50mm 1.4 vs 85mm 1.8?

[Freida]

Hello guys,

I'm having some issues with my 50mm 1.4 which I'm going to take for a check up tomorrow to see if its really the lens or just really me.
Either way, I need lens for portraits so I got this 50mm 6 years ago as it was recommended to me as a good prime to have (I had D90 back then which turned out to have focus issues with this combo)
Regardless, what would be a good portrait lens that I can get and not worry about other lenses?
I was thinking about the 85mm 1.8 as its cheap (compared to 85 1.4 version) and I might trade in my 50mm 1.4 and get that instead.
Eventually, I'm lusting over 24-70mm 2.8 Sigma Art (waiting for reviews/price etc.) or the Nikon non VR.

So, what do you guys think? What is the good universal lens for portrait if one has only one option?

 

[Stefan johansson]

Hello guys,

I'm having some issues with my 50mm 1.4 which I'm going to take for a check up tomorrow to see if its really the lens or just really me.
Either way, I need lens for portraits so I got this 50mm 6 years ago as it was recommended to me as a good prime to have (I had D90 back then which turned out to have focus issues with this combo)
Regardless, what would be a good portrait lens that I can get and not worry about other lenses?
I was thinking about the 85mm 1.8 as its cheap (compared to 85 1.4 version) and I might trade in my 50mm 1.4 and get that instead.
Eventually, I'm lusting over 24-70mm 2.8 Sigma Art (waiting for reviews/price etc.) or the Nikon non VR.

So, what do you guys think? What is the good universal lens for portrait if one has only one option?

The 24-70 give a bit more,as it has zoom function. However a zoom lens have some limitations in low light conditions. The 85 is a great lens for studio portraits.

 

[Freida]

The 24-70 give a bit more,as it has zoom function. However a zoom lens have some limitations in low light conditions. The 85 is a great lens for studio portraits.

Would it make sense to get rid off this 50mm 1.4G lens and get 85mm 1.8G instead?

 

[Stefan johansson]

Would it make sense to get rid off this 50mm 1.4G lens and get 85mm 1.8G instead?

For portraits yes,but for everything else I would probably choose the zoom lens.

 

[mofunk]

I have a 50mm lens which stayed on my D90. I don't use it as much because I have a 24-70mm. However I'm looking at the 85mm lens as my next buy. Remember 50mm is truly 50mm. You should look at the photos you have taken with the D90 and see how many times you've shot at 50mm and 85mm.

Before you buy make sure your 50mm lens is clean on the inside ring, the area that connects to the camera. Also check and make sure the screws around it aren't loose. I had a screw on my 50mm that was loose.

 

[Apple fanboy]

Hello guys,

I'm having some issues with my 50mm 1.4 which I'm going to take for a check up tomorrow to see if its really the lens or just really me.
Either way, I need lens for portraits so I got this 50mm 6 years ago as it was recommended to me as a good prime to have (I had D90 back then which turned out to have focus issues with this combo)
Regardless, what would be a good portrait lens that I can get and not worry about other lenses?
I was thinking about the 85mm 1.8 as its cheap (compared to 85 1.4 version) and I might trade in my 50mm 1.4 and get that instead.
Eventually, I'm lusting over 24-70mm 2.8 Sigma Art (waiting for reviews/price etc.) or the Nikon non VR.

So, what do you guys think? What is the good universal lens for portrait if one has only one option?

As someone who doesn't rush into decisions, I think your best bet maybe to hire the lens you are interested in. See how it fits your needs.
[doublepost=1495881721][/doublepost]

I have a 50mm lens which stayed on my D90. I don't use it as much because I have a 24-70mm. However I'm looking at the 85mm lens as my next buy. Remember 50mm is truly 50mm. You should look at the photos you have taken with the D90 and see how many times you've shot at 50mm and 85mm.

Before you buy make sure your 50mm lens is clean on the inside ring, the area that connects to the camera. Also check and make sure the screws around it aren't loose. I had a screw on my 50mm that was loose.

Good advice on checking to see which focal length you used the most in LR on your D90, just remember that was a crop sensor though, so factor in the x 1.5.

 

[Freida]

So, the focus mystery might be solved. I went to have the 50mm checked and they did confirm that it does have backfocus issues so it's being sent to a service centre. It's a bit of a relief because I kept feeling bad about my skill so this is little good news in all that. I dread the cost.
However, from what I've gathered it seems that people are not really fond of this lens overall. Either they prefer the 1.8 version or the older one but not this new G one. I wish I knew back then.

Regardless, I wonder if I should get rid off this one and get 85 1.8 for portraits and then eventually get the 24-70 or if I should just have this serviced and only get 24-70 eventually.

I really wanna experiment with portraits now so that's what I'm after for the moment.

24-70 will be overall lens eventually for weddings, parties etc.

When I had the kit lens on D90 (18-105) I mostly stayed within the range of 24-70 (1.5crop considered) so I think I'm about 75% I didn't go over 70 so I guess that's why I think I'll be fine.

 

[Apple fanboy]

So, the focus mystery might be solved. I went to have the 50mm checked and they did confirm that it does have backfocus issues so it's being sent to a service centre. It's a bit of a relief because I kept feeling bad about my skill so this is little good news in all that. I dread the cost.
However, from what I've gathered it seems that people are not really fond of this lens overall. Either they prefer the 1.8 version or the older one but not this new G one. I wish I knew back then.

Regardless, I wonder if I should get rid off this one and get 85 1.8 for portraits and then eventually get the 24-70 or if I should just have this serviced and only get 24-70 eventually.

I really wanna experiment with portraits now so that's what I'm after for the moment.

24-70 will be overall lens eventually for weddings, parties etc.

When I had the kit lens on D90 (18-105) I mostly stayed within the range of 24-70 (1.5crop considered) so I think I'm about 75% I didn't go over 70 so I guess that's why I think I'll be fine.

Get the 24-70mm Nikon. It will give you more versatility. I have the non VR one. You should be able to pick one up pretty cheaply second hand.

 

[mofunk]

I like pairing my zoom lens with a prime lens or two.

 

[Freida]

Get the 24-70mm Nikon. It will give you more versatility. I have the non VR one. You should be able to pick one up pretty cheaply second hand.

So you think I shouldn't get the 85mm for portraits?

And when you say cheap, do you have a source that will make me a sweet deal, please?

 

[Apple fanboy]

So you think I shouldn't get the 85mm for portraits?

And when you say cheap, do you have a source that will make me a sweet deal, please?

Nothing wrong with the 85mm. Just not sure it would be the next lens I'd recommend.
That said everyone is different. I don't shoot portraits.

Sweet deal?
eBay

LCE

Calumet