Best Portrait lens for Nikon D3100

fotojack

Senior Member
One of the best portrait lenses out there is the AF-S 35mm f1.8. Want lower cost? Go for the AF-S 50mm f1.8. Awesome lenses for the money.....both of them. There are many others, but you did say low cost. :)
 

gqtuazon

Gear Head
Jack- I was going to suggest the same lenses. I think these are the two must have lenses for DX once you get tired of the kit lens.
 

Berkerk

Senior Member
From what I've seen, there's not much in it in terms of cost.
The 35mm is a DX lens and the 50mm is FX, so you have to applying the crop factor of 1.5, meaning you'll effectively be working at 47.5 and 75mm.
I believe pros consider a good working length to be between 90 and 105 for portraits.
I have the 35mm and find I'm quite close to my subjects but I don't mind that. I haven't used the 50mm but guess you'll be able to stand off a bit more.
 
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Bonnie U

New member
Thank you fotojack.
I purchased the 50mm 1.8 lens a few weeks ago and love it although it is a bit more narrow in width. Perfect for babies- love the bokeh it gives! I was considering trying out the 35mm. Thanks for the tips, guys!
 

Browncoat

Senior Member
Moved to General Lenses forum.

Ideal portrait range is 50-100mm, with 80mm being widely accepted as "optimal". There are some nice (but pricey) zoom lenses in that range, and of course the "Thrifty Fifty" 50mm f/1.8 prime is an excellent choice weighing in at around $125.

A 35mm lens is great for street/candid photos, but it's not really considered a portrait lens due to the distortion factor at close range.
 

Bukitimah

Senior Member
I am using a DX camera, therefore there is a 1.5 crop factor. I find 50 mm to be great for within 2-5 meters. If you are shooting indoor, it is a bit tight.

To inter change between 35 & 50 would cumbersome. Maybe a 17-50 f2.8 may be enough?
 

Just-Clayton

Senior Member
what about the new 40mm?? i was looking at that the other day. i have the manual 50mm and smaller 24 and 28 mm. im getting used to them for portrait use. i was thinking of adding the 40mm to my lenses instead of getting another 50mm.
 

Mestre

Senior Member
It's a polish forum so i guess most pictures were taken there :)

Never been there but it is in my plans to spend some weeks there.
 

gqtuazon

Gear Head
what about the new 40mm?? i was looking at that the other day. i have the manual 50mm and smaller 24 and 28 mm. im getting used to them for portrait use. i was thinking of adding the 40mm to my lenses instead of getting another 50mm.

Just about any lens will work. Use what you have if you are on a budget. 40mm f2.8 macro will work too and it can be used for macro work. The new Nikon 85mm f1.8 "G" looks very promising too if you are interested in that focal length @ $500 USD.
 
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