Lenses suitable for Nikon. What to consider when choosing a portrait lens? Lens focal length
Choosing a lens is a difficult task that sooner or later faces every owner SLR camera. In some cases, the lens has a much greater impact on the quality of photographs than the camera itself. Many DSLRs come with standard lenses (sometimes they are also called “kit” lenses, from the English word “kit” - kit). These lenses give the photographer the opportunity to try his hand at shooting with a DSLR, but, as a rule, due to their imperfections, they do not reveal all the capabilities of the camera. However, we strongly recommend that anyone who owns a DSLR for the first time shoot with a stock lens for at least a few months to determine their shooting style and then adopt correct solution when purchasing more expensive optics.
But before we move on to practical advice to choose one model or another, let’s look at the parameters of the lenses and what these parameters can affect when shooting.
Focal length
This is one of the main characteristics of the lens, which determines how much the lens “brings closer” or “farther away” the object. Focal length measured in millimeters. In “film” times, when most DSLRs had a 24x36 mm frame format, there were no problems with focal length. But today there are DSLRs on the market with different frame formats. There are both full-frame models (24x36 mm) and cameras with a smaller matrix size. The ratio of the diagonal of the full frame and the diagonal of the camera frame with a reduced matrix is called the crop factor (from the English “crop” - crop, crop). This term appeared for a reason. The lens projects a “full-frame” image onto the matrix, but “cropped” cameras save only that part of the image that is equal to the size of the matrix. Everything else does not fit on the matrix and, therefore, is cut off. This means that lenses on cropped cameras magnify the image more than on full-frame ones.
All lens models can be divided into ultra-wide-angle, wide-angle, standard and telephoto lenses. For full-frame cameras, ultra-wide-angle lenses are lenses with focal lengths from 7-8 mm (circular fisheye) to 24 mm. 24 to 35mm are common wide-angle lenses. Standard (or normal) lenses are considered to have a focal length of 45 to 55 mm. This focal length provides the most natural perspective for the human eye. From 85 mm the moderate television range begins. Lenses with a focal length of 300 mm or more are powerful telephotos.
To make it easier to estimate what viewing angle a lens will provide on a camera with a reduced (relative to the full frame) sensor size, the crop factor is used. For amateur Canon DSLRs, the crop factor is 1.6; for amateurs Nikon DSLRs, Sony, Pentax and Samsung - 1.5; for Olympus and Panasonic cameras - 2. By multiplying the actual focal length of the lens by this coefficient, you can get the so-called equivalent focal length. For example, when full frame The 35mm lens is a wide-angle lens, but on an APS-C (1.5 crop factor) camera it becomes a standard lens as it provides an angle of view equivalent to a 52.5mm lens on a full frame camera.
This approach to estimating focal length is certainly imperfect. But it allows you to compare viewing angles of lenses at different frame formats and bring this information to a single standard. Concluding the story about focal length, we would like to remind you that lenses designed for SLR cameras always indicate the real, and not the equivalent, focal length.
Lens aperture
The lens aperture is usually called a value that characterizes the illumination of the matrix or film. Aperture is mainly determined maximum size relative lens aperture. For example, if a lens is marked 50/1.4, then its maximum relative aperture is f/1.4. The lower the number in the denominator, the higher the aperture ratio, and the more light such a lens allows to pass to the matrix. And if so, then shooting can be done at shorter shutter speeds. In addition, the higher the aperture, the shallower the depth of field the lens can provide, and the more it can blur an out-of-focus image.
As a rule, fast lenses are much more expensive than their slower counterparts. This is explained simply: they are of a higher class, which means they provide higher image sharpness, a lower level of aberrations and often have a better design.
Image Stabilizer
Image stabilization is a technology that mechanically compensates for camera angular movements to prevent image blur at long shutter speeds. Today, image stabilization in cameras is carried out in two ways: by compensating displacement of the matrix or a special lens in the lens. In the first case, stabilization is ensured when using almost any lens. This type of stabilization is used by Sony, Pentax and Olympus, due to which the lenses of these manufacturers do not require built-in stabilizers. All other companies produce, in addition to conventional ones, also stabilized lenses equipped with a correction lens displacement mechanism. Such lenses are more expensive than non-stabilized ones, but, according to many photographers, they provide more effective stabilization than cameras with a built-in stabilizer.
