Best Lens For Shooting Portraits

[JerelXTI]

Hello POTN,

I'd like to know what is the best lens for shooting portraits? I have the kit lens (18-55) that came with my Rebel XTI. Would it be good to just go with 18-55 or should I look at something else? When I return to the states I'll be purchasing 2 studio lights and a backdrop. The main reason I want to shoot portraits is my wife is thinking about modeling for a online lingerie shop.

if you would please help

[DigitalSpecialist]

Try the 85 1.8, or the 50 1.8 as a good starting point...

[S.Horton]

Welcome to POTN.

You're just sick lucky that your wife wants to do that type of work and you will get to help.

I think your focal length is fine, the question for you is how good do need the results to be? How large will the prints be?

[JerelXTI]

Thanks guys, I'll find out what size the prints have to be, I just hope I'll be able to pull the shoot off. I've been studying shots that others have done and posted on POTN just hope i can pull it off. I have about 3 to 4 months before I return so I hope my skill level will be up to par

[lyttleviet]

At the very least, I would suggest an 85 1.8. What is your budget?

[JerelXTI]

Originally Posted by lyttleviet

At the very least, I would suggest an 85 1.8. What is your budget?

$600.00 to $800.00 is no problem thanks to Uncle Sam and all this deployment money.

[lyttleviet]

Originally Posted by JerelXTI

$600.00 to $800.00 is no problem thanks to Uncle Sam and all this deployment money.

Maybe you can get a used 135L ...

[phigment]

I haven't really done much portraiture, but from what I understand, 85mm and 135mm are good for shoulder and head shots on a full 35mm frame.

Now, since you are using a crop sensor, that means you should be looking at 50mm and 85mm for shoulder/head shots.

If you are trying to do lingerie shots, you will want something wider. Maybe something in the 30-50mm range.

I think 135mm would be far too long for full body shots on a 1.6 crop sensor unless you are going to stand very far back.

[JasonRussell]

I would say a 30/50 1.4 for a crop body.

85 and 135 will be too long for indoors if you ask me.

[jbone]

Originally Posted by JasonRussell

I would say a 30/50 1.4 for a crop body.

85 and 135 will be too long for indoors if you ask me.

Yeah I have the 85 1.8 on my xti. If you have a big room no problem, but Ive had difficulty using it indoors. Otherwise its a great sharp lense!!

[JerelXTI]

Thanks all. I'll tell you I love this forum. Everyone is so helpful. Again Thanks. I'll make sure when I get back and do the shoot I'll post a few pictures.

[Shellback]

Most of my portrait work has been family, grand kids, and a neighbor's son who I've been doing annual shoots with for several years now as he grows so compared to others here my experience is probably limited.

For the past few years I used a Tamron 17-50 2.8 and really love this lens but last year I bought a "nifty 50" Canon 50 1.8 and really love this lens for portrait work on my 30D. The price is around $80.00 but it's legendary for it's quality and it works great on the crop body. If you do a search you'll probably find tons of favorable comments on it.

Good luck and take care of yourself over there.

[captainkimo]

The nifty fifty is a bang-for-back lens. Its cheap price may give one an impression that it can't perform well but you'll soon realize, after you have tried, that it's really a superb lens. Best of luck on your purchase.

Cheers!

Captain Kimo

[Patriotic1]

Originally Posted by JasonRussell

I would say a 30/50 1.4 for a crop body.

85 and 135 will be too long for indoors if you ask me.

+1. Especially if you are planning full body shots. I have a large rec room in my house that I was trying to use to learn portrait photography and it still wasn't big enough for full body shots with the 85 on my 40D - once the subject was several feet in front of the backdrop - so I ended up trading it in for the 50 1.4

Also, if you plan on buying a good/respectable 2 light setup (ex. some alien bees) it may cost you more than you think if you haven't researched that yet. So your best bet might be to buy a decent 30 or 50mm prime and put the money you have left over towards good lighting. Just my .02

[JerelXTI]

Originally Posted by Patriotic1

+1. Especially if you are planning full body shots. I have a large rec room in my house that I was trying to use to learn portrait photography and it still wasn't big enough for full body shots with the 85 on my 40D - once the subject was several feet in front of the backdrop - so I ended up trading it in for the 50 1.4

Also, if you plan on buying a good/respectable 2 light setup (ex. some alien bees) it may cost you more than you think if you haven't researched that yet. So your best bet might be to buy a decent 30 or 50mm prime and put the money you have left over towards good lighting. Just my .02

So a 30 or 50mm would work better? More than likely my subject will be about 5 to6 feet away from me. Will a 30mm be able to get afull body shot?