Best Portrait lens? 85mm vs 70-200mm

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[@Jerome...]

6:43, yep totally looking at her face.

[@MichaelMa]

Do you have it in f/16?

[@meetoloveu2]

yup looking at the face lol haha

[@jonathanchow3401]

how are you taking a naked shot in a law library??????

[@CeeMeeNYC]

Three years ago and still vitally relevant! Thank you Matt

[@Teacherinasubie]

Zoom lenses are more forgiving. I find it harder to have bad photos. Many of them are good photos. Prime lenses require a lot of shots. The awful ones are terrible. However, when you nail a shot with a prime lens, it looks amazing. The clarity of the focus is unmatched in a zoom lens.

[@BuxStop]

6:57 her face when she finds out the price haha :')

[@Michael-op5hk]

Sarah Buxton OMG yes! she said "give me that!"

[@mattgranger]

glad you can see the quality is going up!

[@Teddymwenda]

that deep throat

[@banama1758]

+Crimson tiger nice avatar bruh

[@Malmoe4]

+Crimson tiger hahahaha I thought what the hell is going on there?! :D

[@Teddymwenda]

lol

[@jonathanlevin5975]

OK no one else like this comment because it now has 69 likes and I think that is perfect

[@Teddymwenda]

Octahedron lol thanks

[@sebbytrial]

@4:40 the left image is taken at 200 and the right one at 100. Simply look at the background

[@KevinEuceda]

Liciu SVisual Exactly what I was about to point out but you had already mentioned it. Thanks :)

[@Mannock]

Thank you for a good, straight forward discussion on the lenses.

[@Zippy1357]

This is a superb video, well structured, interesting, everything. Thanks!

[@mattgranger]

nice point

[@Aramis7]

Thanks mate, your videos are great and cover a wide range of topics. keep em coming. cheers

[@philxdev]

Yes Matt is really doing a great job, reinventing tutorials in a slightly different way! Thumbs up big time!

[@pharris2587]

Amazing comparison - exactly what I needed to see!

[@VioletRaya]

This was the perfect video I needed to make the decision on which one I was going to buy. Now I picked the right one! Thank you!!

[@Megurin88]

this is really helpful thank you for making this comparison.

[@f8bethere]

Good comparison and explanation. Thanks

[@Sunny-wu7po]

Thanku so much sir..u hav done some amazing comparison videos n those are such informative n very helpful for beginners..loved ur work♥️🙏

[@kellyfeger]

I love your model's sense of humor!

[@gpudoctor]

Awesome man, very professional. Thank you!

[@americandowninbrazil]

Thanks Matt! Excellent video!

[@tonycool100]

I made the same choice after owning both 85L ii and 70-200 is II. This is an awesome comparison. Excellent job!!!

[@sid8355]

Just purchased a rokinon 85mm f1.4 manual focus, the sharpness is amazing. Cost under $300 on amazon

[@AX-xu3gx]

0:32 when you go dressed as the lens...

[@felipeopazomusic]

great video and channel, i'm always learning from you. All the best from Chile.

[@vincentpothuizen3606]

Dear Matt! I bought the 70-200 f4, for my NIKON D800 and I LOVE IT!! Also for portraits! I've seen many reviews with the 70-200 f2.8 and the 70-200f4 and some primes (NIKON). The 70-200 f4 came out as TEST WINNER! So I bought it! Btw, I LOVE your work! You inspire me enormously! I check you website (s) every day! Please keep up the GREAT work! You reallllllly inspire me!!!! Best of greetings from the Netherlands (Eindhoven). Vincent Pothuizen

[@Twobarpsi]

Good info! Subscribed!

[@s.hunsaker199]

I'm enjoying your videos very much. I am new to photography. But, I enjoy the relaxation it brings me while I travel and shoot photos. I have three lenses I use. I feel they are not as good as in quality. I am however working on getting a better portrait lens. Thank you for what your doing. It certainly gives me help, and great information.

[@KrunoslavStifter]

Just a suggestion. You either need to get a cameramen who understands the basics of composition and not compose center shot like a tourist, or not allow this footage to see the light of day. It kills your credibility when you allow standards to be this low. Makes it hard to see you and your work as professional. Just saying.

[@TheSkraner]

Are you suggesting Matt get a cameraman as per the requirements you outlined, then travel back in time to 2013 to refilm this?

[@KrunoslavStifter]

Reshoot or take it down, otherwise it represents his brand. If he has learned to do better, post better, remove this. It all represents his brand and the credibility of that brand.

[@aarontharris]

This video is a casual tutorial, not art. If someone left this video with more knowledge than when they arrived, then the video served it's purpose.

[@paulzag]

And that is why most business people never start marketing, because they listed to idiot advice for the 1% and can NEVER get it perfect. 1M views says it's good enough. If Matt wants to do a followup in 2016 or 2017 he can

[@JefferyAHoward]

I totally agree with you Aaron.

