I saw a recently series from one of my favorite husband/wife photography teams in the business about their favorite lenses and why they choice those, and I thought that would make the perfect series for me as well! My lenses aren’t necessary the favorites of other photographers, but I have my go-to’s and the never-let-me-downs. Check out the series here:

Uno: What I Couldn’t Live Without, Like EVER
Dos: American Sniper
Tres: Details, Details, Details
Quatro: Caution: Wide Load
Cinco: It’s Pretty Nifty

Lens Love | Nikon 85 mm f1.8

I am a part of numerous photography groups on Facebook and other social media platform, and a common question that always gets asked is what lens is their favorite, or what lens is a good starter lens. Now most of the photographers out there recommend the 35mm 1.8 or a 50 1.8/1.4. It is all really a personal question, and it comes down to how you like to shoot, and the look of your images, but every time I recommend the same lens: the 85mm f1.8.

Now I know that my 1.8 isn’t the most expensive lens in the Nikon line-up. I know that you can get the Nikon f1.4, but with all the literature and testing that I have looked over, I couldn’t justify the $1000+ price tag over the 1.8 for what you get for the 1.4. In all honesty, I’m really waiting for Sigma to come out with a 1.4 ART version of the 85. There’s rumors that they will be announcing it in September, and I just can’t hardly wait.

I really love my 85 f1.8 though. It focuses quick! Colors look great! And the buttery, creamy bokeh I get is to DIE for! When I want to make my subject really POP from the background, I know that my 85 is the best lens for the job! It’s perfect for seniors, brides, and quick moving children. It pulls me away from my subjects to give them a little space, but still let’s me capture their emotion.

It’s one my favorite lenses to use for portraits on a wedding day, and especially during dances at the reception. I love that I am able to get close to my subjects without having to use my 70-200 throughout the entire day. I could go on and one about how amazing the lens is, but I think I’ll just let the images do the talking! 😀

TADAAA! Creamy backgrounds to boot! 😀 Love my 85!