depending on the crowd in prime it generally goes between 85mm-135mm for FF
so on my FX i use a 70-200/2.8
i can use that lens on my D500 in DX mode giving me a 105-300
my DX 16-80/2.8-4 which if it were a FX equivalent to a 24-120/2.8-4
i have only used DX and FX zooms on my D500.
i will admit i am not much of a "portrait shooter"
msoomro wrote:
Never did people / portrait / street photography before. Any recommendations for the lens? For DX and FX bodies both.
Prefer prime. But zoom suggestion welcome.
I like 85+ mm ff equivalent, myself. You can move in close and not really be too concerned with wide distortion. 85-105mm on film used to be considered the ideal FL for portraits, gives good working distance. I often use much longer, like 400mm+ ff equivalent. Of course for groups indoors or maybe full length you'd need wider FL.
If you want to get rid of bg 1.4 is great. Personally I prefer f/8 but don't rule out the 1.4 look. If you don't need af, I have old 105/4 and 13.5cm f/3.5 that could work, if they fit your camera. Af is better to catch changing expressions imo though. So it depends on what you want to do.
If budget is a concern, 85/1.4 rokinon might be pretty good. I have older mf, could be better at 1.4 but OK, you really don't need a lot of sharpness on people imo, so af version should be great. Also older 80-200/2.8 type lenses could be good. If budget isn't a concern get the latest. Numerous other option like 200/2 to really get rid of bg. I think they use more 35mm ff equivalent on steet? Not sure. Kind of a different deal than portraits AFAIK.
Best focal lengths for people's faces are 85-105mm with a full frame sensor which translates to a 55mm to 85mm on a APS-C crop body. The 85mm is what I would use but it can be restrictive when used indoors as it requires a greater camera to subject distance for even half body shots.
Extreme sharpness can be a negative attribute of a lens for people photography. No one wants a picture that shows ever pore and wrinkle and blemish in sharp detail.
For this reason a zoom lens is often better and it provides a range of focal lengths. A 24-70mm f/2.8 lens on a D500 provides the equivalent view angles of a 35-105mm f/2.8 lens and would be the best choice.
It depends on how large a space is available. In most interior spaces a 105mm is too long a lens for photographing people. Outdoors anything goes and a 70-200mm is a good choice.
Rod.smith7 wrote:
Simple, 58 f/1.4, ~87mm ff equiv, would think that is perfect
Yes, the 58mm f/1.4G is the correct answer. A flattering rendering for portraiture, light weight and great handling on a D500, and can be had for a reasonable price.
