Portrait Lens for D50

[jeffrey_aiello_photography]

I already have the 18-55mm kit lens and a 70-300 lens for my D50. I'd

like to get a macro-portrait lens.

 

What's a good macro-portrait lens for my D50? Over lunch I was told

that the Nikkor 60mm f/2.8D AF Micro is a good lens.

 

Please let me know what you think and any other lenses you'd suggest.

 

I'd like to keep the price of the lens in the $350 range.

 

Thanks,

 

jeff

[RaymondC]

That is the only one. There is a 105 macro isn't there? Thou may be a tad long in times. Not sure about manual lenses but u have a D50.

 

Oh yeah 35-70 f/2.8 is another but its less than a true macro lens. Zoom is push pull design. The 24-85/2.8-4 D is another isn't it? A twist zoom but they are less of a macro lens than the primes.

[2yellowdogs]

Your lunch friend was right. If you're looking for one lens to do both portraits and macro, the 60mm (a portrait-perfect 90mm on the D50) would be the one.

[Ed_Ingold]

If you can settle for about 1:4 in the macro range, the 35-70/2.8 AFD is an extremely fine lens - sharp, with negligible distortion. The used price for KEH excellent grade is about $350. The 60/2.8 macro is also a sharp lens, and can focus down to 1:1, but has much less adaptability for general use. The macro working distance is very short with either lens.

[Jerry_]

The 35-70mm f2.8D Nikkor is 'macro' only at the 35mm end. 70mm and 50mm are not in the ball park compared to the AF 60mm Micro-Nikkor or the AF 105mm Micro-Nikkor lenses.

 

 

 

Tamron makes a 90mm macro lens that will work OK on your D50.

[kindrdghst]

Hey Jeff,

Ok... I was recently in your situation, so I did my research. Keep in mind that the Nikon D50/70/70s etc. etc. has a 1.5 crop factor. So a 60mm lens would be equivelant to a 90mm in 35mm terms.

 

The 60mm 2.8 macro lens is a GREAT way to go. But... and yes there is a but... you would be shorting yourself a lens if you end up shooting on film.

 

That irritates me. I'd never buy a special purpose lens unless it worked on film and digital. I opted for the Tamron 90mm 2.8. Great lens. It's equivelant to a 135mm, and can still work as a portrait lens on my n80.

 

On a side note, I'd never buy a dx lens either because I firmly believe that full frame dslr's will be on the market pretty soon. Of course pretty soon is totally debateable, but you get the point.

 

I hope this helps.

 

Pat

 

P.S.

Other portrait/macro lenses:

Sigma 105 2.8 macro - Great lens, I have one for my Canon setup.

Tokina 100 2.8 macro - Recently rated in this months Pop Photo. Some relaly interesting features on this lens too.

Nikon 105 2.8 Defocus Control - Great portrait lens, sweet Defocus Control, but no macro.

Tamron 90mm 2.8 macro - Good lens.

 

I thikn that about covers it. And honestly, you really can't go wrong with any of these lenses.

[jeffrey_aiello_photography]

To Pat and all,

 

Thanks for you honest and straight-forward responses. I don't see myself going to film...but one never knows, does one?

 

I'll let you know which one I end up buying, but I do think I'm leaning towards the Nikkor 60 mm. mentioned above.

 

Thanks!

 

Jeff

[jeffrey_aiello_photography]

The good thing about one's mind, is it can change! .... also a bad thing. What about the 105mm f/2.8D AF Micro-Nikkor lens? I'm now thinking that it's a much better way to go.

 

thoughts?

 

Thanks,

 

Jeff

[zhuphotography]

If you do not need Micro/Macro capability, the 50mm 1.8 AF or AFD will be a good portrait lens (will be 75mm on D50/D70). It is cheap ($100 brand new AFD, $60-$80 used for AF/AFD) and real sharp. with 1.8 you have real good DOF control when you needed. Just another thought.

Yanping

[ramon_v__california_]

if you absolutely need macro, then go for the 60mm. if not, go for the cheap but sharp and fast 50mm f/1.8. 105mm might be too long for you on a D50.