Best lens for studio portrait...?

[D_Fivehundred]

I'm looking to get some experience in studio/protrait photography. I'm booking some time at a local studio next week.

I currently have a D90 and I would look to use the 18-105vr kit lens. The widest apeture is 3.5 which I don't think is ideal for this type of work, but at the moment it's all I have in that focal range.

I could be tempted to hire a more suitable lens, especially as I'd be looking to undertake portraits of friends and family shortly after to boost my portfolio (and confidence).

What should I be looking for as a suitable lens? I was looking at the Tamron 17-55 2.8, although I read that it wasn't as good as the Nikon version. I'm also aware that the Tamron 90Di macro is claimed to be an ideal portrait lens... which leads me to another question...? Fixed focal length or zoom??

Thanks, and Merry Christmas!

 

[Danger_Mouse]

for portraits you want to be looking for a focal length of about 85mm so you dont get any distortion on people.

and for studio the widest aperture shouldnt matter as you will be working at about F8 (usualy the sharpest on lenses) then adjusting the light power to match your aperture.

your 18-105 should be fine.

 

[mho]

Take your 18-105 VR

I find it all depends upon the model and is it full length, head, head and shoulders, full set etc, In the studio i use any and a combination of, 85mm, 100mm, 135mm, 200mm and 70-200. There are lots of variables to consider, a lens which may be good for 1 models features may not be the best for another.

 

[D_Fivehundred]

Thanks for the quick replies.

I'll be in touch with the studio tomorrow to book some training, which they do for £19 per hour, tailored to suit my needs, which seems good in my book.

I'll be looking for info and pratical experience on lighting types and setups (and the differences between umbrellas, light boxes, etc), trigger systems, posing models, etc.

I'll report back once I've spent a couple of hours at the studio!

Thanks again

 

[Dman]

I shoot at f/11 with either my 50 or 18-135mm and get good results, the maximum aperture doesn't matter as you won't shoot wide open in a studio.