon 12x IS USM (S3 IS built-in Lens) -- 36-432mm (35mm EQ)

09/12/2013 02:02:49 PM · #20

Originally posted by Bear_Music:

(You may envy my TS-E 17mm in return)

I definitely envy you :)

GeneralE

Canon PowerShot S3 IS

09/12/2013 05:44:20 PM · #21

I'm curious about the discussions which went on in the marketing department when they decided to name a lens "DeFocus" ...