[@MZ72]

Great video, Matt!

[@TheTimelapseFilms]

Your explanation is really good ! you got your self a new subscriber ! Keep it up.

[@wysmolek]

Just for portraiture the 85 mm (1.2, 1.4 or 1.8) is a step up in quality that you can achieve. The isolation and contrast is superb, but 70-200 is also a very good lens, also did some portrait work with it. It's great allrounder, much more you can do than with 85 mm. However just for portrait 85mm is a great lens (on FF and on crop).

[@arkano01]

oh my god, she is the cutest model ever, i love her!!

[@formattester6]

excellent illustrations!

[@cooloox]

Hi Matt, you labelled the images incorrectly at 4.39. The 200mm both has a shallower DOF (as per your calculations beforehand) and brings the background elements closer. The model stays the same size because you doubled the focal length and doubled the distance. However, in relation to the background you moved a neglible amount backwards and doubled the lens, effectively magnifying the background (making it appear closer)

[@marcotonelliphotography]

Have to leave a compliment. Probably you are one of the best reviewing lenses. Love the real world approach. That's what counts

[@MichaelLaing71]

Good comparison. I personally love the 70-200mm, due to its flexibility and find that the 85mm rarely comes out of my bag. My favourite lens though is the Zess 85mm 1.4 Planer T, which for me is the best feeling lens you can buy (though not optically in the same league as the Canon 85mm 1.2 or Nikkor 85mm 1.4) and the lack of AF can mean it take time to focus, even with the in camera manual focus meter. But it feels just a little bit more special than any other lens I have ever used.

[@zvonimirtosic6171]

It is not the issue of the focal length, but *how the lens was designed*. Those boring 3x zooms have too many optical elements in them; in other words, too much glass, and produce boring and flat images, with zero character. You see one, you see them all. It is visual confectionery. On the other hand, there is visual art. A well-designed prime lens will have less elements, far better optical glass, and may render astonishingly beautiful 3D image, or, enhance some other optical quality of the photograph, like micro-contrast and colour, the way bohkeh is rendered, etc. which lens designer has chosen as a goal. Take a portrait with Leica's 75mm Cron lens, or Pentax's 77mm designed by Jun Hirakawa, and then use 70-200 at 75 or 77 mm; print photographs and you will never touch 70-200 again.

[@VyasAnand]

I challenge you too look at my photos from my 5 D Mark IV and 70-200 2.8 L II and say that drive.google.com/drive/folders/0B37AT6vo9v9uY0pVWVBXR09qSE0

[@pvmediaz3841]

Zvonimir Tosic

[@mr.rawhite]

Great comparison Matt.

[@geogan2]

ha ha. love the outtake at the end! have 70-200 2.8 L IS Canon but would still like a 85 if I had the money.

[@JoeLopez]

Great info as usual Matt. Nikon 85mm 1.8G is next on my list.

[@Aswinishere]

For event photography the zoom of the 70-200 is useful. The image quality is good also.

[@HuFilms]

It looks like the two images are mixed up at 4:41. the 100mm looks more like the 200mm should look. The Canon 100mm L macro is super too, probably a lot sharper than the 70 - 200.

[@JohnMacLeanPhotography]

Hugh Sweeney I'm glad I'm not the only one who thought the 2 focal lengths were flopped! I bought the Canon 70-200 2.8 IS Mark II last fall and it is amazingly sharper compared to my previous three 2.8 versions. Is it prime sharp? Maybe not, but it's so damn close! Not sure if this link will post: facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10154291309640405&set=pb.184563975404.-2207520000.1404711099.&type=1&theater

[@HuFilms]

cool, I'd love one of those lenses too.

[@karlhans6678]

Hugh Sweeney I want to take professional quality photography but does this mean I have to buy a red ring lens?

[@HuFilms]

No, it means you have to be good!

[@deanaustin1975]

Your lens matches her sweater

[@j133yc]

Yes, I own both and I do shoot a lot of portrait. You may combat the camera/lens shake with IS/VR/VC or whatever but you can't combat motion blur if you are shooting at 1/60 or slower. Also, like what was covered here, you can create something special with 1.2/1.4. Trust me, you will be shocked to see the difference in background rendering. I use 70-200 mostly but for a dedicated portrait session, 85 wins all the time.

[@sigmaoctantis_nz]

Pretty sure you're getting mixed up with depth of field. With the same framing at 100mm vs 200mm you will have more depth of field at 200mm because the subject is further away. You also had the examples around the wrong way. This is why telephoto lenses can be better for portrait photography because you get more of your subject in sharp focus and less background for better separation.

[@top10enespanol81]

Hi Sigma, no, you get less dof with the 200mm and reframing farther.

