Which lens is best for a Nikon D40 for portraits?

I currently have a 55-200mm lens that I love, but I'm wondering what the best lens is for portraits. I find that I have to stand pretty far away with my lens.

Either of the Nikkor AF-S 50 mm lenses will do just fine.

At 55 mm, you should be able to shoot head and shoulder portraits well enough.

Any wider lens, will only distort your subjects face, so don't think a AF-S 35 mm will solve your apparent problem of standing at some distance from your subject.

That's a good one.