Need Protrait lens?????

[anderson_paul]

Alright I've been shooting for a few years now, But I shot wildlife, and want to start shooting more portraits to make a little income and I wanted to know if there were any lens anyone would suggest to start with for portraits. I'll be shooting on location shots I use a Nikon camera (for now!!!). and to start with I do have a budget of around $500 I know its not alot right now once I get some clients and income I hope to upgrade.

Thanks,
Paul

[Shane422]

I've been really happy with my Tamron 28-75 f2.8 lens. It sells for about $400.

[Arvan]

I guess a solid 50 mm will do nice?.

with the crop on the camera it will be 75 mm and the solid cheap 50´s are very sharp! everyone should have a 50 mm :D

[photocat]

I am extremely happy with my 85mm prime lens. 2.8
I do have some tamrons, but I clearly see a difference between my prime lens and the zooms. If you are thinking about going earning money, invest a little in a prime lens. It will come back to you soon enough...

[AaronNelson]

photocat, im interested in seeing your examples...
i have only been shooting portraits with zooms, so it makes me wonder if they could have been better...
this month im going into my photography 1 year anniversry so you see, i could use help also...

btw, i just love my nikon 18mm-200 VR...$750 or so...i would say worth the extra $...
i would be nothing without the vr.....

[Joves]

I guess a solid 50 mm will do nice?.

with the crop on the camera it will be 75 mm and the solid cheap 50´s are very sharp! everyone should have a 50 mm :D
I agree. A 50mm is a great lense for portraits. I think they are around $100 or, a tad more. So you could get another lenses as well.

[jeffreaux2]

With that budget I would get the 50mm and 28-75 Tamron. The 50mm is going to be a great choice, but useless with large groups or tight spaces. I also use an 85, but you really need some room between yourself and the subject on full length shots.

If I could have only one it would HAVE to be the tamron.

50mm sample
http://jkmann.smugmug.com/photos/181823059-L.jpg
50mm sample
http://jkmann.smugmug.com/photos/197820619-L.jpg

85mm sample
http://jkmann.smugmug.com/photos/199534341-L.jpg

85mm again
http://jkmann.smugmug.com/photos/216310546-L.jpg
85mm
http://jkmann.smugmug.com/photos/181833201-L.jpg


Tamron28-75mm F2.8

http://jkmann.smugmug.com/photos/181832702-L.jpg

Tamron
http://jkmann.smugmug.com/photos/207995113-L.jpg

Tamron
http://jkmann.smugmug.com/photos/162679937-L.jpg

Tamron
http://jkmann.smugmug.com/photos/169430135-L.jpg