My Most Used Portrait Lens Will Surprise You

[@jamesbruce]

Thanks Martin, I have never seen your channel before, Your work is stellar. So many people talking about cameras and gear cannot actually photograph people. That does not apply to you. Thanks for the video.

[@MartinCastein]

Thank you!

[@georgedavall9449]

Please check out his other videos. One can learn a lot from Martin. He is very knowledgeable and talented, and no nonsense.

[@michaelreaves6212]

Just wanted to say that the photos you shared from your portfolio are stunning, love your work!

[@mrca2004]

24-70 is the lens that has made photographers more money than any other. It is my only zoom. But, unless I am shooting run and gun or don't want to change lenses because of weather or sand, I prefer primes. My combo is an age old one, 35, 85, 135. I trained with 2 famous wedding photographers who in 2011 were charging $50,000 a wedding. Their best work was with the 85. Looks like you like oof backgrounds even on environmental. I want them recognizable as they explain or support the subject. The zeiss 35 mm 2.0 distagon does that. The 85 1.4 planar, is incredible. Stopped down, both give separation without oof bg. It's called zeiss 3D pop.

[@jimcoon]

I’m 71 and have used M4/3 gear for both video and stills in my ranch and farm brokerage business. I also have a Nikon D500 to shoot wildlife on these same farms and ranches. I decided to buy my “last camera” for stills. I purchased a Nikon D850, 24-70 Sigma Art lens, Nikkor 70-200, Nikkor 16-35 f/4 and a Nikkor 85mm f/1.8. Could have purchased the Z9 or whatever, but saw your video on the Canon 5D MkII and that was all I needed to stay with the Nikon brand and have the DSLR I had always wanted. I’ve subscribed and I am grateful for your content. Jim in Oregon

[@efreutel]

Superb lighting. Some of the best I’ve seen. Thank you.

[@localnavy433]

This was a great video and for it it was the 24-105 f4 I just love the focal range it offers but I do agree with the sharpness issue

[@77dris]

Your portfolio is very impressive.

[@MartinCastein]

Thank you

[@dwaynepiper3261]

Hi Martin just discovered your channel and wanted to say something about your work really stands out from the crowd. I will check out your other videos.

[@MartinCastein]

Welcome aboard!

[@ladislavphotography]

I agree, for me 24-70/2.8 was the best investment in the past. For fashion and weddings it has done most of the work.

[@mvonwalter6927]

2.8 is a magic number on full frame. I've since decided that I don't really need anything faster. I now carry 28mm 2.8 and 50mm 2.5 primes for my Leica and they are tiny. But I still get the right amount of separation. In fact, I am usually at f4 on a 50mm in-between a meter or two for portrait.

[@FOTO_EXPERT]

Thank you for the video! I most often use Nikkor 50 1.8G and Nikkor 80-200 2.8D.

[@PLdemorygray]

I shoot with the 24-70 f2.8 the most, but my best portraits have come from my 135mm 2.0. Somehow, the distance works well with my personality. I like intimate face shots. If I'm working closer to my subject using a shorter lens, subtle signs of discomfort, or trying to please, can come through in the resulting photograph. So, the slightly longer lens seems to work better with my personality and vibe. And it's been this way for me for a long time. Back in my film shooting days, my two favorite lenses were a Zeiss Biotar 7.5 cm f1.5 and a Nikon 105 f2.5.

[@georgedavall9449]

I hear ya. That 135 f/2.0 is legendary! I have had limited success with the 135 f/2.8 SF lens myself. I like 85/ 135/ 200/ 300 focal ranges. Stay safe Happy Shooting!

[@philipogunbona8602]

I have experimented with 50mm f1.4 and 24-70 f2.8 (all sigma lenses). I prefer the sharpness and consistency of 50mm f1.4. I love your analysis and always look forward to listening to you. Thank you for the excellent work.

