Does this topic have to pop up for every FX Nikon that comes out. Surely this has been hashed over numerous times in the past. Did you do a search

Scott

That's just the nature of Internet forums Scott. Live and let live.

Sorry Scott... I realized there was a long thread on this very subject at the Nikon Cafe after I posted it. My bad.

I'm surprised no one mentioned the Nikon 85mm f1.8. I don't have one (although on order) but Ming Thein rated it very high.

zesto wrote:
Jammy Straub wrote:
For strictly head shots I like the Sigma 85mm f/1.4 , for some reason I like it's OOF rendering for portraits better than the Nikon 85mm f/1.4G, ......

+1

I think the 200 f/2 is the best for head portraits but that's out of the question for the OP and perhaps the Zeiss 100 f/2 MP is too. So definitely the Sigma f/1.4 as it has a special dreamy look to it and represents excellent value for the money.



What about the 180/2.8?

My vote goes to either the Nikon 85/1.4D or the Nikon 105/2.8 VR. The 85/1.4D is as sharp as any of the other candidates in the center. It is softer than the Nikon 1.4 and 1.8 G models at the border, but this usually isn't an issue for portraits. At least it never has been for me. It focuses faster than both of the G lenses, and it's bokeh is only surpassed by the Nikon 105/2.8 VR. For the price, I think it is a great value.

The 105/2.8 VR is sharp across the frame wide open, and as I mentioned it has the best bokeh of anything being considered here. A used copy can be found for about the same price as the 85/1.4D. You gain silent focus, but it doesn't focus as fast. You also obviously lose the larger aperture of the 1.4.

IMO, those are the two best portrait lenses under $1000. The Sigma 85/1.4 isn't too far behind.