Hi all,
I have this D5100 which i bought several years ago but left it in the cupboard because of the kit lens quality. Looking for a decent less expensive sharp lens to take decent photos of my family during trips.
Best Lens for Nikon D5100 Potraits
[Deactivated] on 02/01/2018 - 07:47
Comments
Is it a Nikon lens or a different brand.
Yes, I meant the Nikon/Nikkor lens. I can't remember how much I paid, but I think about $200.
https://www.ozbargain.com.au/product/nikon-af-s-35mm-f-1-8-d…
35mm F1.8G is light, sharp and relatively inexpensive
Its showing 700 dollors for a new one… Is yours a Nikon lens?
Lenses are expensive new, but that price seems wrong. Not sure what lens you're looking at, maybe a 1.4G?
The cheapest Nikon lens is a 50mm 1.8D ~$150, but it's manual focus only on many modern Nikons (including yours). For ~$270 you can pick from the 50mm 1.8G or the 35mm 1.8G. I find the 50mm more versatile. The classic lens for portraits would be 85mm, but that's ~$639. Hope that helps!
What I did to pick a prime was to look through all the shots I'd taken with my zoom lens and check the metadata for the most common focus length. For me, that was 50mm.
Tip: Second hand lenses are great.
You might be looking at the full frame lens. Look for the ones that say DX in the name as they're for crop sensors like in your D5100.
I bought the 35mm 1.8G at around $200 on sale.
Currently $274 at DigiDirect
I agree this lens is perfect for what you are describing. Should be able to get it around 200-250 mark new in store at jb or other with negotiation. As noted below this is DX lens for D5100, which is roughly equivalent to a 50mm lens on FX (re focal length) with the smaller APS-C sensor - great for portraits
Keep in mind the 35mm is fixed, no zoom. Great lens, just need to use your feet.
35mm for portraits?
Wouldn't be my choice but if it works for you thats fine.
OP got to your local dedicated camera shop and try a couple of demos (you don't have to buy on the spot and simply say you will sleep on any decision).
Take your camera in and ask to try their demos to see which focal length you think might suit you best.
Given that the 35mm and 50mm are common lenses, they are very likely to have them in store.
You haven't stated a budget but for autofocus, the f1.8 G versions are likely to be the most pocket friendly.
You don't say what lens you already have but if getting in to see the demo lenses is too hard, you will be able to get an idea from an 18-55mm if thats what you have to get an idea of what focal length you wish to use for portraiture.
ie. I'm assuming when you extend your lens (twist it to lengthen or shorten your view), there will be marks on it to show you what length measurement you are at on the zoom lens thus offering up an indication of what prime lens length might work for you. Obviously here your going to be looking for the 35mm and 55mm markings.I suspect the 50mm will be what you'll go for but everyone is different and there is no real wrong answer as long as you understand what are the limitations of the varies lenses you think might work.
Too short a focal length offers up distortions or compressions of aspects of the photo - a topic I'm not going to have time to type up info on so will suggest google is your friend.
You can however start here: https://digital-photography-school.com/choose-perfect-portra…
35 on cropped is 56, which is in between 85 for standard portrait
Its all good.
I'm sure lots of people choose 35 (cropped) for their portraits, just as many happily use lenses larger than 85mm.
Use what makes you happy.
I shouldn't have stated my preference or implied what the OP's preference might be after looking through both.
I did suggest they look through both and offered a couple of strategies for determining their preference however as well as offering up a link on the topic of portraiture.
Thank you for pointing out how my post might have been better presented.
Your reward is a + click
Happy snapping
I have the D5100 from a great deal here many years ago. I know little about photography, but I got the 35mm f/1.8 and it takes nice shots. It might not be perfect for landscapes.