Do You REALLY Need EXPENSIVE LENSES to get PROFESSIONAL PORTRAITS? Or Can CHEAP FAST GLASS do it?

[@froknowsphoto]

The point I am making with the title is, you don't always need the most expensive lenses in the world to get great portraits. The Cheaper FAST glass can get the job done in the meantime. This Photographer used a simple Canon 50 1.8 (under $200) and a Canon 85 1.8 ($400) to get the job done. Once you see the difference faster glass, even cheaper faster glass makes, you will never go back. The quicker you get there, the quicker you will take control of your images.

[@emans4seam]

I love to shoot surf photography and use the nikon box 55-300, It's an odd lens that works perfectly for that job!

[@delmatachin]

That is my problem. I started with a D3300 with a 35 f1.8 and I just bought an 18-55 zoom lens and it makes the came unusable! So slow, so dark, so flat...

[@tkermi]

@@delmatachin Yeah, I hope f/2 zooms will become more common. Though using primes is a good choice. But for me doing wildlife photography in very dusty environment the zooms are needed (also usually no time to change lens or move).

[@delmatachin]

@@tkermi I agree. In my case I think I will avoid zoom lenses in the future and buy fast prime lens.

[@chiketlin]

That maybe the reason why Nikon provides f/1.8 Z prime lens, but you always complain that in previous videos.

[@theallimoo]

What a lovely surprise and honor! I always love hearing what other photographers have to say about the choices I make with the photos. I am a chronic shin cropper and I have been called out lol. Will definitely be keeping all of these things in mind when making composition choices while shooting and while cropping/retouching as well. I will say, I can see where a 1:1 would be helpful as there are some where, in the context of other images, editing choices make more sense - for example, the horizontal black and white with grain was part of a set for an editorial that was all graded in film-style coloring. Knowing the context of the full set of images is helpful to know why some choices may have been made with images and where a 1:1 would be so great!

[@carolinalara2571]

Girl, it's always hard to put yourself out there but you know it's. worth it! Now go do a follow up. lol. Good luck with. your photography.

[@archmartinez4530]

Im so happy the critiques are back. These types of vids are your best IMO.

[@bradcofo]

Bottom line: no, but it helps massively

[@kiyoshim9593]

I have a little secret. I own a Z6 and dont have money for a 70-200. I got a 80-200 for 175 dollars(the wanker version). shoot at 10fps and dont even need to nail the focus because its too many photos. when I get close to the focus i start shooting and thats all. for video I use a 18-140 and focus is silent, has VR and is light. no need to buy Z lenses. lol.

[@obscuragraffitica]

Jared: Horizontical.

[@DiabloMonk]

You’re new here, aren’t you?

[@TwistedPix]

Excellent critique. Not negative and upbeat and constructive. You are genuine and upto the point. Thanks

[@WarpedYT]

I was like "Who does this guy think he is?" then I realized you think the same as me !! Exactly the same critique I give my CO's.. same words! "is this video about the f****g engine or the sky !?" "less headroom!! LOL

[@sohamroy9766]

Jared finally found the '4' people who bought the EOS R!

[@ondrejvavra5415]

Honestly I really want the EOS R

[@pietershootsphotos]

Gear is fun, but you can’t buy good photos. you have to make them with your knowledge. Gear is just the tool aiding in that! Had been patiently waiting for the rapid fire critique video!

[@kiyoshim9593]

gear is only good for fast moving subjects.

[@kiyoshim9593]

gear is only good for fast moving subjects.

[@legionator]

One time the guys at the local Nikon showroom gave me their 24-70 f/2.8 for the photography course since I didn't bring anything with enough reach, so I literally got to try a pro lens for free. When I opened the images on my PC, they didn't look any sharper than my 35mm f/1.8 DX. In fact, the 35mm feels a tiny bit sharper on my D3400, probably because it's a prime lens. Anyway, that was a good experience for me. I may need pro glasses when I upgrade to fullframe, but for now, nope.

