The BEST Lenses for Portrait Photography

[@nevyoung2158]

i love your clear and concise explanations - you are awesome - thank you.

[@jliang70]

I think one of the most practical zoom lenses is actually the 35-150mm f2/f2.8, first coming from Tamron and now coming from Samyang. In that focal range it covers 35mm, 40mm, 45mm, 50mm, 58mm, 75mm, 85mm, 90, 100mm, 105mm, 135mm. ( those are various prime lenses for the Sony E mount).

[@MorsePT]

We use the Samyang 35-150 and we loooooveeeee ittttt!

[@dubenick]

I would not call it “practical” due to its size and weight, but I would say it’s incredibly capable.

[@MorsePT]

True, @@dubenick . Still, here at the studio we love it for the versatility of the focal range and the image quality.

[@wikdmessenger]

​@@dubenickIt's not light, is that the word you're looking for? It's very practical for me.

[@I922sParkCir]

I use this in locations where I don’t feel comfortable switching lenses. I had a shoot where I was actually getting hit with wave in the ocean. Not changing lenses in that. 150mm at f2.8 looks amazing. It’s a giant, and a little intimidating to people not used to being photographed.

[@specialized41]

For me 35mm is the best lens almost for evreything, Portraits, Street Photography, Travel lens, Cityscape, food photography, Landscape.

[@Triplebuc50]

I am now a 73 year old Amateur Photographer being involved with DSLR Nikon D3300 and 5 different Nikon Lens. Also enjoying my IPhone 12 Pro Max, learning iPhone Photography too.

[@themondoshow]

Having fun?

[@johnnycromwel5263]

Ms. Julia you are now my favorite KZbin photography channel! All your videos have been really great in helping with my photography journey!

[@juliatrotti]

Thank you, that makes me really happy to hear!

[@danthesafariguy]

Very detailed, loved the video. Favorites are the 85mm f1.4 for portraits and everyday street photography and 300mm f 2.8 for wildlife.

[@jonathanwang1643]

Julia, you're amazing! You're one of the best photography channels I've come across. Thanks for explaining what types of lenses could be used for portrait photography. This could be helpful for my portrait photography as I'm just getting started with it. So far, I've enjoyed using the Canon EF 85mm 1.8 for headshots and the Canon EF 50mm 1.8 for half-body or head and shoulder shots or environmental portraits. Sometimes, I couldn't hold my subject for too long, so I need a one lens that does it all. For that, I use a Canon EF 24-105mm f4, perfect for quickly getting environmental shots and close up shots. It also works very well for group shots as it could zoom out way more than my 50mm can. I hope to add some fun by throwing in my Canon EF 70-200mm f2.8 for future portraits in order to get that super compressed look. What are your favorite lenses for portraits? Since I'm just getting started with portrait photography, I would love it if you could post more tutorials about portraits. Good job, and keep it up!

[@joshuachubbphotography]

Definitely love the 35-150, I can a whole shoot and not think twice about using a prime lens!

[@bernardlanguillier65]

I use the Z mount version, very convenient lens but rendering is boring

[@MeettheCreatives]

Julia got me on to the 35 train a long time ago and honestly, I can't agree more. Especially when shooting women. It's super flattering and my clients almost always choose those photos as opposed to 85mm etc. Also - you don't need really expensive glass to get great results. I use the Canon 35 1.8RF and the results are AH mazing!!

[@richardberke4539]

I'm balancing my hobby interest in photography with other priorities. :-) I have a Sony A6000 with Sony 18-135mm zoom. (FF equivalent: 30-203mm). It's variable minimum aperture, though. 3.5 @ 18mm and 5.6 at around 70mm and higher. I like that the zoom lets me fill the frame with turning the lens barrel rather than necessarily having to move myself relative to the subject. The thin DoF of higher focal length is similar to the look of wider open lenses, if my distance from the subject is appropriate.

