I would say that for portraits you want a lens that is between 55mm and 135mm. 55mm is more convenient with APSC cameras.
Here is why:
- less distortion
- less space compression
- more subject isolation/bokeh
- more comfortable (a 35mm lens requires you to come very close to a person to take a portrait. This makes many people uncomfortable)
The DA* 55mm is made for portraits. It has fast aperture, shallow DoF, and renders skin tones very well.
So I wouldn't recommend a 35mm lens for portraits. It would make faces look rounder. Its only good for dramatic or funny portraits, not much for classical, beautiful glam portraits. Under 50mm I would only use for full body portraits or group photos, not for closeup portraits.
The DA 50mm f1.8 is a good compromise. The Samyang 85mm f1.4 is a great portrait lens on a budget (no AF, might have QC problems, but generally has great IQ).
Though, 35mm is a much more convenient lens
overall. It can be used for landscapes, architecture, travel photography - it will do everything well. Its just not spectacular for portraits.
"Worth" is a subjective idea. Someone who makes a living taking portraits might think that a $5000 portrait lens is worth it. Someone who just takes portraits every now and then would find better worth with the <$220 DA 50mm f1.8
Last edited by Na Horuk; 03-17-2014 at 06:28 AM.