3 best PROFESIONAL portrait lenses

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Tony and Chelsea choose their favorite lenses for portraits, different price points for each, and the benefits of each lens.

[@BufeTube]

You two are not only helpful to educate and assist us amateur photographers, but are just fun to watch. Thanks.

[@tylerdoestech]

I love my 135mm f/2 and 85 f/1.2 for portraits! 50mm will also get the job done quite nicely as long one does not get too close to the subject to avoid distortion.

[@frankline.gonzalez-dwindt2355]

The 85 1.2 is my go to when shooting portraits, but now it’s more trending open shoots and here is when my 28-702.0 shines

[@andrewelder2739]

Fun video you two!! I gotta go with Tony on the big zoom! I'm a Canon shooter, and my first (and so far only) "L" lens is the RF 70-200mm f/2.8, and I use it exclusively for portraits. The clarity, color, and clean images I get with it just can't be matched by any of my non-"L" primes (tho the RF 85mm f/2 is also pretty fantastic!) And the variety of tight-to-SUPER-tight gives me some flexibility with my compositions without having to run all over creation! And since in the studio, I'm usually shooting above f/4 anyway, the slightly slower aperture isn't a factor.

[@waynewes9466]

Love the chemistry and the helpful information. You guys rock!

[@robmullinsmarketing]

I love your lens reviews when you do it "together" - it's good to hear both perspectives and a bit of pro-n-con conversation. Keep up the good work!

[@coryhultquist580]

Canon RF 85 1.2 DS - favorite lens ever, color, contrast, sharpness, image rendition even wide open are unparalleled.

[@hartzogLovesScience]

I have always been a 50mm photographer. To me, it has always had the most visual appeal to me. But, having used a 110 Fuji camera for so many years in my youth, I also love what both the 35 mm and 85 mm brings to my composition. The three really complement each other.

[@Dave_en]

The lenses you mentioned are known as holy trinity of lenses. Most of the shots you usually take have focal lengths in these ranges. Rarely we need extra wide or telescopic photos in portrait photography. Even for group shots in full frame, 35 mm is one of the best focal lengths. These focal lengths look very natural to our eyes. 35/50/85 also have approx 1.5 ratio between them, so no need to get any other focal lengths between them.

[@richardsteinbergmakingknives]

YES!!! I love my G master 24-70. For both, stills and video.

[@PaulKretz]

Many Canon shooters don't know about the real budget 100% portrait lens - *EF 135mm f/2.8 (with soft focus)* . It is so good for its price. Designed for shooting against the light and unique (no other Canon lenses have it) SF feature leaves something more to play with.

[@simonmaduxx6777]

Its also way too long. Everyone knows about it. Its also used for product.. it was used in my studio classes many years ago. Thx though 👍

[@The_Idea_of_Dream_Vision]

Never heard of this

[@PaulKretz]

@@simonmaduxx6777 What do you mean by "too long"? It is actually very lightweight and compact. It is old, yes, but the AF is quick and precise enough. And the sharpness is very good even wide open.

[@russellbaston974]

I had the 135 ‘soft’ my experience, with any “soft” setting manual focussing is a nightmare, especially stopped down a bit, the degree of softness is aperture dependent and my personal preference was fully open was too much so f4-5.6 was the useable range. Full wide open, full softness seemed very?? Autofocus greatly improved my user experience. I wondered if the softness settings were by sitter’s age, 30-40 = softness 1 f4.5 , 50-60 softness 2 f4 , 60+ softness 2 @2.8. At f8 it’s a sharp lens, the other consideration is its very warm colour ( I’m British, we spell correctly) balance.

[@ivankiefer3886]

The focal length is too much very limited not that versatile. Still a nice lense

[@billpowell702]

I'm a 50mm fan but listening to Chelsea talk about the 85 prime has peaked my curiosity. The 70-200 is always in my bag as well.

[@Rcm23195]

I love my Sigma 85 1.4 for portrait work, but my 28-75 2.8 at 75 does decently as well for quick shots if I'm out and don't want to change lenses.