[@-Archeus-]

While expensive cameras and expensive lenses are nice, sometimes all you really need is a budget camera with a nifty fifty. That’s all I ever use, aside from a 70-200 that I keep whenever I need a little more reach.

[@benkotowicz174]

Today's lenses are all produce sharp results. From just before digital cameras made their debut, lens technology took a great leap. A 50mm limits one to only a fifty. Having a zoom lens in the range of 30-105 is better.

[@vivalasvegas702]

“Back the truck up”....LOL....behind is a 2,343 feet drop.

[@swistedfilms]

Regarding high ISO: the noise reduction algorithms in Lightroom have been vastly improved. Even a 6400 ISO shot can be cleaned up nicely now. I still prefer to use a lower ISO when I can but if I have to go to ISO 2000 I just don't worry about it like I used to.

[@lifesbeautiful3024]

Jared, THANKS SO MUCH for this rapid fire critique. As I’ve written many times in the past, I LOVE these! I didn’t mind when you included critiquing web sites, but these are the BEST! It’s just the right amount of info and the critique is, as usual with you, awesome. I’ve missed these so much. Again, many thanks!

[@benkotowicz174]

Why 'rapid fire'? Why not cool and calm?

[@patricioderito3722]

You know, I agree with everything you say except when you refer to having eye contact with the camera. You tend to bring that up a lot and I don't understand. A lot of amazing portraits don't have people looking at the camera. The girl with the red shirt/white hearts and flowers has her eyes closed but that's part of the whole mood.

[@andrearusky]

agree with your reviews, especially about cropping the feet/legs (and then leave all that dead space on the top)

[@lsaideOK]

I think that great gear is in some ways more for the delight of the photographer than the viewer.

[@flaviusmaftei]

I love this series! Keep it going! It is so much value in this videos!

[@mikepawlikguitar]

What I am seeing here is a lot of Canon EOS R which means a lot of people have recently upgraded to mirrorless without knowing WHY they were upgrading to mirrorless; or, they are doing their first images ON mirrorless without fully understanding the limitations of SLR cameras. What I am trying to say is that a lot of people are using single-point (mostly center) autofocusing and not Eye-detect AF as they should be for portraits. Two of the major reasons for using mirrorless cameras are the ability to nail exposure every time, and to no longer have to rely on a tiny collection of AF points and using focus and recompose every time. It's a shame too because all of these shots would have been 100% better with just better composition.

[@MoniJohnson]

Eyebrow "tracks" have been around at least since the 80's. I had them then when I was 14. My son had them through high school (he's 20 now). My steps son has them now (junior high).

[@jerchassen1]

Lol Jared was me you were referring to at 18:18 - "dont crop!" Never said I like to crop. But sometimes you must. For those of us that dont find it practical (or even affordable) to carry multiple lenses (ie the real world sometimes), if you stick on a 24-105 or 24-120 and the shot is your dog or other kid at 50-100 meters - the choice then becomes to crop or lose the shot (or ask your dog or 18 month old who doesnt speak english to hold that pose). Id love to rock a 24-150 or 24-200 (a true all/most purpose lens) but they dont make that. Unless im missing something, the answer is obvious. Also, scenario 2 is sometimes you take a take a shot w/ subject+landscape only to find a killer "portrait" within that you can unlock without cropping. Ideal? No. Worth looking at? Very possibly. I was asking for advice on the R6 (Jared why no review yet for R6???) because a 20MP sensor seems low compared to the R5 (45MP) and the A7RIV (61MP) - thats 100-200% difference. Thats substantial. Wouldn't higher MP be beneficial for all images regardless (except for file size penalty)? Isnt 20MP antiquated out of the box (like the Z6ii/Z7ii eye-AF)? And especially if you NEED to crop sometimes, wouldnt the higher MP help? Jared if you reasoning is "dont crop because your just losing quality/enlarging the pixels" why not buy more quality/smaller pixels ahead of time (with an R5 or A7rIV)? All seems logical to me, but Im new to this.

