Re: what kind of Portrait lens
I'll 2nd the 1.8 85, which to me is a lens with perfect optical performance. On my D200 I use it less often, as I feel it to be a bit long with cropped sensor size.
I have an MF 1.8 50 AIS and a 1.4 50 AF D lens as well. From the optics I'd rather recommend the 1.4 50, although my copy is sort of borderline in the centre sharpness. The 1.8 doesn't quite match with corner performance, which is not particularly important for portraits.
Personally I prefer my MF non MC 1.2 55 lens for portraits though. To most people prime lenses (fix focals) are more suitable for formal portrait pictures.
When kids come into the play, I guess a zoom lens could be a good idea.
I think the Voigtlaender Nokton 58mm MF (with CPU) lens that just came out, could be very interesting here, to mention something exotic.
Considering budget, I'd get a 50mm lens and spend more money on lighting and perhaps backdrops.
Cheerio, Sean.
|