[@SilatShooter]

Surprised you didn't mention the Tamron 35-150mm, it has your favorite focal lengths all in a relatively fast lens.

[@basstheangelo]

The best prime lens for portrait is the Sigma 56mm f/1.4. I’ve tried it on an APS-C and Micro 4/3 cameras and the result was spectacular. Best lens for portrait on the planet.

[@91krarup]

that is equal to 84mm 2.1. on a fullframe, it is the best for Aps- c portrait. but a portrait 85mm 1.4 is better i have both

[@tmewborn1]

Wow Young Lady!! Your Skill & Knowlege is amazing along with your ability to impart your Knowledge. I enjoy your Video's very much. From an old man soon to be age 84. Thank You so very much.

[@StevenChatburn]

I have a sony A6000 and i just got the sony 50mm FE 1.8 lens and i love it..

[@SilverLarry]

What about the 50mm prime? Has some of the advantages of the 35 and some of the advantages of the 85 in terms of being able to do environmental portraits (albeit with a bit more difficulty than the 35) with some of the compression of the 85.

[@juliatrotti]

I used to love a 50mm prime and it was my favourite lens for many years, until I discovered the 35! The 50 is a little to "in the middle" for me, I like the drama from using something a bit wider

[@JohannesDalen]

This was incredibly useful, thank you!

[@jayrojas2259]

You did a awesome job explaining, very easy to follow along, thanks for the content. I'm searching for a new telephoto for the Nikon Z Mount, myself. This video was very helpful with all the portrait examples.

[@Galeidan]

My favorite focal lenghts are 50mm and 35mm but nicest portraits come from 200mm f 2 lens (full frame equivalent)

[@jlozano281]

My favorite is the Sony 135 GM. Its a fantastic lens. The Sony 85 needs to be updated and upgraded to an f1.2 like the competition.

[@juliatrotti]

Agreed!

[@downlink_x]

I'm using the Canon 28-70 2.0 and 85 1.2 and i love this extremely versatile combo! But the other lenses you mentioned are also great and it obviously bases on your personal style / preference 🙂

[@jlozano281]

I wish Sony made a 24-70 f2 GM like the Canon. Great job by Canon, that lens is so great.

[@downlink_x]

@@jlozano281 Yeah, it's insane! Replaced my 24, my 35 and my 50mm primes.

[@mvrckgames]

Canon RF 28-70 F2 is one of my dream lens but it's too expensive. The price almost twice as my 85mm F1.4 😔

[@downlink_x]

​@@mvrckgames Yeah, that's right, all RF L lenses are pretty expensive. But the image- and built quality is on another level😁

[@Neopulse00]

Wish Canon had made a 80-200mm f/2 following the amazing 28-70mm. Regardless your combo is really useful.

[@julianstrau6663]

For me, the choice of the right portrait lens depends solely on the distance distortion I want to achieve. There are many faces that do not look good with telephoto lenses.🙂

[@basstheangelo]

105mm and 135mm are the best focal length for portraits in my option. For events it’s 50mm for me.

[@ernie28ernie]

It's not about the lenses, @@basstheangelo . It's about the distance. @julianstrau6663 is correct, many peoples faces look better with a shorter distance than a 105mm or 135mm lens will give you typically ;)

[@nicksymonds9623]

I seem to like intermediate focal lengths and I might even put together an intermediate trinity: 45mm > Halfway between 40mm and 50mm 60-65mm > Midway between 50mm to 90mm 31 or 32mm > Halfway between 28mm and 35mm - Note: That could be an interesting subject for a video. Intermediate focal lengths.

[@khoifoto]

135mm f1.8 is my first choice.

[@1duesy]

Your thoughts on the new Lens Blur feature in LRC and Photoshop? It creates an adjustable background blur and bokeh potentially giving any lens' focal length and aperture settings the effect of compression. In other words, the "portrait" effect can be achieved in post.

