DSLR camera lens question

I have a Nikon d80. I know some of you ladies have SLRs so I was wondering if someone might know...

I have a 15-55 lens and a 55-200 lens. With the 15-55 lens, I can't get the depth of field (blurred background), but with the 55-200, I need to be so far away from the subject and zoom in for that effect.

So, my ? is, is there a specific lens that I can use to get that blurred background but be closer to the subject? I think I have heard of a portrait lens. Will that do it? I'm pretty new at this. Any info would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

Re: DSLR camera lens question

Bear with me, but someone will correct me if I am wrong...

I think you want to get a lens that has a lower apperture (f-stop) that either of your 2 lenses currently have. So far, my best lens for this is a fixed lens, my 50mm f/1.4.

Re: DSLR camera lens question

I have a fixed 50mm f/1.4 for my Canon - (its nicknamed the nifty fifty lens)...takes great pics.

Re: DSLR camera lens question

yep that is what you need low f-stop 1.something - i have the same as above. Do all my portraits with that now.

Re: DSLR camera lens question

thanks ladies!

And that gives you the blurred background without being a zoom lens?

Too bad I have to wait til Oct to get one for my b-day haha

Re: DSLR camera lens question

Just for a little info, the reason you want the wider aperature (lower f-stop number) is you will have more flexibility with your lens. A wider aperature is a faster lens, it can take pictures in lower light situations as well as give you more ability to play with depth of field (how much of your composition is in focus) The wider the aperture the narrower your depth of field, so you could focus on one element in your composition and the rest would be less in focus.

Generally the faster the lens the more expensive, I tend to put speed above focal length of a lens, I would rather have a few really good lenses to cover a focal length range than 1 lens that covers a wide range of focal lengths but does not have a very wide aperature.

HTH