Help choosing a lens for fashion/portrait photography

Hi!

I'm just looking to add a lens to my existing one (that came with the Nikon D200 kit 18-70mm).
This lens is mainly for fashion and portrait either studio or outdoors.

Thanks for your help/suggestions.

Marco.

The usual recommendation is for a short telephoto, in 35mm terms that would be 85mm, 100mm, or maybe up to 150mm.

It's down to personal choice, but these days I would choose a short telephoto zoom. I actually use a 16-45mm for this purpose, or a 50mm prime which makes a very nice wide-aperture 75mm-equivalent.

Thanks johnriley for your advice.

As I'm starting and cannot spend much, is Sigma ok or is better to go for the Nikon range?

Personally I always buy the camera maker's lenses. The quality and compatibility are likely to be superior.

Other makers such as Sigma may not be compatible with future cameras without re-chipping and also seem to have more issues that require returning for adjustment. Even if free, recalls are a nuiscance.

Ok. That makes sense. Thanks again for your advice.
Best regards
Marco

Marco

It is a tough choice. I use from 16mm to 400 mm for portraits depending on situation. Though have never taking any fashion shots, I guess what you need is a fast telephoto. 70-200/2.8 AFS IS makes a perfect choice. Alternative includes Sigma 70-200/2.8 HSM EX which I also have. It is a very sharp lens at very low price coparing to Nikon. Alternative lenses including all prime lenses. For example 85/1.8, 50/1.8. I even use macro prime for portraits

Thanks markk!
It really is a dificult choice. But things are starting to get clear enough and assuming that I will need more lenses in the future and that you can never have the perfect lens for every kind of shoot it shouldn't be such a stress...
Thanks again for your advice.
Marco.

Nikkor 135/2 DC

Sigma 50-150mm f/2.8 and don't worry about future compatibility! ;-))

Ian