Best prime lens for stronger background blur in full-body street portraits on a Nikon D3400

Question

I shoot street photos on a Nikon D3400 with the 18-55mm kit lens. For head-and-shoulders portraits I can get some background blur, but when I frame a full-body subject from farther away, much more of the scene looks in focus.

I’m trying to understand whether this is mainly because the kit lens has a relatively small maximum aperture, and whether a faster prime would help. I’m considering lenses around 35mm or 50mm, such as a 35mm f/1.8, and I’d like to know which focal length is more practical on a crop-sensor Nikon for full-body street portraits with blurred backgrounds.

I’d also prefer something reasonably affordable, and ideally a lens choice that still makes sense if I eventually move to full frame.

user71264 · Answer

Any 35mm or 50mm prime lens with f/1.8 or better should work. If you plan to learn to use your camera manually, you have even more options. But beware: Don't just buy a non-AF lens because you might want to have one later. Nikon 35/1.8 or 50/1.8 should be around 200€ new. Nikon 50/1.4 are about 300-400€ new. Older, used lenses should be about 100€ cheaper.

But there also 50/1.4 for 100€ (used). But be aware of the condition of the lens. I, myself, would NEVER buy a lens with fungus. I have to much fear of spreading into other lenses.

Some little scratches on cheap, used lenses are not that bad. Most tiny scratches are not visible in the final photo.

Best prime lens for stronger background blur in full-body street portraits on a Nikon D3400

2 Answers

Your Answer

Related Questions