What lens do you prefer for portraits?

[WooD]

Originally Posted by Nicole

The 50mm doesn't autofocus with the D40.

But I like my 50mm on my D50 for portraits quite a bit, though I often wish for just a little more reach, so my desired lens is the 85mm f/1.8.

I've had several people tell me the 85 is the ultimate portrait lens Nikon has ever made. I've used my 80-200 f/2.8 a couple times taking portraits, and the 80 end just seems way close for indoor work. I usually end up using my 24-80, and it seems I usually shoot around 30mm so I'm seriously thinking of picking up a 35 f2.

[thingy]

Originally Posted by WooD

I've had several people tell me the 85 is the ultimate portrait lens Nikon has ever made.

I wonder if that was based on pre-digital lenses? If so the 85 would equate to a 50 more or less.

G

[Sime]

Originally Posted by Saralonde

I'm not a Nikonian, so I use the Canon 50mm 1.4 and the Canon 100mm macro for most portraits. Generally I like to get quite close.

ditto......

[DaddyShortLegs]

For the Canon users out there, you can't go past the "Plastic Fantastic!" - Canon 50mm f/1.8.

Very cheap, with amazing quality.

Here's an Example

[StephB]

Another one for the Canon 50mm 1.8 here! For such a cheap lens, I really wasn't expecting much out of it, but I'm still getting over the shock of how versatile it is. It is definitely my top choice for portraits.

[Sionara]

I just picked up the Canon 50 mm f/1.8 this week and have been very impressed with its sharpness and picture quality (not build quality). Definitely seems like a great lens to pick up for portraits shots, especially considering the low cost.

[trelaflip]

70-200mm all the way

[inkista]

EF 135mm f/2L or EF 85mm f/1.8 USM. I tend to shoot from across the room. Sometimes, just to decrease the DoF, I'll pull out the Hartblei 80mm f/2.8 Super-Rotator, but that's more gimmicky occasional use, rather than an old standby.

[Rajah Sulayman]

My Sigma 24-70 f/2.8 is my go-to lens for portraits. It's wonderful glass, and with the 1.5x Nikon factor, I get an equivalent of roughly 75-100mm when I shoot at the long end.

[Olivier H]

Nikkor 50mm f/1.4! For portrait I usually set it to f/1.8 to f/2.8 for nice sharpness.

I also use the lens a lot for everyday situations, but it lacks a bit of angle for indoor shots...