I'm being forced into a smaller studio at work, so I need to find a lens that is shorter than my 85 prime for head and shoulder shots. This lens will not only be used in studio, but studio use is the main reason for the purchase. I am debating between a 50/1.4 or 24-70/2.8. I will be using a crop body in studio, but I need it to work on FF, as well. I know that I won't be shooting wide open when in studio, but I tend to shoot wide open in everything else I shoot outside of the studio. Any advice for or against either would be great. Thanks!
Thanks for the suggestions! anything negative about the 50 prime in studio?
Gregg and Rick - You don't think a 35 prime would be a bit too short for head and shoulder shots? I guess if I have no room, it's better than a 50 prime, but I'm wondering about distortion if I get close.
shatterkiss - I have heard great things about the Canon 17-55/2.8, but I need to keep FF in mind, even though the studio use will be on a crop body for now. Your recommendations are always appreciated. I'm loving that Pelican 1510 you recommended to me earlier in the year. It really kept my gear safe during multiple treks in plane bellies.
I use a 35L and 85L in the studio most of the time. You definitely won't want to use the 35L for anything smaller than a half-body shot. If 85 is too long, get the 50 1.4. 24-70L is a great lens but it's a lot heavier, more expensive, and not quite as sharp. :->
The 35/1.4 and 85 are two of Canon finest optics. But let's face it, in the studio they are not as versatile as a zoom (especially in a small envirnoment) and the difference between them and a 24-70 or some other quality zoom at typical studio working apertures is not significant.
The 24-70L and the 24-105L on the other hand are much more versatile lenses and perform comparably at typical studio apertures. The plus to the 24-70 is that it is a better corrected lens in the lower end. Lack of IS is not an issue but the size and weight can be. For us the 24-105L is not that useable below 35mm, but the 105mm makes it a good studio portrait lens. The real surprise is the Tamron 28-75/2.8, which is considerably smaller and lighter weight than the 24-70L and performs to it's EQUAL between f4 and f16. It doesn't extend to 24mm, like either of the Canon lenses but, like IS, this is not an issue for us in the studio. And although it does not go to 105, it clearly outperforms the 24-105L in the lower zoom range. Focusing is notably faster on the Canon's but the Tamron is quite acceptable in the studio. If price is an issue, the Tamron 28-75/2.8 in a zoom and the Canon 50/14 in a prime are no brainers, especially for a crop camera. And both will work on FF cameras as well.
gillyohan wrote:
I have heard great things about the Canon 17-55/2.8, but I need to keep FF in mind, even though the studio use will be on a crop body for now.
I'm actually speaking from Nikon-land, so I can't comment on the Canon version of that focal range...I love my Nikkor version, which is just a beautiful lens, but I do find the range to be a good utility coverage for studio work. I'm less bothered by wide-angle distortion, as my work isn't as hurt by it as more conservative styles might be.
I'm loving that Pelican 1510 you recommended to me earlier in the year. It really kept my gear safe during multiple treks in plane bellies.
Glad to hear it! I'm actually considering picking up a second for traveling with my AcuteB pack and a single head, but I've since moved my cameras and lenses to a Tamrac ProRoller 2 bag: I wouldn't be comfortable checking it, but its a couple of inches larger in each direction and has a somewhat usable laptop sleeve on the outside of the bag. The wheels are larger and more comfortable as well. It's become my default photo carry-on.
I really appreciate all the advice. Studio work is my weakest area, so everything you all share is good learning for me. Any further advice is always appreciated.
bacilonur - thanks for the advice. Price is apparently not the biggest issue, though I do need to be reasonable. I agree that 35mm is not the best for head and shoulders, though I do use that focal length for other types of shots.
Carmen - the versatility of the zoom is what is tempting me, though I prefer primes that will open pretty wide in general. True that the Tamron 28-75/2.8 will work on a FF body, too. I used to have that lens personally, but don't really want to go back to it if possible. Since I'm not paying for this lens (work is), I want to try to get the higher quality lens (not just in IQ).
shatterkiss - Personally, I enjoy using wide angle lenses for freelance work (seniors, weddings, etc.), but for my office, they are a bit more conservative, though I am trying to break them out of it. For this specific use, I will definitely need something that will give me undistorted proportions.
shatterkiss wrote:
I'm actually considering picking up a second for traveling with my AcuteB pack and a single head, but I've since moved my cameras and lenses to a Tamrac ProRoller 2 bag: I wouldn't be comfortable checking it, but its a couple of inches larger in each direction and has a somewhat usable laptop sleeve on the outside of the bag. The wheels are larger and more comfortable as well. It's become my default photo carry-on.
What would happen if they required you to check the Tamrac? I don't think I could handle the anxiety of that happening anymore, so I just need to stick with my Peli, though it is a bit restricting in size. It's a nice little stand for when I need a little bit more height, too...or just a place to sit and rest.
Honestly, I tend to grab the 24-70L in almost ALL my in studio situations.
I know the 50 1.4 is cheaper, but with studio lighting, you'll want the option to zoom etc..
The 24-70L gives great picture quality, color sharpness etc..
gillyohan wrote:
... but for my office, they are a bit more conservative, though I am trying to break them out of it. For this specific use, I will definitely need something that will give me undistorted proportions.
I do conservative head-and-shoulders, and geometry is pretty constrained: on FF 135, I use 100mm @ f/5.6, with distance 1.5m or so. That will surely fit a small shooting space, although bg distance and stray light may create headaches.
gillyohan wrote:
What would happen if they required you to check the Tamrac? I don't think I could handle the anxiety of that happening anymore, so I just need to stick with my Peli, though it is a bit restricting in size. It's a nice little stand for when I need a little bit more height, too...or just a place to sit and rest.
Agreed on the Pelican - it's a great little case. My biggest complaint with it is the lack of ability to store a laptop as well, even a small one. The only way to manage that that I've seen involved a special foam cut for the lid that stapped a laptop in there, but it looked a little dicey and I use the lid organizer in my cases.
If I had to check the Tamrac I'd be a little nervous, but I think I'd be okay - the thing is really rigid and durable. And I usually have a handful of "fragile" stickers and tags in my travel bags just to be safe. Regardless, I'd first beg and plead to have it stowed in the first class coat closet, but if the plane was too small for that I know it'd survive being gate-checked. I always check out the size of planes in advance and tend to know what to expect from their overhead compartments before I arrive at the airport.
In the studio, the weight wont be too much to worry about as you can always put the camera on the table/tripod anytime if your are tired carrying it. I'm 5'7" (130lbs) and I can work with the 24-70 in the studio for hours on end.
As for its sharpness vs teh 50 1.4... can anyone show me a sharper 50mm @ f/8.0 vs a 24-70 also @ 50mm @ f/8.0?
Plus you have basically 38mm to 110mm focal length at your disposal without moving an inch.
Sorry, I assumed you were a Nikon guy so disregard the 35-70 suggestion. If I only had one lens in a small space and couldn't afford a 24-70 I'd want a 50 1.4. You may not get full length images but you probably won't shoot that many anyway.
I think I will try to go for the 24-70. I think space will be pretty restricting, and I want the ability to shoot wider than head and shoulders if I need. I like primes, but I think I need to cover more range first. Thanks for all the advice from everyone.
