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How to choose the best lens for portraits and headshots

May 18, 2016 by John Aldred 2 Comments

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best_portrait_lens

One question that I see coming up daily in various photography groups on Facebook is “What’s the best portrait lens?”, and the simple truth is that there isn’t one.  It depends on the camera system you’re using, the look you’re trying to achieve, and a bunch of other factors.

In this video, Joe Edelman shares his wisdom and offers some advice on choosing a lens that will give you the look you want in your portraits.

Taking us through a range of focal lengths, Joe shows examples on how each will affect your subject when framed to fill the shot, as well as the effect it has on the background.

best_portrait_lens_24mm

While 24mm with your subject a little further back might actually work out great for an environmental portrait, it certainly doesn’t do headshots any favours, and very noticeably distorts the facial features.

best_portrait_lens_85mm

So, pulling back and using a longer focal length generally offers a more flattering and pleasing result, and your subject’s face is going to be prominent in the frame.

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Joe’s personal favourite portrait lens is the Tokina 100mm f/2.8 Pro D Macro Lens, and I can certainly understand the logic behind that.  While I’m not huge Tokina fan myself, I also regularly choose to go with a similar focal length macro lens for portraits, with the Nikon 105mm f/2.8D AF Micro-Nikkor.

nikon_105mm_f28d_micro_nikkor

Why the D over the newer G version with vibration reduction?  Well, VR offers me no advantage (I’m always using it with flash or in very bright conditions) and the D version is just as sharp, but it also has an aperture ring, meaning I can use it on my old Nikon & Nikkormat film bodies, too.

What’s your favourite portrait lens?  And on which body do you shoot it?  Let us know in the comments.

[via ISO1200]

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Check out this free flash photography course for headshots and portraits Headshots – A view from the other side of the lens – 5 lessons I learned as a subject Why I chose an 18-55 mm kit lens when I had to choose only one lens Here’s a detailed guide to prepare you for your actor headshots

Filed Under: Tutorials Tagged With: Headshot, lens, portrait

About John Aldred

John Aldred is a photographer with over 20 years of experience in the portrait and commercial worlds. He is based in Scotland and has been an early adopter - and occasional beta tester - of almost every digital imaging technology in that time. As well as his creative visual work, John uses 3D printing, electronics and programming to create his own photography and filmmaking tools and consults for a number of brands across the industry.

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John Aldred is a photographer with over 20 years of experience in the portrait and commercial worlds. He is based in Scotland and has been an early adopter - and occasional beta tester - of almost every digital imaging technology in that time. As well as his creative visual work, John uses 3D printing, electronics and programming to create his own photography and filmmaking tools and consults for a number of brands across the industry.

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