Nikon portrait lens

Perhaps this article will help determine the portrait portrait for Nikon FX cameras.

Nikon Fixed Focus Lens

Nikon Fixed Focus Lens

Of course, a good portrait can be shot on almost any lens, but it is generally accepted that there are special lenses that can do this task with the highest quality. Typically, such lenses for full-length cameras include fast lenses with a focal length of 85mm. In this article you can find full list of all Nikon Nikkor native full-frame autofocus lenses with focal length from 85mm to 200mmthat counts or can be counted as portrait lenses.

Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm 1:1.2S (85/1.2S)

Lens for Nikon Z mirrorless cameras. One of the newest and fastest autofocus lenses of all time. So far, there is no exact data on the lens.

Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm 1:1.2S (85/1.2S)

Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm 1:1.2S (85/1.2S)

Announcement lens design here.

Nikon Nikkor Z 85mm 1: 1.8 S

Lens for Nikon Z mirrorless cameras. One of the most advanced Nikon Nikkor portrait lenses.

Nikon Nikkor Z 85mm 1: 1.8 S

Nikon Nikkor Z 85mm 1: 1.8 S

Lens announcement here.

Nikon 85mm 1: 1.8 AF Nikkor

Lens Non-d type. More represents collector's optionthan a working thing. This is the previous version of Nikon 85mm. 1: 1.8D AF Nikkor. In terms of price, the 1.8D AF Nikkor and 1.8 AF Nikkor are practically the same. The only difference is that you won't find the new 1.8 AF Nikkor, since the 1.8 AF Nikkor was discontinued back in 1994.

Nikon 85mm 1: 1.8 AF Nikkor

Nikon 85mm 1: 1.8 AF Nikkor

Nikon 85mm 1: 1.8D AF Nikkor

It differs from the previous version in the ability to transmit the focusing distance to the camera (D lens) and another release button on the aperture ring. Optically exactly the same as the 1.8 AF Nikkor. This is the cheapest 'real' Nikon AF portrait lens. This lens is produced to this day, the first versions were made in Japan, all the rest and modern ones including - in Thailand.

Nikon 85mm 1 review: 1.8D AF Nikkor.

Nikon 85mm 1: 1.8D AF Nikkor

Nikon 85mm 1: 1.8D AF Nikkor

Nikon 85mm 1: 1.8G AF-S Nikkor

The newest 85mm fast prime for SLR cameras. Produced in China. Gives a great picture. The best 85 in terms of price / quality ratio. Has M/A focus mode and built-in focus motor. I recommend this lens to anyone who wants to have an inexpensive lens with a high-quality picture. The price is slightly more expensive than 1.8D, but it surpasses the old 1.8D version in picture quality.

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 85mm 1: 1.8G IF review.

Nikon 85mm 1: 1.8G AF-S Nikkor

Nikon 85mm 1: 1.8G AF-S Nikkor

Nikon 85mm 1: 1.4D AF Nikkor

The legendary portrait lens. Has a prohibitively high aperturebeautiful drawing. Issued from 1995 to 2010. This is the most affordable 85-millimeter portrait of Nikon with aperture F1.4 and auto focus. True, 85 mm lenses with F / 1.4 and auto focus are only two pieces.

Nikon 85mm 1 review: 1.4D AF Nikkor

Nikon 85mm 1: 1.4D AF Nikkor

Nikon 85mm 1: 1.4D AF Nikkor

Nikon 85mm 1: 1.4GN AF-S Nikkor

The most expensive and optically the best Nikon 85 for SLR cameras. It has a special nanocrystalline lens coating. Among the shortcomings, I highlight the fact that auto focus is slightly slower than with versions 1.8 AF, 1.8D AF and 1.4D. Will work on all Nikon Central Control Units, has an M / AM mode.

Nikon 85mm 1: 1.4GN AF-S Nikkor review

Nikon 85mm 1: 1.4GN AF-S Nikkor

Nikon 85mm 1: 1.4GN AF-S Nikkor

Here is a general plate comparing all 85-current, which may help to understand the nuances.

