Portrait lens for Nikon

[Mongo]

I have both the 105mm f/2.5 and the 105mm f/4 Micro-Nikkor. Both excellent lenses, but the f/2.5 lens is a better lens for portraiture for me. There's a smoothness in the transition from sharp focus to out-of-focus areas that the Micro-Nikkor doesn't match. It's hard to describe the effect, but it's definately there. The Micro-Nikkor is an amazing lens at macro distances, but it just seems too harsh to me for portraits.

I used to have the 85mm f/1.8, but I found that I reached for it so rarely that I got rid of it. It's a wonderful lens, especially in available light situations, but it never matched the way I envisioned my work...the longer reach of the 105mm works better for me.

Oddly enough, the 140mm macro is my favorite portrait lens on the Mamiya RB-67. I seem to go for shorter lenses as I use larger film. I'm not sure why that is...probably a sign of brain damage from my mis-spent youth.

One thing that I believe it is safe to assume: Nikkon makes the best range of high quality lenses in the traditional portrait focal lengths. I don't believe there's a real dog in the bunch.

 

[lkorell]

My three favorite Nikon manual lenses:

85 1.4 AIS
105 2.5 AI (not sure if there's an AIS)
55 2.8 AIS Micro

All three will do a beautiful job with people. For a larger lens, the 180 2.8AIS can't be beat. The one with the gold band around it is the one I have.


Lou

 

[André E.C.]

85mm f/1.4!

Cheers

André

 

[André E.C.]

For a larger lens, the 180 2.8AIS can't be beat. The one with the gold band around it is the one I have.


Lou

Easily by the AF 180mm f/2.8 ED IF!

Cheers

André

 

[Natron]

I'm also going to cast my vote for the Nikkor 85mm f/1.4. I own the AIS version but am told the AF version has quite a few improvements. Humbug! The AIS version is very nice. Between the 105mm and 85mm, I'd just make it a matter of whether you want 85mm or 105mm more and if you value lens speed or lens price more (the 85mm f/1.4 isn't the cheapest lens out there).

 

[John L]

I have the 85mm f1.4 and really love it. If you can handle the expense and bulk, you should try one out.

That said, I would also consider a slower 85mm. f1.4 is useful in available-light situations, but depth of field under 10 ft is very shallow. Having eyes sharp and nose blurry isn't often what people want. If you're doing studio-type portraiture where light will always be available, I don't think the extra stop or half-stop is worth it.

 

[puderse]

My first additional lens in 1971 for my F was a 105. Sharpest of the bunch. Almost legendary. Shot ballet with it yesterday.

 

[Gerald Koch]

I would recommend anything in the range 80 to 105mm. Anything longer like the 135 will cause too much flattening of facial features.

 

[MattCarey]

I have the 85mm f1.4 and really love it. If you can handle the expense and bulk, you should try one out.

That said, I would also consider a slower 85mm. f1.4 is useful in available-light situations, but depth of field under 10 ft is very shallow. Having eyes sharp and nose blurry isn't often what people want. If you're doing studio-type portraiture where light will always be available, I don't think the extra stop or half-stop is worth it.

In close, I find that even 1.8 is a bit too open. Could be just that I am lame at focusing!

Matt

 

[BradS]

I'm going to buy new lens for my FM3a, mechanical, without AF, something around 105 mm. any advice? thanks. JK

Another vote for the 1:2.5/105mm AIS Nikkor.

 

[narsuitus]

I'm going to buy new lens for my FM3a, mechanical, without AF, something around 105 mm. any advice? thanks. JK

Here are the Nikon lenses I use for 35mm portrait work:

28mm for large group portrait

35mm f/2 for environmental portrait or small group portrait

Normal lens for full-length portrait

85mm f/1.8 for half-length or for head & shoulder portrait

105mm f/2.5 for head & shoulder or for head shot

105mm f/2.8 macro with soft focus filter for head & shoulder or for head shot or for close-ups of body parts

180mm f/2.8 with extension tube for head shot or for tight face shot