[@avjake]

It's definitely my most used lens. I mostly do event portraits at a university. (Nikkor Z)

[@TheOgreKingdom]

I recently did the same. I was switching systems and wanted to know which lenses to start with. In terms of 35mm equivalences, my top two lenses were a 28mm and a ~60-120mm. It shocked me more, which lenses I rarely touched. It makes me want to give myself a challenge of shooting outside of my typical ranges

[@christopherleecowan]

For portraits I use the Canon R my three main lenses are Tamron 24-70 f/2.8 G2 Zeiss 35mm f/2 Distagon Nikon 105 f/2 DC

[@CanoeToNewOrleans]

I often shoot with a 50 1.4 on my 5D2. That's my go-to portrait lens although I don't mind the 40 mm 2.8.

[@SzilviaVirag]

I love the 40mm f2.8. It's the best little lens to walk around with if I only want to take one camera with me. Otherwise I carry the RP with the good old EF 50mm f1.8, and my little M series camera with the 22mm f2 in case I suddenly want to shoot wider without messing around switching lenses.

[@CanoeToNewOrleans]

Agreed, I love hiking with the 40 mm, it's so light. @@SzilviaVirag

[@Stop-All-War]

Try sigma art 40mm f1.4.. Will blow your socks off Unmatched in image quality

[@martinekwall4671]

Nice work you do both your photos and presenting your knowledge! Since I got 24-105 f4 I’m using it more than I thought I would. Great for landscape photography and commercial work, video as well. But I for sure have fast primes but I use them less. It’s this new era of photo plus video in the same day, one lens is faster for run and gun set ups. If only photo I enjoy the primes then I tend to use 50mm.

[@JeremieTisseau]

24-70 mm at 2.8 is my favorite lens at the moment because of its versatility.

[@RWAquariumPages]

I really enjoyed this video. I'm considering adding a standard zoom and have been eyeing the rf 28-70 f2, I mostly shoot candids of my children and for the past 10 years been using 35,50,85 combo but always wondered if I need a standard zoom. What really got me is when you said it's only a boring range if you make it boring. I'm also considering upgrading my 50mm 1.8 to the 1.2 version. Ah first world problems great video and new sub here

[@donsoley746]

Great food for thought - thanks Martin!

[@Graham_Wood]

Most of my portrait work is on location and as such my most used lens is a 135mm F2 on the Canon 5D4 and the 150mm F2.8 on the Pentax 645Z. I love the compression (and so do my clients) and the roll off is great. In the studio I use the Canon 24-70mm F2.8 Mk2 and Pentax FA645 45-85mm F4.5. The Pentax lens is a bit softer which I love but Canon lens is great for bite and contrast. Maybe a bit too sharp?

[@nevvanclarke9225]

I'm a Fuji film shooter and also Nikon and other bits and pieces as well and definitely you start to develop a niche for what you want with the lenses you have. I'm a big 50 mm fan and the reason for it is in Fuji that particular lens that I use which is a 35 1.4mm - 50 equivalent is that it has character. And when she been shooting for with awhile you kinda know where to stand in relative distance to people I like it because I can get candid shots of people, but I can also step back a little bit and still retain some background separation and honestly with Lightroom now you can add a little bit of background separation and it doesn't look too bad. It's also good in confined spaces it's also discreet and what I mean is my 50 mm equivalent lens is very small and discreet so it doesn't intimidate people as soon as you put a big hulking long zoom lens on the end of your camera intimidates people I've seen it yesterday at a wedding. I was shooting with the FujifilmXT5 with a 50 mm equivalent lens and I had no problems getting shots. I then pulled out my GFX just for a couple long shots with a big lens on it and you just see the people and the way they change as soon as they see a big camera with a big lens, everything changes. No other people have talked about this as well, and I never believed it until I saw it with my own eyes. A big lens will intimidate customers and people add an event where is a smaller camera with a more discreet look will not intimidate people. And yes it's real so that is a factor that I've now started to think about more and more. And it's partly why cameras like the X100v and Vi are so popular for that stroller Photography because they are small and discreet

[@user-pg5rt7ju4f]

a 28/24 AF looks like a 85 & quite heavy. u r no longer invisible !

[@PsychedelicChameleon]

Thank you Martin Castein for this insightful and self-reflective lens choice review!

[@MartinCastein]

My pleasure!

[@reusedisland1904]

And what about the highly desirable 85mm 1.2? Does anyone have a reason for preferring a smaller aperture?

