portrait/wedding photographers with Nikon 85mm use

[J.T.]

I am trying to decide on which of the following Nikon lens I should buy and wanted some input if anyone had experience with any of them.

Nikon 24-85 f/2.8-4.0
Nikon 24-120 f/3.5-5.6 VR
Nikon 85 1.8

There are other obvious better and more expensive choices to go with but for the time being I am narrowing down my choices to these three. I will mainly be using it for portraits and some low lighting shots inside for an occassional wedding or portrait shoot, coupled with an SB-600. I would prefer a lens with some zoom so I am not fixed at 85mm, as I do have a fixed 50mm 1.4 but still may go with the fixed 85mm 1.8. The 24-120 has VR but is a bit slower than the 24-85mm closed down. Any suggestions? Thanks

[Joves]

Myself I think I would use the 24-120. It has a greater range to work with except for the f-ratio being a little high for the indoor shot. But that is why they make flashes and, higher ISOs. It will save you time by being ale to pan out for groups or, zooming in for the couple or individuals from one set up. Also VR is great so you can do alot of random handheld cameo shots as, well.

[Seymore]

The sharpness of the 85/1.8 can't be beat by any zoom lens, IMPO. This lens and the SB600 is the best combo. (based on your list)

[J.T.]

thanks for your opinions.

[SloYerRoll]

I agree w/ Seymore.
Given the glass you already have. The 85 1.8 will compliment your arsenal best. It's also a great piece of glass!

[zigzag]

I have a 24-120 VR and I would not consider it adequate for a wedding photographer. I like the lens for walkaround, but I think the 85 is your best bet. The 24-85 is not well known but is highly rated at least by Bjorn.

[J.T.]

I have a 24-120 VR and I would not consider it adequate for a wedding photographer. I like the lens for walkaround, but I think the 85 is your best bet. The 24-85 is not well known but is highly rated at least by Bjorn.

Great advice from sloyerol in previous post, thanks.

I think I will probably go with the 85mm but in regards to your post, you said the 24-85 is highly rated by bjorn? Where is that info? I wanted to see what that says? Thanks

[Mitchell]

Think outside the box here.

Sell your 18-55mm and put the money towards a used 28-70mm, f2.8. This is my favorite zoom with a nice range and great speed. The price of these are dropping with it's replacement by the new 24-70mm, f2.8. This lens lives on my camera 90% of the time and works great for portraits and reception photos.

[Seymore]

...but in regards to your post, you said the 24-85 is highly rated by bjorn? Where is that info? I wanted to see what that says? Thanks

http://www.naturfotograf.com/lens_zoom_01.html#AFS24-85G

[J.T.]

Think outside the box here.

Sell your 18-55mm and put the money towards a used 28-70mm, f2.8. This is my favorite zoom with a nice range and great speed. The price of these are dropping with it's replacement by the new 24-70mm, f2.8. This lens lives on my camera 90% of the time and works great for portraits and reception photos.

good point!

[J.T.]

http://www.naturfotograf.com/lens_zoom_01.html#AFS24-85G

got it thanks! good information on the site!