Sigma 50 1.4 or Nikkor 50 1.4

[circleoftrust]

I'm flying back to the Far East sometime next year for a wedding. I'm thinking of getting a lens for photographing people in this setting. I've seen a review of the Sigma which showed it having a slight edge on the Nikkor. Which do you guys recommend? Anysuers out there who can offer any advice? Or there's even a better portrait lens out there I'm overlooking? I use a D7000 as of the moment with a 35mm 1.8. I guess I should hold off getting that wide angle lens I'm planning to buy sometime soon for this (any of Tokina's Wide angles)

Many thanks for all your input.

[Superfitz]

A lot of folks will probably point you in the direction of the nikon 50, but I will say neither. Then again I do believe that I am the only person on earth who doesn't care for the 50mm prime on a dx body. Don't get me wrong, it is a good lens, but personally I don't care for it. I would recommend either the 85mm f1.4 or a 70-200mm f2.8....maybe even a 24-70mm f2.8. If I had to choose just one it would be the 70-200mm. Rent or borrow them all, and see which one you like the most.

[OsmosisStudios]

If you've already got a 35, dont get a 50. Theyre just too close.

I'd go, as mentioned, for an 85 instead.

If you're going a 3-prime kit, most people go 24-50-105 or 20-35-85

[circleoftrust]

But isn't it that a 50 becomes a 75 in dx which is close to the 85 which most say is the best focal length for portraits? I've heard that the 85 is very good for this purpose but it becomes a 125 on my D7000. Is that still okay to take portraits? I've checked the 85mm lens online and at this point I can only get the 1.8d. Is that lens good enough for my purpose? Thanks for all your input.

[RLucas]

Originally Posted by circleoftrust

But isn't it that a 50 becomes a 75 in dx which is close to the 85 which most say is the best focal length for portraits? I've heard that the 85 is very good for this purpose but it becomes a 125 on my D7000. Is that still okay to take portraits? I've checked the 85mm lens online and at this point I can only get the 1.8d. Is that lens good enough for my purpose? Thanks for all your input.

The 85 1.8D, is a great lens, and a lot of bang for the buck. I have it, and use it on an old D70. I really like it, and the IQ would probably be quite a bit better on a D7000 like you have. Just be sure you have plenty of room to work with.

[OsmosisStudios]

Originally Posted by circleoftrust

But isn't it that a 50 becomes a 75 in dx which is close to the 85 which most say is the best focal length for portraits? .

Yeah, but your 35 becomes a 52, which is still very close.

The standard portrait lens is anywhere from 50 up. Generally around the 85-135 range, but can be just about anything.