[@jerchassen1]

And the problems are magnified if I upgrade from the kit Canon RF 24-105 F4 to the 24-70 F2 or F2.8 - even less focal length, even more distant shots cropped or missed. Cant even shoot portraits with this lens if you like shooting between 70mm-100mm ish.

[@hvygee]

The flowers are Black Eyed Susans. The yellow one with black center poms.

[@lilnape2604]

Really enjoy these rapid fires

[@fivelights907]

I’m a newb to photography and I appreciate this vide. I get told all the time that it’s the gear vs talent or skill. I can’t afford to drop $1200+ USD on every lens.

[@kevindiaz3459]

What are you using now?

[@fivelights907]

@@kevindiaz3459 right now my favorite is my Venus Optics 14mm wide angle macro lens. $300 on sale and I use it for just about everything.

[@akirafan28]

@@fivelights907 You got me curious. What type of system are you using?

[@fivelights907]

@@akirafan28 Sony a6400

[@akirafan28]

@@fivelights907 Nice!

[@lsaideOK]

Excellent critique. I like how you got increasingly frustrated with the cropped ankles. Indicated to me that your were responding fresh and live to the images. Gives a nice snap and bite to your comments. Not implying anything negative. Very upbeat and constructive. The bit about giving something to ponder later is exactly how critiques should be delivered and received. All the way from taking it with a grain of salt or to heart.

[@froknowsphoto]

thanks. I don't look at the images super close before I do my critiques so my reactions stay natural.

[@andyqbui]

Can you do a review on the Viltrox 85mm f1.8 STM Mark II for Sony? It's a very cheap lens that delivers. Would love your thoughts on it.

[@Krizefugl]

better glass does massively increase the keeper rate from my experience. entry level cameras already have the ability to take great images but my first lens was a very old and cheap tamron lens without VR and bad aperture and sharpness. ive kept maybe 4-5 images i took with that lens over a year before i got a 105mm macro lens which is my allrounder prime. super sharp even wide open at f2.8. ive kept way more pictures i took with that lens. yes, my technique and knowledge also improved but id rather have a decent lens first and then upgrade the body later to fit my needs (focus speed, tracking etc.). and really decent lenses can already be had for und 500 bucks new and even less when buying used.

[@savnac]

grain is cool. it’s definitely a personal preference. as a photographer I am not concerned in valuing photos as better or worse depending on how much the imperfections of the performance of a camera are shown in the image, such as grain. It’s totally preference, but I think grain gives a more nostalgic, dated look.

[@fassive]

if its a lens with a unique look then sure! Cheap is good. But going for sharp and perfect photo's there is a sweetspot in investing in glass for sure.

[@-Archeus-]

I agree. This is where prime lenses excel, unless you can afford to dump 4 figures into a zoom lens

[@candicebaker2663]

I needed this episode so bad!!!!!

[@messylaura]

vintage Takumar 55mm ƒ1.8 screamingly sharp, beautiful colors , fully manual lens £20, M42 - eos adapter £10

[@tysonator5433]

Portrait at 3.15 mins from eos 7d 18mb is showing that a 11 year bold camera can still deliver results !

[@benkotowicz174]

It's the person behind the camera. One can take almost any digital camera and create a masterpiece.

[@orkust]

The ones that say “gear doesn’t matter” are the ones with all the gear! The ones agreeing with that statement are normally the ones with no gear 😂

[@thelawgaming5171]

Im getting great portraits with canon 50mm 1.8

[@wecantstayput4958]

I’m really interested in your mentorship. Are you able to work with landscapes or only portraits?

[@thishdude]

"that's a 25 minute 15 minute rapid-fire critique alright?" dope dude 😂

[@CBTheMechanic]

Finally a rapid fire again!

[@jayfokichu]

This video has taught me one thing about Jared - He's definitely into foot stuff "Dont cut off the feet!"