[@stuartschaffner9744]

I got into primes as an escape from the chromatic aberration and flare of my zooms. It would take a lot for me to switch back. Still I am excited to learn that zooms are improving too. The past few years have been wonderful for lens development.

[@GeertDelmulle]

My favorite portrait lens: my 135F1.8GM. A bit on the heavy side for a prime, but boy is it good! :-)

[@MrVoayer]

You guys share great fun and enthusiasm, alongside the knowlege and experience ! Your work is highly appreciated !!!

[@caleblatreille8224]

I agree with Tony about the bokeh of prime lenses but I'm so glad Chelsea mentioned a wider angle like 24mm. The amazing work of cinematographers like Bradford Young or Emmanuel Lubezki or photographers like Deana Lawson (and I'm sure many I don't know) is just as influential as smartphones or first-person shooters.

[@capturemeinpictures]

Thank you for another very useful perspective on photography. I provide session portrait photography and use a Nikon Z7ii with a Z85mm f1.8 for the studio (clean studio backdrops do not require wide-open apertures to blur the background. To provide some insurance that I do not miss focus, I typically shoot at f4.0 to f5.6). I use the Nikon Z 24-70mm f2.8 for outdoor shots. This pair of lenses are a great duo! They have helped me produce some amazing images and, most importantly, have met my customers' needs!

[@fredvans01]

At the introduction of the A7RV, Sony allowed me to use the 1.2, 50 mm in combination with the A7RV, what incredibly sharp photos I was able to take in a short time. I have an A7RIV with a 200-600 lens and a 24-105 lens. If possible, I will buy another wide-angle lens for my holiday to Italy next spring. After saving a lot I also want to buy a 1.2 50mm, used I think. I enjoy your videos every time and also the setting of my camera is a success thanks to you. Good luck in your life and I wish you a fantastic Christmas and a wonderful New Year. Fred van Schaagen from the Netherlands

[@tjompen1968]

I was taught to take portraits at a distance of around 1-1.5 meters and using the appropriate focal length to how much of the person I want in the frame. This gives me a compression that looks like what people see in the mirror.

[@People_Pics_Photografhy]

I love my tamron 105 f1,4 for The posed work. And I use both 24-70 and 70-200 f2,8 for eventlike ocations.

[@abjr303]

My fave lens for portraits is the 50mm 1.4. Not crazy sharp but Bokeh is awesome and its relatively well priced. I also use the Tamron 70-200 G1 which is stunning on my Eos R but to heavy to carry around for long.

[@lighthousephoto7143]

I like zooms for events and primes for posed work

[@kevindiaz3459]

My workhorse lens, which includes portraits, is my EF 70-20mm F2.8L IS II USM. Adapting it to my R5 and R6 after moving into the RF system, and I kept it instead of getting the RF model as the EF model has almost no focus breathing. I haven't got to trial the RF version, but I have heard it is not as good against focus breathing as the EF is, and for that reason I will keep that EF lens until Canon can get me and RF lens that outperforms it. I've done just an absurd amount of work with it. I'd say a close second is my Sigma 50mm F1.4 Art HSM. But it's not my main portrait lens, its more for specific stuff that has more context in the shot.

[@zegzbrutal]

RF f2.8 doesn't breath that bad. But your EF mk2 is so capable. I would say if you have opportunity, try the f4. The RF f4 version is so compact that you can easily take it out as daily lens.

[@jonafoto]

Wow the lens setup you have here to record is really pretty, almost looks cinematic. Also great advice as usual!

[@bentonbrightwell8953]

35 is my favorite portrait lens for non-traditional portrait work ie environmental portraits. Great especially for portraits at events where the scene is sometimes just as important as the main subjects.

[@Dave_en]

35 is very near to normal view, just a little wide. An excellent choice for group shots.

[@seasterl]

Thanks for the video! I prefer a 70-200 f/2.8 and 50 f/1.2 for full-frame. I used to only use a 24-70 f/2.8, but that was on a crop sensor camera.

