What lens for *big* ppl??

gootlah · 18th October 2005

When taking ppl shots I use 17-40, however, due to the characteristic of the 17-40 at the wide end, there's bound to have some distortion near the sides - so I need to take extra care in the angles and position of *BIG* ppl.

I use a longer focal length lens like a 85mm to prevent distortion when the subject is on the fatter side.

What's a good lens, such that the face of the model or bride doesn't look too fat? What lens do you use?

shinken · 18th October 2005

You said it. Tele or mid tele will be more flattering for portrait shots. 85mm on 1.6x gives you a FOV of 136mm, which is quite a comfortable focal length for portrait. A tad far for full body, but ok for half body. Tele effects not bad too.

If you don't mind using a loudhailer or have a huge spacious studio, then 135 F2L will give you a nice tele for portraits, just a tad too long for 1.6x.

Try it, 85mm 1.8 is an amazing lens for its price. 135 on 1.3, FF would be even more tempting.

CYRN · 18th October 2005

use 17mmm and stand further... they will look "small" relative to the rest of the frame

Splutter · 19th October 2005

Sometimes for scenarios like group shots where u have to use a wide angle, can try to position the bigger size folks in the centre. Also try not to have human parts or any important part of the composition in the outermost 10% of the frame as the distortion is the most significant there.

18th October 2005	#1
gootlah Member Join Date: May 2004 Posts: 661	*What lens for big* ppl??** When taking ppl shots I use 17-40, however, due to the characteristic of the 17-40 at the wide end, there's bound to have some distortion near the sides - so I need to take extra care in the angles and position of BIG ppl. I use a longer focal length lens like a 85mm to prevent distortion when the subject is on the fatter side. What's a good lens, such that the face of the model or bride doesn't look too fat? What lens do you use?

18th October 2005	#2
shinken Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Pasir Ris Posts: 1,271	*Re: What lens for big* ppl??** You said it. Tele or mid tele will be more flattering for portrait shots. 85mm on 1.6x gives you a FOV of 136mm, which is quite a comfortable focal length for portrait. A tad far for full body, but ok for half body. Tele effects not bad too. If you don't mind using a loudhailer or have a huge spacious studio, then 135 F2L will give you a nice tele for portraits, just a tad too long for 1.6x. Try it, 85mm 1.8 is an amazing lens for its price. 135 on 1.3, FF would be even more tempting.

18th October 2005	#3
CYRN Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2002 Posts: 4,483	*Re: What lens for big* ppl??** use 17mmm and stand further... they will look "small" relative to the rest of the frame __________________ Photoevangel - Gallery - Photography Evangelism : Spreading the Good photography.

19th October 2005	#4
Splutter Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Gim Boon Tai Posts: 2,819	*Re: What lens for big* ppl??** Sometimes for scenarios like group shots where u have to use a wide angle, can try to position the bigger size folks in the centre. Also try not to have human parts or any important part of the composition in the outermost 10% of the frame as the distortion is the most significant there. __________________ If you understand my works, it's photography. If you don't, it's art. SplutterPhotography\|flickr