[@Wklambert]

A critique is an invaluable tool. While we might think something is fantastic, we don't always have a Jared or a Pete to throw our images to, to get a different perspective, from someone who knows what they are talking about. Speaking the same (photography) language, so to speak. (Pun 100% intended.) Good (read: proper, no sugarcoating, no being mean.) critiquing can help to take a person's images to the moon.

[@BadKarma714]

It was the cool thing in the 90s because vanilla ice did it the tracks in the side of the head

[@harryburnett7086]

Cheaper lenses nowadays are nearly or better equally to mid priced from 40 yrs ago

[@videoedit69]

Jared, about the grain... I've used grain before in an attempt to give a unified feel to PS comps. Amd I've done it even more in VFX work. When you insert elements or take elements out sometimes you can end up with a visual lack of continuity I guess is what I'm trying to say period.. in some cases adding just a touch of grain can make everything look like it is all originally part of the image if it's got the same amount of grain as the vase or the teapot on the table then it must have been taken practically in the camera

[@IQRAAlfurqan]

It is interest which makes everything thing good.

[@janmotography]

Hello jared im your fellow subscriber from the Philippines , I have my canon 1d x mark 1 body and canon 1300d body, and i have canon 28-135mm 3.5-5.6 and 50mm 1.8 only, I planning to trade my canon 1dx mark 1 to an 24-70mm 2.8 ii pro lens and make a combo of 1300d and 24-70mm 2.8 ii or I should stay on my 1dx mark 1 and 50mm 1.8 combo, is that ok if i dont already have a pro lens for my 1dx? Thank you

[@JosephBF-di1cz]

Super cool

[@rubypriceallen9584]

Black eyed Susans- the flowers

[@JohnDrummondPhoto]

The flowers at 9:59 are coneflowers, of the aster (daisy) family. You're welcome.

[@ConceptNewEra]

Love the thoughts brought up in this video! #god bless me HAHA. Made me chuckle 💯✔

[@yeeth]

When it comes out, can you do a comparison between the Canon ef 85 f1.8 and the rf 85 f2?

[@string2155]

Grains help conscious clients hide their pimples and wrinkles from my experience

[@patrick.pi_]

The answer is yes

[@rangerpretzel]

@P.I. Agree. My photography prof told me. "You're a good photographer. But your cheap gear is holding you back. Please kick that nifty fifty to the curb and buy a real 50mm lens."

[@patrick.pi_]

@@rangerpretzel I couldn't have said it better! Once you mastered the basics and want to push it to the next level or have more comfort in certain conditions. Expensive glass combined with experience will make the magic. But it doesnt mean that if you don't have expensive glass you shouldn't practice. All that practice will be helpful when you finally put you're hands on your dream lens

[@nelsonclub7722]

The answer is no

[@najibnajjar9526]

Thank you Jared. May I ask how I can get my hands on a T-shirt like yours? ;) Also, I look forward to see your opinion on the eos R6.

[@jrc1156]

Even a canon 85 f1.8 is super capable for the price

[@mithraramoutar9976]

i am an fan form way back and I just watched the videos evolved from photography to this 'I lost my mom' hahahahaha

[@AKGuillermo]

Lol it was Steven who added the grain in the presets, I always remove the grain.

[@pupperemeritus9189]

Vintage manual lenses are better for portrait. Because portrait photographers don't aim for that much of sharpness. The fact that vintage lenses have unique character helps in portraits. Modern lenses are overkill for portraits. You need one for video although you can do manual focus in video as well

[@shahrukhsohel1253]

@jared wanna see z 6ii dynamic range test ij comparison with a7 iii and z6

[@charliechoiniere8755]

Lightroom grain, meh. Capture One Grain ohhhh yeah! Or just a little bit to prevent banding.

[@JP4560]

I miss your photo critique videos.

[@wendydewolsocki9117]

Newbies feels pressured by other KZbin photographers like yourself to be truthful. Also peoples favorite question is what camera or lens do you use. Because many do believe the user is responsible for great work.

[@HaotoAnimeOnPiano]

14:30 The girl on the right, her thighs camouflaged her legs and I thought she was floating lol.