Differences Autofocus 85-current Nikon

Differences Autofocus 85-current Nikon

It is typical that all 85 Nikons do not use special elements in their optical design, such as ED, A.S.P. etc. Next come the longer telephoto lenses:

Nikon 105mm 1: 2.8 AF Micro Nikkor

In fact, this is a macro lens, but can serve as a portrait lens. Non-D version. Same as the Nikon 105mm 1: 2.8D AF Micro Nikkor, manufactured in 1995. I would not include 105mm F / 2.8 AF in this list, but I couldn’t get around 105mm F / 2.8 AF-S, because here are two versions of 105mm F / 2.8 AF. Macro lenses are very sharp, this can be a hindrance for some types of portraiture. But the focal length of 100-105mm is considered by many to be traditionally portrait for full-frame cameras.

Nikon 105mm 1: 2.8 AF Micro Nikkor

Nikon 105mm 1: 2.8 AF Micro Nikkor

Nikon 105mm 1: 2.8D AF Micro Nikkor

This is an updated version of the previous lens. It was produced until 2006. Macro lenses boast excellent micro-contrast.

Nikon 105mm 1: 2.8D AF Micro Nikkor review.

Nikon 105mm 1: 2.8D AF Micro Nikkor

Nikon 105mm 1: 2.8D AF Micro Nikkor

Nikon N AF-S Micro Nikkor 105mm 1: 2.8G ED VR SWM IF Micro 1: 1 Nano Crystal Coat

Modern professional macro lens. It is still being issued. Many photographers assure that this makrushnik can be a wonderful portrait painter. The lens itself is very unusual, here is the nanocrystalline coating of the lenses, and the image stabilization system (in the fixed lens!) And the focus mode M / A. But Nikon DX AF-S Micro Nikkor 85mm 1: 3.5G ED VR SWM IF Micro1: 1 I did not include in this list because of the DX factor and low aperture.

Nikon N AF-S Micro Nikkor 105mm 1: 2.8G ED VR SWM IF Micro 1: 1 Nano Crystal Coat Review.

Nikon 105mm 1: 2.8GN AF-S Micro Nikkor ED VR

Nikon 105mm 1: 2.8GN AF-S Micro Nikkor ED VR

Nikon Nikkor Z MC 105mm 1: 2.8 VR S

Modern professional macro lens. Announcement here.

Nikon Nikkor Z MC 105mm 1: 2.8 VR S

Nikon Nikkor Z MC 105mm 1: 2.8 VR S

Nikon 105mm 1: 2D AF DC-Nikkor

This is a unique 'super' portrait lens with a unique Defocus Image system. Considered one of the best Nikon portrait lenses. Some sneer at 105 DC as a cut from 135DC. The DC system allows you to control the level and nature of blurring of the foreground (F) and distant shots (R). Owners of Nikon cameras without a focus motor will not be able to use the legendary Nikon DC 105 and 135 cameras.

Review of Nikon AF DC-Nikkor 105mm 1: 2 D Defocus Image Control.

Nikon 105mm 1: 2D AF DC-Nikkor

Nikon 105mm 1: 2D AF DC-Nikkor

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 105mm 1: 1.4E ED N

New lens introduced on 27.07.2016/100.000.000/XNUMX. Not enough information. Should be a legendary portrait lens as it was released for Nikon's “XNUMX” lens event.

AF-S NIKKOR 105mm f / 1.4E ED

AF-S NIKKOR 105mm f / 1.4E ED

Nikon 135mm 1: 2 AF DC-Nikkor

The first version of the legendary Nikon 135/2 DC. Non-D type lens. Has been replaced with a new D-version.

Nikon 135mm 1: 2 AF DC-Nikkor

Nikon 135mm 1: 2 AF DC-Nikkor

Nikon 135mm 1: 2D AF DC-Nikkor

This is another unique true 'super' portrait lens with Defocus Image System. Considered an icon among Nikon's portrait lenses. Oddly enough, it is still available, and Nikon will not release an updated version with an integrated focus motor in any way. Many swear at this lens for scary HA, many extol his drawing. For example, Ken Rockwell considers him the best of its kind.

Nikon 135mm 1: 2D AF DC-Nikkor

Nikon 135mm 1: 2D AF DC-Nikkor

Nikon Nikkor Z 135mm 1:1.8 S Plena

A special lens from the Nikon Nikkor Z line.

Nikon Nikkor Z 135mm 1:1.8 S Plena

Nikon Nikkor Z 135mm 1:1.8 S Plena

Nikon 180mm 1: 2.8 ED AF Nikkor MKI

This is already a 'long' 180mm portrait lens. First autofocus version. This lens has undergone a number of changes from this very first MKI all the way to the MKIV.

