p.1 #1 · 85mm/1.4D/1.8G vs. 135mm/f2 DC vs 105mm/f2DC?
I have Nikon DF with 35mm/1.8 FX, 50mm/1.8 and looking for portrait lens with some creamy bokeh.
Based on the reviews I have read, 85mm/1.4, 135mm/f2 DC, 105mm/f2DC seem to be among better lenses for portraits.
In past I have used Nikon 85/1.8G nad 135mm/f2L (Canon) and really liked Canon 135m output compared to 85mm. But wondering if I should be going for 85 mm or 135mm I am also considering 105/f2 DC just based on its reviews.
Looking for some advise/feedback based on experience with these lenses for people/portraiture
p.1 #2 · 85mm/1.4D/1.8G vs. 135mm/f2 DC vs 105mm/f2DC?
Pick the focal length you like. i think the 135 and 105 only differ in that regard.
the 85 1.4 and 1.8 bokeh is very similar in my opinion (i bought both to compare). I think you can tell which is the 1.4 when comparing pictures side by side, but standalone, i think it's hard to tell the difference.
i have an 85 1.4 because i like that length the best for my style
p.1 #3 · 85mm/1.4D/1.8G vs. 135mm/f2 DC vs 105mm/f2DC?
I had the 105 F2DC lens twice and I loved the focal length especially on DX. There is something very good about the skin colors that lens produces. It is too long for indoors where the 85mm shines. Make your own tests, as always.
p.1 #4 · 85mm/1.4D/1.8G vs. 135mm/f2 DC vs 105mm/f2DC?
The 135 F2 DC is far and away my favorite lens in my collection. It is a subtle effect it creates with modifying the bokeh, however it can be used to create a super-smooth watercolor effect, or if you switch to the reverse of the intended mode it lends an interesting pointilism effect as well. Either way, the in focus region is blisteringly sharp and skin tones are rendered extremely well. Even when carrying a bag of 2.8 zooms I usually end up with the 135 on the camera most of the time.
p.1 #5 · 85mm/1.4D/1.8G vs. 135mm/f2 DC vs 105mm/f2DC?
I too really like the 135/2 DC. It is a wonderful lens that IMHO can give you 90% of the 200/2 but in a much smaller package and at a much lower price ! Albeit a shorter FL of course. There is also the DC control for you to play around with to create interesting effects too.
If the 105/2 DC is closer to your favoured 85mm then that would be an equally valid choice as to the best of knowledge (from reviews) they are almost identical. Do note that these are older lenses, without the same coatings of the most modern lenses, that you will need to occasionally erase PF from - easily done, just 5 secs work with the PF slider in LR5.
I've posted these before a number of times but I believe they show the abilities of the 135/2 off quite well :-
These were a couple of the shots I took on the street, in the 15 mins prior to buying that the shop gave me to try it out.
Basic 5 second LR processing to remove PF. Minor sharpening and NR applied. This is one amazing lens that I'm stunned to have not heard mentioned more often on FM.
And three of my daughter (she models). No skin smoothing applied - she naturally has amazing skin courtesy of her mother Includes a 100% crop and also slightly different processing in the last (normally she wouldn't let me post this without her PPing out flyaway hair etc.) !
p.1 #6 · 85mm/1.4D/1.8G vs. 135mm/f2 DC vs 105mm/f2DC?
Thank you all for your feedback
Kevin, these are great samples exactly like what I intend to shoot with it. The last photo of your daughter (she is gorgeous ) , is that bokeh effect achieved through DC setting or in PP?
p.1 #7 · 85mm/1.4D/1.8G vs. 135mm/f2 DC vs 105mm/f2DC?
Sagar wrote:
Thank you all for your feedback
Kevin, these are great samples exactly like what I intend to shoot with it. The last photo of your daughter (she is gorgeous ) , is that bokeh effect achieved through DC setting or in PP?
Thanks Sagar. The DC is set at neutral (zero) and the PP gives it the high key colour, the 3D and bokeh come as standard
p.1 #8 · 85mm/1.4D/1.8G vs. 135mm/f2 DC vs 105mm/f2DC?
I have a new 105 f2 and have been using it for two weeks now. For me, it doesnīt blur the background as the 85 or the 135 does. At first I bought it thinking I could use this one insted of having the 85 and 135, but to be honest it doesnīt work for me.
