Looking for infrared portrait lens suggestions

[greben]

My main focus in photography is IR portraiture. I have a Nikon D90 converted with a 720nm filter. I am trying to find a wide aperture, optically stabilized, 24-ish to 70-ish auto focus lens that focuses correctly and has no hot spots. I have found this to be nearly impossible. I own a a Sigma 17-50/2.8 that has a faint hot spot at times at all apertures. I typically shoot between f2.8-f/4. I will need to close the aperture outdoors though. I use my AF35mm f/2 quite a bit. It seems to work well. I have both the Nikon 50/1.4 and 1.8. The 1.8 performs better but not as I had hoped. The 18-105Vr works well but isn't wide aperture. Does anyone have any suggestions?

[Bjørn Rørslett]

Fast lenses and IR make a difficult combination, in particular if the lens in question is a zoom design. You already have found out that.

The 17-55/2.8 AFS Nikkor is pretty good in IR if I recall correctly, but of course is big, heavy, and quite expensive if I recall correctly. I can verify its IR performance with my modified D5300 if you are interested.

Do note that for IR shooting, having filter(s) on the lens can sometimes trigger hot spots. Much safer to have a modified camera with internal filtration.

[greben]

Thanks for the offer. That lens is beyond my budget. I will continue to foot zoom my 35mm.

The D90 is converted. I will be converting a D7000 soon. I don't use any filters on any lens. As you mentioned, issues may arise with their use. I do use a lens hood religiously though.

[Bjørn Rørslett]

Have you ever considered a non-AF lens? The Nikon SE 36-72 mm f/3.5 and the Nikkor 43-86 mm f/3.5 both are excellent IR performers. Both can be had very cheap.

[greben]

I don't trust manual focus. I had cataract surgery in both eyes. That's my excuse anyways!

[Bjørn Rørslett]

A pity as you could acquire excellent IR performing lenses for little money.

[Erik Lund]

The old workhorse 20-35mm AF-D 2.8 is fantastic on an IR converted D200 crisp and sharp

[greben]

A pity as you could acquire excellent IR performing lenses for little money.

I may see what's out there and give it a shot. If they're not expensive, it won't be much lost if it doesn't work for me. Thanks for the suggestions.

[greben]

The old workhorse 20-35mm AF-D 2.8 is fantastic on an IR converted D200 crisp and sharp

Thank you. I will look that one up.

[Olivier]

If you wish to get a stabilized lens, the Tamron 90mm f/2.8 macro lens now exists with OS and is a great performer in IR. No hotspot, and excellent at f/2.8 already.
I have no info about the Tamron 60mm f/2 for IR, but you could look it up, it sounds like a great portrait option for DX.

And welcome!

[greben]

If you wish to get a stabilized lens, the Tamron 90mm f/2.8 macro lens now exists with OS and is a great performer in IR. No hotspot, and excellent at f/2.8 already.
I have no info about the Tamron 60mm f/2 for IR, but you could look it up, it sounds like a great portrait option for DX.

And welcome!

Thank you. I was wondering about this lens.

[Akira]

Hi, Greg, you may want to refer to this section of the Ultraviolet Photography forum:

http://www.ultravioletphotography.com/content/index.php/topic/712-the-infrared-sticky/

Unlike its name, you can get a consummate info on IR lenses.  Scrolling down the page to see some prime AF Nikkors that perform well in IR.  You should bear in mind that the suitability of a lens in IR may depend on the camera it is combined with.

Hope this would be of any help.

[greben]

Hi, Greg, you may want to refer to this section of the Ultraviolet Photography forum:

http://www.ultravioletphotography.com/content/index.php/topic/712-the-infrared-sticky/

Unlike its name, you can get a consummate infor on IR lenses.  Scrolling down the page to see some prime AF Nikkors that performs well in IR.  You should bear in mind that the suitability of a lens in IR may depend on the camera it is combined with.

Hope this would be of any help.

Thank you very much. This does look like a great resource.

[Fons Baerken]

My experience with ir is limited but i had good results on ir d60 with the
17-35/2.8
58/1.4g
85/1.4ais
sigma 15/2.8 fish

[greben]

My experience with ir is limited but i had good results on ir d60 with the
17-35/2.8
58/1.4g
85/1.4ais
sigma 15/2.8 fish

Thank you for the information.