[@jamesbarron5590]

Tamron 35-150mm f/2-2.8 for Sony for me. For Fujifilm, Viltrox 75mm f/1.2

[@erik6678]

Definitly the viltrox 75mm f1.2. the 27mm f1.2 is also great

[@jamesbarron5590]

@@erik6678 The 27 mm is next on my list for sure.

[@LisaRSArt]

Excellent video. ❤❤ Thank you so much. 👏👏 Like you I love the prime lenses. Love the 35 mm.

[@adreaminfocus]

That was immeasurably helpful. I’m a prime lens shooter, but I have been toying with the idea of getting a 70-200 ❤

[@basstheangelo]

I would advise against using zoom lens for portraits.

[@user-pg5rt7ju4f]

@@basstheangelo I've been zooming for 43 years . Beats the "portrait" N lens 105 both 2.5 & 1.8. I also use fixed-focal like 135 (from late 60's & 80's), the 90, 50 & 40 summicrons

[@Triplebuc50]

What is a relatively easy to use Photo-Editing for Portrait Photography, I have some difficulty with Reds, Greens & Browns

[@shy-guy5544]

Excellent video - comprehensive, interesting, and informative. Thanks

[@petermcginty3636]

Thank you Julia. Great video in which you really covered a lot of ground. My favourite focal length is 90mm, although I have been trying 35mm more. 🎉

[@juliatrotti]

Thanks so much, glad you enjoyed it!

[@jamessepulveda189]

Julia, besides the 35mm if you could only chose one for portraits what lens would it be?

[@eper1586]

So your video just randomly popped up while watching videos on youtube. All I have to say is you are absolutely gorgeous!! I know this has nothing to do your photography stuff, but I just had to stop by and say that. Ok that's all.

[@hectormarchesi5379]

very clear, as always. excellent video. congratulations

[@HussainAli-po6jl]

I like the compression and the dreamy look of my 85mm and now I’m planning to get a new lens but I don’t know if i should go with 24-70 or 70-200 i love shooting portraits and street photography so whats your advice 👀

[@abelee8917]

24-70 has been my main for ten years. I would only switch to 135 if i want a specific portrait look. But ive done 90% of my paid work with just the 24-70

[@photorox]

HI Julia what do you use to record your camera display ?

[@littlekingbd8645]

Hey Julia, Which lens best for Talking head video for Sony A7 iv ? Sigma 24 mm, Sigma 24-70 f2.8 art or sony 35 mm? I am little bit Confuse 😢. I am watching your video for so many years. Which lens you use for talking head?

[@eduvivan2562]

A 35mm or a 50mm f1.4/1.8/2 will be perfect for that. Don’t get a zoom, as in talking head video is important to have background separation. Now if you mean for vloging, the 20mm f1.8 will be perfect for you, lightweight, wide focal length and aperture, and optically stunning.

[@jonathanlogan6953]

I agree with the comment above. For talking head, a 35mm or 50mm prime (crop frame 23mm/33mm) is the best option. If you're filming yourself, I would lean towards the 35mm prime since you can work in smaller spaces and show a bit more context in your background while still keeping it nicely blurred.

[@juliatrotti]

The lens I use for video might be a little strange, I use the Sigma 18-35mm f1.8 which is a crop frame lens and I use it on the A7sIII in APSC mode. I think 24mm would be too wide for talking head, but the 24-70 or 35mm are both good options. 24-70 is nice because it gives you a bit of versatility! You can zoom in if you feel like you need more background to foreground separation, the downside is you need more light though since it's 2.8. It all depends on your setup!

[@bernardlanguillier65]

My personal favorites are the Nikon 85mm f1.2 S, Sony 50mm f1.2 GM and Nikon 135mm f1.8 S Plena, such a nice bokeh/sharpness ratio and much nicer rendering than the Sony 135mm GM. In also love the Zeiss Otus 100mm f1.4 and Voigtlander APO-Lanthar 125mm f2.5. But these 2 are manual focus. I am really looking forward to the Z mount 35mm f1.2 S, judging from what Nikon has done recently it should be amazing. Hopefully it's only a few weeks away.

