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DPChallenge Forums >> Hardware and Software >> Portrait Lens - Nikon 85mm or Sigma macro 105mm?
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02/28/2008 04:38:14 PM · #1
I'm working on a large-scale photo project and am going to be doing portraits this weekend. I'd been using the Nikon 28-105mm, which is a nice and handy lens but is dissapointing for hi-quality photos, especially after using my 50mm 1.8 for a while.

I need a longer lens than the 50 to do portraits, and am looking at the Nikon 85mm and the Sigma 105mm Macro (as the nikon 105mm is too expensive for me now.)

Both are very close in price to one another. There's of course a "look" difference between the focal length of the 85 and 105... I like the look of 85, but the 85mm is $100 more, and if I go with the Sigma, I'd theoretically be getting both a portrait lens and a good macro lens. So the Sigma seems more appealing, but I need to be sure.

I've looked a lot through the photo galleries for both lenses here. Both have some wonderful pictures up, and there's a ton of beautiful protraits for the nikon 85, but there are very few portraits from the sigma 105 macro (although there's more in the Nikon 105mm macro). Is there some reason for this? Should I not be using this sigma for portraits? Will I be dissapointed? Is 85mm a much better focal length?

My 50mm is too wide, and I need to get one or the other (or another comparatively priced replacement) asap. Please help - Which one do you recommend? Which one should I buy?

Thanks!
02/28/2008 04:42:49 PM · #2
tamron 90? best of both worlds?

though i'd love to have a 85 1.4 in my bag... yummmy...


02/28/2008 04:48:15 PM · #3
I currently have the Sigma 105 Macro and have had the Nikon 85 1.8 in the past. If I did portraits I'd still have the 85 as, IMHO, it is made for that purpose and gives wonderful soft backgrounds. So from my standpoint if you are doing mostly portraits and want a lens for that purpose the Nikon is the one.

Message edited by author 2008-02-28 20:18:16.
02/28/2008 08:15:38 PM · #4
Thanks for the feedback so far.

To address what you said, I -am- doing mostly portraits at the current moment, but it's unlikely that if I buy the 85mm that I'll be able to come back and get the 105 macro anytime soon (as getting a wide 12-24 and a telephoto would have to be my next priority after getting a portrait capable lens).

That's one of my reasons for considering the 105mm, as it'd be effectively taking care of two "needs" at once. I'm I guess an intermediate amateur, so as I'm not doing this professionally (yet?) I want/need to be able to try as many types (macro, landscape, telephoto nature) as possible.

But, at the same time, I do Mostly do portraits and studio work right now, so if the 85mm is that much better (or the 105 that much worse) for portraits, it's the better call.

Any more opinions? Please?
02/28/2008 09:02:49 PM · #5
My 85 is the best portrait lens I've used. Never used the Sigma 105. My Nikon 105 (non-VR) is nice for macros, but front focuses at portrait distances, and just generally doesn't look as sweet, even when it's focused properly.

The minimum focusing distance with the 85 is 2.5 feet, I think. You could add an extension tube or good quality closeup filter to turn it into a macro lens pretty easily.

edit to add: For portraits, the 105 puts me farther from my subject than I really like, but you have to judge that for yourself.

Message edited by author 2008-02-28 21:04:13.
02/28/2008 11:08:23 PM · #6
I have both of these lenses and like them both. Both have very good bokeh and are both sharp. I tend to reach for the Nikon 85 f1.8 more but for no particular reason. I do most of my portrait work with a 70-200 f2.8 for versatility.
02/28/2008 11:42:45 PM · #7
Try the Sigma 70mm Macro f2.8 The one I tried was really rather nice. (105mm on a 1.5x crop)
02/29/2008 07:21:40 AM · #8
the 85 1.8 was one of the first lenses i bought /
with a hood it is still one of the best portrait lenses i own
because of the size of the front element it is a bit susceptible to flare
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