Nikon 105mm or 135mm

[jldell]

I'm searching for a new lens. I was considering zooms, the 24-70mm and the 70-200mm, but honestly, I love my primes and I don't know that I want a zoom. So, I started thinking about either the 105mm (which I know is micro) or the 135mm. I shoot portraits (children/family), mostly with available light. I do know that with the 135, I will need considerable space... so that's why I was considering the 105mm. Any guidance would be much appreciated!

I do currently have a D700 and the 50mm 1.4 as well as the 85mm 1.4.

Thanks!

[MD135]

I can only speak from my personal taste. I have the Nikon 105mm and find it to be a great lens, but honestly do not use it much; I use my 50mm more often. I have a small studio and find the 70-200mm will not work for me, esp. if there is more than one subject. (But the 70-200mm is almost all I use outdoors! Absolutely LOVE the lens!) My next lens will be the 24-70mm for studio portrait work. I personally prefer a zoom lens. (can not remember if you mentioned what camera you are using; I am assuming you have a FX camera, based on the lenses mentioned so that you can full advantage of those lenses)

[equilution]

The 105 micro is one of the best lenses Nikon makes....that and the 85 f/1.4, both of which I have. For portraits, though, I highly recommend the 85 1.4. It's pricey, but it's an amazing piece of glass. You'll find most of the shots I post on DPS are taken with one of these two lenses. Summary: if you can get only one and want to do portraits with available light, the the 85 1.4, no question. What the heck...get 'em both!! In my opinion, the 135 is too long to be a primary lens...too limited in its applications. Stay away from the 24-120, though. It's very soft around the edges, and an embarrassment to Nikon.

[OsmosisStudios]

There is another optiong: there are two 105mm lenses, the Micro and the f/2DC. The latter (along with the 135 f/2 DC) is an amazing portrait lens. Definitely on my wishlist.

[jldell]

Thank you for the replies!

OsmosisStudios- I was considering the 105 micro. When I decide to get a lens with DC, hopefully one of these days, I think I'll go with the 135mm. I've heard it's an great piece of glass.

equilution- I have the 85mm 1.4. I LOVE that lens. It's my favorite right now, I just decided to go with the the 105 micro tonight, it will be here this week! I cannot wait to try it out.

MD135- Yes, I use the D700. I don't shoot in studio, so I do have a little more room. But I do a lot of in-home shoots for my clients where I don't have a ton of room.

Thanks again for the help! I did go with the 105mm micro. Can't wait to play!