[@hurleygreen927]

GREAT LENS TIPS! I love the 50mm for everyday walkaround shooting, but I also have a couple of zoom lenses that come in handy! Side Bar: where do you find the beautiful MODELS for your videos! They set the tone for your images and you don't even need to have mood music! LOL

[@jeffslade1892]

Yeah, and whilst I do not regularly shoot portrait, you might ask Bailey about using the "wrong" camera with the "wrong" lens and nailing it. I use MFT and there the 12-35/2.8 is your 24-70, with option of 35-100/2.8 and fast 25, fast 45 and fast 75. primes. But as with FF a wide lens such as the 25 will distort features if you are not careful and necessitate a longer lens than the "equivalent", and step back. The DoF is deeper, so move the subject away from the wall. The technique has to be modified for different formats, it's not a straight equivalent lens swap..

[@andrewdoeshair]

I feel this! I had a sigma 85mm F1.4 Art for a few years and I just wasn’t thrilled with it. The results were consistently like 80% of what I wanted... The canon EF 85mm F1.2L ii could at times give me 95% of what I wanted (if every ingredient was perfectly in place) but on average it was 70-75% of what I wanted and sometimes even lower. So when I’d talk about stellar lenses that I love I tend to lean toward the one that hits 95% on rare occasions, and I under-appreciate the lens that hits 80% every single time.

[@BelowZero]

Excellent video! Thanks for sharing Martin.

[@jamesmlodynia8757]

During the time I did event photography I used a 24-70 F2.8 for much of the same reason as long as I felt that the light was in my faviour. Many of the weddings I shot had elements that led the couple to choose a particular venue, so some of the bridal photos were taken in those areas that were outdoors. I would use a variety of prime lens when the light was low or the faster aperture was needed. Because I worked by myself, I used the 24-70 F2.8 during the wedding ceremony so I started at 7omm an worked down to 24mm as the bridal party made their way down the asile. This way I could use one camera and focus on the ceremony.

[@ArsenijeRadenovic]

I stumbled upon your videos yesterday, and I enjoy your point of view on photography and using gear. Videos are calm and informative, and you are very well spoken man. I really like your painterly editing style, and portraits are really impactful. For years my most used lens was 24-120 f4 (on nikon dslr and now on z system), because of the various types of jobs that I do. Recently I am shifting towards using 35 1.4 prime and 85 1.8 prime, and I have changed the way I am using my zoom lens (when the circumstances are allowing it) - I would look at the zoom ring and choose the focal length first and use it as "f4 prime". It gives more consistent look that you get with using primes minus shallow depth of field. And I agree with you that there is no boring lens, it is only the vision that we can transfer from our minds to the camera and scene. Cheers!

[@trevtog]

This resonated with me! I've been told by more than one client they like my work because I shoot a blended glamour and fashion style. My go-to lens was the Sigma 24-105mm f/4 Art but I sold it and other gear I wasn't using to get the Canon RF 24-105mm f/2.8 which has become my main lens for studio, headshot, and event photography. I also love the RF 50mm f/1.8 for times when I want to crush the background more. I'd love to get my hands on the 50mm f/1.2 but I blew my budget on the 24-105 which has already paid for itself.

[@Integr8d]

Didn’t see that coming. Would’ve figured a 50 or 85. Maybe a 40 or a 60mil macro. Never would’ve guessed a zoom though.

[@notcirrious]

Oh boy. I had a Canon EF 24-70 f4, but changed it for the f2.8... I love it and I'm not a pro- I just wait for evryone to finish arguing and then make a (2nd hand) purchase from MPB. Using an RP and a 5D mk2 and they are both brilliant (and an M6 mk2) -Good work...

[@homecareful]

Loved your samples, Martin. I watched it a 2nd time without the sound. You draw a lot of emotion out of your models.

[@rhykko77]

Superb commentary AND demo photos !

