sooo i just saw this thread and wanted to help out! i'm still kinda new to this too, but i've been super cautious with my spending lately. for your situation, i would suggest looking at these two options to see which fits ur style: • Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8G: honestly, this is the "safe" pick. it's way under ur $500 budget and works great for portraits on a crop sensor. it's not too long for indoors, which is a HUGE plus for family shots.
• Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.8G: the background blur is AMAZING, but it's more expensive. also, since it's like a 127mm on your camera, you might run out of room indoors... kinda risky imo. lowkey, the 50mm is a total STEAL and basically a must-have first prime. it's way safer for a beginner budget tho. maybe start there? gl!

Hmm, I've had a different experience shooting on crop sensors over the years. While I get the concern about distortion, totally ruling out the 35mm feels like a mistake for someone shooting indoors. On your Nikon D7500, an 85mm becomes a 127mm equivalent—you’re basically gonna be pinned against the wall trying to take a family photo inside! Respectfully, I'd suggest a more conservative, budget-friendly approach that covers all your bases for under $500: 1. Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G: This is a must-have for "environmental" portraits and tight indoor spaces. It’s super reliable and usually only costs about $180-200.
2. Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8G: Honestly, this is the safest bet for portraits on DX. It gives you that 75mm field of view which is perfect for headshots without the distortion. You can find these for around $215. Buying both gives you way more versatility than one Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.8G, which is great glass but often too long for DX users in my experience. gl!

Saving this thread

Honestly, definitely watch out for the 35mm if you're doing close-up portraits. In my experience over the years, I've seen people make this mistake on crop sensors and then wonder why faces look realy distorted... it's just not the right tool for tight headshots. For your situation, I would suggest a 50mm prime. Since you're on DX, it basically acts like a 75mm, which I think is the perfect middle ground. I've tried many setups, and while an 85mm is amazing for bokeh, it can be sooo frustrating indoors because you'll literally be pinning yourself against walls to get the shot. Maybe the 85 is better outdoors, but the 50mm is way more versatile for family stuff and still gets you that pro look and creamy background. It's usually super affordable too, so it's a great first investment. You're gonna love the jump from that kit lens!! cheers

Basically, the thread is split between three distinct styles:

• 35mm for environmental shots (with some distortion risk)
• 50mm as the safe, goldilocks pick
• 85mm for maximum background blur if you have the space Like someone mentioned, that 85mm becomes a pretty long reach on your D7500. Over the years, I've found that while brands like Sigma or Tamron might give you more character or faster apertures for the price, Nikon glass usually just works without any AF micro-adjustments needed. To really figure out what's best for you tho, I've gotta ask: 1. Are you planning to stay with the DX format long-term, or is an upgrade to full-frame on your radar?
• What's the smallest room you typically shoot in when you're doing those indoor shots? If you're in a tiny apartment, that 85mm is gonna be basically useless.