[@TheLinesEnd]

Professional portrait lens #1 Sigma 85mm f1.4 Art

[@-_--le3zk]

Or maybe 105mn f1.4

[@Alexanderboost]

Until sony does a 85mm GM Version 2. Sigma is best

[@TheLinesEnd]

@@Alexanderboost agreed

[@sharpfocused5710]

My #1 portrait lens is the Sony 135mm f1.8 GM, I use the Sigma 85 1.4 as well for a lighter setup but I prefer the 135 look

[@TheLinesEnd]

@@sharpfocused5710 135 is brilliant for background compression

[@danncorbit3623]

For a family portrait, 35mm. For a full person, 50mm. Head and shoulders, 85mm. For the face 180mm. For the face with ludicrous bokeh, 300mm prime. No zooms for posed portraits, but fine for beach, wedding, etc. Same brand as camera or Sigma. Nothing wrong with breaking the rules either. Generally, around f1.4 but once in a while stop it down for a changeup in depth of field. For special cases I have a soft focus lens (you can smooth in post, but it's not quite the same). I can't say I have a favorite lens. I like them all. I plan to experiment with wider (maybe down to 24 or even 20) but I did not try it yet. I saw an interesting demo of that by a Finnish photographer.

[@christophertucker5295]

Lot's of things to consider, thank you for your insight.

[@joekool5005]

Great video as always. My dream lense by far has always been a 70-200 f2.8. Now that the kids have left home, maybe I'll be able to afford one! Might even get my number two which is a 50 f1.2.

[@RomanHaussener]

My current portrait lens is the 7Artisans 50mm f/0.95, which creates a perfect dreamy vintage look with a ton of bokeh. Also love to work manually with this lens...

[@normk58]

"Back in the day" when I was learning to shoot on film, 105 was the go-to portrait lens. Now the 85 seems to have weaseled its way into the top spot. I don't own an 85, because I don't do portrait work, but I have a 105 f/2.8 macro that I use occasionally for shooting live music, and I think it's a great focal length for portraits. But what do I know. I'm old. ;)

[@Dave_en]

105 is also a great focal length lying between 70 and 135, the suitable range for portrait photography. The difference between 85 and 105 is not a big deal. If you already have 105, no need to buy the 85 one at all. Either you need around 150mm or 70mm if at all required.

[@julianmorgan5994]

105 is THE best focal length for a full frame camera due to the excellent compression and rendering. It makes portraits very flattering. I'm using the Nikon 105 f1.4 on my Z6II and it's absolutely unbelievable.

[@mjztx]

I got the RF 50mm 1.2 about 6 months ago. I love that lens. It's just beautiful. It's all I want to shoot now.

[@matthewjeffres4640]

Y'all are going to call me crazy but I have been using a Sony A6400 with the Sigma 18-50 F2.8 and a Sigma 30 F1.4 with good results. At a 16x20 the portraits look awesome! Knowing what you are trying to communicate with a portrait is 70% of the "gear". The equipment in the hands of a skilled person can then get the job done.

[@chrismancini3781]

Love the 70-200 GM, use it for everything! Straight up portraits, I’m using the 55 Zeiss 1.8, and for events I’m using the 24-105 G. Great video as always 😎👍

[@karlweb1]

I have been a PPA member for about 26 years. Great group

[@PatrickTardifsubcell]

Wow! Chelsea is so confident 🥰

[@dallaswoolley]

Great video. I've been using my recently purchased Nikon Z 85mm F1.8 prime for portrait shots, and it is amazing. Great bokeh and super sharp, great colours.

[@jmoorman]

Right now, my favorite is the 50 f/1.8 because that's what I can afford. I'm saving up for a used 850 and 24-70 from KEH. Love those guys. And, you guys, too !

[@josephchan4198]

Quality work. Thanks for the reviews.

