Venturing into the world of portrait photography can be exciting, but the task of choosing the right lens might be overwhelming for a beginner. Regardless, finding the best lens for portrait photography can significantly impact the quality of your work — adding depth and feeling to every shot you take.
Before delving into the specific types of lenses, you may be surprised to learn that there is actually no such thing as a portrait lens. However, there are lenses that are ideal for taking portraits and that is because they have certain features that lends themselves to the task.
That task involves getting distance between the camera and the subject and using a narrow depth of field.
Distance & Depth Of Field
Starting with distance. Why is it important? Ensuring a sufficient distance from camera to subject allows the subject to relax and be more natural. Invading people’s personal space has tendency to make them feel anxious and self conscious, which I am sure you would agree is not going to result in a great shot.
Unless of course your intention is to capture a tense looking shot. In that case, go for it! What most portrait photographers are after is the spontaineous, natural, relaxed look. As if you have caught them off guard in a personal moment.
When captured from a distance, the physical characteristics of the subject also tend to become more refined and aesthetically pleasing, resulting in a flattering portrayal. The distance acts as a natural filter, smoothing out imperfections and highlighting the subject’s most appealing attributes. Something your subject and viewer will very much appreciate.
Generally when taking a portrait we want the centre of attention to be the subject. So distance is important as increases the potential depth of field available to us. This allows us to blur the distracting background out which is especially useful if using the rule of thirds as you may well have quite a large part of the background in the frame. By using an appropriate depth of field we can pleasingly blur the background out.
Now we have established that we need distance between camera and subject and that we need the abiltiy to narrow the depth of field, we can cover the two main features on a lens that will allow us to do that. Namely, focal distance and aperture.
Focal Length
Focal length refers to the distance (in mm) between the lens and the sensor when the subject is in focus. When it comes to focal length, we can divide them into two main categories: shorter and longer focal lengths, each offering distinct advantages in different photographic situations.
A lens with a shorter focal length, typically ranging from 14mm to 35mm, provides a wider field of view. This wider perspective captures a broader scene, making it ideal for large group portraits or environmental portraits where you want to include the surroundings. It allows you to encompass more elements within the frame, such as the backdrop or the surrounding environment, resulting in a more immersive and context-rich image.
On the other hand, lenses with longer focal lengths, such as 85mm, 105mm, or even 200mm and beyond, offer a narrower field of view. These lenses excel in isolating subjects from their surroundings and are commonly used for close-ups or headshots. By compressing the depth of field and narrowing the angle of view, longer focal lengths create a more intimate and focused perspective. They bring the subject closer, enhancing details and minimizing distractions, thereby producing stunning portraits with a captivating level of sharpness and clarity.
Aperture
Next up is aperture. The wider the aperture, the narrower the depth of field. For those not familiar with aperture settings the lower the aperture setting the wider the aperture. Therefore an aperture setting of f/2 would result in a wider aperture than f/4 and would give a narrower depth of field.
With this in mind it’s clear that when taking portraits where we want to have the face in sharp focus and the background blurred we need to use a lower aperture setting to give us the necessary narrow depth of field. However, the actual setting you would use would depend on how many people are in the shot.
For a single person the way to go would be to use something like an f2 or f2.8 setting which blurs everything out apart from the face. For two to three people a higher setting such as f/4 would be better as the slightly wider depth of field would enable all the faces to be in sharp focus.
Typically when more than one person is in the shot their faces would be at slightly different distances from the camera so slightly widening the depth of field would be necessary to keep everyone’s face in sharp focus. For this reason if more than four people are in the shot f/5.6 would be preferable.
Which Lens
There is however a focal length in the middle that is widely thought to be ideal for portraits and that is the 50mm prime lens. Also known as the “nifty fifty,” this lens provides a field of view close to that of human eyes. Some of 50mm lenses ideal for the beginner are:
Canon’s EF 50mm f/1.8 STM lens, lovingly referred to as the “fantastic plastic,” is an absolutely extraordinary option that Canon users simply cannot ignore. With its remarkable f/1.8 aperture, this lens has the stunning ability to capture exceptional shots even in the most challenging low-light conditions, delivering outstanding image quality that surpasses expectations. Furthermore, the lens boasts the unique ability to effortlessly create a breathtaking background blur which adds a touch of artistry and elegance to every photograph.
What truly sets this lens apart from its competitors is its astonishingly affordable price point, making it an absolute gem for photography enthusiasts, particularly those who are just embarking on their photographic journey. It serves as the perfect entry-level portrait lens, allowing beginners to explore the world of portrait photography without breaking the bank. With its exceptional image quality, versatility, and affordability, the EF 50mm f/1.8 STM lens is a remarkable asset that empowers aspiring photographers to capture stunning, professional-looking portraits with ease.
Nikon AF-S Nikkor 50mm f/1.8G lens continues to be widely regarded as an exceptional choice for photographers. This lens not only boasts impressive optical performance but also offers a range of features that make it a standout option for portrait photography, particularly among Nikon enthusiasts.