[@CircuitBurger]

Great video pal as always. Yes the 24-70mm. I've got to say, I find it to be my most used, most flexible lens. I often go through cycles of using certain primes for various jobs, but always find the flexibility of a 24-70mm range just so useful, practical and more importantly time saving of all of my lenses, that I end up never taking if off the camera. Whether its a wedding or a holiday, that is the lens I will always take with me. If I don't, I always seem to curse myself for not bringing it.👍

[@MarttiSuomivuori]

Not a surprise. I had the Canon 24-70 f/2.8 v.2 and what else did I need? In Kruger park something longer, of course, but other than that, not much. Now I have the Sony eq. and it leaves nothing to be hoped for. With the RIV I have enough pixels for a tighter crop in P+P. Unfortunately, I love lenses so I have a lot of them that barely get any use. I feel good having them. Does that count?

[@user-pg5rt7ju4f]

weight is full time 24/7 ; necessity is not. i separately bought the kit lens for a7C to use on a7iv, bought a 3rd party hood and the lens (front) has never been recapped. Collapsed when not in use, unexpectedly good optical quality (bought after seeing J.Vong's utube vlog video) makes for a great carry around for casual use; smaller max aperture is not a full-time problem & can be "fixed". For 15 yrs since 9th grade, I had been zooming w/ my feet (58 f1.4, 28 &135) until i got the really good uni-max-aper internal focus zoom in 1981 (when good usable zooms started to appear). Lazy zooming w/o changing subj-cam distance (& thus perspective) makes many present-day photos boring. Focal length (for me ) has never been a problem when in use, what feels good looks good & vice versa; besides we physicists know what light really is ( Seriously kidding ! ). 5.6 & 8 are most used in studio portraits (w/0rw/o strobe) & to offend some I'd say the above mention circa 81 zoom beats many a famous portrait lens (some portrait lenses are just too harsh for portraits ! not bec.of lighting) hi-res first ! Enjoy & have fun w/ ur 2470 F2.

[@BobsChoice-dq2ps]

Nice work Martin

[@datobaggu]

My God man! do you ever bring out the handsome in the materiels you work with

[@lichtgestalt9540]

my most used lenses: 24-70mm 2.8 for fashion, 85mm 1.2 or 1.8 for portraits (nikon).

[@kenn6592]

Love your work. Inspiring and educational.

[@stephencrowsen8537]

Thank you Martin for the informative videos. The lens I use most often on my Canon R50 is the Canon 18-150 f 3.5 - 6.3 RF lens. I bought the camera with two lenses, an 18 - 45 mm f 4.5 - 6.3 lens and a 55 - 210 f 5 - 7.1. It was frustrating having to change lenses, and felt there had to be a better option than to need to take two lenses everywhere you went. That is what I was doing at the first big event I took the camera to, which was the wedding of a nephew. According to the specs the 18-150 has better aperture at 18 mm and at 150 it is probably about the same as the kit lenses. I also have an 85 mm f2 lens and a 50 mm f 1.8 lens, these are Canon "RF" lenses. I also bought a 75 - 300 EF lens and bought an adaptor so I could use it with the camera , but I hadn't been using it as I had trouble with the auto-focus constantly hunting while you were walking or moving the camera around. I eventually found a parameter which I changed and it no longer does that, so I might use it more often now. I also have a Canon SX60 HS, which comes with a built in lens (3.8 - 247 mm f 3.4 - 6.5); and a Nikon D70, for which I currently have only one lens, which is a Nikon 18-200 f 3.4 - 5.6.

[@bentonpix]

Getting the most flattering perspective is all about the subject to camera distance, which is why a zoom lens is so versatile. On a FF A 40mm or 35mm is great for an environmental portrait but sucks for tight to medium head shots, even a 50mm sucks for tight to medium head shots IMO. If I wasn't using a zoom, I prefer the 40mm 1.4 (Sigma Art) or a 35mm 1.4 for a wider environment shot and an 85 1.4 for the tight to mid CU head shot, but no wider than a 70mm. But for fast versatility the Tamron 35-150 f2-2.8 is hard to beat.