[@superzero4250]

The Lumix G Leica DG Vario-Summilux 25-50mm F1.7 is a crazy fantastic lens. With a 2x crop, it provides parody with FF 50-100mm @ f2.8 - 3.4 bokeh. I also have the M.Zuiko Digital ED 75mm F1.8 that is phenomenally sharp. Practically the only two lenses I need for portraiture… Never realized that a Leica 50 - 100mm focal length would be so convenient and affective, especially capable of f1.7. If I need something for wide, the Leica 15mm/1.7 will suffice. However, the Leica 12mm/1.4 or the Leica 9mm/1.7 might be a bit better, but I do not yet own the later two… Keep in mind, since the subject is portraiture, lighting is usually not a issue… And before someone says a particular system is not professional; I would say, a camera does not make the results professional, but rather the talent that snaps the photo does… 🤔

[@juandeveraturda4392]

I enjoy using my 85mm 1.8 and 50mm 1.8 lens for my portraits. Thank you for the nice video. Good morning from the Philippines. 🤩😍

[@keithcollins6303]

Canon 85 mm 1.4 L is my fav portrait lens. Plenty of bokeh. But the Canon 70-300 mm 4-5.6 L is also pretty amazing. Just have to be more careful with ISO speed to keep blur from slow shutter speed.

[@WilliamJohnston]

Happy owner of the RF 85 1.2, 50 1.2 and 70-200 2.8, but before I shot these amazing lenses, I was (and still am) a huge advocate for the older and cheaper EF 135mm f2L, simply stunning smooth bokeh, great colours and all round pop. 😃👍

[@javison_4]

what's a "70-200 2.8 1.2"

[@WilliamJohnston]

@@javison_4 oops, looks like I’m human after all..! 🤪👍

[@MrTmiket0007]

Thanks for sharing another wonderful video like always, I love my Canon 50mm for portraits and I would love to get the 85mm, keep up with the awesome content 👍👌🤗

[@UnconventionalReasoning]

Primes all the way! Lighter, more selection over character, and the consistent field of view. The Nikon F 105mm f/1.4G is amazing (the Nikon F 200mm f/2 is even better, when it makes sense to use). Still trying to decide my preferred 35mm option, it's currently manual focus.

[@briantodd6903]

Would you use the same on crop sensor like the r7 using 18 - 150 would like a little wider this is my first camera thanks you all are awesome

[@keithhumpherys8343]

I got a Leicaflex camera in 1967 at a Canadian PX in Germany. Kept till early 1980s. Had the 50 mm lens it came with it. Wish I kept it. Sometimes used a hand meter for lighting. It was a great lens for portrait. Just briefly did photos of people mainly in the 70s while going in college.

[@UncleJimsBand]

Loved the colors paired in your titles.

[@stevebrown9363]

As an "old school" portrait and wedding photographer I'll take my Nikkor 105mm all day long. Glad to see you promoting PPA.

[@paulfresh]

the 50 1.2 and 85 1.2 both have this special characteristic to them that stands out

[@themegaroadproject3014]

May I ask what lens you two used for this episode? Looks very grainy, and I love it.

[@monochromebluess]

Great thoughts. I am sure lots will comment on their best lens choices so instead I just wanted to say what a charming video presentation by you both.

[@familiedekuijper]

My favourite is the Sony FE 90mm f2,8 OSS macro. It is so pin sharp in an beautiful and natural way. Pleny of boca

[@PhilippWiktor]

Hey Tony, could you please make a video about the difference between a normal sensor and a stacked sensor and how they work? I haven't found any video or website that described that enough for me to fully understand. Thank you!😃

[@Cecile2906]

New subscriber here. I love your videos because of the great info you share, and you 2 are genuine. Thank you

[@SaintGabriel111]

Hi there, primes and bokeh create the magic of photography. Thank you for all so classy videos. Cheers.

[@jimanderson9483]

My fave is Sony 135mm f/1.8

[@rodtapia]

Dear Chelsea & Tony, i follow from Chile. I've bought your book 4 years ago. In South America, it's more commom DX camera. I love 35mm DX, 50mm DX and recently 24-70mm. I agree with Chelsea: quite versatile (dynamic opinion with time we live).

[@mikaelnilsson5912]

That 85mm f/1.2 is roughly 3.5k dollars in Sweden. I saw that they also have a DS (defocus smoothing) version. The main thing with the DS is that it smoothes out the bokeh balls from light sources, looks rly cool. Oh and the DS version is roughly 4k.