Nikon 180mm 1: 2.8 ED AF Nikkor MKI

Nikon 180mm 1: 2.8 ED AF Nikkor MKI

Nikon 180mm 1: 2.8 ED AF Nikkor MKII

The second version. Another body, a nice focus ring.

Nikon 180mm 1: 2.8 ED AF Nikkor MKII

Nikon 180mm 1: 2.8 ED AF Nikkor MKII

Nikon 180mm 1: 2.8 ED AF Nikkor MKIII

The third version. Already in the classic design, but still without the possibility of transmitting the focusing distance to the camera.

Nikon 180mm 1: 2.8 ED AF Nikkor MKIII Review.

Nikon 180mm 1: 2.8 ED AF Nikkor MKII

Nikon 180mm 1: 2.8 ED AF Nikkor MKII

Nikon 180mm 1: 2.8D ED AF Nikkor MKIV

Latest version 4th version. It is produced and sold to this day. Nothing of the kind can be found for such money. True, 180mm needs to get used to shooting. A not-so-useful portrayer for Nikon DX cameras and just a chic lens for Nikon FX cameras. Strange, but Nikon is greedy and does not update the legendary 105, 135 and 180 fixes.

Nikon 180mm 1: 2.8D ED AF Nikkor MKIV review.

Nikon 180mm 1: 2.8 ED AF Nikkor MKIV

Nikon 180mm 1: 2.8 ED AF Nikkor MKIV

Nikon 200mm 1: 4D ED AF Micro Nikkor

This is a macro lens. One of the sharpest lenses of all time. It can only be considered portraiture very conditionally.

Nikon ED AF Micro Nikkor 200mm 1: 4D review

Nikon 200mm 1: 4D ED AF Micro Nikkor

Nikon 200mm 1: 4D ED AF Micro Nikkor

Nikon 200mm 1: 2G ED AF-S Nikkor VR MKI

Extremely high quality lens. A completely different price range and very different sizes compared to previous options. This lens will only fit the 'true' professional who knows how to handle 'jewelry'. The lens has been upgraded to version N GII.

Nikon 200mm 1: 2G ED AF-S Nikkor MKI

Nikon 200mm 1: 2G ED AF-S Nikkor MKI

Nikon 200mm 1: 2GII N ED AF-S Nikkor VR MKII

The second version of the lens. Optically the same as the previous one, but with the addition of a nanocrystalline coating and an improvement in the VR system. This lens (its two modifications) is the only copy from this list, which uses ED and SED elements in the optical scheme. Nikon only has 3 lenses with SED elements, two of which are these 200mm monsters, and the third is Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 80-400mm f / 4.5-5.6G ED VR

Nikon 200mm 1: 2GII N ED AF-S Nikkor MKII

Nikon 200mm 1: 2GII N ED AF-S Nikkor MKII

Lens selection. Personal experience

As with any other lens, choosing a portrait lens is primarily aimed at determining the focal length and aperture you need, and secondly at optical properties, including the lens bokeh pattern. I did not shoot with all these lenses, but I shot with so many similar fixes, which is why some of my recommendations were born.

Focal length is, in my opinion, the most important thing in choosing a fixed portrait lens. The focal length determines how far or close your camera will be from the person or group of people being portrayed. So it is convenient to shoot with an 85-piece in small rooms, because you don't need to go far. 135mm and 180mm will be much more convenient and effective in places where there is room to turn around. Portraits are different - shoulder, front, waist, generational, full-length, group, and a lot depends on the direction of portrait photography. For example, in nature, an 85mm lens turns out to be a fairly short lens for a shoulder portrait, while a face portrait at 85mm (and even at 105mm) is inconvenient to shoot. If it is difficult to tinker with a 135-fabric, but with an 85-fabric it is already 'short', that is, a weave option - 105mm. Many photographers shoot with lenses of the 300 / 2.8 and 400 / 2.8 classes. The longer the focal length, the more blurred the distant shot, the easier it is to convey the person in the picture. They say that the teleband makes the face look flat and unnatural, but in fact, the teleband has many other advantages. Many photographers replace the 85-200 range with a single 70-200 / 2.8 or 80-200 / 2.8 zoom and in addition take some exquisite portrait lens for the sake of a beautiful picture. For work, my main kit for a portrait consists of a fix 85 / 1.8 and a fix 180 / 2.8. But if I had my way, I would shoot everything at 300mm and higher.

