I use a 24-105 f/4L for portraits and cameo shots when others are holding our two-week old granddaughter. It's perfect on a FF camera body... so is the 100mm f/2.8 macro.
one of the same questions as Gary, what camera are you using?
Also I suggest the canon pro series, as the glass and construction is of a higher quality. Take your camera to a store and try several lenses in the store, with the restrictions of your space. Find what works best for you. Don't be afraid to be a pain in the butt, a good store will appreciate your business.
canon 5mm f1.2 for limited space very sharp and great brokeh
westernlifestyles wrote:
How far away would yu have to be to use the 100 macro???
These were taken with my 100mm 2.8 macro. 6 to 8 feet from the subject depends on how closeup you want to be.
I think the Canon 85 1.2 is still the best option. If you can't afford the 1.2 the 1.8 is also a good lens.
r u shooting with FF or crop body
crop 50 f/1.8 or 1.4, 1.2 I would not need account
1-to expensive
2-f/stop is going to be something around f8
also 24-105 would be my other choise
if FF mine would be 24-105 L is usm or 85 f/1.8
westernlifestyles wrote:
Hello friends, I am setting up a small studio for portraits. I have an old 70-200L lens that was given to me, it is so clear and beautiful, I love it. I have a newer 70-200 lens I bought in a camera package deal that can't even start my old lens for clarity. The problem is that my studio area is small and I have to be apx 7 ft. from my subject to shoot (with my old/good lens) by the time I add some DOF room I'm out of space. I have rented a brand new 85 mm prime that fits the set up, but it just isn't clear like my old lens. So...what is the best lens to purchase for portraits that is crystal clear that will shoot at a reasonable distance??? Thanks, WSL
Hello friends, I am setting up a small studio for ... (
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:shock: :shock:
westernlifestyles wrote:
Hello friends, I am setting up a small studio for portraits. I have an old 70-200L lens that was given to me, it is so clear and beautiful, I love it. I have a newer 70-200 lens I bought in a camera package deal that can't even start my old lens for clarity. The problem is that my studio area is small and I have to be apx 7 ft. from my subject to shoot (with my old/good lens) by the time I add some DOF room I'm out of space. I have rented a brand new 85 mm prime that fits the set up, but it just isn't clear like my old lens. So...what is the best lens to purchase for portraits that is crystal clear that will shoot at a reasonable distance??? Thanks, WSL
Hello friends, I am setting up a small studio for ... (
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My opinion is the 50mm f/1.8. I recently did a portrait shoot with this lens with only window light and I was impressed with the result. I won't post the shot here but you can see it at:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/jimsphotostuff/6967828875/in/photostreamGood luck with your studio. I hope all goes well for you.
As a guy who had a small video production business for
10-years I understand the in's and out's of hanging your own shingle. One thing I will pass along, and you probably already know this but, when those of us who've been business tell you expect to take 5-years to turn a profit, we mean it. So again, best of luck.
MWAC wrote:
You didn't give a budget, but I would go with the 24-70L
This is what I would suggest too. Canon is due out with a new model that is a little lighter, and has a larger objective glass, but the current 24-70mm is an awesome lens that will fill the gap and give you tack sharp images. It's fast too. f2.8
westernlifestyles wrote:
My 24-70 is also a newer "L" also, but it is still not as crisp as my old lens.
Something is wrong if you don't get crisp images with this lens!
I'm trying to have an "quick set up" for upper body shots, individuals and coulples. The cam is a 5D Mark ll (Canon full frame).
I'm not sure of what body your using. I use a 7D which has a crop sensor. The lens I use is a Canon 15-85mm IS f3.5
It is claimed to use L glass without being designated as such. Probably because of the for sure comparison to the Canon 24-105mm f4 L. The 15-85 run about $775.00
Here's a couple of examples
Ron
Canonshot: Congrats on your grandbaby! Yes, i will try the 100, thank you. Mfoley: I'm using the "L" series lenses, it may be something I'm not doing right, your shots are terrific! Thank you.
Melphoto: I'll try those two lenses again I'll play with aperture, (my old lens is so forgiving of my incompetence), thank you. Jimma: Thanks for the advice, and I'm afraid you're going to be right on about being patient for the profits! Nice shot on your portrait, nice detail even when I zoomed in, I'll try your recipe for the shot. Thank you, .........and thanks so much everyone else who has offered suggestions, I learn so much from this forum. :) WSL
Daythedog: Those are crisp, clean shots, I can only get those on my old lens, I haven't tried the 15-85, I'll check it out, thank you :) WSL
Ahanonymous: Sorry, just realized I got my suggestions mixed up, your portraits were great, thanks for the help! :) WSL
PNagy
Loc: Missouri City, Texas
westernlifestyles wrote:
Hello friends, I am setting up a small studio for portraits. I have an old 70-200L lens that was given to me, it is so clear and beautiful, I love it. I have a newer 70-200 lens I bought in a camera package deal that can't even start my old lens for clarity. The problem is that my studio area is small and I have to be apx 7 ft. from my subject to shoot (with my old/good lens) by the time I add some DOF room I'm out of space. I have rented a brand new 85 mm prime that fits the set up, but it just isn't clear like my old lens. So...what is the best lens to purchase for portraits that is crystal clear that will shoot at a reasonable distance??? Thanks, WSL
Hello friends, I am setting up a small studio for ... (
show quote)
I have nothing but Canon L lenses. All of them are good for portraits, but two. The 400mm F2.8 would require you to move way too far out to shoot a portrait, then tend to flatten the image. The 16-35mm F2.8 is a wide angle lens which tends to magnify the facial features that are closest to the camera. Do not use these.
Great portraits can be take with the following:
24-70mm F2.8
50mm F1.2
85mm F1.2
Even the 70-200 mm F2.8 can take a decent portrait, although that is not its forte.
All the lenses I esouse as portrait lenses have given me great hand-held shots that blur and produce bokeh, as well as studio shots with backdrops and proper lighting.
AS LONG AS WE ARE JUST SUGGESTING THINGS, I LIKE THE FLEXABILITY THAT MY CANON 24-105 IS L GIVES ME.
GREAT FOR PORTRAITS, BUT, CLEARLY HAS MANY MORE USES
KEN
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