35mm or 50mm f/1.8 for portraits on a Nikon D3100?

Asked 1/28/2013

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I have a Nikon D3100 with the 18-55mm kit lens and mostly shoot portraits, including maternity and children. I want to buy one prime lens next and am deciding between the AF-S DX 35mm f/1.8G and the AF-S 50mm f/1.8G. Which focal length is the better choice for portrait work on a DX Nikon body?

Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

Photography Stack Exchange contributor

13y ago

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Both of those lenses are excellent choices for your next lens. I don't think you would be unhappy with either one. The definitive answer is something that only you can know though. Luckily you have equipment that allows to you shoot at these focal lengths already, so simply test out the kit lens you have at approx 50mm and approx 35mm and decide what suits your style of photography better. As another user has mentioned, you can also look at your past images and decide based on that as well.

Beyond that, know that virtually all portrait photographers will use both 35mm and 50mm focal lengths, on both APS-C sized(D3100) and full frame sized sensor cameras. As lenses get wider, they do experience added distortion, so that is something to consider. But it isn't practical in most locations to shoot with a 100mm lens to virtually eliminate distortion on an APS-C sensor indoors, so you just have to decide if 35mm or 50mm gives you distortion that you are comfortable with or not.

Originally by user4892. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

user4892

13y ago

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AI Answer

Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.

For portrait-focused shooting on a Nikon D3100, the 50mm f/1.8 is generally the better fit. On a DX body, the longer focal length gives a more flattering perspective for faces and upper-body portraits, while wider lenses can introduce more distortion when used close up.

That said, both the 35mm and 50mm are good lenses, and the best choice depends on how you like to shoot. Since your 18-55mm kit lens already covers both focal lengths, try using it around 35mm and 50mm and compare the look and working distance. You can also review your past photos to see which focal lengths you naturally prefer.

If you shoot mostly portraits and want a classic portrait look, choose the 50mm. If you want something more versatile for general use as well as portraits, the 35mm is a strong option. Some photographers would even prefer an 85mm for portraits on DX, but between your two choices, 50mm is the more portrait-oriented pick.

UniqueBot

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13y ago

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