Micro Lens for Portraits

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Archive 2009 · Micro Lens for Portraits

pawlowski6132
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p.1 #1 · Micro Lens for Portraits

I'm thinking the 105 f/2.8G IF-ED or the 200 f/4D IF-ED would make good Head & Shoulder or 3/4 length portrait lenses on an FX.

Anyone else think this and try it? Any disadvantages that aren't obvious?

Jul 15, 2009 at 03:45 PM

MagicNikon
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p.1 #2 · Micro Lens for Portraits

My 105mm VR is great for portraits.

Jul 15, 2009 at 04:00 PM

Avi B
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p.1 #3 · Micro Lens for Portraits

105 is more "conducive" to 3/4 length portrait on FX. But then you can just step backwards a few steps and get a similar POV for 200. You should try setting your 70-200 at 105 and at 200 and see if you like the results you get.

Jul 15, 2009 at 04:35 PM

vario1
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p.1 #4 · Micro Lens for Portraits

I have done way better with my 105VR than with the 85 for some reason. Its what i use now for portraits.

Jul 15, 2009 at 04:41 PM

Bill C
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p.1 #5 · Micro Lens for Portraits

Another vote for the 105 (although I've used the 70-200 with good results as well)
Bill

Jul 15, 2009 at 05:02 PM

Smiert Spionam
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p.1 #6 · Micro Lens for Portraits

I'd go for the 105, too.

The Nikon 180/2.8 and the Sigma 150/2.8 are also quite good, if you want a less expensive longer option.

Jul 15, 2009 at 05:14 PM

Vertigo2020
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p.1 #7 · Micro Lens for Portraits

Give the Sigma 150mm a close look. On tight shots it's sharper and has better contrast than my Zeiss 85mm. Have a look for yourself. 100% crops.
#1 Zeiss 85mm
#2 Sigma 150mm

2012 © Vertigo2020

Edited on Jul 15, 2009 at 05:27 PM · View previous versions

Jul 15, 2009 at 05:25 PM

williamcarter
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p.1 #8 · Micro Lens for Portraits

I've got the 105 and use it all the time for portraits. The only other lens that gets as much use for portraits is my Nikon 180mm 2.8. If I had to choose between the two, I'd say it depends on space limitations (and cost, obviously). If you're shooting indoors and have limited space to back up, then the 105 would be most practical because I have to back up pretty far to get 3/4 portraits with the 180.

I do have to say, though, that I've been very impressed with the 180mm, especially for the price.

Samples from a recent shoot attached. First is with the 105, second is with the 180.

2012 © williamcarter

Jul 15, 2009 at 05:25 PM

pawlowski6132
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p.1 #9 · Micro Lens for Portraits

William, VERY nice.

Jul 17, 2009 at 12:53 AM

Jorgen Udvang
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p.1 #10 · Micro Lens for Portraits

If you are mainly going to use the lens for portraits, why not buy a portrait lens, like the 105/2.0 or 135/2.0? For manual focusing, portrait lenses usually have a focus throw that is much better suited for portrait distances. I use a 105mm f/1.8 AIS. Here are a couple of samples, all street shots with ambient light. They are taken with the S5, so it's DX format:

f/2.0

This image is copyrighted by the owner

f/2.8

Jul 17, 2009 at 01:16 AM

clickmepp
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p.1 #11 · Micro Lens for Portraits

My Choice would be Tamrom 90mm f/2.8....

Jul 17, 2009 at 09:00 AM

williamcarter
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p.1 #12 · Micro Lens for Portraits

Thanks!

pawlowski6132 wrote:
William, VERY nice.

Jul 17, 2009 at 09:14 PM


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