Itīs too tight when youīre close to the subject and doesnīt blur the background enough when you are far... I know itīs just a matter of preference, but thatīs my opinion.
Apart from that the lens works just great, focus precisely, and itīs really sharp right from f2. Technicly I find it better than the nikkor 85 f 1.4 D
I have some hi res photos uploaded to dropbox, there are photos of the lens itself, that are not of your interest, but you can have a look at the others so you can see how well it works. Theyīre all SOOC jpegs, with a bit too much sharpening.
p.1 #10 · 85mm/1.4D/1.8G vs. 135mm/f2 DC vs 105mm/f2DC?
I've had the 85 1.4D and just didn't "love" it. I do love the Sigma 85 1.4 though, the bokeh I think is just spectacular and the used price is really tough to beat. I'm happy with my 1.8G though, she's been a good lens.
Back in my Canon days, I had the 135 F2 and that was just an awesome lens! The Nikon equivalent is very good too. Personally as a prime lineup, 35/85/135 is awesome!
I'll throw out two additional options. I substituted a 135 prime for the Sigma 150 macro - does portrait work very well, does macro very well. The next option, is a 70-200/80-200. 200 at f2.8 gives great results too.
p.1 #11 · 85mm/1.4D/1.8G vs. 135mm/f2 DC vs 105mm/f2DC?
You need to be warned that 105/2 or 135/2 on Df are really big and unbalanced. My advice is to try the legendary portrait king Nikon 105/2.5 in any incarnation. Both the Sonnar and Gauss versions are giving very pleasing output and the size/weight and cost is just perfect. And focusing manually this lens is not a big deal.
p.1 #12 · 85mm/1.4D/1.8G vs. 135mm/f2 DC vs 105mm/f2DC?
Last year I made a trade with Mihai (Mishu01), so now I have his 85/1.4D Nikkor, wich makes me very happy . I think it is a good portrait or non-portrait lens :
1.
p.1 #13 · 85mm/1.4D/1.8G vs. 135mm/f2 DC vs 105mm/f2DC?
Good to meet you here! In order to post images and not links, you need to eliminate the "s" from https... because for image sharing ther is no need for a secured connection (https). Just like this:
p.1 #15 · 85mm/1.4D/1.8G vs. 135mm/f2 DC vs 105mm/f2DC?
Frogfish wrote:
Do note that these are older lenses, without the same coatings of the most modern lenses, that you will need to occasionally erase PF from - easily done, just 5 secs work with the PF slider in LR5.
Basic 5 second LR processing to remove PF.
I know I am gonna feel pretty dumb for asking this question...but what is "PF"?
p.1 #16 · 85mm/1.4D/1.8G vs. 135mm/f2 DC vs 105mm/f2DC?
85/1.4D beats the socks off the 1.8G in everything but sharpness. The 1.8G is just dull and boring. As for 135, if you're shooting head and shoulders it's stellar. If you're shooting "big" (full body) it gets tricky because CA destroys sharpness. I've never owned the 105DC.
I'd throw the Sig 85/1.4 into the mix. I ignored it for years because it's Sigma and their older primes are jaded to me, but I recently got one and I'm very impressed. It's different from the 1.4D, but a hell of a lot creamier than the 1.8G. Nice and sharp wide open towards infinity as well, something the 1.4D isn't.
p.1 #17 · 85mm/1.4D/1.8G vs. 135mm/f2 DC vs 105mm/f2DC?
Not that you need more lenses thrown in the mix, but I noticed that you left out the Nikon 105 f/2.8 VR MICRO. Sure, it is only a 2.8, but it is still an excellent portrait lens and is more modern than most of the lenses you're looking at. You'll benefit from the nano-coating, VR, and it is a macro lens as a bonus. I think it is still on a rebate from Nikon, so they are selling new for $750 or so (down from $900). This has had a big impact on the used market for this lens as well. You can pick up a mint used copy for $600 or sometimes less.
Apr 09, 2015 at 09:22 PM
mshi Offline • • • • [X]
p.1 #18 · 85mm/1.4D/1.8G vs. 135mm/f2 DC vs 105mm/f2DC?
Just use 70-200VR2 instead and you've got all the FL you mentioned. Besides, it's much better.
Includes a 100% crop and also slightly different processing in the last (normally she wouldn't let me post this without her PPing out flyaway hair etc.) !
