shooters- recommended fixed focal length lens for portrait + macro?
 

is that a lofty goal? can i get a sweet portrait lens that also can do 1:1 macro? would love something that has exceptional bokeh. i've been looking at lens and haven't sorted it out yet.

the sigma 85mm f1.4 perhaps, but it does not do 1:1......


i've also read stellar reviews of these manual focus 85mm f1.4 lens that have very nice glass, but again not 1:1.
isn't f1.4 hard to focus?

this is for a nikon dx size dslr, is 85mm the right focal length for portrait shots with a dx??


:thumbsup

I'd be interest to know what makes a lens great for portrait shots.

You seem to have something in mind.

If someone asked me tomorrow to do a portrait shot I'd pull out my 70-200 f2.8 which is the same lens that Dean used for his recent post of Shyla Jennings with pic #3 being a perfect portrait. That lens is very different than the ones you're looking at but still works.

( edit ) Nevermind, I forgot about the 1:1 macro part :upsidedow

i currently have the 18-105 f/3.5. when i check my meta data, i find most all my pics are at 105mm, i like that focal length for some reason so i was checking into buying a nicer lens that is fixed at that length and in researching discovered many consider that to be the ideal portrait focal length.

i also like taking uber close ups and was hoping to get both satisfied with one lens.

:)

Are you using a Nikon, a Canon, or another brand?

My fav portrait lens when I am doing just that specifically is the Canon 85mm, f1.2. It's amazing.

However, the 24-70 and 70-200 are great all around lenses when you are getting multiple styles of shots. Everything is a resource. Just depends on how you are using it.

What kinda camera/cameras are you using now?

i shoot with a nikon dx size (non full frame)

i was reading about that 1.2 lens in all of this, it sure seems like it is a nice piece. how is it to focus at 1.2?

Im a Canon guy, was going to refer you to this lens, I am sure theres a similar one for nikon maybe check the link anyway as there are sample images and maybe you can find a sigma or nikor with similar specs.

http://www.the-digital-picture.com/R...ns-Review.aspx

This famous photog works for nat geo etc. You can checkout his equipment here, all nikon:
http://www.joemcnally.com/blog/whats-in-the-bag/

If you find something of interest but not certain if its worth the money since most lenses are expensive, check out borrowlenses.com

I have used them, they are dependable and fast with shipping. You can rent that type of lens for like 150ish for a month to try it out or less for less time.

You can also check out usedcameras.com as they may have a more expensive lens used for cheap. Their stuff is in great condition and you can buy warranties on used gear with them. In this economy, any money saved is worth it amiright?!?!

Best of luck

yes, in fact sigma makes a 70mm that has made my short list, i would like a bit faster lens though. is the macro requirement what slows the lens down? can you have an f1.4 macro lens?

http://www.sigmaphoto.com/shop/70mm-...dg-macro-sigma

Im not a pro but I am pretty sure you arent going to find a super super fast macro lens.

Maybe loo into this lens?
http://www.borrowlenses.com/product/Zeiss_100mm_f2_zf

heres a link to some samples
http://dp-master1.dpreview.com/forum...ssage=36805437

Keep in mind thats going to run ya back 2k. Im not saying you cant afford it just preparing you for it ahead of time lol. I dont know if its for biz of pleasure XD

damn those sample pics are impressive!

this lens also made the short list, has adjustable bokeh, not macro though.

http://www.borrowlenses.com/product/Nikon_135_f2.0

Here are some sample shots:
http://www.pbase.com/cameras/nikon/135_2_af_dc

i think i am going to give this one a whirl for sure now. manual focus should be fun.

I would suggest as you find lenses you like visit this site and check the reviews. Most times, at least with the canon lenses, they always have shots taken by a good photog and they always have very in depth reviews.

http://www.the-digital-picture.com/R...s-Reviews.aspx

When i find lenses i put in google , for example 50mm 1.4 samples and their site always pops up or lens name the digital picture. Good to have a visual reference, maybe open a few tabs with each lens and flip back and forth.

Nice, good luck with it! Let us know how it turns out. :thumbsup

right on, perusing this site, it looks pretty good!

i think i am going to rent 3 maybe 4, give them a whirl and take it from there.

60mm 2.8 macro would possibly work.... be 85mm on a dx lens... which is good

The Canon 100mm 2.8L is the best macro lens hands down and it is extremely great for portraits as well.

i am liking the 60-70mm for the dx. i don't anticipate ever buying a full frame camera so i think i can splurge a bit here and get a fixed focal length lens geared towards a dx.
my gear is all for nikon, not that i have a ton. but i bet it is a pretty sweet lens eh.

do either of y'all shoot with a fixed lens or always a zoom?

thx folks. :thumbsup

I cant speak for the others but a close friend of mine from Canada who runs a mainstream biz (weddings, portraiture etc, only uses primes unless absolutely necessary. I like using both but again, I am far from a pro :error

SDA does some really nice work imo, I would consider what he has to say. Even if the lenses are different he can prob advise ya on the prime vs zoom issue. I don't know fuck shit about bm bradleys work but i sure love his quotes. All joking aside, i'm sure his work is excellent as well.

