Which lens to choose for portrait photography

Author: Victoria Karaseva, lens selection specialist for portrait shooting

The expression or term "portrait lens" is often used when talking about a photographer. However, no particular lens can be called a portrait lens. But you can choose from a huge variety the one that is most suitable for portrait photography. Looking ahead, we note that one of the most important properties of the "portrait" is the absence of distortion.

Criteria to consider when choosing

There are several specific requirements for a lens for portrait photography, which depend on the specifics of the photographer's work, on the style. What should you pay attention to when choosing a portrait photographer? First you need to decide:

• Focal length;
• How many lenses you pull;
• What portraits will you shoot, how many people are in one frame;
• Where will the filming be, available space;
• What is the optimal matrix size;
• What budget are you willing to allocate?

Many experts believe that the best option for portraits is optics with a constant focus, such lenses have less distortion, clarity and quality are higher, due to the absence of movable parts. The choice of a particular focal length depends a lot on the specifics of the photographer's work. Standard portraits work well with optics from 35 millimeters to 200.

If you are not going to limit yourself to the minimum number of portrait genres, then you should get hold of a special bag and purchase several lenses.

note: Some professionals even carry multiple cameras with different optics.

The angle of view of the lens will depend on how many people are going to shoot in one frame. Some aspiring photographers make the mistake of buying lenses that are too wide. Distortion appears in the frame. And all that was possible was to step back a little to capture a large area.

The width of the angle of view largely depends on the shooting location. If you have a studio work in a small room, then you should pay attention to optics with a wider angle, if the work is mainly in nature, then the choice becomes much wider. Perfect for open areas, the "prime" at 85 millimeters or "zoom" at 70-200 millimeters is suitable.

When it comes to sensor size, many photographers prefer full format. Here you need to take into account that the decrease in the size of the matrix is ​​proportional to the decrease in the field of view.

Of course, one of the main criteria for choosing a lens, including for portraits, is the cost of the lens. The desire to get the best for less money is understandable, but you should immediately understand for yourself: professionals do not save on high-quality optics.

Types of lenses

There are many parameters and characteristics by which it is possible to conditionally divide lenses into types and types, but most experts distinguish the following types of optics:

• Standard lens. He is "normal", with a viewing angle like a human, excluding peripheral vision.
• Wide angle lens has a viewing angle larger than the standard one. On average, this parameter is 90 degrees.
• Ultra wide angle lens can have a viewing angle of about 180 degrees. Some of them are distorted, barrel-distorted and called "fisheye."
• Long focal lens able to bring the object as close as possible. Distinguish between telephoto and telephoto lenses. The former, with the rest being equal, differ in smaller dimensions and weight.
• Super long throw lens with a focal length of 500 to 2000 mm. They weigh about six kilograms, so photography is not possible without a tripod.
• Zoom lens good for its versatility, the variable focal length makes it suitable for a variety of shooting conditions.
• Macro lens able to shoot small objects in close-up with a one-to-one scale, and this is without additional devices.
• Shift lens able to correct perspective distortion, for example, when shooting cityscapes or architecture.

With the parameters and selection criteria sorted out, now you can discuss specific lens models that are best suited for portrait photography.

Best Canon portrait lenses

Canon EF 24-105mm f / 3.5-5.6 IS STM

Specifications:

• Autofocus: +
• Aperture: F3.50 - F5.60
• Closest focusing distance: 0.4
• Zoom ratio: 4.4x
• The presence of an ultrasonic motor: +
• price: 30 800 rubles

The model is ideal for those photographers who are starting to get familiar with full-frame technology. The universal zoom, complete with a standard camera, shows itself well in portrait photography, it also takes pictures of architecture and landscapes well. It is compact, so you can take it for a walk without any problems.

Pros of the model:

• good price;
• accurate and silent autofocus;
• excellent stabilization;
• high-quality picture.

Minuses:

• there is no hood included;
• insufficient aperture;
• sometimes lathers

Canon EF 24mm f / 2.8 IS USM

Specifications:

• Autofocus: +
• Aperture: F2.80
• Closest focusing distance: 0.2
• Zoom ratio: 2x
• The presence of an ultrasonic motor: +
• price: 37 200 rubles

A compact wide-angle model that provides high image quality, accurate and fast autofocus. In addition to portrait photography, it is perfect for travel and walks, you get excellent landscapes. You can shoot handheld, stabilization quickly and efficiently aligns the image.

