Photographing babies/kids - what lens do you use?

[AltezzaGirl]

Wanted to post this in here so I get a response from those who do babies and children. What is your favourite lens for this kind of photography? Ive started learning a couple of months ago and my main subject is my 6 month old. Sooner or later I will want to splurge and get a good lens, once Im confident with what Im doing. And possibly look into running a little business in the future. I have a lens in mind but wonder what others use? Thanks in advance. :cool:

[AltezzaGirl]

anyone? lol

[Lizzy7]

Hi there,

A lot depends on what sort of photography you want to do.

I do portraits in peoples homes/parks etc.....very informal. I use the 70-200 a lot outside and the 85mm (as long as they aren't running around too much, focusing can be a little slow)

I also use a 35 and the 85 for indoor shots.

These are on FF.

Liz :)

[egordon99]

Wanted to post this in here so I get a response from those who do babies and children. What is your favourite lens for this kind of photography? Ive started learning a couple of months ago and my main subject is my 6 month old. Sooner or later I will want to splurge and get a good lens, once Im confident with what Im doing. And possibly look into running a little business in the future. I have a lens in mind but wonder what others use? Thanks in advance. :cool:

I use all the lenses in my signature (except for my 17-85, I should sell that)

BUT, I probably prefer my 24-70L for versatility, my 30/85 combo for really shallow DOF, and my 70-200 for getting "up close and personal" on outside shoots.

[Stirfried]

On a 50D I'd use your 50mm and get a 85mm f/1.8, that'll be a nice effective 135mm for closer shots.

Just as examples, here are flickr links to a couple of shots of mine at 85mm (http://www.flickr.com/photos/stirfried/4149517508/), another 85mm (http://www.flickr.com/photos/stirfried/3889355626/) and 135mm (http://www.flickr.com/photos/stirfried/4803112041/). These are at full-frame though.

Especially for children's portraits, IMO fast primes are the way to go.

[Gatorboy]

70-200 f/2.8L

[mino3x]

I have same issues as well deciding. I am not using FF, and thinking which lens should I get next 35L or 50L? or even 50mm f1.4? I am just worried that 50 will be too tight...

AltezzaGirl: Have you finally decided yet?

[jenabean4]

My fav is 50mm 1.4. I love prime lenses and an really wanting the 85mm 1.8 as well!

[MK5GTI]

i like my sigma 30 1.4 for indoor. perfect for my <1800sqf house. Outdoor, i love the 70-200, but always want the 85 prime, either the Canon 1.8 or the new Sigma.

[Justiss]

For outdoors and bigger kids I use the 70-200. I have rented and loved the 24-70 for kids/babies. I also use 85 1.8. One of my favorite children's photog says she uses 50L on a FF a lot.