[@sigmaoctantis_nz]

So I looked it up and actually the depth of field on the subject is the same if the apertures are the same with the same subject framing. What I was trying to explain is that the 200mm effectively magnifies the background bringing it closer and making it look more blurred creating more separation. This graph shows what is going on: howmuchblur.com/#compare-1x-100mm-f2.8-and-1x-200mm-f2.8-on-a-0.9m-wide-subject

[@top10enespanol81]

Hi Sigma, i check on the link very nice tool, yes the back gets closer.

[@top10enespanol81]

Yes

[@marcromodevivar]

Im agree with you at 4:48 the left imagage is at 200mm and the right is at 100mm definitely and without a doubt, is someone cant notice this, definitely dosnt deserve to be named as a pro photographer, you can see clearly at the left an aparentely closest background, more blur, and "bigger palm tree at the back

[@DuvensonTV]

07:44 “Thanks buddy, feel the same” lol

[@Eliguitar1]

great vid. well done.

[@Ash1983111]

Good video.. Thanks !!!

[@apixelintime]

Wait - "that Nikon guy" with a Canon? Good for you!! Welcome to the light side, we have cookies!

[@StefanoV827]

So cute laugh Tina :D Good Work Matt!

[@LevinBe]

At 7:35 she is like why the hell does this piece of glass cost 2000 bucks 😂

[@RavencoreLZR]

1:50 "...deepthroat it or something..." You just threw it out there. lol

[@MrBigleafs]

at 4:33 min during shots comparision, 100mm shot has been swapped with 200mm shot. mistake while editing the video

[@avetisberberyan9903]

I noticed that as well

[@unagitonamazu]

great video for me like getting to buy either one

[@MychealJones]

I have been shopping around for a 85mm lens; hopeful I can get mine before Christmas.

[@pixAmant]

Like always, very good!

[@mattgranger]

cheers buddy

[@VadimOm]

now this is what i call a great educational video, maths that you added to visual samples are a way to go!

[@JessOconjr]

Thank you for the video... Very informative. I've been looking for a good camera sling and notice you're using one. What brand are you using (holding the 70-200mm) and are you satisfied with the quality. Thank you in advance.

[@KingGameReview]

I have a Rokinon 85mm f/1.4 and I love it.

[@vincebrophy321]

Absolutely brilliant !!!

[@SyntheticFuture]

Now I find myself wanting 2 grand to get a lens like that. That library shot is really cool, love how shallow it is and the bokeh.

[@ppandm1911]

The focal length of the photos in 4:49 were wrongly state,@100mm should be the effect of 200mm and vise versa.

[@mattgranger]

This was not his best work - obviously too shaky and missed focus. We had a mix up and no one brought stabiliser and this was first time using this camera. We have shot since with his own camera and rig and results are much better. Apologies for this one

[@enduraman1]

I saw you were shooting with Canon 70-200mm lens. For most people Matt Granger says the 70-200mm is best choice. I agree it's more flexible with focal lengths and the narrow field of view works really well for head shots. Plus 70-200 gives the background more compression which I really like. Cannon at 200mm is great for head shots.

[@balacau]

I hope this isn't too much off topic but I was wondering what you think of using a macro lens as a portrait lens? Especially the shorter ones (Tamron 60/2, Sigma 50/2.8 and Sigma 70/2.8), as these are often advertised as being very capable of portraits or even as walk-around lenses. Very interesting and informative video, thank you.

[@rogerhayes3855]

Matt you rock..Big fan of yours from Ireland! Canon or Nikon, your videos are great. I shoot Canon and still watch all your videos. Keep up the good work man, These guys are just key board warriors, it shouldn't matter what you shoot with, photography is what you make it.

[@sjbuck]

@Roman, I agree

[@drasiritzbir]

"Thanks buddy, feel the same" :D I LOLed way to hard over this!

[@vincentpothuizen3606]

Cheers back to you! GREET to correspond with you! As I wrote before, you REALLY inspire me to get my gear out! I learn a lot via your GREAT videos! I remember another video from you, where you spoke about people who have a job that they don't really like. This goes for me too! :-( This is one of the reasons that I do more and more with photography! Please keep on doing what you do, posting all these GREAT videos! I AM YOUR FAN!

[@nrproduction5020]

BEST VIDEO, I HAVE EVER SEEN ON DEPTH OF FIELD##THANKS

[@95provideophotography42]

Thanks Bro

[@bh9262]

Thank you Matt! Is that your favorite portrait lens with the 1.6 crop or full frame?

[@Brestcoons]

Thank you for the video! One question, where can i buy such a black jacket as you have on video?

[@namdude0373]

What camera did you shoot this with? The sharpness is great

[@syekbe]

What camera did you use to shoot this episode? Image looks very nice!