Best of luck.

I always chuckle when i see bm's sig

come over and try mine out and if ya like it just buy it... I use a zoom for content and a fixed for headshots and fun stuff

Each different lens has it's purpose.

That is why the geniuses at Nikon and Canon make so many different lenses.

you asked about a lens that can do both portrait and macro. The Canon 85mm 1.2L does great low light and portrait but does not do macro very well.

The canon 100mm 2.8L does both very well. I am sure Nikon has a lens that can do both just as well.

What is going on with threads like these? Is it you cannot google "Nikon Macro lenses"

and see all the lenses and examples of what they shoot ?

thx folks!

right on, can you holler at me, i don't have your # anymore.

thanks man, there are a couple that might fit, but are not advertised as such.
why do you care? can you not read the title? i asked for advice on a fixed length lens that is macro & portrait. are you really so miserable in your life you have to point fingers over a lens thread on an adult industry message board where several prolific shooters (not you) post?

if you can't contribute, just go back to harassing markham in his thread because i will rip your fucking head off if you want to come at me.

and you must of missed this in your haste to display your shitty attitude.

This is a discussion board.

It is a place where anything can be discussed.

By asking a question, even if you already know the answer, you are starting a discussion.

Those that choose to participate have the opportunity to share their knowledge and help others in this community. Others can learn from the discussion.

More questions can be asked and then answered because this is a discussion.

There is some business being conducted here. Having and participating in a discussion gives one an opportunity to build a reputation that should reflect their business.

It gives one the opportunity to interact with others which helps to create new friends or make enemies.

Sure one can find an answer on google but that is not contributing to a community discussion board.

818.523.7674

Been using this as sort of my "walk around" lens as of late. I am digging it quite a bit.
http://www.nikonusa.com/Nikon-Produc...tTabs.Overview

http://www.voodoomediagroup.com/gfy/VMG_0014.jpg

http://www.voodoomediagroup.com/gfy/VMG_0046.jpg

http://www.voodoomediagroup.com/gfy/VMG_0049.jpg

calling in a bit, still getting coffee down the hatch :thumbsup
nice photographs! dang shooting with a 50mm, very nice. any comments on focusing at 1.4? is that difficult? in my researching lens, i've come across a couple comments by folks saying they had a hard time focusing at such a large f-stop but the trail stops there.


:)

Maybe the questions answered here should be the ones that cannot be found in 30 seconds on google...

what the fuck are you talking about? this thread is inappropriate for this board? are you that fucking miserable?

i'd feel sad for you if i gave a shit

wow threads started in the fucking around forum by dropped9


Help student find work
https://gfy.com/showthread.php?t=1022512

Madame Bovary

Does any busines actually happen here? If so what?

Paul Markhams writing a book on porn, any other good books coming?


and the winner for hypocrite of the year thread::::::

Insurance when shooting scenes?


what you can't google that? fuckin hell.

My point is it's not always about finding the answer.

Sometimes its about social and business interaction.

It's nice to ask a question and have someone specifically answer you. He just asked a question, and people who shoot great content were more than willing to answer. With google sometimes you only get old threads etc as well. At least here, he has a chance of being somewhat familiar with the others responding which can help when making a purchase.

As someone who asks a lot of questions, I personally don't mind answering any question that I feel may help the op. I like the post because I want to see what the op ends up getting and his own review, watching the story unfold and what not.

:thumbsup

thx again for the input, inputters!


lolz..

It is interesting as this is a non question, The nikon lenses that are macro are all at the Nikon website with examples... or use extension rings....

It would be interesting to see and discuss photography on this board, maybe raise the bar a bit...

there are no lens at the nikon site that are advertised as portrait + macro lens. thread title specifically states portrait + macro. just one of the reason for the inquiry here.

Canon 50mm f/1.8 costs fuck all.

I have that exact lens and it rocks!
It gives a wicked blurred backdrop and great clarity up close. Great recommendation :thumbsup
These are some of my shots with that lens:
http://fc08.deviantart.net/fs47/f/20...y_Squirtit.jpg
My Austrian bronze satyr
http://fc04.deviantart.net/fs43/f/20...y_Squirtit.jpg
My chinese crested dog Butch looking at satyr
http://th06.deviantart.net/fs71/PRE/...it-d3gnj2m.jpg
Bug on my finger
http://th03.deviantart.net/fs43/PRE/...y_Squirtit.jpg
model Cameron
http://squirtit.com/assets/images/SAMUALJOHNSON2.jpg
model Samual