I'm using a Nikon D70 and am after a lens for portrait photography (bet you didn't guess that :D ). Any suggestions?
If you are going to do a lot of portraits then it is worth investing in a good lens.
Standard lenses are OK but sometimes you end up getting a bit too close and you can get in the way of the light.
I used to like using an 85mm lens for 35mm. Alows you to stand back a bit, and doesn't introduce too many telephoto nasties.
My favourite was a 105mm for 6x6.
I would suggest that 135mm on 35mm is at the limit of usefulness for portraits - sometimes you can't get back far enough to get the framing.
Sigma 70-300mm F4-5.6 DL MS DG Lens (Canon Mount) 509101 in Canada at ::
Capable of macro photography, this lens has a 1:2 maximum close-up magnification performance lens for portraits, sports photography, nature photography, and
http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/searchtools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3211104HOME |
Standard lenses tend to be cheaper as they make so many of them.
I would go for the 85mm - it'll be worth the extra cost in the long run.
On a 35mm SLR I'd suggest a prime or zoom with the range of 70-135. If the magnification-factor of the D70 is 1.5x like it is with most DSLRs then you're looking to get a lens with a focal length of about 45-90mm.
The reasons many photographers use a medium telephoto for portraits is they give you a narrow DOF, really good bokeh and - I think the most important - flatten perspective a bit, which is often flattering to the subject (no huge sticky-out noses etc)
Whats the Best Portrait Lens?::
If youre looking for the best portrait lens, find out what the While it will work well for all types of photography, its ideally suited for portraits.
http://www.digital-slr-guide.com/best-portrait-lens.htmlHOME |
If you are going to do a lot of portraits then it is worth investing in a good lens.
Standard lenses are OK but sometimes you end up getting a bit too close and you can get in the way of the light.
I used to like using an 85mm lens for 35mm. Alows you to stand back a bit, and doesn't introduce too many telephoto nasties.
My favourite was a 105mm for 6x6.
I would suggest that 135mm on 35mm is at the limit of usefulness for portraits - sometimes you can't get back far enough to get the framing.
Standard lenses tend to be cheaper as they make so many of them.
I would go for the 85mm - it'll be worth the extra cost in the long run.
Thanks hertz. Distance from the subject wasn't a problem that had really occured to me until I took this pic with my 24mm lens.
http://www.thephotoforum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=15512
To get the shot I had to stand too close for the diffuser to work properly.
I think I'll take your advice and start saving for the 85mm.
Thanks Jon, I had in mind the Nikon 50mm or 85mm f1.8. I'd prefer the 85mm but it's about 3 times the price and I'm not sure that its worth it.
Most people I know (not a great many) use a longish lens. Around the 100mm mark.
The problem with using a lens wider than 50mm is that you have to get so close and that it introduces distortion. That can be great when you're going for a specific effect, but not when you just want a head shot.
Take a look through this guys photos. It contains nudity now and then. He normally lists the focal length of his lens under each shot. He's a really nice guy to.
http://www.doorhof.nl/models/
 I Am a Sinner – What About You?
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Lens for portrait photography