[@felipeopazomusic]

since i'm doing video, i just got a Canon 70-200 f.2.8 (non IS) and an Rokinon 85mm T.1.5 (manual focus, cine lens) and i'm very happy with both. The 85mm at T.1.5 (f.1.4) is perfect for interviews (and i guess portraits) when you want to really isolate your subject, meanwhile the 70-200 at 135 or 200mm gives me greater compression and is also great for pictures (since its got autofocus). I'd say get both, you'll find use for it. A cheaper alternative would be the Canon 85 f.1.8 (around $400)

[@KevinFedde]

What is that camera strap that you are using on your 1D-X? It looks so much better than the normal strap, and I would love one like that for event shoots.

[@MadryckiVlog]

Good comparison.

[@frtorres87]

"Chacha, thanks buddy feel the same" great video Matt.

[@ye9514]

Thanks

[@ukguy]

Almost all of my favourite portraits I have taken with my 70-200 f2.8 L IS

[@cityhunter2501]

any plans on reviewing the 135L? Curious to hear your opinion against the 85L. For portrait I use a Sigma 50 and 135L combo, have the X100s if I really need to shoot 35mm

[@SLRist]

You're certainly going to get more mileage out of the 70-200. It's a super-useful lens to have. I do own both Nikon lenses however, and I really love the images I get with the 85mm 1.4 despite its relative slow focus speed. Fantastic ratio of smooth bokeh to subject sharpness. I use it whenever I think I can get away without a zoom.

[@colnagocowboy]

my smc takumar 85mm 1.8 is one of my favorite lenses

[@gewglesux]

great upload matt!!! still not used to seeing you with a non black barrel in your hands..

[@MrDundee09]

you are so funny with tina hahah but thank you for this information its very helpful

[@Dan____]

Something to concider for portraits is that the 70-200's all come with VR/VC/IS, and you can make up for the lack of light vs a 85 prime with a slower shutter, and still keep sharp shots! This becomes even more of a benifit when you want to keep some DOF in your shots and shoot at say 5.6. I've taken shots as low as 1/6th with the VRII (something I didn't think was possible). While I'd love to have an 85mm, I just can't find a way to justify it.

[@MrRocksteady77]

great vid, hilarious ending.

[@dgs1092]

Hi, are you enjoying your new canon gear and do you prefer anything about it compared to the nikon stuff? Cheers

[@adelankhen]

I have both the 85mm f1.2 and 70-200mm IS II and I think 70-200 is the best when it comes to sharpness, contrast, and speed and I'm not having a problems with the chromatic aberration specially at 200mm unlike the 85mm but I always use the 85mm over the 7-200 at portrait mainly because of the awesomeness of the 1.2 :D

[@Stoupik]

Hi Matt. It appears that you switched the images at 4:34. Photo on the left is probably taken at 200mm. Great comparison, though. And perfect timing. I own 70-200 f/2.8 and I'm thinking about purchasing the 85mm 1.4 from Sigma (f/1.2 from Canon is little bit expensive for me).

[@JacobdelaRosa]

Like Matt said, compression is the biggest difference besides light gathering capabilities between these two lenses. There is also subject rapport to consider. A 70-200 is a HUGE lens which may be intimidating to your subject whereas a prime might be less scary :). On a side note, this is exactly why I picked up a 60 yo russian rangefinder for my street photography over my D700. People give a totally different reaction based on what kind of camera you are using...which in my case is What's That?

[@ashibanez]

thatcanonguy! XD Cheers mate! informative vids!

[@chrishastings]

Yup i got that lens.. its great

son 2 lentes totalmente diferentes, uno tiene la virtud de la luminosidad, pero es fijo y poca construcción que lo hace muy exacto en enfoque. , el otro es un zoom que ahorra movimientos. el boké de las fotografías pueden ser parecidos, en 85 1.8 y 200 2.8, pero sin duda lo que cambia es el fondo de lo desenfocado. en 200, el objeto desenfocado es mas grande que en 85

[@DrBiiktor]

I'm glad I saw this video. I saved me some money not getting the 85mm as I already have the 70-200 f2.8 and I'm not really a portrait photographer. PS. You're pretty cool on 7:45 and awesome on 8:21.

[@seamuswarren]

What focal length provides the most flattering compression of facial features in head & shoulder shots and also group shots?

[@CosmicSeeker69]

just one point about the relative DoF.. You say they're 'pretty similar' 6cm vs 4cm but that's a 50% difference the way I view it and Very significant ----

[@Filiu1]

I like your model!

[@tpatummas]

I love both lenses equally but as far as best portrait lens for best image I'd go with 85mm it has the best color rendition and sharpness of the two, but for usage for events that are mixed with portrait situations I'd lean towards, the 70-200mm, still great images with the flexibility to re-frame a subject without having to move too much.