Best Portrait Lens For Nikon D3500 (2024 Updated)

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As a photographer, you know that the right lens can make all the difference in capturing the perfect portrait. With so many options on the market, it can be overwhelming to decide which lens is the best fit for your Nikon D3500 camera. In this article, we will discuss the key points to consider when searching for the best portrait lens for your Nikon D3500.

Firstly, aperture is a crucial factor to consider when choosing a portrait lens. A wide aperture allows more light to enter the lens, resulting in a shallow depth of field, which beautifully blurs the background and draws attention to the subject. A lens with an aperture of f/1.8 or wider is ideal for portrait photography.

Secondly, focal length is another important aspect to consider. A focal length of 50mm or above is recommended for portrait photography, as it allows you to capture a flattering angle without distorting the subject's features.

Thirdly, image stabilization can be a game-changer in low-light situations. A lens with built-in image stabilization allows you to shoot at slower shutter speeds without worrying about camera shake, resulting in sharp and clear images.

Fourthly, lens compatibility with your camera is crucial. Nikon offers a range of lenses that are compatible with the Nikon D3500, so make sure to choose a lens that is specifically designed for your camera.

Lastly, consider your budget when choosing a portrait lens. There are various lenses available at different price points, so it's essential to find a lens that fits your budget and meets your photography needs.

In summary, when searching for the best portrait lens for your Nikon D3500, consider the aperture, focal length, image stabilization, lens compatibility, and budget. By keeping these key points in mind, you'll be able to find a lens that suits your photography style and captures stunning portraits.

10 Best Portrait Lens For Nikon D3500

1. Lightdow 85mm F1.8 Portrait Lens For Nikon Full Frame Cameras.

The Lightdow 85mm F1.8 Medium Telephoto Manual Focus Full Frame Portrait Lens for Nikon DSLR cameras is a high-quality lens designed for professional photographers. It is important to note that this lens is a manual lens, meaning it has no electronic contacts, and the camera will not detect it when mounted. Therefore, photographers must switch to MF mode to use this lens correctly.

To use this lens, photographers must follow a few tips. Firstly, they need to set the mode dial to Manual (M) and the Release w/o Lens option in the camera menu to Enable. Secondly, the Shutter lock option in the camera menu must be set to Off: no lens. This will enable the photographer to use the lens to its full potential.

The Lightdow 85mm F1.8 Medium Telephoto Manual Focus Full Frame Portrait Lens is suitable for experienced photographers who have excellent knowledge of camera equipment. It requires complete manual focus operation on the DSLR camera to align with the lens body, which may not be suitable for SLR beginners.

This lens is compatible with a wide range of Nikon DSLR cameras, including the D850, D810, D800, D750, D700, D610, D300, D3100, D3200, D3300, D3400, D5100, D5200, D5300, D5500, D5600, D7000, D7100, D7200, D7500, D50, D60, D90, Df, D3, and D3X. This makes it a versatile lens that can be used with a variety of Nikon cameras.

The Lightdow 85mm F1.8 Medium Telephoto Manual Focus Full Frame Portrait Lens features eight pieces of circular aperture, smooth and large focus rings, internal focusing (IF), hybrid aspherical lenses (H-ASP), and ultra multi-coating (UMC). These features help to produce high-quality images with a pleasing bokeh quality, which enhances shallow depth of field images.

In summary, the Lightdow 85mm F1.8 Medium Telephoto Manual Focus Full Frame Portrait Lens is a high-quality lens designed for professional photographers. It requires complete manual focus operation and is recommended for photographers with excellent experience in equipment. It is compatible with a wide range of Nikon DSLR cameras and features several advanced features that help to produce high-quality images with a pleasing bokeh quality.

2. Meike 85mm F1.8 Auto Focus Lens For Nikon F Mount Dslr Cameras.

The Meike 85mm F1.8 Auto Focus Full Frame Large Aperture Lens is a must-have for portrait, subject, architecture, and landscape photographers. This lens is specifically designed for Nikon F Mount DSLR cameras such as D850, D750, D780, D610, D3200, D3300, D3400, D3500, D5500, D5600, D5300, D5100, D7200, and other F mount cameras.

One of the key features of this lens is its wide aperture of f1.8 with 9 diaphragm blades. The wide aperture is perfect for producing super smooth round blur effect (bokeh), making it ideal for portrait photography. The 9 diaphragm blades ensure that the bokeh is well-defined and aesthetically pleasing.

