On a Canon 5D Which is best for portaits?

I have a canon 50 f1.4, canon 24 70L F2.8 and a CANON 85 f1.8 for a average room in low light, which would be best. Without using flash.

BLEITH1965 wrote in post #3402014
I have a canon 50 f1.4, canon 24 70L F2.8 and a CANON 85 f1.8 for a average room in low light, which would be best. Without using flash.

the 85 1.8. the others are short-ish for portraits.

ed rader

On the FF, i definitely prefer the 85.

I regularly use the 50 1.4 for portraiture on the 5D.
Your 85 1.8 would do quite well too.

50/1.4 for full body and 3/4 portraits, 85/1.8 for head and shoulders. Both are excellent portrait lenses.

24-70L

On a full frame I think I would consider the 135f2

50mm or 85mm would be better than a zoom as it's faster in my view.
The focal distance really depends on how far you can foot zoom and how tight you want the shots. I personally would prefer a 135mm f2L as well.

In truth, they all could be used quite successfully. There can be no generic answer as it depends on so many factors. If you can more clearly define 'portraits' you may get a more specific answer to your question. I am guessing you are thinking of buying the 5d as you say you have the lenses already? If that is the case, I would strongly suggest you give them all a workout and see which comes through best for you.

I guess you may find a use for them all as it would get pretty old if you kept to the same formula.

The only disadvantage was the amount of money it ties up!

Graham

The best portrait lens(of the three) for FF is the 85mm f/1.8. If you shoot more than one or two people you will probably need to go shorter. Before I had my 50L I used the 24-70 for full body or small groups. I would use the 50/1.4 if I were you for these situations. I prefer primes for portraits because you get greater DOF control than with zooms generally.

For me, the 50mm and 24-70mm for full length or 3/4, 85mm for bust and probably head/shoulder, but I think that the 135 f/2.0L is probably your best bet for the true head/shoulder or head shots. I don't have one, so I tend to use my 70-200 f/4 stopped down to f/8 for that purpose, in the studio. I know I don't have a 5D but I do use my 35mm occasional.

Of the 3, the 85 will focus the fastest and be sharp.

Of those 3 lenses, I'd use the 85 f/1.8.

Mark

A little off topic, but if you're going to do indoor portraits, I would recommend getting studio lights too, or at least a flash & diffuser too.

but as far as focal lengths, any one of your lenses are fine. If you set up a backdrop you don't need to worry about the bokeh as much either. I actually prefer longer lenses (135 f/2 or 70-200 f/2.8) but I'm more of a head & shoulder shot person

harrin wrote in post #3402239
50/1.4 for full body and 3/4 portraits, 85/1.8 for head and shoulders. Both are excellent portrait lenses.

I second this..