[@rga66]

My favorite portrait lens of all time is the Sigma 105mm f/1.4 Art ! Period ! But I never feel unconfortable using an 85mm f/1.4, a (very good) 70-200mm f/2.8 or even my 35mm f/1.2 which gives me stunning results !

[@SarahLdk]

The Sigma 105 mm 1.4 is my dream lens. Only because of its weight, am I leaning towards 85 mm 1.4. But I would love the 105....

[@SarahLdk]

I have the Canon 24-70mm 2.8 and it doesn't give me what I need in portraits..

[@StunnafulPhotography]

For portraits, definitely the 35mm and 50mm prime lenses. For special events and hikes (landscape) a good 24-105mm or a 70-200mm.

[@simonmaduxx6777]

The 35 even with its distortion produces some really really nice portraits as well. My 35 was originally bought to do backstage with 2.8 for its wideness. Since then I've used it many times over to get some portrait flexibility from using the 50.

[@jimzielinski946]

For an event, I prefer a wide to portrait zoom so I can do table shots and portraits quickly. In a more personal setting, for portraits of self conscious older women, I like to use an 85mm soft focus lens. I know you can do soft focus in post, but I find that I have to show the lady a few pics off of the back of the camera to convince her that her wrinkles won't show. I've always been an amateur and always recommended to people who asked for my (free) work to hire a pro. I found that the cheapest people are the most demanding so I'm actually happy that the cheapskates are these days relying on their friends with cellphones to get their free work and no longer bothering me - I get to shoot whatever I want for myself.

[@RaymondPros]

I just bought an old 85mm f1.8 for my EOS RP and its amazing!

[@davidmilisock5200]

Great information as usual, best of luck to you.

[@drewbennett4178]

love and highly recommend the 35-150mm f2-2.8 for any Sony shooters … best of both worlds 35mm f2 + 50mm f2.2 + 70-150mm f2.8 all in one

[@richpfeifer7791]

Hi Tony and Chelsea - love your channel and love shooting at Harkness Park!

[@jameskeener7251]

Nice video, Northrups. Rich in useful information. My favorite portrait lens *would* be the 85mm f/1.2, BUT. It scares people. Models see this hugemongous eye and tense up. Even when I've had a bath. So, even though it's larger, the 70-200. It's not blobular, it's size doesn't seem so threatening.

[@thesharpercoder]

I have been addicted to my EF 135mm f/2L USM for outdoor portraits.

[@avarillas75]

You guys are a fun couple, I love watching your videos

[@asheler1]

I agree with all of those choices but my go to for child or group portraits is actually 24-105 f/4. Sure, it doesn’t have all the bokeh but kids move too much and you can’t shoot wide open for groups anyway. I do use an 85 f/1.8 for headshots or other single adult portraits. I used to have a 70-200 f/2.8 for Canon but when I switched to Sony, I just got the f/4. Portraits are not my main business and photography in general is only a side business for me. I mostly shoot real estate. So, I’m not the typical portrait/event shooter.

[@vitalikasperovich3887]

I really like my Nikon 50mm 1.4 non AI on a crop body. I find all the imperfections in image quality this lens produces appealing. And i've just ordered nikon 105mm 2.8d from ebay, can't wait to test it) Also have 135mm 2.8, but it's a bit too long on crop body.

[@hitmhard]

What trigger are you using on your canon, Chelsea?

[@steveparent8788]

Good video ! I would like to see your 3 best wildlife zooms. Thanks !

[@emilycross4527]

85mm Zeiss batis, 100mm RF macro, 135mm Zeiss batis-I’m usually outdoors. Loved the 28-70 RF but it was way too heavy, actually just switched fully back to Sony for a few reasons (thanks keh!)

[@nicodimus2222]

Nikon 105mm f1.4 E is my favorite. Yes, people still use DSLRs and get great results.

[@IvanToman]

It is even better on Z bodies. You get stabilization and if you fit it on Z9, much better AF than on DSLRs.

