Which portrait lens is best for low-light portraits on a Nikon D5100?
Asked 1/18/2014
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I have a Nikon D5100 with the 18-55mm kit lens and want a budget-friendly lens for portraits in low light. I’m considering the Nikon 50mm f/1.8D and 50mm f/1.8G. What should I consider for autofocus compatibility, focal length, and portrait use on the D5100? Are there other affordable options that may work better for portraits?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
12y ago
2 Answers
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A 50mm prime lens is a lens for general purpose (street photo, social photo, landscapes, and sometimes body full portraits), but a prime lens it isn't a portrait lens. (Video: www.youtube.com/watch?v=1R94PGPFoi4) (Article: cazillo.com/articles/37-photography/281-50mm-prime-lens-is-not-a-portrait-lens.html) Sorry, I'm new here and I lack enough karma for links.
See the differences in these shots (backgrounds):
The king of portraits lens for Nikon is the AF-S 85mm 1.4G. But it's too expensive for a non-pro user, $1.600 !! (Review: www.lenstip.com/264.1-Lens_review-Nikon_Nikkor_AF-S_85_mm_f_1.4G-Introduction.html)
The amateur alternative is the AF-S 85mm 1.8G. $500 Review
But if you want a more versatile lens and capable to do very good portraits, you might look for these others: Nikon 105mm f/2.8 VR Micro (for macro-photograpy too).
The alternative for Nikon is the Tamron SP 90mm Di Macro (for macro-photograpy too), near quality and more cheaper.
Originally by user25115. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user25115
12y ago
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Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
For a Nikon D5100, the most important factor between the 50mm f/1.8D and 50mm f/1.8G is autofocus: the D5100 does not have an in-body focus motor, so the 50mm f/1.8D will be manual focus only. The 50mm f/1.8G has its own focus motor, so it will autofocus and is the better choice of those two.
A fast prime like an f/1.8 lens is a good idea for low light and for blurring the background. On your DX-format D5100, 50mm works well for full-body, 3/4, and environmental portraits, but many photographers find it a bit short for tight headshots because you may need to stand closer than is flattering.
If your goal is more classic portrait framing and compression, an 85mm lens is often preferred. The Nikon 85mm f/1.8G is a popular, more affordable portrait option compared with the much more expensive 85mm f/1.4G.
In short: if choosing between the two 50s, get the 50mm f/1.8G. If you want a stronger dedicated portrait lens and can spend more, look at the 85mm f/1.8G.
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