What lens is next?

kaughtphotography

Senior Member
Hey guys, I am an amateur portrait photographer with a budding business. It's almost running away from me and to be honest, blowing my mind. I am steadily learning! I shoot a D90 and use AF most of the time, but experiment with M every chance I get. I have an 85mm lens that I use most of the time and I also have the kit lens 18-55 that came with my D3000. I rarely use it just because I do mostly 1 person shoots and it's just easier for me to work with the 85mm to achieve the bokeh I want.

Anyway, I am looking to buy another lens. For shooting family and also single person portraits, what do you recommend? Also, what about wide lenses? I know nothing about them. Are they suitable for portraits?

Thanks for your input :)
 

fotojack

Senior Member
For portrait photography, the 35mm, 50mm and 85mm are must have lenses. Remember.....this is my personal opinion and not carved in stone. I personally know a few portrait photographers that use longer lenses and even the 60mm lens. From experience, the 35 and 50 are your go-to lenses for great bokeh and sharp portraits. Others opinion may differ.
 

fotojack

Senior Member
I have to agree with Jack, but what I think Jack wanted to say (It happens) the above mentioned lens in "Fast Glass" f/1.8.

Yes, you're absolutely right, Rick. I forgot to mention the importance of fast glass...........at least f/1.8. Some would say f1.4 would be even better, if you can afford it. :)
 

esh1692

New member
I absolutely love my nikkor 35mm 1.8! It is such a great lens. Great for portraits and great for inside pictures with families... Try your kit lens at the different mm and see what you like better!

Heres some of my portraits with the 35mm
[h=6]Rebecca on Vimeo[/h]
 

Curt

Senior Member
I use a Nikkor 55mm macro. It is very sharp and takes great portraits. This lens is a bit hard to find,but well worth looking for.
 
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gqtuazon

Gear Head
The 55mm f2.8D is a sharp lens but it might be a little tight for a DX camera. The newer 40mm f2.8G macro lens might be the ticket for you or the Nikon 35mm f1.8G as previously suggested. Otherwise, for landscape or wide angle, Tokina 11-16mm f2.8.
 
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