One of the key attributes of the Nikon AF-S Nikkor 50mm f/1.8G lens is its ability to deliver exceptional sharpness. The lens is designed to capture every intricate detail with precision, resulting in images that are incredibly crisp and well-defined. Whether capturing the delicate features of a subject’s face or the fine textures of their clothing, this lens consistently delivers outstanding sharpness that brings images to life.
In addition to its sharpness, the Nikon AF-S Nikkor 50mm f/1.8G lens also excels in terms of clarity. It is engineered to minimize distortions, aberrations, and chromatic aberrations, ensuring that images are rendered with utmost clarity and accuracy. This clarity is especially crucial in portrait photography, as it allows photographers to accurately capture and showcase the true essence and character of their subjects.
Furthermore, the color accuracy of the Nikon AF-S Nikkor 50mm f/1.8G lens is truly exceptional. It has been meticulously calibrated to reproduce colors with remarkable accuracy, resulting in images that are vibrant, true-to-life, and full of depth. This level of color accuracy is particularly beneficial for portrait photography, as it allows photographers to accurately capture the nuances of skin tones, clothing, and background elements, thereby enhancing the overall aesthetic quality of the images.
Moreover, the Nikon AF-S Nikkor 50mm f/1.8G lens’s wide aperture of f/1.8 enables photographers to achieve a shallow depth of field, resulting in beautiful background blur and subject isolation. This creates a visually pleasing separation between the subject and the background, drawing attention to the main focal point and adding a professional touch to portrait photographs.
Sony 50mm f/1.8 lens is undoubtedly a fantastic choice for photographers and videographers alike. This remarkable lens excels in delivering exceptional clarity, sharpness, and an exquisite bokeh effect, making it a highly desirable option for capturing stunning images and videos.
When it comes to clarity, the Sony 50mm f/1.8 lens truly shines. It boasts remarkable optical capabilities that ensure every detail is captured with precision and utmost clarity. Whether you’re shooting portraits, landscapes, or any other subject, this lens guarantees impeccable image quality that truly brings your vision to life.
In terms of sharpness, this lens is unparalleled. Its advanced optics and wide maximum aperture of f/1.8 allow for exceptional sharpness, even in low-light conditions. This makes it an ideal companion for photographers who often find themselves shooting in challenging lighting situations, ensuring that every shot remains crisp and well-defined, devoid of any unwanted blurriness.
One of the most notable features of the Sony 50mm f/1.8 lens is its ability to produce a beautiful bokeh effect. With its wide aperture, it allows you to achieve a shallow depth of field, resulting in a dreamy, out-of-focus background that truly enhances the subject and adds a touch of artistic flair to your photographs. Whether you’re capturing portraits or close-up shots, this lens effortlessly creates a mesmerizing bokeh that adds depth and dimension to your images.
Aside from its outstanding performance, the Sony 50mm f/1.8 lens comes at a price that won’t break the bank. It offers exceptional value for money, considering its remarkable optical capabilities and the sheer versatility it brings to your photography. Compared to other lenses in its class, this lens delivers comparable if not superior performance at a more affordable price point, making it an excellent investment for both amateurs and professionals alike.
In conclusion, the Sony 50mm f/1.8 is an outstanding lens choice that excels in providing excellent clarity, sharpness, and a beautiful bokeh effect. Its exceptional performance, combined with its affordable price, makes it a must-have for photographers and videographers looking to elevate their craft without compromising on quality.
Although the 50mm lens is a good lens for general portraits if you want to introduce greater working distance from your subject, so they feel more comfortable, then a mid-telephoto lens between 75-150 would be a better option.
Another great choice is the 85mm prime lens. This lens allows a further working distance from your subject, resulting in more comfortable portraits. Two great options for beginners are:
Sigma’s 85mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art lens, compatible with Canon, Nikon, and Sony, is another excellent choice. It delivers exceptional image quality, a smooth bokeh effect, and a precise focus.
Tamron’s SP 85mm f/1.8 Di VC USD is a strong contender too. With a moisture-resistant construction and inbuilt image stabilization, it offers a great balance of quality and price.
For those willing to dive deep into their pockets, professional-grade lenses like the Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM and the Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8E FL ED VR offer unparalleled quality. However, beginners might find these heavier and more complex to use.
Final Words
While it’s crucial to choose a quality lens, remember that practice and experience are equally important in the realm of portrait photography. The aforementioned lenses might help you start your journey, but mastering the art of photography will require time, persistence, and lots of shooting.
An important aspect to remember is that the best lens for portrait photography strongly depends on your specific needs and preferences aiming to find one that fits your style and budget.
With these insights, you are now better poised to find the best lens for your portrait photography journey. Remember, the journey to mastering portrait photography is as much about understanding your gear as it is about fostering your creativity and unique perspective. Happy shooting!