The lens construction is made up of 9 elements in 6 groups with decent build quality, which enables it to deliver sharp and clear images. The lens is built to last and can withstand frequent use, making it perfect for professional photographers.

In addition to being compatible with Nikon APS-C frame cameras, the lens also has an equivalent focal length of 127.5mm. This makes it ideal for capturing subjects from a distance, without compromising on image quality.

The Meike 85mm F1.8 Auto Focus Full Frame Large Aperture Lens also features a micro USB firmware upgrade interface, which enables users to upgrade the lens online. This ensures that the lens is always up-to-date and performing at its best.

In summary, the Meike 85mm F1.8 Auto Focus Full Frame Large Aperture Lens is a high-quality lens that is perfect for professional photographers. With its wide aperture, solid build quality, and micro USB firmware upgrade interface, this lens is a great investment for anyone looking to take their photography to the next level.

3. Meike 85mm F1.8 Auto Focus Telephoto Lens For Nikon Full Frame And Aps-C Dslr Cameras.

The Meike 85mm f1.8 Wide Aperture Full Frame Auto Focus Telephoto Lens is a high-quality lens compatible with Nikon F mount full frame mirrorless cameras, such as D610 D750 D780 D810 D850 D3300 D3500 D5100 D5200 D5300 D7100 D7200 cameras and other digital DSLR cameras with standard stand. This lens is perfect for capturing beautiful photos with a smooth background blur effect, even in low light conditions.

With a wide aperture of f/1.8, this classic 85mm portrait lens is ideal for a wide range of subjects, including selective architecture, landscapes, portrait, short range sports, and theatre photography. The lens is capable of delivering sharp images with its 6 groups, 11 elements construction, making it an excellent choice for both amateur and professional photographers.

The lens is equipped with automatic aperture and auto focus capabilities, making it easy to use for photographers of all skill levels. Additionally, the lens features electronic contacts and a USB connection that can be used to upgrade the lens firmware, ensuring that it remains up-to-date and compatible with the latest camera technology.

Measuring at 79mm x 75mm and weighing only 420g, this lens is compact and lightweight, making it easy to carry around and use for extended periods. It also comes with a lens hood to reduce unwanted light and glare, ensuring that your photos come out perfectly every time.

In conclusion, the Meike 85mm f1.8 Wide Aperture Full Frame Auto Focus Telephoto Lens is an excellent choice for photographers looking for a high-quality lens that is compatible with Nikon F mount full frame mirrorless cameras. With its wide aperture, auto focus capabilities, and sharp image delivery, this lens is perfect for capturing beautiful photos in a wide range of settings.

4. Jintu 85mm F1.8 Portrait Lens For Nikon Dslr Cameras.

The JINTU 85mm f1.8 Large Aperture Portrait Manual Focus Telephoto Lens is a high-performance lens compatible with Nikon Digital SLR cameras such as the D3500, D3400, D3200, D3300, D5600, D5100, D5200, D5500, D7100, D7500, D3100, and D90. This lens is designed to produce stunning portraits and natural images with its large aperture of f/1.8 and virtual background effect, making it a perfect choice for portrait photographers.

As a manual lens, the camera will not detect the lens when mounted, so it is essential to switch to MF mode before using it. Before use, the user should lock the "Lock-Open" ring on the lens body to ensure the lens is securely attached to the camera. The user should also set the mode dial to Manual (M), enable the Release w/o Lens option in the camera menu, and turn off the Shutter lock option in the camera menu to use the lens correctly.

The lens construction comprises six high-performance glass elements in six groups, including one Hybrid Aspherical element (ASP). With a focal length of 85 millimeters and a closest focusing distance of 3.2 feet, this lens provides excellent image quality with a natural angle of view and perspective ideal for portraits and natural images. The aperture range of f/1.8 – f/22 provides great control over the depth of field for the desired effect.

In case of dark or white images, the user can adjust the camera speed or ISO to resolve the issue. For white images, the user should set a faster shutter speed, such as 1/100s to 1/250s to 1/500s, until the image is normal. For dark images, the user should set a lower shutter speed, such as 1/500s to 1/250s to 1/100s, until the image is normal. The user should also use a tripod and remote to keep the image stable.