If you use a Canon, Nikon or Panasonic camera, then when buying your next lens you should decide: buy a cheaper unstabilized one or a more expensive one, but equipped with a stabilizer. If you shoot stationary objects in low light conditions, the stabilizer will significantly increase the shutter speed without blurring the image. Unfortunately, for technical reasons, not all types of lenses can be equipped with a built-in stabilizer.
Design features of lenses
Here we would like to mention a few design features, which, one way or another, influence the filming process. Firstly, different lenses have different autofocus drives. All modern Canon lenses have a built-in autofocus motor. Nikon, Sony and Pentax lenses can be equipped with either a built-in autofocus motor or a screwdriver-type drive, which allows you to use the motor located in the camera to focus. However, it should be remembered that, for example, not all Nikon cameras have such a motor, so with such models, “screwdriver” lenses lose the autofocus function.
Screwdriver type autofocus drive
Motors built into lenses also differ from each other. The fastest and quietest of them are ultrasonic ring motors (different manufacturers may label them differently, for example, USM, SSM, SWВ, SDM). They are used in the most expensive lenses and provide virtually silent and very fast focusing. Motors of other types are built into budget models, and they may not provide any benefit over the “old” autofocus screwdriver drive.
Some budget lenses are designed in such a way that the entire front group of lenses moves and rotates during focusing. This may cause inconvenience if you plan to use polarized or gradient filters. During focusing, their position relative to the horizon will be lost due to the rotation of the filter along with the front lens. In more expensive lenses, the front lens group does not rotate.
Third Party Lenses
Of course, every camera manufacturer wants only its lenses to be used with its cameras. In addition, each manufacturer has a proprietary mount for optics - a bayonet mount. The only exception is the open 4/3 standard, which is used today by Olympus and Panasonic. Along with the main manufacturers, there are also several companies that create optics for different mounts. For example, Sigma, Tamron and Tokina. Typically, lenses from these manufacturers are cheaper. If we talk about the quality of their products, then it is better to consider each model separately, since in the lines of third-party manufacturers there are both frankly “weak” (but also cheaper than branded) models, and completely unique lenses that have no analogues from major photo brands . Despite the fact that millions of photographers use third-party optics, we must not forget that the camera manufacturer always guarantees compatibility only with its own accessories.
So, we've covered the basic characteristics of lenses, and now it's time to move on to practical advice on choosing a lens for various shooting conditions. In each paragraph of this section, we will give examples of several specific models that we would like to recommend. However, you should not think that we offer only the right decision: There are many other models from which you can choose the most suitable one yourself.
Good day! I’m in touch with you, Timur Mustaev. Today on the agenda is a continuation of the topic of the best optics for cameras. we looked at it in one of the previous articles. Agree, it would be strange not to talk about Nikon. After all, these are two leading companies producing amateur and professional photographic equipment!
Photographers, have you already chosen your photography direction? It is important for beginners on their way to try different genres, but for further development they will have to choose to improve in this particular area.
Accordingly, you already acquire knowledge and a camera. For example, starting with a simple Nikon D3000 or D3200, you will soon want something more advanced, with great opportunities; so, the D7000 or D7100 will already be an order of magnitude higher. The same applies to private items - accessories, accessories and, of course, lenses.
What is important when you purchase a portrait lens for nikon? When photographing a person, you want to convey all his emotions, facial features, small wrinkles - everything that makes his appearance unique.
Certainly, good optics capable in the best possible way reflect all this in the image: adequate color balance, clarity, smooth blur, etc. also play a role.
They can be used here, but one cannot expect much results from them. Therefore, purchase at least one good portrait lens with a focal length ranging from 35 to 85 mm, but no less.
You can also buy a zoom that includes such F values, but photographers still prefer prime lenses. Below we will look at both categories of optical devices offered by Nikon and Sigma.
Fixed portraits
Fix stands for constant value focal length, that is, it cannot be changed; there is no zoom ring on the lens.
