Best Lens for overall Modeling shoots.

[Sean M]

I have the 300D with 18-55 and 75-300mm, but a few of my friends have been asking for some modeling pictures of themselves. I was just wondering what a good affordable lens would be to get this job done.

I was thinking of the 50mm 1.8, but Im not sure.

Thanks,

Sean

[tim]

Stopped down to at least F4, and standing back from the person, the 50mm F1.8 will do a reasonable job. It's a cheap lens though, you'd be better off with the 50mm F1.4 or 85mm F1.8, they have much more accurate focusing motors. I use the Tamron 28-75 sometimes too.

[Longwatcher]

The overall best lens for models in studio is the 24-70/2.8L (in my case I use 28-70/2.8L).
The overall best lens for models outdoors is the 70-200/2.8L (w/wo IS)
The overall best lens for taking headshots of models is for 1.6x APS-C the 50/1.4 (followed closely by 50/1.8 then 85/1.2 (or 1.8)

A good compromise lens is the 28-135 IS.
I am not familiar enough with non-Canon lens to give advice on those.

I should point out that during a typical model shoot I will frequently use three or four different lenses with 28-70 most used follwed by 16-35 for some more artsy shots then 70-200 for head shot sin studio and finally I occasionaly use 50/1.4 (although less frequently then I used to). and although I don't have yet, I plan on getting 85/1.2 and maybe 135/2 to compliment the zoom lenses. Note if outdoors the 70-200 tends to get used two-three times more the 28-70.

Finally I should mention that the pair of lenses you already have, if properly used, should provide decent shots for the models to use. So unless you have lots of money and can get the 24-70/2.8L or a set of primes, what you have is a good starting point.

Just my experience and opinion,

[Sean M]

perfect, thanks for the advice guys.