The lens is widely compatible with Nikon cameras, including D5, D4S, Df, D4, D850, D810, D800, D800E, D300S, D610, D600, D7500, D7200, D7100, D7000, D5600, D5300, D5200, D5100, D5000, D90, D3400, D3300, D3200, D3100, D3S, D750, D700, D500, D1, D1H, D100, D2H, D1X, D70, D2X, D50, D70s, D2Hs, D200, D80, D2Xs, D40, and D40X.

This lens features HD, super-multicoated optics for sharper images and an all-metal solid construction for durability and longevity. Overall, the JINTU 85mm f1.8 Large Aperture Portrait Manual Focus Telephoto Lens is an excellent choice for portrait photographers looking for a high-quality lens that produces stunning images with great control over the depth of field.

5. Nikon Nikkor Z 85mm F/1.8 S Portrait Fast Prime Lens For Nikon Z Mirrorless Cameras

The NIKON NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S Portrait Fast Prime Lens is a high-quality lens designed for use with Nikon Z mirrorless cameras. This lens is ideal for portrait photography, with a fast f/1.8 maximum aperture that allows for shallow depth of field and beautiful bokeh effects.

At the heart of the lens is a nine-blade diaphragm that produces soft, rounded bokeh, making it perfect for creating stunning portraits with a shallow depth of field. Additionally, the lens features two ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass elements and a Nano Crystal Coating that ensures lifelike accuracy and exceptional image quality.

The lens is also dust and drip-resistant, with extensive sealing to keep out dust and moisture, making it ideal for use in harsh environments. This feature ensures that the lens remains functional even in wet or dusty conditions, making it a great choice for outdoor photography.

One of the standout features of the NIKON NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S Portrait Fast Prime Lens is the customizable control ring. This ring can be assigned to various functions such as aperture control, exposure compensation, or ISO adjustment, providing photographers with greater control over their images.

In terms of performance, this lens is incredibly sharp, even when used wide open at f/1.8. This makes it perfect for creating stunning portraits with a shallow depth of field, as well as for low-light photography. Additionally, the lens has a fast and quiet autofocus system that makes it easy to capture sharp and accurate images.

In conclusion, the NIKON NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S Portrait Fast Prime Lens is an excellent choice for photographers who want to capture stunning portraits with a shallow depth of field. With its fast maximum aperture, customizable control ring, and top-notch image quality, this lens is an excellent choice for any Nikon Z mirrorless camera user.

6. Nikon Af-S Nikkor 50mm F/1.8g Lens

The Nikon AF-S Nikkor 50mm f/1.8G Lens is a fast and compact prime lens designed for use with FX format cameras. With a 35mm equivalent picture angle of 47 degrees, this lens provides a high level of versatility for a variety of shooting scenarios. Its maximum reproduction ratio of 0.15X is ideal for capturing detailed images, and the lens is optimized for edge-to-edge sharpness on both FX and DX format DSLRs.

The lens features a newly developed optical system with an aspherical lens element that delivers exceptional image quality across the frame. Additionally, the exclusive Nikon Silent Wave Motor (SWM) ensures quick and quiet autofocus, making it easy to capture sharp images in a wide range of lighting conditions.

The lens also includes an M/A focus mode switch that enables quick switching between autofocus and manual focus modes, providing greater flexibility and control over the shooting experience.

With a focal length of 50mm and a minimum focus distance of 1.48 feet (0.45 meters), this lens is ideal for capturing portraits, landscapes, and street photography. Its compact size makes it easy to carry around, and the 58mm filter thread allows for the use of a variety of filters to enhance the shooting experience.

The lens is not zoomable, but its fixed focal length allows for greater control over depth of field and makes it an ideal choice for low light photography.

In terms of dimensions, the lens measures approximately 2.83 inches in diameter and 2.01 inches in length from the camera lens mounting flange. Overall, the Nikon AF-S Nikkor 50mm f/1.8G Lens is a versatile and high-performing lens that delivers exceptional image quality and ease of use for photographers of all skill levels.

7. Nikon Af-S Dx Nikkor 35mm F/1.8g Lens With Auto Focus For Nikon Dslr Cameras, 2183, Black

The Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G Lens with Auto Focus for Nikon DSLR Cameras, 2183, Black is a high-quality lens designed for use with Nikon DSLR cameras. This F mount lens is specifically designed for use with the DX format, providing a picture angle of 44 degrees, which is equivalent to a 52.5 millimeter lens in 35-millimeter format.

The lens features a rear focusing system and manual focus override, which allows for precise focus control. Its aperture range is from F/1.8 to 22, making it ideal for shooting in low-light conditions or for creating a shallow depth of field. The lens dimensions are approximately 70 x 52.5 millimeter, making it compact and lightweight.

The Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G Lens features a silent wave motor AF system, which provides fast and quiet auto focus performance. The lens also accepts screw-on type filters, making it easy to add a filter to the lens for additional creative control.

The lens construction consists of eight elements in six groups, providing high-quality optical performance. The lens is compatible with both DX and FX format cameras, and when used with a DX camera, it provides a maximum reproduction ratio of 0.16x.

While this lens is not zoomable, its fixed focal length provides excellent image quality and is ideal for a wide range of photography, including portraits, landscapes, and street photography. It is a versatile lens that is perfect for both amateur and professional photographers who want to capture stunning images with their Nikon DSLR cameras.

8. Nikon 8mm F/3.0 Aspherical Fisheye Lens For Dslrs

The Altura Photo 8mm f/3.0 Professional Wide Angle Lens is a powerful tool for Nikon DSLR camera owners who want to capture stunningly detailed and immersive images. Its exceptional build quality includes metal construction and a hybrid aspherical element, as well as a multi-layer lens coating that produces sharply defined images.

This wide angle lens Nikon features manual focus and a removable hood that allows for breathtaking 180° views. It is not compatible with autofocus, but this is normal and does not detract from the lens's performance. Additionally, the lens is compatible with all Nikon APS-C cameras, including the D3200, D3300, D3400, D3500, D5200, D5300, D5500, D5600, D7100, D7200, D7500, and D500. It is also compatible with full-frame cameras, but users should keep in mind that it will produce a more circular "360" image with black vignette borders.

This Altura Photo lens comes with a custom-designed protective case for safe storage, making it an essential Nikon camera accessory. Additionally, the lens is backed by a 90-day satisfaction guarantee, ensuring that users can enjoy peace of mind and confidence in their purchase.

Overall, the Altura Photo 8mm f/3.0 Professional Wide Angle Lens is an exceptional choice for Nikon camera owners who want to capture breathtaking, immersive images. Its exceptional build quality, manual focus, and compatibility with a wide range of Nikon cameras make it a versatile and powerful tool that will help users unlock their creativity and capture stunning images.

9. Nikon Af Fx Nikkor 50mm F/1.8d Lens For Nikon Dslr Cameras

The Nikon AF FX NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8D Lens is a high-quality lens designed for Nikon DSLR cameras. It is a versatile lens that is perfect for a wide range of photography applications, including travel and portrait photography.

One of the key features of this lens is its autofocus system, which is compatible with select Nikon DSLRs that support D-type lenses and have an autofocus motor. This allows for quick and accurate autofocus, making it easier to capture sharp and clear images. However, it is important to note that this lens will not autofocus with certain Nikon DSLRs, including the D3000, D3100, D3200, D3300, D3400, D3500, D5000, D5100, D5200, D5300, D5500, D5600, D40, D40X, and D60. These cameras will only allow for manual focus with AF-D type lenses.

The focal length of this lens is 50mm on FX cameras, and 75mm on DX cameras. This makes it a great lens for shooting full-length portraits in available light, as well as for general travel photography. The wide aperture of f/1.8 allows for excellent low-light performance, making it easier to capture sharp and clear images in dimly lit environments.

Overall, the Nikon AF FX NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8D Lens is a high-quality lens that is perfect for photographers who want a versatile lens for a wide range of applications. Its autofocus system and wide aperture make it easy to capture sharp and clear images, while its compact size makes it easy to travel with. Whether you are a professional photographer or an amateur enthusiast, this lens is a great choice for anyone who wants to take their photography to the next level.

10. Nikon 24-70mm F/2.8e Ed Vr Af-S Fx Zoom Lens For Nikon Dslr Cameras.

The Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8E ED Vibration Reduction Zoom Lens with Auto Focus is a highly advanced and versatile lens designed for Nikon DSLR cameras. With a fast f/2.8 constant aperture and an electromagnetic diaphragm, this lens provides sensational image quality and sharpness with virtually no distortion. It offers a focal length range of 24 to 70 millimeters, making it perfect for capturing a wide range of subjects and scenarios.

One of the standout features of this lens is its minimum focus distance, which varies depending on the focal length. At 35 to 50 millimeter focal length, the minimum focus distance is 1.2 feet (0.38 meter) from the focal plane, while at 24, 28, and 70 millimeter focal lengths, it is 1.3 feet (0.41 meter) from the focal plane. Additionally, the lens has a maximum diameter of approximately 88.0 millimeters and a distance from the camera lens mount flange of 154.5 millimeters.

