What is the Ideal lens focal length for portraits
Jul 25, 2012 08:49:35 #
I have just bought a Sony NEX 7, it is the first digital camera I have ever owned. I am wondering what would be a good lens for doing portraits. When I did my photography training in the RNZAF I was taught that 100mm to 150mm f/length was ideal. The photo used for my avatar was taken on a Linhof Tecnica 4x5 view camera with a standard 150mm lens. The reason a longer length lens is used is to avoid distortion in the facial features ie the nose looking to big for the rest of the face etc.
Now Focal length is focal length and I would imagine that the same distortions would happen if you used a 50mm lens on a full frame DSLR or on crop frame camera such as the NEX 7 for portraits.
I'm asking because I have seen stuff on the net saying that the Sony 50mm E-mount would be good for portraits and I'm not so sure.
I hope I'm making sense
Now Focal length is focal length and I would imagine that the same distortions would happen if you used a 50mm lens on a full frame DSLR or on crop frame camera such as the NEX 7 for portraits.
I'm asking because I have seen stuff on the net saying that the Sony 50mm E-mount would be good for portraits and I'm not so sure.
I hope I'm making sense
Jul 25, 2012 09:24:39 #
I think it's a question of personal taste. i prefer a 200 mm lens if you've got the room to back off. Personally, I really don't like the 50 mm at all but I'm sure there are as many people that disagree with me as there are that will agree.
Jul 26, 2012 07:54:02 #
photoman022
Loc: Manchester CT USA
When I learned on 35mm film, the rule of thumb was 135mm @ 13 feet. It gave good symmetry to the features. I've done some "fashion" photography where I've been asked to shoot from the floor as the model stood up. You can see the pronounced elongation of their legs--so wide angle lenses are not the answer, especially for head shots. With a cropped sensor, the 50mm may not be as bad a choice as it used to be, but if the goal is to fill the frame then you have to be up close to do it.
Jul 26, 2012 08:17:43 #
melismus
Loc: Chesapeake Bay Country
Ultimately it is not focal length that matters, but ray angles. A long lens on a large format can produce the same ray angles as a short lens on small format. 35mm was the standard for a long time, so now we mostly speak of "35mm equivalent" rather than actual focal length.
80 or 100 mm equivalent is long-accepted minimum for head shots; longer is OK mut not much different.
80 or 100 mm equivalent is long-accepted minimum for head shots; longer is OK mut not much different.
Jul 26, 2012 08:29:14 #
Anything in the 85 - 135mm range should work well. I personally use a 100mm. Full frame.
Jul 26, 2012 08:43:08 #
I have best success with my 28-135mm telephoto and mostly use it around the 100mm area for best results.
have also used a 50mm lens for some portrait work where I have wanted to get up close and personal for some special effects although this hasn't always been as successful as I would have liked. But hey, its great fun trying!
have also used a 50mm lens for some portrait work where I have wanted to get up close and personal for some special effects although this hasn't always been as successful as I would have liked. But hey, its great fun trying!
Jul 26, 2012 08:45:23 #
Jul 26, 2012 09:33:12 #
sbesaw
Loc: Boston
Squint wrote:
Anything in the 85 - 135mm range should work well. I personally use a 100mm. Full frame.
Agree. I shoot FX and 85-135 will yield great results, that said have used 70-200 2.8 at 200 with good results
Jul 26, 2012 12:12:53 #
altheman wrote:
I have just bought a Sony NEX 7, it is the first d... (show quote)
Not being familiar with this camera (sensor size) and its lens, my question would be how they relate to a full size sensor or 35mm camera? Normally with 35mm & full size sensor camera a lens in the 85 to 100 mm range is considered to be a good lens selection for head and shoulder portraits. This would be about a 1.7 x telephoto. What Sony lens would give you this?
Jul 26, 2012 12:38:14 #
I have always done portraits using between 180-200mm with good results.
Jul 26, 2012 12:57:23 #
Focal length is less of an issue than aperture (control of depth of field). In the old days, a 50 was generally the defacto choice because the photographer would get what his eye saw. With the cropped sensors that so many of us have, you'd want the 35mm or so in order to achieve this. However, since the photographer can often be a distraction (especially with groups of people), it's sometimes better to shoot with a longer focal length where you are away from the subjects and less distracting.
It all depends on your style and comfort.
The DOF (aperture setting) is the more important factor.
It all depends on your style and comfort.
The DOF (aperture setting) is the more important factor.
Jul 26, 2012 13:09:18 #
melismus
Loc: Chesapeake Bay Country
les_stockton wrote:
Focal length is less of an issue than aperture (co... (show quote)
But the OP specifically asked about portraiture.
Jul 26, 2012 13:20:26 #
G.Feduccia
Loc: Paradise in Florida Panhandle
I used to use a 90mm lens for portraits with my Canon film cameras. It worked great, but found that I had more use with my 28-200mm zoom, that I used for most everything! I think the DOF and sharpness of the portrait has more to do with a pleasing pic.
Jul 26, 2012 14:43:43 #
melismus wrote:
quote=les_stockton Focal length is less of an iss... (show quote)
Did I not answer with regards to portraiture? I believe I did.
Jul 28, 2012 01:51:57 #
Portraits are a subject that a lot of photographers would
rather not talk about. I use either my 50mm-f1.4 lens
or my 100mm-f2.8 lens.
rather not talk about. I use either my 50mm-f1.4 lens
or my 100mm-f2.8 lens.
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