[@pkennethv]

Are you, by any chance, adapting the Sony GM lens to a Nikon body using the Megadap ETZ21 adapter? If so, do you have an issue with the camera's battery being drained when the adapter is mounted, even when the camera is turned off?

[@basstheangelo]

That 50mm f/1.2 is the most versatile lens on your list. You can attach that lens on your camera and leave the rest.

[@derzanpeltier]

just what i needed to do some Christmas shopping

[@jdcspixelworld]

Hi…… can 100mm 2.8 be used for portraits?

[@tamarabarkley8753]

Are you using a full frame or apsc? Which would be the best portrait lens for the Sony zve10.

[@erom1970]

Great vid! One question: what is that contraption under your camera and plugged in to the side during your photo sessions?

[@UgandanAllstar]

you only do natural lighting never speedlights or strobes?

[@SimpleeKomplex]

Happy holidays, Julia and thanks 😊

[@courtlandfuller7498]

In your opinion, why opt for the a7IV over the a7RV or other higher resolution?

[@juliatrotti]

I don't need high res images for the majority of my kind of photography work like weddings, portrait sessions, fashion, etc.

[@courtlandfuller7498]

@@juliatrotti thank you! Love the channel.

[@drr5117]

A video on how to create images that can't be made with a smartphone would be popular. I have an a6100 and the sigma 1.4 trio and am looking for a reason to get one of the new 70-200 lenses.

[@travelerx2939]

You’re the best! Thank you thank you thank you!!!

[@hillary4716]

Really thorough, thank you!

[@garelbidi]

That talent 🤩, and that voice 😍

[@Triplebuc50]

I have a Nikon D3300 camera with a Nikon 85mm 1.8g lens, main Portrait set Up. Please Reply with suggestions and Advice

[@joekelly9369]

My nikon 70-200 g ed vrii , absolutely . On a dslr to . How wild can one man be ? Unedited to

[@mallikarjunm1912]

I owned sony a6400.. and i need one prime lens for portrait in budget. Can i get budget friendly suggestion

[@mahdikassab5983]

So there is no standard zoom lens like 28 to 75 or 20 to 70 or 28 to 105 or to 135 that are for portraits and with low f, ha?

[@cameraz99]

Nice work, good video. But I question why you would use your LCD screen over your EVF to take photos. You get less camera movement with the camera held up to your eye and your elbows braced against your body.

[@juliatrotti]

I have a whole video about why I don't use a viewfinder if you want to watch, there are a heap of reasons

[@choksw]

Hi! Sorry what was the name of the software you mentioned in the video ? I didn’t catch it and it isn’t in your descriptions, thanks!

[@juliatrotti]

Evoto, it's linked right at the top of my description :)

[@juces-dron]

i like you videos, thanks for shared, your voice is perfect for me because i'm learning to speak english.

[@fleups2k668]

Help please or anyone in the comment do you know if the Sony EVF FDA_EV1MK wors with the sony zv e10? Thanks for your help

[@juanmm9297]

What’s your opinion on Lightroom’s adaptive portraits preset?

[@SUPERSTARSSTYLE1YOUTUBE]

400mm look unbelieveble and make great emotions

[@todor92]

Does this Evoto software supports the Sony's ARW raw files?

[@juliatrotti]

Yes, that's the file type I was using in my examples!

[@jakobjohannsson1045]

Brilliant video!

[@satendrasingh-dz8sm]

what do you think about samyang 35mm to 150mm f/2.0 -2.8 lens ? is good for portrait and travelling ?

[@jaytcapinpin]

Definitely is...if you don't mind the extra weight.

[@juliatrotti]

I have only tried the Tamron 35-150 and it is a fantastic lens! My main downside for it is the weight (and I believe the Samyang is a little heavier than the Tamron too), while it conveniently has all the main focal lengths, it is quite large and heavy to travel with/use for long photoshoot sessions for me personally.

