Portrait lens - Zoom or prime

[hammie]

For portraits shooter out there, would you prefer to be using 24-70f2.8 zoom or use prime lens.

 

[zac08]

For portraits shooter out there, would you prefer to be using 24-70f2.8 zoom or use prime lens.

It's up to you. And your shooting habits.

Some prefer having a fast prime to get the shots they want. Some prefer having a zoom to be more flexible in getting the desired image crop.

 

[giantcanopy]

If you need really thin dof and larger aperture, the prime lenses will be the option.
Canon has a 50mm/1.2 and an 85mm/1.2

Ryan

 

[hammie]

I was contemplating between a Sigma 24-70f2.8 and 50mmf1.8 + 85 f1.8

 

[Randius]

Just like what zac08 had said, it all depends on your need/preference and the situation. I had three primes (20/2.8, 50/1.4, 85/1.4) but sold them for the convenience of the 24-70/2.8. I may get back the 50/1.4 for the shallower DOF.

So what is your priority?

 

[dennisc]

I use mainly prime but carry around 16-35 just in case of tight spots.

 

[flipfreak]

depends on how u work. no hard and fast rules.

 

[gymak90]

If you have the money, then buy all :devil:
Or else, decide on what you can afford and how much DOF you can tolerate. It's good to have a wide angle lens and long lens.
Zoom or prime don't really make a difference. But primes tend to have larger apertures and maybe cheaper.

 

[tjhan]

Primes are cheaper than the good zooms. So that's a factor. I don't have money for a 70-200 f2.8 or f4 IS, but I have money for a 50 mm f1.4 and I already had a 100 mm f2.8. It works out.

 

[bEnd1ck]

I was contemplating between a Sigma 24-70f2.8 and 50mmf1.8 + 85 f1.8

I thought u already have a 50 f1.4 and 85 f1.8?

 

[eileenksj]

Primes are cheaper than the good zooms. So that's a factor. I don't have money for a 70-200 f2.8 or f4 IS, but I have money for a 50 mm f1.4 and I already had a 100 mm f2.8. It works out.

I have 50mmf1.8. not bad. not bad. In most of my outdoor portraits shoots ,i was using 24-105. i'm actually going to try 85 f1.8 this weekend. Review on this lens for portaits not bad.

 

[hammie]

I thought u already have a 50 f1.4 and 85 f1.8?

The 50 f1.4 was only obtained hours ago to test run

 

[bEnd1ck]

The 50 f1.4 was only obtained hours ago to test run

I see that you got yourself a 50D too... congrats.
Like what FF said, no hard and fast rulez... sometimes, i use my 50 f1.4, sometimes Tamron 28-75. When space permits, my 70-200 gives nice portraits as well hehe.

 

[hammie]

I see that you got yourself a 50D too... congrats.
Like what FF said, no hard and fast rulez... sometimes, i use my 50 f1.4, sometimes Tamron 28-75. When space permits, my 70-200 gives nice portraits as well hehe.

I think my 501.4 and 85 1.8 will come in handy for controlled shoot... Other den that... I think I be on the 24-105

 

[m3lv1nh0]

85L for me... loving it..

If you have the time to compose, than a prime is nice.. the sharpness + DOF..
If you need to shoot fast, than a zoom is more flexible but even at f2.8, the bokeh stilll cannot compared to a prime, me thinks.