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"best" portrait lens
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Johnny McMillan, good to see you back-
good picture too- I’d say that wasn’t done with the 50mm bit of your zoom,
unless it’s a crop-Getting up close might be a good exercise for a photographer,
but it might not be very flattering for your sitter-
unless they have a very tiny nose-Not all models are professionals either-
and getting up close to somebody who isn’t used to it,
invading their personal space,
might lead to unwanted reactions-Of course, there are different types of portraiture;
sometimes a less than flattering picture is called for,
and a shorter lens up close can sometimes provide that-Nobody is limited to one lens, or one technique, unless they set themselves that discipline…
j
Poulet et Lait… wrote:
I like to get up close with people and just break down that barrier between the photographer and the model instead of standing 10-15 feet away with something like a 70-200mm. Recently though I use a 28-70mm but only use it at the 70mm end, but wouldn’t dare go past the 70mm…
The main reason for using a longer lens isn’t so that the photographer can put some distance between themselves and their subject (who, incidentally, won’t always be a model), but so that they capture a more flattering image of their subject, as a result of the compressed perspective that comes with using a telephoto lens. The other important benefit of using a telephoto lens is that one has much tighter control of the background, which, unless one is shooting in a studio, can often be a major distraction if not controlled properly.
As to breaking down the barrier between the photographer and the model (or subject), a relaxed chat over a cup of coffee before the shoot starts is far more likely to break down any barriers that might exist than being up “close and personal” with a short lens, where you could end up invading the subjects personal space and make them feel threatened and ill at ease. That in itself can still result in some pretty powerful portraits, so I certainly wouldn’t knock it.
jb7 wrote:
Nobody is limited to one lens, or one technique, unless they set themselves that discipline…
j
Couldn’t agree more. Learn the strengths and weaknesses of your tools and when to use and not use them as the case may be.
My fav lens for portraits is the 135mm F2 on the 5D. Next is a 85mm f1.8 then a 500mm F4 for super extra creamy bokeh!
My favorite portrait lens ever was a Canon FD 85mm f1.2L, long since gone but saving for the AF version, only downside was the bulk.
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