On the one hand, this may not be entirely comfortable in everyday shooting. But if you specialize in working with models and clients, and especially if you have to take photographs in a physically limited studio, then a primer will definitely please you. Its picture quality is usually higher than that of the zoom option.
Portraits are famous for their aperture ratio, that is, good sensitivity to light: 1.4, 1.8, 2.8. Excellent indicators for spectacular bokeh, which certainly decorates the frame, and photo detail!
The pictures will be incredibly expressive (provided you have a high-quality lens system). So, what can stores offer us:
1. Nikon AF-S 50mm f/1.4G
Of course, beautiful bokeh awaits you! According to users of budget cameras, for example, D5100, D5200 and similar models, even with their devices you can get very sharp shots. That is, optics played an important role here.
In addition, Nikon 50mm is often compared with that of Canon, and the first one wins in terms of quality!
The lens has a standard portrait focal length; you will be pleasantly surprised by its light weight.
But, unfortunately, optics, which cost about 30 thousand - the price of a good amateur DSLR, are not without drawbacks, namely: visible aberrations.
2. Nikon AF-S 85mm f/1.8G
This lens has a slightly lower aperture ratio, but look at F - as much as 85 mm. You are guaranteed a clear display real proportions, forms human face and figures!
The lens also features internal focusing, unlike the 50mm. Remember that long lenses are always larger.
3. Nikon AF-S 35mm f/1.8G
Inexpensive and lightweight version of portraiture.
Due to the coefficient, it is quite suitable for filming people. At the same time he has wide angle, which means that both full-length and full-length portraits are available to him.
Often in small studios this is a problem, because you have to move just a couple of meters away from the model. Decent aperture. It fits perfectly on my old Nikon D3100.
4. Nikon AF-S 50mm f/1.8G
The most popular and inexpensive portrait lens. This lens is usually the second after the kit lens. In my practice, this was exactly the case. I am quite pleased with this lens. He does his job very well, despite his low price, compared to previous models.
Fast lens. Pictures in poorly lit rooms come out well. The bokeh effect really impresses me. He does his job with a bang.
5. Sigma AF 50mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM
Optics from another Japanese manufacturer.
Just like when choosing portrait glass for Canon, in this article I also advise you to take a closer look at Sigma. This is a standard lens with a standard F distance and excellent aperture.
Quite heavy, but otherwise full of merit. So, if we remember the fifty dollars from Nikon and compare it with this, then, to everyone’s joy, we will find an internal focusing system and generally fast automatic focus.
Thanks to Sigma, a pleasant picture is created, with good sharpness, and possible distortions, including vientation, remain behind the scenes.
You might also consider the manufacturer's 70mm options - somewhere between the preferred 50 and 85mm - but the aperture will not open as wide.
Zoom lens for portraits
Zoom has the ability to set multiple focal lengths, depending on the range. For me the ideal options are the following:
1. Nikon AF-S 24-85mm f/3.5–4.5G VR
Notice how it covers all the common focal lengths that are useful for portrait photography? In my opinion, an incredibly convenient zoom. The optics cannot boast of the capabilities of an open aperture, like previous models - the lens is of average strength.
But it has another obvious advantage: VR, or . Now you don’t have to worry about the picture being blurred when the camera vibrates.
2. Nikon AF-S 17-55mm f/2.8G
The Nikon 17-55 had a smaller focus range. The aperture is quite good for portraits. For its price, it is expensive compared to kit lens 18-55, but has an advantage in the quality of the resulting photos. And it is compatible with most cameras that have Dx in the name.
3. Tamron SP 24-70mm f/2.8 Di VC USD
A chic lens from another Japanese company Tamron. The quality of the photos is top notch. Price – yes, it’s not cheap, but it’s more than worth the money.
This is far from full list possible optics suitable for a photo shoot - portrait. I hope you were able to form your opinion about the presented products. Decide for yourself who will be among the top best lenses for the Nikon brand!
Conclusion
So, let's summarize. Which lens is better to choose from the ones listed above? I will say this, it all comes down to money. The higher quality the lens, the more expensive it is.
If you have a limited budget, but want to shoot portraits and try yourself in this genre of photography, then feel free to take Nikon AF-S 50mm f/1.8G. A very good and reliable lens with good aperture.
