This group seemed to think that the AFS 17-55 f2.8 was the best wedding lens a while ago. How about today with some newer Nikkor lenses? I'm looking for a recomendation for a portrait studio lens to shoot families of three to six in a tight group setting.

Mel, Full frame camera or DX? I use my full frame camera(s) for studio work and rely on the 28-70 2.8 AFS. Have no experience running DX lenses or cameras for studio work.

The normal 50mm lens is hard to beat for groups that size. You generally want a lens in the 50mm to 85mm length.

I'm shooting full frame. The AFS 24-70 f2.8 is the lens I'm looking to purchase and was looking for feedback. I have the 50mm 1.4 which is a gret lens. Having just purchased a D3s, (and have a D300) I'm rethinking what glass I should keep and which to sell off. Thanks

Billy, Like Mel does, I also have a copy of the 50 1.4. I have to admit that I never have used it as a studio portrait lens. Since I am presently in the middle of rearranging my studio space specifically for family portraits maybe it is time to stick that piece of glass on the end of my camera and see what it does. I sure don't need it at its wide open end with groups of people and I don't think I have used it enough to figure out it's sweet spot yet. Something new to try, thanks for the idea. With my 28-70 I shoot it racked out near the 70 mark.

Mel, A new D3s huh? How nice, that should be fun to play with. Do you have any inclination to shoot any video with it? Have you used the 50 1.4 for portraits in the past or are you like me and the 50 sits in you bags most of the time. Let me know what you end up flying with Mel and how it turns out for you. I am going back into the portrait business this month so any outside information is appreciated.

Interesting how no one is bringing up the 85 1.4 for portraits. I don't own it so I have nothing to say about it. We all know that it is supposed to kick-ass.

I like the 50mm because it focuses fast, easy to see, and little distortion. It's perfect for groups. Gets you close enough to engage the subjects. I also liked the 65mm. I don't have the 65mm anymore, but I have missed it. I use the old Tamron 28-105 a lot for portraits, but it does distort some at the wider setting.

At one time, before autofocus, I had the old 85mm 1.4 and it was great.

The only complaints I had with the 24-70 AF-S (aside from price:-)) were size/weight, no VR, and it seemed to get a lot of lens flare when shooting into the sun. None of those issues would seem important in the studio though. The only reason I don't carry one is getting my head around the extra weight with all the gear I carry, and paying $2K for a non-VR lens when I figure as soon as I do someone will have a VR version.

So I've gone back to my 24-85 f/2.8-4 pseudo-macro for now. I doubt I'd go out of my way to buy one, but I own it and it did yeoman service for me before I got a DX lens, and now that I have an FX camera, I'm back to it.

But I sure don't do portraits or groups for a living so your mileage may vary--David

I am using a 35-70 mm 2.8 for most group shots. (I'm thinking about replacing it with the Sigma 24-79 as I find the push/pull action annoying. Someone joked that there ought to be a flap to put the coal in, but it works fine) Otherwise I use a 50mm 1.8 or 80mm 1.8 for normal portrait work (I don't have the 1.4's).

For a full frame camera you don't want to go too wide or you can get unwanted "wide angle" distortion.

the 17-55 still the best .. but i could assure for you guys that the 50 1.4 or 1.8 is a must for the cropped sensor, my d300s is superb with this lense ..

yap .. i agree with David .. i have tried the 24-85 2.8-4 .. fantastic and very sharp, way better than the 24-120