Pros of the model:

• compact;
• excellent sharpness;
• fast focusing;
• effective stabilization.

Minuses:

• insufficient aperture;
• sometimes lathers.

Best Nikon portrait lenses

Tamron 17-35mm f / 2.8-4 Di OSD (A037) Nikon F

Specifications:

• Autofocus: +
• Aperture: F2.80 - F4
• Closest focusing distance: 0.2.8
• Zoom ratio: 2.1x
• The presence of an ultrasonic motor: +
• price: 42 857 rubles

A portable and lightweight Nikon model with excellent performance. The case is protected from moisture, which allows using the device in any conditions, including in unfavorable weather.

Pros of the model:

• great colors;
• fast autofocus;
• good sharpness;
• compact.

Minuses:

• the focusing ring on the machine rotates;
• there is no stabilization;
• noisy autofocus.

Tokina AT-X 11-20mm f / 2.8 PRO DX Nikon F

Specifications:

• Autofocus: +
• Aperture: F2.80
• Closest focusing distance: 0.2.8
• Zoom ratio: 1.8x
• The presence of an ultrasonic motor: +
• price: 43 885 rubles

A modernized model of the series that has received many useful updates. A very high quality zoom lens that boasts a wide angle to capture more subjects in high resolution.

Pros of the model:

• wide angle;
• fast autofocus;
• good sharpness;
• nice color rendering.

Minuses:

• there is no stabilization;
• sometimes distorts the edges of the frame.

Best Sony portrait lenses

Sigma 30mm f / 1.4 DC DN Contemporary Sony E

Specifications:

• Autofocus: +
• Aperture: F1.40
• Minimum focusing distance: 0.3
• Zoom ratio: 1.3x
• The presence of an ultrasonic motor: +
• price: 23 954 rubles

The model is a versatile monofunctional optical instrument developed by the manufacturer specifically for mirrorless cameras. The first of its kind with such a diaphragm. Excellent optics for portrait and landscape photography.

Pros of the model:

• sharp throughout the frame;
• good anti-glare;
• nice price;
• excellent photo power.

Minuses:

• no optical stabilization
• on an open aperture, autofocus slows down.

Sigma 56 mm f / 1.4 DC DN Contemporary Sony E disadvantages

Specifications:

• Autofocus: +
• Aperture: F1.40
• Minimum focusing distance: 0.5
• Zoom ratio: 1.2x
• The presence of an ultrasonic motor: +
• price: 27 900 rubles

Designed with a focus on portraits, it does a great job. The f / 1.4 aperture allows for excellent results, even in low light.

Pros of the model:

• compactness;
• great picture;
• smooth bokeh;
• fast autofocus.

Minuses:

• pincushion distortion;
• no stabilization, you need a tripod.

Best Fujifilm portrait lenses

Fujifilm XC 15-45mm f / 3.5-5.6 OIS PZ

Specifications:

• Autofocus: +
• Aperture: F3.50 - F5.60
• Closest focusing distance: 0.13
• Zoom ratio: 3.2x
• The presence of an ultrasonic motor: +
• price: 14,920 rubles

Compact and versatile model for Fujifilm cameras. There is an integrated optical stabilizer, as well as a Power Zoom function. It shows itself well in dynamic scenes, removes distortion well.

Pros of the model:

• compactness;
• good sharpness;
• fast autofocus;
• good color rendering.

Minuses:

• noisy autofocus;
• plastic bayonet.

Fujifilm XF 16-80mm f / 4 R OIS WR

Specifications:

• Autofocus: +
• Aperture: F4
• Closest focusing distance: 0.35
• Zoom ratio: 5x
• The presence of an ultrasonic motor: +
• price: 48 120 rubles

An updated model with an X mount. The optics are versatile, they have an excellent zooming system. There is high-quality optical stabilization. The lens is considered the top of the whale mounts.

Pros of the model:

• compactness;
• noiselessness;
• excellent stabilization;
• moisture resistance.

Minuses:

• high price tag;
• there are vertical distortions at 16 millimeters.

Whichever model you choose to buy, it is very important to cooperate with a reliable seller who can provide a guarantee for their products.