[@mikepawlikguitar]

That was one of the worst portraits I've ever seen honestly. Just bad, bad posing, bad composition, bad colours, bad choice of clothing, why is she wearing a backpack, is it her mom, are they a couple? Are they about to kiss? I she trying to tickle her? No context, no story, confusing, feet chopped off, boots look like part of the background-that photo is a masterclass in how NOT to shoot portraits! lol

[@benjaminthorpe7990]

I like grain. Done right, It adds a softness that is wonderfully stylised. However, done wrong, it detracts everything. So doing it right is important

[@benkotowicz174]

Right is subjective.

[@benjaminthorpe7990]

@@benkotowicz174 I completely agree with you - it’s subjective, I am referring to when I edit my own work mostly

[@benkotowicz174]

@@benjaminthorpe7990 You know it's right when you see it and say yes.

[@benjaminthorpe7990]

@@benkotowicz174 haha yep

[@petercreagh8797]

I am not a professional but for wide angle and portraits low cost primes are fine. For zooming though cheap zooms are just not sharp enough for me.

[@Dave_en]

Same here. Zoom lenses should not be compromised. Nowadays expensive zoom lenses are equivalent to prime and versatile too. Who shoots at f/1.8 all the time?

[@benkotowicz174]

All zoom lenses are sharp. Why do you think they sell them like hotcakes?

[@dramitvaghela3989]

3:04 Young Jared..?😀

[@mrjones6770]

whats the point ...you can fix in post..so who needs expensive lens?

[@AxZonChaudhary32]

It can be fit in my budget 😀

[@RealBesty]

I was at school with Golden Hughes…

[@jersonsosalozada4704]

good video

[@gordonmacdonald8756]

The flowers are magnolias

[@aussie2uGA]

Never crop at a joint...

[@nelsonclub7722]

or the chin

[@techhead976]

Good glass helps for sure, I’d take an 85mm 1.8g over a kit any day. #godblessme

[@shomgerry]

Might start saying horizontical after years of training under Jared.

[@Theforth09]

Excuse me Mr. Fro you need to bring back the track look.

[@michaelbarry7490]

Simple answer: No, but you do if you want high quality prints

[@LucasBlaney]

Anyone know what the main camera he uses for filming is? He uploads in 4k and is able to punch in!

[@stepheneckert4006]

Nikon z6 in 4k 24fps. We edit in a 1080p timeline but upscale to 4k when exporting

[@benkotowicz174]

@@stepheneckert4006 Most all digital cameras will produce crisp and sharp videos. What makes this video seem better than the others is marketing. If you have a newer camera KZbin will run the video algorithm to give it that fresh and sharp look. Sharpness and clarity on the KZbin is determined by their algorithms. If you look at the video from any camera that goes directly to your monitor, (from the source to your monitor) you will see exceptional clarity. After several months KZbin can run that same video that is crystal clear today through their archival algorithm and the clarity will be degraded. This may be done to save server space and it may be done to sell cameras, I don't know for sure.

[@larryhaley3]

hmmmm, hmmmm, ....hmmmm it may be just me but i am feeling very little compositional thought on these shots?

[@ronmasters751]

Looking at Allison Mosbeck’s Flickr account, & not seeing this album. Too bad. Why not preserve the basis of this commentary?

[@theallimoo]

You are probably finding my old Flickr which I can't get to anymore - womp womp. Here is my newer Flickr with the images: www.flickr.com/allison_mosbeck

[@adamlauko7801]

@@theallimoo good stuff. especially the one with the girl blocking the sun.

[@theallimoo]

@@adamlauko7801 Thank you so much Adam!!

[@lionelbrown7739]

Subject get in the middle. DWL

[@dosam_6146]

Bye

[@jeveetsoibam]

Cheap lens usually have a lot of chrchromatic aberration

[@froknowsphoto]

So.

