85 or 105

[tukaniray]

Debating on my next lens purchase for Portraitures.

I am torn between buying the Nikon 85mm 1.4D or the Nikon 105 F2 DC lens.

Both about the same cost and both very sharp and great lenses.

I am going to rent both of these in the next couple of weeks to help decide, but I wanted to read what you guys thoughts were on these 2 lenses.

Thanks.

-Ray-

[Tom]

Don't rule out the 135, too. I have the Canon 85 1.2 and prefer the Canon 135 2.0 for portraits.

[Snarfy]

The 85/1.4D, 105/2D, 135/2D are all fantastic lenses. Rent all three (i'd recommend the 85/1.4D and 135/2D DC first) and see which suits your needs!

[danchez]

I have the 85 1.4D and I absolutely love it. I have never used the 105 or the 135 but the 135 2D is next on my list.

[tukaniray]

Yeah I was looking at the Nikon 135 ... but wondered if it would be too long.

Err ... so many great lenses and not enough gig money ... lol.

Well, I have a feeling I will eventually own all of these lenses, it's just I went through a great month for gigs and wanted to treat myself to a new lens for XMas.

-Ray-

[smalltrees]

can be a difficult choice... wink/smile... but, each choice will be correct, with an excellent lens... DC adds an extra amount of control... when camera/subject/placement cannot be changed... again... you will be happy either way... had both... loved both...

[PhotoByLeal]

Raymond,

Is this lens going on your D300 which is a crop sensor?
If so, the 105 is awesome, which having a crop sensor it makes the `05 lens become a 157mm and the 135 lens becomes a 202mm, either way you look at it not bad.......

later....

[tukaniray]

^^ Yes, it will be going on my D300 ... and I thought about the range for the fact of it being a Crop Sensor.

That's why I am more debating between the 105 and 85 ... When I go Full Frame I will look into the 135 in the future.

-Ray-

[smalltrees]

85mm... when a lens gets a nickname... "The Cream Machine" there must be a very good reason...
105mm DC... De-Focus Control... while you can do this today with software, it will always be better/more true... done in-camera

[ormosporter]

I have the 85 1.4D and I absolutely love it.

[tukaniray]

Originally Posted by smalltrees

85mm... when a lens gets a nickname... "The Cream Machine" there must be a very good reason...
105mm DC... De-Focus Control... while you can do this today with software, it will always be better/more true... done in-camera

thanks Michael. Yeah, that's why I am looking at it. I love doing in camera "Creamy" BGs and just doing touch ups in PS.

I have used the 85mm 1.4 before ... but haven't tested a DC lens ... so at the moment it's all read and no play. So, I am hoping to rent the lens in the next week or so to help decide.

And I will go with an earlier recommendation and rent both lenses the 105 and 85 ... and then book a mock/test shoot with some models and a MUA ... might as well make it worth it right.

-Ray-