Archive 2013 · C&C Need some help on deciding the best Canon portrait lens

speakit101
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p.1 #1 · p.1 #1 · C&C Need some help on deciding the best Canon portrait lens

I do a lot of fashion shoots and I currently shoot with Canon 16-35 mm 2.8L v1. It works for now but I hear and see a lot of photographers shooting with the 70-200 2.8 vs II, and the 24-70. I like to do full body shots and I like to get up close enough to do the shot from below to make my model look taller than they actually are. I also like outdoor shots also. I'm wondering if I should sell my 16-35 and upgrade to the 70-200 2.8 vs II, would that cover my full body shot in a small location and what benefit is the 24-70 lens mainly used for. I hope that I'm not confusing anyone. Thanks any c&c is welcome.

Apr 23, 2013 at 09:10 AM

speakit101
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p.1 #2 · p.1 #2 · C&C Need some help on deciding the best Canon portrait lens

And by the way I'm shooting with a 7d.

Apr 23, 2013 at 09:13 AM

jefferies1
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p.1 #3 · p.1 #3 · C&C Need some help on deciding the best Canon portrait lens

For my style I prefer a longer lens for portraits. By portrait I mean a head shot or at least above the waist.Near 100mm and longer. With a 7D that would start around 85mm because it is a crop camera. The 85mm is a lens many love. I would like one but could not make more money with it so it is not worth the investment at this time. I use a 70-200 with good results. I prefer around F4 so my face is in focus with ears going a bit soft. I will also use it on full body shots. My second choice is my 24-70 and I try to keep it closer to 70mm. I am not a fan of wide angle people shots for my use. Some have an interesting look but again not what I usually want. I don't want giant feet or hands due to the wide lens.If anything I want to reduce size. I never and repeat never shoot close and up as you described. Don't like the up the nose look that would have. Again not my style of shot.

Apr 23, 2013 at 10:36 AM

gome1122
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p.1 #4 · p.1 #4 · C&C Need some help on deciding the best Canon portrait lens

Why not rent the lenses in question and try them out to see if they fit your style?

Apr 23, 2013 at 02:11 PM

speakit101
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p.1 #5 · p.1 #5 · C&C Need some help on deciding the best Canon portrait lens

Good points from you both. Especially the renting part. I think that I'll do that. Thanks guys.

Apr 23, 2013 at 02:19 PM

Steve Wylie
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p.1 #6 · p.1 #6 · C&C Need some help on deciding the best Canon portrait lens

I'd never sell my 16-35 for any lens, but the 70-200 is equally important in your bag. As for the 24-70, mine doesn't focus well enough to suit my taste (been to Canon twice now), so I substitute the 24-105. With those three, I can do just about anything (though I also have other primes). They all have their place and different photographers use them effectively to suit their style. For example, conventional wisdom says to shoot portraits (whether fashion, brides, or whatever) with a longer lens, but guys like Joe McNally often will go in wide and tight to capture drama, as long as the subject's position in the frame doesn't result in distortion. Another reason not to ditch your wide angle zoom.

Apr 24, 2013 at 02:07 AM

Jim Rickards
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p.1 #7 · p.1 #7 · C&C Need some help on deciding the best Canon portrait lens

The issue with the wide lenses is distortion, but it seems you've got that figured out and use it to your advantage. Most portrait lens choices are 50, 85 and longer.

Maybe post a few of your wide angle portraits and let us comment on whether there are any issues with distortion.

If you're going to do a lot of portraits, I think some of them should be at longer focal lengths.

Apr 24, 2013 at 12:44 PM

speakit101
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p.1 #8 · p.1 #8 · C&C Need some help on deciding the best Canon portrait lens

Thanks guys will post some of my studio shots later.

Apr 25, 2013 at 07:02 AM

Steve Wylie
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p.1 #9 · p.1 #9 · C&C Need some help on deciding the best Canon portrait lens

I went back and re-read your original post and questions. You ask if the 70-200 would enable you to get full body shots in "a small location". Without knowing exactly how small the location is, I would simply say "no". At best, you'll be at the short end of the range. However, that does not negate the benefits and utility of this lens. Having said that, about 90% of my portrait work, whether full body or closer, is done with my 24-105, usually at the upper end of the range.

Apr 25, 2013 at 10:56 AM


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