If you stand about 10-15 feet

if you stand 10-15 feet away from your subject and you want to take a portrait type picture what size (zoom focal length range ) do you want to be using?
Example my daughter is sitting on santa's lap ( actually just near santa ) and i want to include both people.....
the camera is a 20D.

troy

I would think 50mm would be about right at this distance, given that you want to fit them both in.

You would want something fairy wide, probably close to 28mm... Do yuo have any lenses with your 20D as of right now?

i have the 400 mm f/5.6, 70-200 IS f/2.8, 10-22 ef-s, 50 f1.4, 85 f1.8, 70-300 IS, 100-400 L

Which lens you want is a matter of composition - how much of them do you want in the image? Distance sets the perspective, lens sets the composition. Haven't you already tried it with your 50?

well...what a lovely collection.

That 50 will do just fine at that distance.

you know i hardly ever use the 50 for i am always preoccupied with birds....
i was thinking that the 50 also might limit me so was thinking about a zoom... i just sold my 24-70 L becasue i dont think i was using it correctly and the pictures didnt look sharp to me ( i blame it on user error ) not quality issues...


troy

THE 50 would be best out of your kit use your feet to get the shot framed right, the next best would be the 10 22 zoom set at 22 this would equal 35mm with the 1.6 crop.
Rob.

Hasn't Santa retired for the year?

Doesn't he employ elves?

(Sorry mods - feeling a bit flippant just now!)

I meant Fairly, wiseass

i am definetly going to try the 50 this weekend and see how it "works".... after all, its been collecting "dust" (HOPEFULLY NOT!) well you know what i mean...

thanx!!


troy

At that distance I agree the 50 would be best for getting 2 people in. The 85 works great for close up candids or bust portaits at that distance too.

I'd say the 50 as well. That'll give you a FoV of about 4.5 ft. at 10 ft; 7 ft. at 15. I don't think I'd go much wider than 35 (which I see you don't have covered,anyway). The 50's also your fastest lens, so that's another plus if you're indoors.

FoV of about 4.5 ft. at 10 ft; 7 ft. at 15.
how do you know this - from experience or from a formula???


thanx,

troy

Troy, I was just playing with my 24-70 at about that distance to check the numbers for you. You'd probably want something in the 35mm to 50mm range. Assuming you are able to back up just a little if the 50mm is too long at the 10-15 foot range, the 50mm would be a great choice.