Would you use this lens for portraiture? Is it as good as the 85mm fixed lens?
1680729
Depends on the sensor in the camera. For a DX the 85mm would be good. For an FX it would be OK but a little bit longer might be better
1680730
You absolutely can use this lens for portrait shooting, and you can obtain very good results However, it is no match for the 85mm primes. 85mm prime lens by all major manufacturers are "magical" when taking head shots. I have used 85mm primes from Canon (2 different lens), Nikon (3 different lenses), and Samyang/Rokinon. No zoom lens including this one or the Canon 70-200mm L lenses (known for producing quality portrait shots) match the quality of an 85mm prime. Don't get me wrong, I doubt that you will be disappointed using the 24-85mm for portraits, however, once you see what a 85mm prime can produce, you'll have trouble taking it off your camera. You absolutely can use this lens for portrait shooting, and you can obtain very good results However, it is no match for the 85mm primes. 85mm prime lens by all major manufacturers are "magical" when taking head shots. I have used 85mm primes from Canon (2 different lens), Nikon (3 different lenses), and Samyang/Rokinon. No zoom lens including this one or the Canon 70-200mm L lenses (known for producing quality portrait shots) match the quality of an 85mm prime. Don't get me wrong, I doubt that you will be disappointed using the 24-85mm for portraits, however, once you see what a... » Read More You absolutely can use this lens for portrait shooting, and you can obtain very good results However, it is no match for the 85mm primes. 85mm prime lens by all major manufacturers are "magical" when taking head shots. I have used 85mm primes from Canon (2 different lens), Nikon (3 different lenses), and Samyang/Rokinon. No zoom lens including this one or the Canon 70-200mm L lenses (known for producing quality portrait shots) match the quality of an 85mm prime. Don't get me wrong, I doubt that you will be disappointed using the 24-85mm for portraits, however, once you see what a 85mm prime can produce, you'll have trouble taking it off your camera. « Show Less
1680731
I use the 16-85and it meets all of my normal needs for portraits and people photos as a walk around lens.
1680732
It's OK, but you are looking at f4.5 rather than 1.4 or 1.8 with a prime. Plus, you get a sharper image with a prime. If you are a pro, stick with the prime. You will probably get fewer keepers on a camera like a D800 if you are looking for details. For casual its fine.
1680733
I've never tried, but if you're a stickler for details, the 85 mm fixed would have a larger aperture opening & thus a shallower depth of field for the portrait.But with software you can always change the depth of field. Take a look at "Alien Skin" software, and they provide great webnars of their features. It's one of my favorite softwares.
1680734
That is really a great question. I truthfully am only an amateur with very expensive taste. I have taken many photos with the lens and thought that it was a fine lens. However, from what I have read, I would think that your best results would not come from a zoom lens. Please though remember, your best answer would come from someone who does portraiture.
220608
The extra stop is amazing... 70mm frames a head and shoulders from 10 feet or so... Works great with my lighting set up and excels in low light... If you want tighter shots from longer distances, the 105 would be the pick! Most portrait photographers prefer 85mm to 105mm- the f/4 just may not give you the background blur you may want... the 70mm-200M f/2.8 L IS II is another awesome choice...
477810
It's a very nice portrait lens but how you are going to use a 120mm lens for landscape It depends on you you!! The Lens is a perfect Macro lens and I love to have it with me whenever I use my EM5.
987397
I have a Nikon D800, and this is my go to lens for portrait photography. The bokeh is amazing, and the lens creates very even skin tones. I would highly recommend this lens to anyone who takes a lot of photos of families, children, newborns, and weddings. Examples can be seen on my website: www.tagenbakerstudios.com
1650135
No.... get a 70-200 f2.8 nikkor or sigma if your on a budget. That lens is sharp but is not suited to portrait work.
2069806
this lens (85 mm ) not good for group pictures. a portrait yes, is for close-ups. a wide angle like my 14-24 mm would be perfect. or the 28-300mm for most anything. hope this will help.
1579847
I have both and the 85mm has a much better build quality, longer focal length, and more robust colors and image quality is significantly better. I rarely use my 50mm anymore. I keep it because of its low price and the resale value isn't worth it.
387102
The Sigma 85mm is a damn good lens at a damn good price.Sigma also includes the hood and padded case.I use this lens for portraits, nudes,and weddings.Perfect companion to the Canon 18-200mm lens.
608930
I have a D80 too and it's an awesome lens. I'm an amateur as well so I don't know too much about photography but this lens has a decent balance between depth of field and zoom for its affordable price.
1833849
Just beware of putting subjects on the edge of the frame when @ 17mm - 25mm. You are going to get horizontal distortion, not a ton but its not flattering to those on the side. No one would ever notice this on a landscape photo but when its a person... Pretty easy to fix in post if you have a decent software. Its a great lens though!
48834
Why not get used to the camera with the zoom lens and after finding out what work bests for you buy another lens that fits your needs, I can't imasging using a 35 mm lens as my main portrait lens, I rarely get that cozy with my subjects. I'd look at the 85 mm 1.4 lens, the 105 lens as more desirable for portraits.
2069811
Yes. Just back up further outside. I use 85mm all the time for group shots.
858189
Hi, thanks question. I think this lens is good for portraits. My recommendation is AF-S 50mm F1.8G, AF-S 35mm F1.8G. If certain distance is short focus , would be good if necessary zoom can afford. Thanks in advance.
1233334
It is good for portraits! Because it's only a 35mm you can stay close to your subject; the width feels perfect to me. F/1.8 is really big too, I try to stay at F/2 to keep the whole face in focus. Excellent bokeh, and tack sharp. Good for product shoots too.
1183540
I've never used the canon 85mm but the there is almost no difference in sharpness with th Sigma lens. The price difference is only justified by the lower F stop.
86637
Depends on what you are going to use it for. I have the 1.8 50mm and the 1.4 85. The 85 1.4 has much more versatility for portraits and can create amazing blur beyond what the 1.8 can. It also allows for a faster shutter when shooting portraits of young kids(which helps with movement). Lastly, it is an amazing macro lens, but unless you are really into that, the 1.8 is sufficient in my humble opinion
838886
I find the 85mm a bit faster in focusing *if* you're a fair amount of distance from your subject, as is intended with what's essentially a portrait lens. If you try to squeeze a macro shot out of it, the auto-focus just grinds back and forth trying to get a lock. That said, I have an older model 50mm 1.4 and never found the speed of focus (with a D3S and D800) to be outrageously slow, so take that into consideration with my answer.