Renting the 85L for a portrait session?

Hello,

I've got a friend who asked me to take their family photos. I've been considering renting the Canon 85L or the Sigma 85. From everything I've read, the reviews talk about it needing micro adjustments to really get the most out of it. I guess my concern is that I'm just not prepared for something like the 85L considering the adjustments that may be needed to get sharp results as well as being able to manage such a narrow depth of field. Would you recommend renting this lens for someone who's never used one? Or should I just rent another lens that might be a little less to handle until I've got more experience?

Note: I'm not getting paid for the session. I'm basically using it as an experience builder. I just told her if she bought the lens, I wouldn't charge her anything else. So... that's the reason I was going to give what's considered the best portrait lens a go.

For family photos you need enough depth of field for the majority of shots that micro adjust isn't likely to be an issue. Its capable of dramatic stuff, but I wouldnt expect those types of results the first time out and trying to learn on a client that needs results might not be the best plan.

gonzogolf wrote in post #16445863
For family photos you need enough depth of field for the majority of shots that micro adjust isn't likely to be an issue. Its capable of dramatic stuff, but I wouldnt expect those types of results the first time out and trying to learn on a client that needs results might not be the best plan.

Yeah I would imagine I'd being the f4+ range anyway for family shots so I really can't imagine a need to be at f1.2. So the micro adjustments are really only needed for wide open shots?

deronsizemore wrote in post #16445876
Yeah I would imagine I'd being the f4+ range anyway for family shots so I really can't imagine a need to be at f1.2. So the micro adjustments are really only needed for wide open shots?

Think of it this way. At 1.2 at 8 feet from the subject your DOF is a tad over 2 inches total. At F4 same distance its over 6 inches. So you have little latitude to miss focus a bit when you arent shooting wide open. People were using that lens long before micro adjust existed so its not necessary, but is probably most helpful when you are shooting wide open.

I would just use your Tamron 70-300. I would think it'd make a decent family portrait lens. If not, check out the 85/1.8 or Samyang 85mm.

I like the 135L for family photos. Usually f/2.8 is deep enough for all faces to be in focus so long as you are far enough away to get the whole body in the shot like this...

When you go longer, you can have more DOF at the same aperture/magnification on the sensor while getting the bokeh look due to more background compression.

I pull out the 50L when I want more environmental shots like this.

There's no doubt that the 85L is a terrific lens, but I don't think it would be my first choice for family portraits, especially since you would be unlikely to want its main feature, its very wide aperture. The reason is that for groups, and family portraits, a very shallow depth of field is rarely desirable. If you are going to be shooting at f/5.6 or thereabouts, the 85/1.8 would do just as well at less cost, indeed your Tamron zoom would fill the bill.

The second aspect is that 85 mm may prove a little long for groups unless you have quite a lot of space in which to work.

My suggestion would be that you rent the 24-70/2.8L instead. In addition, give careful consideration to lighting, as this is key to the achievement of optimal portraits (and indeed any photograph).

gonzogolf wrote in post #16445915
Think of it this way. At 1.2 at 8 feet from the subject your DOF is a tad over 2 inches total. At F4 same distance its over 6 inches. So you have little latitude to miss focus a bit when you arent shooting wide open. People were using that lens long before micro adjust existed so its not necessary, but is probably most helpful when you are shooting wide open.

Thanks!

EverydayGetaway wrote in post #16445932
I would just use your Tamron 70-300. I would think it'd make a decent family portrait lens. If not, check out the 85/1.8 or Samyang 85mm.

I could use it, but since I'm not charging for the session and they're going to pay for a lens, I figured I'd take the change to play with a new toy.

facedodge wrote in post #16445936
I like the 135L for family photos. Usually f/2.8 is deep enough for all faces to be in focus so long as you are far enough away to get the whole body in the shot like this...

Large version here

I stop down to f/3.5 to f/4 if I get closer like this. I was losing light so I was trying to be as fast as possible.

Large version here

I did a senior shoot a few weeks ago (my first ever shoot and what spawned my up coming one) with the the 135L. Fantastic lens. Just figured I'd take this chance to try out a different lens to see how I liked it.

xarqi wrote in post #16445961
There's no doubt that the 85L is a terrific lens, but I don't think it would be my first choice for family portraits, especially since you would be unlikely to want its main feature, its very wide aperture. The reason is that for groups, and family portraits, a very shallow depth of field is rarely desirable. If you are going to be shooting at f/5.6 or thereabouts, the 85/1.8 would do just as well at less cost, indeed your Tamron zoom would fill the bill.

The second aspect is that 85 mm may prove a little long for groups unless you have quite a lot of space in which to work.

My suggestion would be that you rent the 24-70/2.8L instead. In addition, give careful consideration to lighting, as this is key to the achievement of optimal portraits (and indeed any photograph).

Thanks, I never thought about going with the 24-70. I guess I had slight tunnel vision on that 85. My Tamron would do fine, I agree. I just wanted to take this chance to play around with a new toy.

I've actually been contemplating purchasing the 85 f/1.8 or the 100 f/2 but I've went back and forth because of the purple fringing that you always hear about.

deronsizemore wrote in post #16445994
Thanks!


Thanks, I never thought about going with the 24-70. I guess I had slight tunnel vision on that 85. My Tamron would do fine, I agree. I just wanted to take this chance to play around with a new toy.

I've actually been contemplating purchasing the 85 f/1.8 or the 100 f/2 but I've went back and forth because of the purple fringing that you always hear about.

Rent the prime and play with it. but as you say avoid tunnel vision when it comes to the right tool for the job as your client has expectations. I dont know what you expect to shoot with the 85, but the purple fringing is only an issue when you are shooting wide open in high contrast situations. Not the sort of thing you encounter doing portraits.

gonzogolf wrote in post #16445998
Rent the prime and play with it. but as you say avoid tunnel vision when it comes to the right tool for the job as your client has expectations. I dont know what you expect to shoot with the 85, but the purple fringing is only an issue when you are shooting wide open in high contrast situations. Not the sort of thing you encounter doing portraits.

10-4. Thanks again!

135L is the best portrait lens in my opinion. If you are shooting at f1.2 just to shoot at f1.2.....you have to be spot on....or everything goes soft.

snakeneck wrote in post #16449952
135L is the best portrait lens in my opinion. If you are shooting at f1.2 just to shoot at f1.2.....you have to be spot on....or everything goes soft.

Thanks. Yeah I used the 135 last session I did. I ended up renting the 24-70 f/2.8 II just to give it a try.

you need to get used to the 85-1.2 so if you rent this for the weekend the results certainly will be disappointing

The OP's 40mm pancake would probably do fine for a family session, but the 24-70 is an excellent choice and give you some flexibility.