Another key feature of this lens is its 4 stops of Vibration Reduction, which makes it ideal for handheld and low light shooting. This technology helps to minimize camera shake and produce sharper images, even in challenging lighting conditions. Additionally, the lens has nonstick glass that makes it easier to wipe off water, dirt, and smudges, ensuring that your images always look their best.

The Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8E ED Vibration Reduction Zoom Lens with Auto Focus is the evolution of Nikon's legendary 24 to 70 millimeter workhorse. It is a type F mount, Type E AF S lens with built-in CPU and F mount, and has 20 lens elements. With its advanced features and exceptional performance, this lens is a must-have for serious photographers who demand the best in their equipment.

Best Portrait Lens For Nikon D3500 FAQs

Are prime or zoom lenses better for portrait photography on the Nikon D3500?

Both prime and zoom lenses can be used effectively for portrait photography on the Nikon D3500. However, prime lenses are generally preferred by professional photographers due to their wider apertures and better image quality. Prime lenses are also lighter and more compact than zoom lenses, making them easier to handle and perfect for shooting in low light conditions.

On the other hand, zoom lenses offer greater versatility and flexibility, allowing photographers to adjust their focal length and composition quickly and efficiently. They are also ideal for capturing candid shots and group portraits.

In conclusion, both prime and zoom lenses have their advantages and disadvantages when it comes to portrait photography on the Nikon D3500. The choice ultimately depends on the photographer's personal preferences and shooting style.

What are the top portrait lenses for the Nikon D3500?

The Nikon D3500 is a great entry-level DSLR camera that can produce exceptional portrait photographs. To capture stunning portrait shots, it is important to choose the right lens. Here are some of the top portrait lenses for the Nikon D3500:

1. Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G Lens – This lens is perfect for capturing sharp portraits with a shallow depth of field and beautiful bokeh.

2. Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8G Lens – This lens is a popular choice among portrait photographers for its excellent low-light performance and sharpness.

3. Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.8G Lens – This lens is ideal for capturing stunning portraits with a creamy bokeh and excellent sharpness.

4. Tamron SP 45mm f/1.8 Di VC USD Lens – This lens is a great option for portrait photographers who want image stabilization and a versatile focal length.

Overall, these lenses can help you capture stunning portrait photos with your Nikon D3500.

What features should I look for in a portrait lens for my Nikon D3500?

When looking for a portrait lens for your Nikon D3500, there are a few features to consider. First, a wide aperture is important for creating a shallow depth of field and separating the subject from the background. Look for lenses with an aperture of f/2.8 or wider. Second, focal length is also important. A medium telephoto lens with a focal length between 50mm and 85mm is ideal for portraits as it allows you to capture the subject's face without any distortion. Image stabilization can also be helpful in low light situations. Finally, consider the build quality and weight of the lens, as you will likely be carrying it around for extended periods of time. Overall, a good portrait lens for the Nikon D3500 should have a wide aperture, medium telephoto focal length, image stabilization, and solid build quality.

What focal length is best for portrait photography on the Nikon D3500?

The best focal length for portrait photography on the Nikon D3500 depends on the type of portrait being taken and the photographer's personal preference. However, most professional photographers recommend using a focal length between 50mm and 85mm for headshots and close-up portraits. This range allows for a flattering perspective without distorting the subject's features.

For full-body portraits or environmental portraits, a wider focal length such as 35mm or 24mm can be used to capture more of the surroundings. Keep in mind that wider focal lengths can cause distortion if the subject is too close to the camera.

Ultimately, the choice of focal length should be based on the desired composition and the photographer's artistic vision. Experimenting with different focal lengths is a great way to find the perfect lens for your individual style.

Which Nikon lenses are compatible with the D3500 for portrait photography?

The Nikon D3500 is compatible with all Nikon F-mount lenses, including both DX and FX formats. For portrait photography, prime lenses with a wide aperture are recommended to achieve a shallow depth of field and blurred background. The AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8G is a popular choice for portrait photography due to its affordability and excellent image quality. The AF-S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.8G is another option for those looking for a slightly longer focal length. Additionally, the AF-S NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G and the AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-140mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR are versatile options for portrait photography, offering a wider angle of view while still delivering pleasing bokeh. Overall, the choice of lens will depend on the photographer's specific needs and style.

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