Portrait Lens preferences?


For me I'm addicted to 16mm, 24mm, 35mm, 85mm and 135mm
 

That's a very strong addiction.

Actually, I prefer to play around with my 16-35L. 50mm onwards, feels very tight and studio-ish, while I am really liking the 35mm FOV, incorporates more things into the frame.. haha..
 

avsquare said:
Haha not primes lah! I'm just referring to the focal length. Basically, it's my 16-35L and 70-200L ;)

F2.8?
 

electron said:
Wah all primes! Just curious - any kids? :)

Er... What's wrong with liking primes and having kids? :)

Anyway my goto portrait lens is the 50mm, kids or non kids. I have to add though it's the lens that's usually attached to my camera for all shots.
 

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Q. Does the 85mm f/1.8 or 135mm f/2.0 have as much blur as the 70-200 f/2.8 @ 200mm f/2.8?

I know its like comparing apples to oranges but it would be helpful in making a decision as I can't find any websites that can compare blur amount, only sharpness.

Amazingly there is a way to compare oranges and apples HERE. Degree of background blur depends on the physical size of the lens aperture. The site uses focal length/f-stop to calculate physical size of the aperture e.g. 50mm/1.8 = 27.77mm.

So if the apple (85mm f1.8) is 47.22mm and the orange (70-200 f2.8) is 71.43mm that means the zoom's background blur @ 200mm is approx 1.5 times more than the 85 prime (both at full open).
 

From my knowledge, both the 85 f1.8 amd the 135 f2 are good for portraits
 

After much consideration and guidance from all those who replied I have decided to start with the 85mm f/1.8 due to its smaller form factor, excellent performance to price ratio and the f1.8. I will be trading the convenience of the zoom but as long as the subject is stationary it's not a problem. Scouring the net I notice quite a few photogs have both this (or 135L) and the 70-200 so I think it's a case of different lenses for different uses. There is only an overlap in focal length but the max aperture size and weight also matter. So no regrets if end up getting the zoom as well down the road no need to sell this :) My only slight concern is the 85 will be too similar to the 50 1.8. However I'm very much looking forward to experiencing the USM and full time manual focusing.
 

After much consideration and guidance from all those who replied I have decided to start with the 85mm f/1.8 due to its smaller form factor, excellent performance to price ratio and the f1.8. I will be trading the convenience of the zoom but as long as the subject is stationary it's not a problem. Scouring the net I notice quite a few photogs have both this (or 135L) and the 70-200 so I think it's a case of different lenses for different uses. There is only an overlap in focal length but the max aperture size and weight also matter. So no regrets if end up getting the zoom as well down the road no need to sell this :) My only slight concern is the 85 will be too similar to the 50 1.8. However I'm very much looking forward to experiencing the USM and full time manual focusing.

The 85 f/1.8 is a nice choice!
 

I only ever use 2 lenses for portraits..
50mm for full body/half body
85mm for close up face shots
I also only shoot at f5.6 to f8 at most.

So in theory i guess the 24-105 fits me perfectly?
But i don't use it for portraits…not sure why…maybe it's the mentality that primes are better than zooms..although i must admit unless you pixel peep, you can't really tell?
 

Blur Shadow said:
Err. This is a Canon sub forum. I believe people are talking about the Canon 85mm f/1.8?

*facepalm*

Sorry I didn't realize that. :(
 

Purchased a Sigma 85mm f/1.4 - initially wanted to purchase the EF 85L Mark 1 at the same price but too bad it was sold. Nontheless the sigma was a good buy and was pleased with the few test shots done earlier!
 

Purchased a Sigma 85mm f/1.4 - initially wanted to purchase the EF 85L Mark 1 at the same price but too bad it was sold. Nontheless the sigma was a good buy and was pleased with the few test shots done earlier!

the Sigma 85mm is definitely one of sigma's better lenses. Very good for portraits :thumbsup:
 

Purchased a Sigma 85mm f/1.4 - initially wanted to purchase the EF 85L Mark 1 at the same price but too bad it was sold. Nontheless the sigma was a good buy and was pleased with the few test shots done earlier!

Provided that you get a good copy & know how to use it, you won't regret it! :)
 

avsquare said:
Purchased a Sigma 85mm f/1.4 - initially wanted to purchase the EF 85L Mark 1 at the same price but too bad it was sold. Nontheless the sigma was a good buy and was pleased with the few test shots done earlier!

Yup. I use it on my Nikon. Good stuff.
 

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