If your budget allows for something more expensive, take a look at the Nikon AF-S 50mm f/1.4G or Nikon AF-S 85mm f/1.8G.
As for portraits with zoom, options 2 and 3 are very good. Again, if you have the budget for these lenses.
In custody. Remember, a clean lens is the key good photos. Keep an eye on the frequency of your lens. You can, like me, with the help pencil And special cloth, which I bought on Aliexpress, and which have never let me down. I recommend that you have such assistants too.
And for a complete understanding, read the article.
See you soon, readers! You will find a lot of useful information in my articles - visit the site and be sure to subscribe!
All the best to you, Timur Mustaev.
For your camera. And today, continuing the topic of choosing new optics, we will tell you about the most popular and indispensable lenses from Nikon, necessary for this or that type of photography. A similar selection for Canon optics will appear a little later.
Which Nikon lens should you choose? – Nikon 50mm F/1.8D for portraits and street photography
The Nikon 50mm F/1.8 D prime lens is one of the most popular and indispensable lenses in the optics lineup. This one is inexpensive and high quality model will be an excellent purchase for those who want to receive best quality pictures than when working with a standard kit lens. The excellent price/quality ratio of the Nikkor 50mm F/1.8 D makes it one of the most sought after. Nikon 50 mm F / 1.8 D has been produced by the company since 1978, which already indicates its indispensability in a photographer’s arsenal. The large aperture allows you to work even in low light conditions, and the standard focal length provides a wide range of scenes that can be captured with its help.
Which Nikon lens should you choose? – Nikon 24mm F/1.4 AF-S G for landscape photography
Not only is this one of the best wide-angle lenses in the world that you can get for a relatively small price, but it is also one of the best models, released by Nikon. The Nikon 24mm F/1.4 AF-S G lens offers amazing aperture and the ability to work in the most different conditions lighting. The model's wide range of vision allows you to shoot architectural structures, nature and interior. Nikkor 24mm F/1.4 AF-S G provides greater depth sharpness and allows you to shoot with manual focus.
Which Nikon lens should you choose? Nikon 35mm mm F/1.8 DX for street photography
You can buy a Nikon 35 mm mm F / 1.8 DX for a little more than $200. The model is considered one of the best lenses for DX cameras. Manufacturers promise instant focusing and beautiful image. The focal length of the optics ensures fruitful shooting of portraits and documentary street shots.
Which Nikon lens should you choose? Universal superzoom Nikon AF-S DX 18-200 mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR II
A versatile lens with a wide range of focal lengths, the Nikon 18-200mm VR DX is suitable for photography in almost all shooting situations. It covers the range from wide-angle to telephoto, thereby allowing you to use the model to realize all your ideas. The affordable price of the 18-200mm VR makes it a great option to buy. When used skillfully, the lens will make it possible to shoot even the most original scenes. You can photograph the stars and moon, wild animals and even sporting events. In a wide-angle position, the Nikon AF-S DX 18-200mm will allow you to photograph landscapes and architecture.
Which Nikon lens should you choose? – Nikon 135mm F/2 DC AF for photographing distant objects
Users note that – Nikkor 135mm F/2 DC AF is one of the sharpest Nikon lenses that provides good image quality. The model allows you to convey excellent bokeh in photographs, making it an excellent tool for creating portrait photographs.
Which Nikon lens should you choose? Nikon 14-24mm F/2.8 AF-S for landscape photography
Fast wide angle lens with a constant aperture of F/2.8 makes it possible to capture high-quality landscape and interior photographs. The Nikon 14-24mm F/2.8 AF-S lens is available to photographers for a fairly high price, around $1,400-$1,600, so those who are serious about shooting landscape shots will most likely be able to afford it. The fact that the lens is zoom gives more freedom when shooting with a more or less wide view.
Which Nikon lens should you choose? Nikon 85mm F/1.4 AI-S for beautiful bokeh
Another high-quality and fairly expensive lens for portraits is the Nikon 85mm F/1.4 AI-S. The lens' powerful aperture offers unimaginable photo quality and the ability to create picturesque bokeh when photographing. The high cost of the model is due to the high-quality assembly and complex optical design of the model. The lens helps create sharp, clear photographs of excellent quality.