Once I got into studio shooting with only a 105 mm lens, and the task was to shoot face and shoulder portraits, after that I once and for all hacked on my nose that for a shoulder and face portrait you need much more than 100 mm. In the studio I almost touched the model with the front lens for 2 hours - it was just crazy discomfort.

The difference in aperture between F / 1.4 and F / 2.0 is 2 times, between F / 2.0 and F / 2.8 is 2 times, and between F / 1.4 and F / 2.8 the difference is 4 times. Therefore, if you need aperture for short exposures or portraits in natural 'low' light (indoors, morning, evening, night), the 85mm 1.4D, 85mm F1.4G is the best option. F / 1.4 can provide the finest depth of field for the most unusual photo ideas.

I can’t say which of all these lenses will be the most-most, this is everyone’s choice. But in any case, all of these lenses deserve due attention and respect. For Nikon DX cameras, a fifty lens can often be a portrait lens, you can see thoughts on choosing a fifty here... Please do not litter this article with the slogans "fifty dollars is our everything!" You can also read interesting thoughts about 135 ok и confrontation between Nikon / Canon systems - discrete portrait photographers.

On the topic, you can see reviews of lenses from third-party manufacturers that fall under the parameters described in this article:

Conclusions

Choosing a portrait fix is ​​always difficult, but reasoning soberly, you can very quickly and simply decide on the right lens. Professionals usually do not bother at all, they know exactly what is best to choose, and for ordinary fans, Nikon has many pleasant options both in price and quality. You can share your impressions about these lenses in the comments.

Budget options of more or less tolerable portrait painters are discussed here.

Comments on this post do not require registration. Anyone can leave a comment. Many different photographic equipment can be found on AliExpress.


Material prepared Arkady Shapoval. Training/Consultations | Youtube | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Telegram

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Comments: 203, on the subject: Nikon portrait lens

  • Maria

    I read about fifty and 35k. Someone that, and someone praises this .... Already confused.

    • Valery A.

      Put on your zoom lens FR 35mm, shoot a day or two all, then 50mm as well.

  • Lisa

    Hello. Tell me which portrait lens (the price is not higher than 15 thousand) is better for a person who is just going to know the world of photography, but with quite serious intentions? The d5300 camera. What do you think of Jupiter 37 A?
    Can anyone tell what kind of lens it is? Thanks in advance)))

    • Pastor

      Jupiter 37a is one of the most balanced Soviet lenses in terms of price / quality. For me this is a very good lens for portraits. On the d5300, difficulties may arise in connection with focusing to infinity - Nikon's carcasses have a longer flange distance than M42 glasses, so focusing beyond 3-5 meters will not work, or you will have to take an adapter with a lens that can worsen the image. But even with a conventional lensless adapter, Jupiter will be an excellent short-range portrait lens. However, this is still a subjective opinion, because 135mm even on a full frame seems to some to be redundant for portraits, and on crop it is generally a full-fledged telephoto lens. As for me, it is better to start with an autofocus lens with more moderate focal lengths. Your budget almost fits (at used prices) an excellent 85 1.8g from Nikon, but 50 1.4g is just right. Moreover, you can save money by taking 50 1.8g, which, in addition to a slightly lower aperture, does not differ much from its more expensive counterpart (also autofocus is faster). So I advise you to take the 50 1.8g and master its capabilities, and then decide to take non-autofocus glasses or lenses with autofocus and other focal lengths. Perhaps you will become an adherent of fixes, or, on the contrary, you want a zoom. I personally ditched two good portrait fixes in favor of a single zoom. But this is my way, yours can be radically different :)

      • Lisa

        I want to add that the d5300 is only considered a purchase. But now I looked at the sites, read and realized that this phot-t is not particularly suitable for professional shooting. The problem is that I am not a special fan of super quality, and therefore I consider Jupiter as a lens. And so the question arose. Which photo is better to choose. On the horizon appeared d5500 or d7100. The head just goes round, so many nuances. Thanks)))

        • Pastor

          Out of these two, the d7100 will be better, including for more convenient work with manual lenses. If you don't need super quality, but you want to work with old lenses, I would recommend a mirrorless - it is much easier to put old glasses and there is more choice. If you need a DSLR, then Sony or Canon will be more convenient than Nikon. You can, for example, take 7100d and a scattering of old Soviet and not only lenses for the price of d7.

