Welcome to my blog all about my favourite portrait lenses! As a photography enthusiast, I am constantly on the lookout for the best equipment to capture stunning portraits. In this blog, I will be discussing the lenses that have become my go-to choices for capturing those perfect moments. From prime lenses to zoom lenses, I will share my personal experiences with each lens, exploring their unique features, image quality, and overall performance. Whether you are a professional or an amateur photographer, my aim is to provide valuable insights and recommendations to help you select the perfect portrait lens for your photography journey. So, grab your camera and join me as we dive into the exciting world of portrait photography!
My Favourite Portrait Lenses
Hey everyone, for today’s video I want to show you what my favorite lenses are for portrait photography and travel photography, and why I like to use them. I will also provide some example and comparison images at the end. So let’s get started!
The Canon 35mm 1.4
The Canon 35mm 1.4 is my absolute favorite lens. I have this lens on my camera about 90% of the time when shooting. It is my go-to lens for both travel and portrait photography. The images produced by this lens are stunning. It is versatile and can be used for various purposes. I have used this lens in extreme conditions such as rain and snow, and it has proven to be durable and reliable. I have had this lens for about six years now, and it still performs exceptionally well.
The Canon 50mm 1.2
Another favorite of mine is the Canon 50mm 1.2 lens. Although I use the 35mm lens most of the time, there are instances where I prefer the 50mm lens for portraits. This lens produces beautiful results and is perfect for low-light situations. When shooting in natural light, especially during weddings or nighttime photography, I opt for the 50mm lens as it delivers better image quality. I have had this lens for about four years now and it has not disappointed me.
When I started my photography journey, I used different lenses for portrait photography. However, as I gained experience and worked with other photographers, I realized the beauty and uniqueness of using the 35mm and 50mm lenses. The style and quality of the images they produce are truly remarkable.
The Unconventional Choice
Some might argue that the 35mm lens is not suitable for portrait photography due to its unconventional focal length. However, that is exactly why I love it so much. I enjoy capturing photos with a touch of quirkiness and creativity. The slight distortion produced by the 35mm lens adds an artistic element to the images. It allows me to capture more of the background, especially when shooting in beautiful locations. Unlike other lenses that blur the background extensively, the 35mm lens enables viewers to appreciate the scenery surrounding the subject.
Sample Photos
Here are some example photos taken with the Canon 35mm 1.4 lens. As you can see, the background is clear and visible, enhancing the overall composition of the images. Whether I am capturing close-ups, full-body shots, or moments of movement, the 35mm lens delivers sharp and vibrant results.
The Downside
However, the 35mm lens does have one drawback, especially in low-light conditions. It is not as effective as the Canon 50mm 1.2 lens in these situations. Therefore, when shooting at night or in low-light environments, I prefer using the 50mm lens. It provides better image quality in such scenarios.
Here are some more example photos taken with the Canon 50mm 1.2 lens. Despite owning it for a shorter period than the 35mm lens, I am pleased with the performance and versatility of this lens.
In conclusion, my favorite portrait lenses are the Canon 35mm 1.4 and the Canon 50mm 1.2. These lenses have become essential tools in my kit, and I bring them to every shoot. They produce stunning and unique results, and I highly recommend them for both portrait and travel photography.
Frequently Asked Questions – My Favourite Portrait Lenses
1. What are portrait lenses?
Portrait lenses are camera lenses specifically designed for capturing flattering and aesthetically pleasing portraits. These lenses offer a focal length that helps to isolate the subject, create a shallow depth of field, and produce beautiful background blur.
2. Which portrait lenses do you recommend?
There are several fantastic portrait lenses available in the market today. Here are a few of my personal favorites:
- Canon EF 85mm f/1.8: This lens is an excellent choice for portraits due to its wide aperture and ability to create stunning bokeh.
- Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.4G: Known for its sharpness and low-light performance, this lens is highly versatile and popular among portrait photographers.
- Sony FE 85mm f/1.8: Designed for Sony mirrorless cameras, this lens offers superb image quality and exceptional autofocus performance.
3. Do I need a specific camera for using portrait lenses?
Portrait lenses are typically interchangeable lenses that can be used with various camera models. However, it’s important to ensure compatibility between the camera and lens mount before making a purchase.
4. Can I use a zoom lens for portraits?
While zoom lenses can technically be used for portraits, prime lenses are generally preferred due to their wider maximum aperture and ability to create a shallower depth of field. Prime lenses also tend to offer better image quality and sharper results compared to most zoom lenses.
5. What focal length is ideal for portrait photography?
Portraits are often captured using lenses with focal lengths between 50mm and 135mm. These focal lengths allow the photographer to work at a comfortable distance from the subject while still achieving a pleasing perspective and background separation.
I hope you find useful my article My Favourite Portrait Lenses, I also recommend you to read my other posts in my blog at this link.
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Best of luck! and follow your passion.
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