Which Nikon lens should you choose? Nikon ED 70-180mm F/4.5-5.6D AF macro lens
One of Nikon's popular macro lenses is the Nikkor ED 70-180mm F/4.5-5.6 D AF. This is almost the only macro lens released by the company. It is designed for photographing small objects close-up. It can be used on cameras with both cropped and full-frame sensors. Special elements of the optical system help reduce chromatic aberration and create incredibly high-quality shots.
Which Nikon lens should you choose? Nikon 300mm F/2.8 ED-IF telephoto lens
The Nikkor 300mm F/2.8 ED-IF telephoto lens is one of Nikon's most sought after, albeit very expensive, lenses for nature photography and sporting events. The advantage of the lens lies primarily in its powerful aperture of F / 2.8. It's fast and powerful enough to capture indoor and outdoor sports events. fresh air. The lens is available only by pre-order, since few people can afford professional optics for shooting wildlife. The Nikon 300mm F/2.8 ED-IF is priced at over $5,500.
For portrait photography good lens- this is something you can and should spend money on. Even a beginner's camera, if equipped with high-quality glass, will be able to take great pictures. But the opposite (a cool camera with an average lens) will not work. So perhaps, instead of spending money on an expensive camera, it is better to invest in a quality lens.
Choosing a lens for portraits is not so easy, but now we will look at what you need from portrait glass and which lenses are suitable for portraits.
What to consider when choosing a portrait lens?
We need to start from the beginning: variable or fixed focal length? We have already talked about the difference between the two types of lenses. So, if you take zoom lenses, their focal length can vary from 24mm to 70mm, from 70mm to 200mm, etc. The choice is huge and such lenses are convenient and extremely useful for large quantity filming. Plus, they are much easier to transport (after all, you don’t need to take several glasses with you, one is enough).
A constant focal length will provide better image quality and clarity. If you know exactly what kind of shooting you are going to do, it is better to choose a prime lens.
For portrait photography perfect choice- This is a prime lens, since quality and clarity are very important for this type of shooting.
Focal length
When choosing a portrait lens, be sure to decide on the desired focal length. Consider where you are going to shoot, how much space there will be, how much surroundings you will need in the photo, how close to the model you plan to be. For standard portraits, lenses with focal lengths from 35mm to 200mm are usually used. But in general, it all depends on preference, style and model.
How many lenses are you willing to carry with you?
If you find it most convenient to travel with one single lens, you should pay attention to zoom lenses. Glass with a focal length of 24-105mm is suitable for almost any shooting. But if you are a fan of prime glasses, but dream of shooting in different genres, you will have to stock up on a bag and additional lenses. Many professional photographers do just this, changing glass on the fly or even using multiple cameras with different lenses.
How many people will be in the frame?
If you plan to shoot with large groups of people, a wider-angle lens will be suitable to capture all the characters. You need to remember that a wide angle leads to distortion: people at the edges of the frame will either be larger or stretched out. So the width of the corner should not be too large either. Never forget that by taking a step back you will capture more people, without distorting the photo.
Space available when shooting
If you shoot outdoors, there are more options, depending on your preferences. Inside you will have to take a wider-angle glass. A 70-200mm zoom lens or a prime - 85mm lens is suitable for open spaces. The focal length is less suitable for indoor shooting.
bokeh
The larger the aperture (and lower the number of f-stops), the more bokeh you will get. If you want to take photos with beautiful, blurry bokeh, you can look at special portrait glasses.
Matrix size
To correctly build the exposure, it is important to take into account the matrix. Remember that the size of the sensor (crop or full format) will affect the focal length. That is, different distances will behave differently at different types matrices For example, 50mm will look longer on a cropped matrix.
Price
Of course, wallet size plays a role. decisive role. Let us only remind you that it is better not to skimp on quality glass.
The best Canon portrait lenses
The best Nikon portrait lenses
With such a huge choice, the decision is not so easy to make. Therefore, it most often comes down to personal preference. We recommend that you always thoroughly familiarize yourself with the lens and try it in action before purchasing.