      • Yura

        Pastor, you are wrong about Jupiter 37A. As in Tair 11A and many other “A” lenses, this lens has a removable shank, which can be replaced with a cheap adapter KP A / N for Nikon's bayonet mount. With this adapter, lenses focus on hurray. Probably you meant Soviet lenses with the designation “M” ...

    • Alexey

      I have been using Jupiter for half a year. First on the crop, now on FF. On crop 135 is a very specific focal length, it can be awkward. But in the full frame - excellent (I use it with an adapter KP / AN, there is infinity). But for you, it will probably be more convenient 50 (1,8G). Besides, you have to focus manually on Jupiter, sometimes it gets tired :). And what kind of professional filming, if not a secret?

    • Alain

      Good day! I am the owner of the Nikon D5300. For the initial level, I think it’s suitable in full. In recent times, I am very interested in photography, \ I want to develop and do something beautiful. To my great regret, I did not understand it to the end (By the way, kit 18-55 came with it. I often take portraits, and I understand that I completely miss this lens, I choose a portrait portrait, I also consider analogues, t where the price is I can share my undertakings, but I don’t know how to attach a photo here

  • Lisa

    Thank you all for the answers))) At the moment, there is no professional shooting. But in the future I would like to try to take orders. I’m just going to buy a camera, so I’m tormented with a choice, I go on forums, bother people with questions)))

  • Andrei

    And what is a portraiture for DX?

  • Vadim

    As I understand it, image stabilizer is very important for portrait shooting. If you take 85 MM I did not find the nikon 85. I saw only Tamron 85mm F / 1.8 Di VC USD.
    What lenses on 85 with a stabilizer are better for portraits?

    • Arkady Shapoval

      In my experience it is almost not important. For Nikon, so far there is only 1 lens with a stub, this is just the Tamron 85mm F / 1.8 Di VC USD.
      But if we take a mirrorless Nikon, then the stabilizer is already built into the camera and any lens on the Z7 / Z6 will be a “hundred stabilizer”.

      • Vadim

        I have a D750, it’s a mirror one, so it turns out the only one and choose either Tamron 85mm F / 1.8 Di VC USD or refuse the Stabilizer. Thanks for the answer.

    • anonym

      For 85mm, the stabilizer is not so necessary, but with some kind of 70-200 or 80-200 stub will not hurt.

      • Vadim

        And if the child spins, the dog jumps, sparklers, smoke and fire. How to make a portrait without a stabilizer? Therefore, I wonder how good at 85 for nikon is better to choose.

        • anonym

          For 85mm, a stub is certainly needed, but it is in this tamron that it is made poorly.
          As far as I remember, this tamron has a pronounced focus shift.

        • anonym

          The stabilizer is for static objects, for dynamic scenes it is useless, only lift it here. And this is a question more to the camera

          • Vadim

            Thanks for answers.

        • anonym

          If the child is spinning, the dog is jumping, etc. then the stub will definitely not help, only a short shutter speed and an increase in iso.

  • Anna

    Please tell the beginner a portrait lens on the Nikon D90, a budget of up to 15 thousand rubles.
    Thank you)

    • BB

      That is, an entire article listing technology is not enough for you? Or too lazy to read? Or too lazy to google prices? Or do you think that something has changed dramatically since 2013? Lens construction is a very inertial thing, good optics work for decades, and can survive several carcasses.
      Correction for the crop (from my own experience): for fifty dollars, you can shoot up to the waist, if larger, there will be geometric distortions (big nose, small ears), so 50mm on the crop is not very 'portrait', 35mm - even more so. It is best to shoot a face portrait with anything from 70mm or more.

  • Den mz

    Why do you think 180 is not particularly useful for crop?

    • cybernetics

      Because at this focal length on a crop camera, it is good to shoot only face portraits of birds in the forest.

  • Anonimus

    Did you see 18-55 there ??)))))) funny))))

  • bat tery

    I can look for the reference to a site on which there is a lot of information on this question.

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