[@michelterral5907]

this video is for photographers who can affords expensive equipment ....luky julia ! but i still love to watch you..one can dream no ?

[@juliatrotti]

There are many budget alternatives to all the lenses I mentioned in this video! Instead of the GM 85mm f1.4 for example, you could go for the 85mm f1.8 instead to achieve a very similar result :)

[@karyleianawildernesscapes]

The Ultra-telephoto zoom/primes can be useful...you'd just have to drop $10-20,000 on them: • 100-300/2.8; 120-300/2.8 • 400/2.8, 600/4 Etc I've always wanted the Nikkor 120-300/2.8 & the 200/2 (vii), even though I've completely jumped to Z mirrorless. Those F lenses are incredible! Idk if I'll ever be able to own them, but I can dream (& rent) 😅.

[@bernardlanguillier65]

I sold my F mount 120-300mm f2.8 but loved it. The 200mm f2.0 VR remains a master piece of a lens, I am looking forward for the Z mount 200mm f2.0 TC, that will be a game changer for what I do.

[@MdAminulIslamKhan686]

Love from Bangladesh 🇧🇩

[@stefanski8287]

why are you ISO and Shutter speed so high when both can be lowered? ISO = noise and is not part of the exposure triangle in digital photography...

[@mayurshah008]

Which camera should be preferred, Sony/canon/nikon

[@bernardlanguillier65]

At this point it's either Sony or Nikon in my book. Canon is slowly falling into irrelevance.

[@harisbakhsh547]

My favourite focal range is 70mm.

[@nick7813]

Thinking of buying a f1/8 50mm lens for my canon dslr. Was kinda skeptical at first because it’s too shallow but then I remembered my camera is a crop sensor 😂😂

[@vijayverma9478]

Great video ❤

[@francoismarc3]

Great info!

[@91krarup]

105mm 1.4?

[@mr.experimental9254]

I am your huge fan 😊

[@Narsuitus]

I usually use the following three lens types or focal lengths for portraits: 1. Wide-angle lenses for group portraits and environmental portraits. 2. Normal lenses for environmental portraits, full-length portraits, and 3/4 length portraits. 3. Telephoto lenses for half-length portraits, head & shoulder portraits, and tight face portraits.

[@Beetuz]

I love you!!!

[@ktmfelhasznalo]

Sigma 105mm f1.4 & 200mmf2🥰

[@jcblum1507]

Thanks 💜🤳🏻📸

[@suryaalways8141]

Lovely ma'am 😊

[@KienVirak_]

Thank you for sharing

[@mostlymessingabout]

Doesn't Sony have 85mm f1.2 like Canon?

[@jonathanlogan6953]

Sony does have a 50mm F1.2, but their premium 85mm portrait lens is F1.4.

[@lewcehjitl3282]

New sub! 😊

[@paigeofstylez]

Subscribed 💪🏿🙏🏿

[@MelvinDlaCruz]

The best lens ever is the sigma 105mm 1.4 nothing even compared

[@baahclemente8930]

I agree 👍

[@MichaelFrederickPhoto]

100%, I love mine but wish it was more in the Nikon 105 size vs. this 3.5lb beast!!

[@bernardlanguillier65]

You must not have used the Z mount 135mm f1.8 S

[@MelvinDlaCruz]

@@bernardlanguillier65 I have the 135mm 1.8 and the photos are so flat and I don't like the color

[@bernardlanguillier65]

@@MelvinDlaCruz the Nikon 135m f1.8 S??? No way we can be talking about the same lens. Colors and look are among the very best ever designed and I have used a very large collection of outstanding lenses from most top brands...

[@bubbachua]

you should use back nikon

[@garyrowe58]

I'm not sure you use the phrase 'telephoto' to mean the same thing as i learnt it to mean! (Where the optical focal length is longer than the lens actually is)

[@jonathanlogan6953]

That's a definition I haven't heard before! But yes, "telephoto" means a focal length of at least 60mm (full frame), and has nothing to do with the physical dimensions of the lens.