[@SamuelJMartinIII]

2:46 “HORIZONTICAL” ⁉️🤔💭🧐 🤦🏽‍♂️ 😆🤣😝 Why more of the car when it’s a wedding photo & about the bride❔🚘 🆚 👰

[@bryanescalante2871]

Just realized.... Jared can't tell digital from film lolol

[@davidasselin6369]

Why did canon sell their 50mm rf for 200$ when Nikon is selling their 50mm z mount for 600$?

[@lyaxedm1825]

Because nikon is greedy nowadays

[@ondrejvavra5415]

Because they want people in the system, overpricing a lens won't help

[@lilnape2604]

Or because the Nikon will be significantly better? $600 is pricey for a nifty fifty

[@benkotowicz174]

Because Nikon still believes their name says it all. And because if you believe that the higher price lens is better then that's where they got you, by the balls. Most all lenses, from any brand are excellent. If you buy into 'brands' then you are a lost soul in today's world of marketing. More so than at any time in history are consumers manipulated. Even reviewers of lenses have it wrong many of the time.

[@KJAYG]

8:40 - Jared hucking his OnlyFans

[@benkotowicz174]

A few good points. The author is yelling and exited, not calm and composed. It is not necessary to look at the data. The first thing is to look at the digital photo for composition. I was not impressed by any of the photos.

[@stevebikes995]

Zim Zam!!!

[@juliusherrman9440]

Always think about it: Don‘t be an Asshole and don‘t let your stuff in the car

[@Strikeshotz]

No but we all just want to , because only amateurs use cheap lens

[@davidmittens6069]

Very, VERY generous Jared! They ALL Suck! I get you need interest from these folks for you to make money on your site, but these photos are all really bad. Not even the very best glass could help these shots. Such a nice guy you are.

[@froknowsphoto]

You suck how about that. Please post your best 10 for critique below.

[@nelsonclub7722]

The camera is the least important part of the process. Light is.

[@benkotowicz174]

Light is what, the least important? I think the subject is also important. Light is a given. We live in a world of light.

[@nelsonclub7722]

@@benkotowicz174 You are right of course!!!!

[@benkotowicz174]

@@nelsonclub7722 You're a good guy.

[@v_stands_for_value124]

Grain is crap and they use it to cover crappy immage quality

[@simonsusername]

No but actually yes

[@migneault62]

Ouch, someone has his butt hurt! o.o'

[@v_stands_for_value124]

@@migneault62 not me cuz i hate grain and it's dumb, looks like high iso from a crappy Canon

[@mythingie]

you dont beed expensive lenses if your good at photoshop and good lighting, but yes if you suck at photoshop but your way of taking photos is good and are good at tiny touch ups, (contrast, sharpness exposure, etc)

[@dramitvaghela3989]

16:23 Horizontical

[@TheHawaiianc]

Lol Jared I think your missing the point of pics heh it's not more of subject in photo it's surrounding that interact with subject that's why it's mostly background less of person.. it's art thing go figure heh but I get the style it's just well it needs to be more defined.. just saying the detail gets lost in composing side that it's not focus in photo or pic more you make person look at one thing? Style I'm thinking is peter rabbit books where artist just draws things he wants people look at rather just rabbit.. everything in pics has its reason I see it but it's abit to complex like I said detail info is getting lost that people miss tell the story..

[@jaewalken]

#godblessme

[@Ace_AL360]

#GodBlessMe

[@davecrissinger8967]

If you own a Sony, yes you do need expensive lenses.

[@lyaxedm1825]

Laughs in viltrox lenses

[@MonicaHolly143]

Viltrox and samyang are really good tho And the sony 85 1.8 is pretty cheap for a native

[@Tesseract.1111]

Gesundheit {gooz 'in tiet} bless #bless you German.

[@ChoicesHabitsAttitudeLuck]

Kindly look at all your videos and look at the ratio of your review of lenses. Expensive and Cheap ones. So the answer is YES. We need expensive lenses. Because that was most of your reviews.

[@jordiw913]

Her composure was infuriating really needs some tutelage