Best cheap Portrait Lens for Nikon D850

[f4-fan]

Dear Nikon friends,

i'm currently looking for an inexpensive portrait lens that gives very good results on the D850. Before my system change to Nikon I had 'unfortunately' one of the best Canon portrait lenses (Canon 85mm 1.2 II),

Here are some of my former sample photos mainly with Canon 5D MK 2/3 and Canon 85mm 1.2 II:
https://www.fotogemeinschaft.de/die-besten-portraetobjektive-fuers-digitale-vollformat/2140/

so I am very spoiled by good bokeh and outstanding sharpness and overall portrait-effect at open aperture.

For my desired lens (Nikon 105mm 1.4 ED) my money is currently not enough.
I'm saving for it but at the moment - after the system change from Canon - it's much too expensive.
The lens should be a cheap  intermediate solution (portraiture insider tip) for the D850

Also the second choice lenses (Nikon 85mm 1.4 Ai-s or AF-Nikon 85mm 1.4 or Nikon 105mm 2.0 DC) are too expensive for me at the moment.

So I'm looking for a lens (105mm and /or 85mm ...; manual or AF) which is up to the requirements of the D850 and doesn't cost more than 100-200 EUR used. (insider tips for the D850)

Which one would you recommend as the best compromise? (Please only Ai or later; no conversion necessary)

And - very important: I need many sample photos (e.g. on Flickr) to be able to judge the bokeh and the overall effect.


Thanks
Ralf

[Birna Rørslett]

I'd suggest the 105/2.5 Nikkor AI.

[MEPER]

I also like the 105/2.5 very much……who does not like this lens?
I also like Nikkor 85/1.8 H or H-C (you need AI-ed version)…...very smooth bokeh but may be difficult to find for less than 200 Euros.
The 85/1.8 AFD may be cheaper…...and it is also a fine lens.....but I have never owned one….only watched some nice images.
I know some does not like the 85/2 manuel focus (you need an AI'ed version). I have some of them…..and I could not find any problems with this lens.....
The 85/2 you should be able find quite cheap.....
The old 135/3.5 and 135/2.8  .....could also be an option.....the 4-lens designs often has a nice bokeh....but is probably not as sharp......but sharp enough for portraits. Some of these old lenses has been AI'ed. I think the 135/2.8 exists both in a four lens and five lens version.......I have them but never used them other than a few test shots. From that I remember that they have a nice bokeh......but have not made a close inspection for sharpness.
 

[MEPER]

At least you can get these old Nikkor 135 very cheap:
http://forum.mflenses.com/nikon-nikkor-q-135mm-f3-5-test-t40101.html

.....but at $30-$50 it may be difficult to compete with a modern Canon bokeh master lens......

[Erik Lund]

To nail focus on the D850, consistently and under portrait conditions I strongly recommend the DC 105mm f/2.0 AF-D

It's so good at many types of images but especially portraits since its sharp enough and has great bokeh and color tonation and graduation

[f4-fan]

To nail focus on the D850, consistently and under portrait conditions I strongly recommend the DC 105mm f/2.0 AF-D

It's so good at many types of images but especially portraits since its sharp enough and has great bokeh and color tonation and graduation

A used version in mint condition costs nearly 2/3 (800-900,-) of a new Nikkor 105mm 1.4  with rebate (1800,- ./. 19 % VAT 1512,- ./. potential rebate of 200,- = 1300)

In the meantime (i.e. until the next discount campaign) I am looking for a particularly inexpensive solution... 

[Erik Lund]

Here it is for 699€ new incl shipping.
E-Infinity camera store

[ColinM]

If none of these work for you, I have a Nikon 180mm f2.8 ED that's in good condition that I rarely use now.

I'm in the UK - message me if this is of interest

[f4-fan]

I'd suggest the 105/2.5 Nikkor AI.

I would like to see example-photos under different lightconditions with the D850, but I cannot find them...

[f4-fan]

Here it is for 699€ new incl shipping.
E-Infinity camera store

Out of stock; AND the shop adress is in Honkong (exclusive of VAT and customs duty) 

[Frank Fremerey]

the 1.8/85G is a superb portrait lens. It even made it to the best lenses list of ming thein:

https://www.google.com/amp/s/blog.mingthein.com/2012/11/23/nikon-85-18g/amp/

it is roughy 300€ used. The 1.8/85D is also phantastic and roughly 100€ cheaper in the used market

[f4-fan]

If none of these work for you, I have a Nikon 180mm f2.8 ED that's in good condition that I rarely use now.

I'm in the UK - message me if this is of interest

I am afraid that a manual 180mm lens without VR on the D850 leads to countless blurred images...

Even for my 35mm lens (1.4) I need at least 1/100 or better 1/160 sec for sharp images.

[f4-fan]

the 1.8/85G is a superb portrait lens. It even made it to the best lenses list of ming thein:

https://www.google.com/amp/s/blog.mingthein.com/2012/11/23/nikon-85-18g/amp/

it is roughy 300€ used. The 1.8/85D is also phantastic and roughly 100€ cheaper in the used market

I personally don't like the look of MTs photos... (too 'perfect' and with a lot of distance)

I am searching for a lens with more subjective 'feeling/look' like the BW Portraits from Stephan Vanfleteren
https://www.stephanvanfleteren.com/artists

Perhaps like the Nikkor 85mm 1.4 Ai-s - but this lens also costs 500-700 EUR

[Tristin]

Another vote here for the manual Nikkor 105/2.5.  Quite cheap, very compact and good quality.

[MEPER]

Yes, 105/2.5 is very good....and also Nikkor-H or HC 85/1.8 (AI'ed).

Found an example of the image quality here (there should be many examples out there):
http://allphotolenses.com/gallery/item/c_1894.html