Is there preferred focal length for car?

[AdamLM]

Hi,

I know 50mm (for 1.6) is preferred for people portraits, but is there a preferred focal length for shooting still cars? I know it depends what you want to do, just wondering what focal length produced the best perspective. Hopefully that's not a stupid question.

Thanks for the help.
Adam

[edel33]

i don't think it's a stupid question at all, but it really does depend on you. When shooting pics of car i use my 17-40 just as much as my 70-200. Their's just some things i can do with one lense that i can't do with another, and vice versa.For example your wide angle lense will work amazing for some things at the low ends, while your 24-70 will do amazing work at around 70.

[AdamLM]

I see. So far I use lengths between about 15 and 60 but I don't have much experience yet and that's pretty much my whole range anyway. I guess I haven't developed a "style" yet so I don't really hover around any particular length.

[PhotosGuy]

Move around & find an angle where it looks good, as in look at the reflections in the metal & find a place where they work with the body shape. Chose a focal length that will cover the car from that spot. Seen this?
A few Car Lighting Tips (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=70290)

[AdamLM]

Thank you. Sounds like a zoom is best for cars.

[PhotosGuy]

The "known-to-be-crappy" kit lens isn't bad at f/8 & above. With a tripod, it does a pretty good job.

Blown '37 Willys - A Beauty with a Beast! (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=82861)