[@moovieman693]

My workhorse is canon 50 mm 1.2. I really appreciate your videos. Love the teamwork and I really like that you two don’t agree on everything (that would be boring). 😂

[@OttosAudio]

For me it's either the Nifty Fifty F1.4 or the 85mm F1.4. are there better options? Yup, but not for the same price as some of these

[@kishanbijukchhe4506]

May I know which camera are you using right now to shoot your video

[@avarillas75]

I choose the Nikon 70-200 F2.8 all day, there's something special about that lens that no other has, but that's just me and I'm not proffessional by any means, I'm always learning from the pro's like you guys, thank you

[@rickrydgren1824]

What would you recommend for an APS-C camera like the Nikon Z50? 50mm/f1.8 or 85mm/f1.8 Z-mount?

[@perilthecat]

Wow the lens used in that first shot is ghosting hard. What were you filming with?

[@meljenkins1016]

I have the Canon 24-70mm F 2.8 EF for my Canon R5. But when I do portrait shots I use my Sigma 50mm F 1.4 EF Art lens. I have had issues with the 24-70mm but not with the 50mm. Prime lenses are far better for portraits. I'm now looking for the Samyang 85mm 1.4 EF since Canon put a stop to the RF version

[@codygearhart1844]

I have fallen in love with my 85mm Prime but have been searching for a great zoom lens for Videography! Any thoughts? Main use would be real estate videography.

[@diptenduparamanick9023]

All are good but I mostly use 70-200, F-1:2.8, LS II and I love it the most although I have the other ranges. Ofcourse it is the bokeh from 70-200, f 2.8 is simply awesome.

[@derbagger22]

Would love an 85 f/1.2 but have an EF 1.8 adapted to my R6. Just picked up a used 135 f/2 and really love it. I still am used to the 85 length more....

[@RWAquariumPages]

Awesome, I've been thinking of getting the ef 135 f2 again. Such a nice and compact lens

[@silviugheorghe7118]

Nikkor 105 DC, sigma 105 ART and 135mm. These are the best portrait lenses.

[@zackchoy1969]

may I ask at 7:26 where can I get the Canon 50mm f/1.2 G lens ?

[@Lucamitm]

At 70mm is f 4 good enough for a portrait ( if you’re not in low light) ? Thanks

[@fabthefab75]

I myself use the sigma 70/200 because i got a terrific deal on it although it was not my first choice and at the end of the day, it's a great lens too, comparable to those three.

[@desabog]

I specially liked this video... and Tony, you can never win over Chelsea.😀 Mabuhay kayo!

[@RyanLunaPhotography]

Was the Canon 85 F/1.2 causing that flare in the beginning of your video?

[@stefan_becker]

Have you considered the Tamron 35-150mm f2.0-2.8? In my opinion the focal range is also far more useful than 70-200mm. For people photography I'd pick the Tamron any time over the Sony. For sports the GM2 is probably the better choice because the af of the GM2 is definitively faster.

[@daryshoot150]

Thanks for this video. I have a 24-70 2.8 GM and I don't like it, despite it being a good lens. I can't use it. Do you have any other reviews like mine?

[@AnaJonesDoCarmo009]

I have several prime lenses, some more expensive, some cheaper... but my inexpensive nifty fifty 1.8 always wins them over in the end... I just love that lens!

[@kore996]

Does PPA have coverage for Canada also?

[@davehandelman2832]

Just bought myself am. 85 f1.4. WHAT a game changer!!

[@El-Rico]

I love both my Nikkor 105mm f/1.4 and the 58mm f/1.4.

[@user-os3pz6bd8l]

While I have primes, for most work where I don't need the reach of the 70-200, I use the RF 28-70. The F2.0 gives a little more bokeh, I don't have to zoom with my feet, and just works. The 2 drawbacks are price and weight. Not being petite, this lens works great for me.

[@reemytul7723]

Tony i need your help please I’m a beginner and i got the canon eos 250d that i just knew it doesn’t have the central pin .. and it’s really hard to connect it with accessories from other brands I did my search and it appears that godox has a frameware update for the x1t-c that would make it work . The question is ..does it really work efficiently? Do i need both a transmitter and a reciever? (I want to use it with the strobe light godox ad600 b ) I would really appreciate your reply Thank you