[@garyrowe58]

@@jonathanlogan6953 Informally, you may be right. Technically, though, look up Wikipedia.

[@Cesar-qi2jb]

Sony 85mm 1.8 + Samyang 135mm 1.8 (FULL FRAME)

[@bigrobotnewstoday1436]

I shoot with my Olympus 75mm f1.8 and on full frame its 150mm kind of. I tell the bride and groom I'm going to have to speak up and I don't mean to yell. 85mm is the sweet spot for a telephoto and still being able to talk normal.

[@ProEditingLooks]

awesome

[@janes1138]

Why sigma not send sigma 70 200mm for you testing yet 😢

[@michelterral5907]

she love sony !

[@NinskeeEnriquez]

THANK YOU FOR EVOTO SOFTWARE

[@lensman5762]

Just get yourself a decent and fast lens in the 50mm to 60mm range. End of the matter. Portraiture also does not require super sharp modern APO this and Apo that lens or 100MP sensor. I don't want to count the number of zits on my models face. Here older softer lenses are more desirable.

[@jonathanlogan6953]

I agree. When in doubt, a 50mm prime lens (aps-c 33mm) is the most versatile portrait lens. I lean towards telephoto, so my other favorite is an 85mm (aps-c 56mm).

[@lensman5762]

I have a 58mm F2 Helios which I can couple to my Nikon film or digital cameras. For portraiture it is superb. I also had this strange idea of coupling my Leica M 75mm F2 Apo Summicron to my Olympus EM1 MKII and use it wide open. I did a test but on some flowers in close up. No thanks. The lens is so sharp even at F2 that it would ruin even the most perfect skin. Lesson learnt.@@jonathanlogan6953

[@ThisisDavidJ]

My thoughts exactly, not sure why is she only advocating for GM lenses, must be a flex or something 🤷🏻‍♂️ Even zoom lenses with 2.8 aperture can capture amazing bokeh, all boils down to what the photographer can do with the lens he/she has. You don't necessarily need to go for the most expensive item on the market all the time just to get the advertised "results" you see on social media these days.

[@juliatrotti]

I'm just sharing what lenses I have because I get asked all the time. And yeah I did mention in this video that you don't need the most expensive lenses instead of the GM 85mm you can go for the 85mm f1.8 instead, etc.

[@lensman5762]

Absolutely Julia, but they are rather expensive choices. Be good.@@juliatrotti

[@UgandanAllstar]

I DOWNLAODED YOUR EVOTO... hope it works ... i might have to hold yo accountable

[@kadragepictures]

i watched so many videos from you and I still wonder if you are italian or american haha, idk why I think you might be italian, maybe it is just in my head

[@juliatrotti]

I'm Australian! I have some Italian heritage, but my family is mostly from Argentina :)

[@kadragepictures]

@@juliatrotti ahh haha okey, thanks for clarifying

[@sygonkainamura8332]

Why a Sony camera instead of the famous Canon or Nikon. Share your technical resaons

[@BOLANGTHANG]

Everyone switching to Sony lol. I know her in some Canon's videos

[@juliatrotti]

I switched to Sony many many years ago now!

[@user-bc9tw2ne3p]

Pizz raw original photoz

[@DuniaKita19]

Im Viltrox users only watch haha ^^

[@lorenzogattaldo3764]

Thank you for the video. Also, I've never heard an Australian with such a weird vowel pronounciation.

[@dayeah765caoni3]

Can’t stand Sony zombie skin tone

[@musicpoetry9812]

U mean natural skin?

[@jsannet]

Just change from Adobe Standard to Camera Standard and skin tones look great in Lightroom and Photoshop.

[@tuanminh3720]

Go cry somewhere else, camera now aday can produce great skintone no matter the brand, it is you who suck at editting

[@themondoshow]

Why

[@tuanminh3720]

@@themondoshow hater gonna hate