Best portrait lens

[KarenCook]

Hi

I'm just about to upgrade my camera from a D80 to a D700, and realise that i will need to update my main lens too, i do a lot of portrait work in the studio but also some product and architectural photography. I need a zoom lens that will allow me to move from head shots to full length etc without having to move around the studio too much as i work mainly with children, and often they don't want you to get too close. Can anyone advise what lens to invest in. I have considered the Nikon 24-70mm F2.8 but am concerned a little about the weight on a D700 and the lack of VR. Thanks

[OldBoy]

The Nikon 24-70mm F2.8 is a cracking lens and great for portraits. You could go for the Nikon 24-120mm F4 which has VR. I have the orignal version but never rated it much, but this is a new version. You could go for a prime like the 85mm F1.8 which a lot of Pros use for portraits, but it hasn't got VR either. I would choose the 24-70mm F2.8 and nearly always have it in my bag. Althought it hasn't got VR it balances well with my D3 and is great for landscapes as well.

[KarenCook]

Thanks for the reply price is obviously an issue also, i have considered the sigma 24-70 F2.8 version as it is considerably cheaper, but wasn't sure if the image quality would be as good.

[Carolyn Mendelsohn]

I have found prime lenses to be the best and sharpest as far as portrait photography is concerned. Particularly the 85mm 1.4f my favourite lens. It is quite pricey but worth it. 85 1.8 is good too and a lot cheaper. Also a fab lens that won't break the bank is a 50m 1.4 or 1.8. Really worth having.

Hope this is useful.

[OldBoy]

Originally Posted by KarenCook

Thanks for the reply price is obviously an issue also, i have considered the sigma 24-70 F2.8 version as it is considerably cheaper, but wasn't sure if the image quality would be as good.

I did consider the Sigma but the reviews didn't rate it very well. Quick search of Gray's of Westminster for secondhand AIS lenses and found this example for £295.

35-70mm f/3.5 Zoom-Nikkor AIS (62mm filter)
One of Nikon's finest high end medium range zoom lenses. With special macro facility (activated at 70mm) to allow for focus down to 0.35m

Nikon AIS lenses where made for film cameras, and will work a treat on a full frame digital camera. I brought a 400mm F2.8 AIS lens and use it with the D3 and it works a treat.

Just scroll down this page to find it: http://www.graysofwestminster.co.uk/...4145a45a89e921

Gray's are the experts in Nikon lenses and give a first class service.