Choosing a lens is one of the most important aspects in photography. Each type of lens has unique characteristics that can transform a simple portrait into a work of art, whether highlighting the subject against a soft background or creating a more intimate connection between the subject and the environment around them.
Throughout this article, we will learn about the main lens recommendations for portraits, from prime lenses to zoom lenses. We will highlight the importance of lens aperture and focal length, crucial factors in achieving the desired effect in the portrait.
Plus, you’ll have a clearer understanding of how lenses can impact your portraits and be able to make more informed decisions to improve the quality of your photos. Continue reading!
Why is lens choice so important?
The choice of lens directly influences the aesthetics of the image. An inappropriate lens can deform the proportions of the face or body, causing unwanted effects such as distortions. Therefore, it is ideal to choose the right lens to guarantee a natural and pleasant portrait.
Furthermore, the lens affects depth of field, an essential factor in isolating the model from the background. Lenses with wide apertures create a soft blur in the background, highlighting the model and giving the image more quality. If the lens is inadequate, the background may become very detailed, distracting attention and damaging the quality of the portrait.
Another important aspect is the lens’s field of view. Lenses with long focal lengths, such as 85mm or 135mm, offer a narrow field of view, ideal for intimate portraits, focusing on the subject without distractions. Short lenses, like 35mm, have a wider field of view, ideal for outdoor photos.
Finally, lens choice also affects image quality. Higher quality lenses, such as prime lenses, offer sharper images with less distortion. The right lens can transform an ordinary photograph into an image full of details.
How to choose the best lens option for your portraits?
Before choosing the best lens, it is important to consider the options available and how each of them can influence the image result. Prime lenses have a wider aperture, making them lightweight and easy to handle. They are chosen because they offer sharp images, less distortion and a beautiful background blur.
Zoom lenses are ideal for photographers who need flexibility, allowing you to adjust the focal length without changing lenses. Although they are not as sharp as prime lenses, they are versatile and suitable for different compositions, making them an option for those who are starting out or need a single lens for various situations.
Another popular option is 50mm lenses, known as “standard lenses”. They offer a focal length similar to human vision, providing a natural and balanced portrait. It’s an ideal lens for those who are just starting to shoot portraits and want an affordable and effective option.
Finally, telephoto lenses, such as 85mm or 135mm, are ideal for intimate portraits, providing a more delicate focus. They allow you to capture images from a distance, being perfect for outdoor sessions or portraits with an artistic aesthetic, ensuring a blurred background and highlighting the model.
Prime lenses or zoom lenses: which is best for portraits?
The choice between prime lenses and zoom lenses depends on several factors, such as the photographer’s style, working conditions and the type of result desired. Prime lenses aim for maximum sharpness and smooth background blur. Zoom lenses stand out for their versatility, allowing quick composition changes without having to change the lens.
Prime lenses, such as 50mm or 85mm, have the main advantage of superior optical quality and larger apertures, such as f/1.4 or f/1.8, providing greater control over depth of field, being ideal for creating portraits with blurred backgrounds, isolating the subject. model in an artistic and professional manner.
On the other hand, zoom lenses, such as 24-70mm or 70-200mm, give you the flexibility to switch between different focal lengths quickly. Despite not having the same aperture as prime lenses, zoom lenses can deliver high-quality results, making them a practical option for those looking for versatility.
Choosing between prime and zoom lenses depends on your photographic goals. If you’re looking for maximum image quality and smoother focus, prime lenses are the best option. However, if you are looking for flexibility and agility in photo shoots, especially in varied environments, zoom lenses are ideal.
How does lens aperture affect your portraits?
The lens aperture is responsible for controlling the entry of light that goes beyond the camera sensor and defines the depth of field, which can vary between shallow focus, highlighting the model, and deep focus, with the photo completely clear. Understanding how this works is important to create quality portraits.
Aperture is measured in f-stops, such as f/1.4, f/1.8, or f/5.6. Smaller values indicate larger apertures, which let in more light and create a shallow depth of field. For example, using a lens with an f/1.8 aperture is a popular choice for creating a soft focus effect, isolating the subject and giving the image a professional look.
On the other hand, a larger aperture (such as f/8 or f/11) results in a greater depth of field, where more elements in the scene remain sharp, making it ideal for portraits that seek to enhance the environment.
Choosing the ideal aperture depends on the desired effect and lighting. In bright locations, adjustments to shutter speed or ISO prevent overexposure. In dark environments, wider apertures capture more light without losing detail. Mastering this relationship improves the quality of portraits.
Conclusion
Choosing the right lens is one of the pillars for achieving good results in portrait photography. Understanding the differences between prime, zoom and telephoto lenses, as well as the impact of aperture on depth of field, allows the photographer to explore the potential of each equipment.
By balancing technical factors such as focal length, the photographer can create portraits that stand out for both aesthetics and narrative. Whether to highlight a single model or integrate the environment into the composition, with the correct adjustments and the ideal choice of lens, it is possible to transform a simple click into a true work of art.
Investing time in studying the characteristics of lenses and understanding the different types of adjustments that can be made is important for anyone looking to evolve in portrait photography. With dedication, it is possible to create images that enchant and leave a lasting mark on the viewer.
