How To Choose The Right Lens For Portrait Photography

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In this next episode of the beginners series, we talk about how to choose the right lens for portrait photography and what decisions and considerations there are when it comes to a purchase decision.

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Beginners guide series:

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[Photo]

Whatever lens gets you out there is the best one. You can portrait on a 35mm, 50mm, 85mm, 24-70mm, 70-200mm, whatever, just get out there!

I for one love 28mm and 35mm for the dramatic wide look.

[Narsuitus]

Portraits (on full-frame cameras):

24 or 28mm - group

35mm - environmental

50mm - full or 3/4 length

85 or 90mm - half-length or head & shoulders

105 or 135mm - tight face

[jasonhoics]

Usually using 35mm f1.8 + 85mm f1.8, just recently added a 35-150mm for convenience.

[stkuj]

I'm still a 35 & 85 photographer, but also 135 is great (but you need to backup a lot). TBH, 50mm is MEH IMO, but do see why it's liked.

[erik.millerson]

As an aspiring portrait photographer, this helped me a lot! Thanks for this video! I was debating to get either a 24-70mm or a 85mm prime and this video made the choice easier! 😊

[LouisLuzuka]

This was a very good practical lesson ❤ with use cases too !

[harryvuemedia]

I used to think all I needed was an 85mm for portraits but boy was I wrong. Now I used 24mm, 35mm, 50mm, 85mm and 135mm for portrait lenses depending on the scene. If its a portrait scene, I will go with 85mm. If My subject is too far out and I need that reach, the 135mm will be the lens to shoot. When I want to capture a landscape shot with the subject, then I'll go with my 24mm or 35mm. For unique and close shots, its either 35mm or 50mm. Only lens I haven't got yet or try is the 14mm so hopefully i can do that soon.

Only time I will use Zoom lenses like the 24-70mm is when our time is short or they have moving kids or we have to move fast because of weather. Very versatile but will not give you that creamy F/1.4 bokeh look. :)

[loutrujillo]

I started with a 35mm and 50mm 1.8. Since I got a 85mm 1.8, this is my go to for portraits. I also started to include a 70-200mm 2.8. I love this also. I am considering now to use a 105mm 1.8

The 85mm is a great lens. To be honest, take any lens and take photo you want. Photography is about your vision. Start with what you have, and then you can invest.

Have fun 🎉

[gabbcabigting]

I am mostly shoot street but I have used a 35 f1.4 GM & 85 f1.4 GM for portrait shoots.The 35 GM is just magic, easy to shoot with. The 85 GM is showing a bit of age already, slow auto focus but images are still tact sharp. I have recently bought a 50 f1.4 GM, and excited to use it for next shoots. 🔥

[LouisLuzuka]

This is my biggest obstacle right now, I went to Whistler bc for my birthday and I just got back and I realize I am really good at wide angle shots but I need to really learn how to use the portrait focal length it’s a big intimidating but I know I can do it, thank you for sharing this with us 🎉❤😊

[stlegend]

Canon rf 50mm f1.2 + rf 28mm f2.8 my combo portrait lens 😮‍💨

[paulvinova]

What I use for portraits/weddings, etc:

Sony a6600 apsc: Tamron 17mm - 70mm, 2.8

Sony a7iv FE with a Samyang 24mm - 70mm, 2.8

Combined with a speedlight, this is all I need for any type of job. Wide angle only comes into when I'm trrying to captue more sky, tree or architecture. Very rarely will I use anything longer, unless a shoot requires higher detail from a greater distance.

[timoohlsen]

Great advice Pat. I agree with you 100%. I have gone with a 50 f1.4 as my first fast prime and love the ‘middle ground’ versatility. Next on my wish list is the 24GM. I use my 90 Macro for some tighter shots but don’t find myself using it that much.

[FrugalWRLD]

Hi. From your opionion as an experienced photographer should i get a Nikon L120 or a Fujifilm S3200

[LouisLuzuka]

Thanks for explaining this to me like I’m five years old 😊

[tmeify]

my first lens is 24mm f1.4, im a bokeh sucker and learn to zoom with my feet

[max_larum]

I'm gonna try to be the first comment on every video until Pat follows me on IG 😂✨