Next lens investment for portraiture

[Petelock]

Hi all,

I'm just starting out trying to make a go of earning some money off my portrait work and am wanting to upgrade some of my glass to warrant the paid for photography status.

My current gear is as follows:

Nikon D750
Nikon 24-85mm 3.5-4.5
Nikon 50mm 1.4
Tamron potato 70-300mm 4-5.6

Lencarta 400w studio kit
SB-800 (plus barn door/softbox and head bracket)

Clearly I need to upgrade some of the glass! Here's the shortlist:

1) nikon 85mm 1.8/tamron 85mm 1.8/nikon 85mm 1.4/sigma 85mm 1.4 (not released yet but new art version when announced)
2) nikon 70-200mm 2.8 vr2/tamron 70-200mm 2.8 vc

I'm going to need to purchase on a 24 month interest free credit route and wanting to drop a total of about £2000.

I'm considering the tamron 70-200, but the nikon is clearly the champion for quality and sharpness/focus speed etc. Given that it's portraiture I can see the benefit of the zoom investment to compliment my clients.

If I go with the zoom then I am likely going to need to go with a cheaper 85mm (hence the nikon 1.4 is out), but also want to wait until the new Sigma is announced in September.

What would be really helpful is for any feedback from owners of any of the above lens, or also the general advice from active paid portrait photographer's and their experience.

I have checked a number of reviews and comparison video's on YouTube etc, but would like some additional feedback before committing.

Many thanks

Pete

 

[Petelock]

The Sigma 85mm art is likely to be special I would agree and the main reason why I've held back on the prime. Cost will likely be the deciding factor.

The 70-200 lens appeal because of the lens compression at the longer focal lengths whilst retaining decent bokeh. You're right that weight is not something to overlook though. Clearly the Nikon wins in IQ etc, but at a £700 increase over the Tamron.

I appreciate the feedback though and wondered which portrait lens you are currently shooting with?

 

[Petelock]

Oh, and Nikon has just released a new 105mm f1.4 G lens if you are interested

Yeah I saw that. Looked interesting, but I think that I am going to wait until the Sigma 85 1.4 art price is announced and then make the final decision on the prime route or zoom combo. From both of your's and Richdog's feedback though seems like the Nikon 85 1.8 is the smart choice for the prime!

2.25KG is a hell of a weight to hand-hold for more than a couple of hours... especially considering how specifically you hold a camera. It's a genuine strain on the old wrists.

True, but years of kickboxing has given me decent wrist strength!

 

[Petelock]

Before you guys come to blows, I'll drag this one back.

D.P. what 70-200 2.8 do you have and are you able to give me some feedback? Not sure on what you shoot with so if it's not Nikon then I appreciate that any non third party glass will kind of invalidate the question!

Thanks