The Best and Cheapest Portrait Lens for Nikon D5200: A Comprehensive Guide
Choosing the right portrait lens for your Nikon D5200 can significantly impact the quality of your photos. While the kit lens (18–55mm) works for a range of shots, dedicated portrait lenses can offer more control and professional results. Let's explore the best options, focusing on the 50mm prime lens, which is a staple in the photography industry.
Why Use a Fixed Length Prime Lens for Portraits?
When it comes to portraits, a fixed length prime lens is often the top choice. These lenses offer several advantages, including a shallower depth of field, which results in a smoother background (bokeh) and a more professional look. Commonly used primes for portraits are the 50mm and 35mm lenses. Personally, I have a strong preference for the 50mm prime due to its versatility and great results.
50mm Prime Lens: Your Best Bets
For the 50mm prime lens, there are two notable models from Nikon: the 50mm f/1.8 D and the 50mm f/1.8 G. Both lenses are in the same price range, with the 50mm f/1.8 D starting at around 6.5k INR and the 50mm f/1.8 G at around 10k INR. The 50mm f/1.8 D is an autofocus lens, but it is only compatible with certain cameras. For the Nikon D5200, it is recommended to go for the 50mm f/1.8 G, which is an autofocus lens designed specifically for this model.
Recommended Lens: Nikon 50mm f/1.8g
The Nikon 50mm f/1.8g is an excellent lens for portraiture and other detailed photography. Here are some reasons why it is highly recommended:
Excellent Bokeh: With an aperture of 1.8, this lens delivers stunning bokeh, which is the out-of-focus background that helps separate your subject from the background. Macro Capabilities: The 50mm f/1.8g can also be used for macro photography, allowing you to capture detailed close-ups of small subjects. Low Light Performance: The large aperture of f/1.8 makes this lens ideal for low light conditions, where it can deliver well-lit images with minimal noise.This lens is a great addition to any Nikon D5200 user's arsenal, offering a versatile and affordable option for both portraits and other types of photography.
Conclusion
Investing in a high-quality portrait lens can elevate your photography to new heights. Whether you choose the 50mm f/1.8 D or the 50mm f/1.8 G for the D5200, you are making a wise investment. The Nikon 50mm f/1.8g stands out for its exceptional bokeh, macro capabilities, and performance in low light conditions. So, whether you are an amateur or a professional photographer, this lens is a must-have for capturing beautiful portraits.
Hope this helps!