[@user-pg5rt7ju4f]

a 40 f/2 was my most used on a m-mount rangefinder. Excellent & compact ! many memorable environ.portraits (esp. at dusk) from Central Park "woodstock" & then used as a 60 on apsc sony by focus-peaking for a few years. seldom used on FF a7 series; will do more often , good results expected. Hard to imagine replacing it w/ the excellent 40 f/2.5 G (tested corner to corner, diagonal real-world photos by camera lab in uk) by coughing up $600. the 20-70 f/4 G is still on my mind; f/4 is not a problem as i am used to (all film) 24-35 f3.5, 24-50 f/4 AF & the Tokina 25-50 (only 2 weeks old on a new body snatched by 2 guys in front of st.mark's church on 2nd ave) ; problem is i chose & bought the(3 yrs older) 17-28 f/2.8 over it only 4 months ago. "harder" to use as it's less versatile, 17-40 f/2.8 would be ideal, 2.8 is good. The Aperture ring on the 20-70 is something to dro on. i'm Not a gadget freak, just a make-doer (like in my kitchen ; open all cupboards & fridge & make-do ). considering i started on 127 film , over the yrs i own practically nothing compared to most photogs. folks, damn the topedoes/lenses shoot ahead. p.s. the 20-70 G could be too sharp ( not too harsh ) for portraits ! photos of various metal surfaces are just unreal

[@TK421-53]

I am not surprised, the EF 24-70mm 2.8 is a good mix between performance and character (and now price), it is my most used Canon zoom lens. To each his own but for the Canon EF system my most used lens is the EF 50mm f/1.2 - although IMO it can be a frustrating lens, so I am not calling it my favorite lens for that reason.

[@garyelmenthaler1608]

I use the Nikkor 24-85 2.8 on my D850.Nice old lens. Just enough tele reach but not too much. And macro to boot!

[@mcmillanvideos]

Agreed, best lens ever. I used the d series on my f100, and the g series on my d750.

[@s5blitzer]

Incredible portraits!!! Very inspirational. Thanks!

[@MartinCastein]

Many thanks!

[@KentFleshman]

I am a Sony shooter, and though I don't use it as often as say my 55 1.8 or my 85 1.8, I absolutely love the 135 STF 2.8 (T4.5) utilizing an adapter. The background separation and bokeh are amazing. It is quite heavy though.

[@bitpuff]

Most used for me now is the Sigma 18-50 f/2.8 on APSC. The most versatile and light weight zoom that makes shooting APSC actually worth the trade-offs.

[@bluestarcesium]

I did use a Hasselblad with a f4 150mm and a f5.6 350mm. The pictures were fantastic. No one has the time for film anymore. They want to see the image right while you are shooting. Print was more cinematic with more depth; a side light, and a hair light, main light, fill light, background lights. Digital images are smoother, and the eyes have to be perfect. With film a person could be more recognizable. With digital images you can take a hundred pictures and pick out the best one. In film a hundred images would be expensive. The photographer had to verbally talk the client into the best pose, often by talking to the client in conversation and quickly recognizing which side of the face is best and which facial expression looks better on the individual. Today you still have to know how to talk to the client, and you can take pictures and show the pictures to the client during the picture session. A photographer really cherished their lenses because of their flash synchronized up to one/five-hundreds of a second. There was a shutter in the lens.

[@johnwayne-ou5yy]

Absolutely lovely video! I like that there are still "calm" people on here. No shouting, no "super sick jump cuts". Just wondering what you think about the 35-150mm by Tamron. Of course it's another Platform and all but I sold my 28-75 2.8 for the 35-150mm as I noticed I mostly shoot above 45mm. Personally I couldn't be happier but I'm wondering wether too much comfort is the enemy of growth. (I'm an absolute amateur btw).

[@MartinCastein]

I cant do the shouting and jumping about over a camera or lens haha. I think if were shooting on sony id get the 35-150. I think its the smart choice focal range for a zoom and the results ive seen are very good, its not overly sharp which is perfect.

[@L.Spencer]

That was pretty well explained. I have a crop sensor and the 50mm, and I'm finding that it's really hard to fit things in the picture, I often can't back up far enough. I haven't really tried it for portraits, but I will this week. I'm in a portraiture class at college and I'm considering getting the 24mm, it's not too expensive.

[@ShutterNChill]

I was in your shoes, had crop sensor and 50mm. I had the same problem, had trouble fitting things in the picture. I'm using now 35mm on full frame, and finally I feel I have the freedom that I always anted. That's equivalent to 24mm on a crop sensor, I encourage you to try it.

[@user-pg5rt7ju4f]

@@ShutterNChill u mean it's equiv. to 53mm on crop ?

[@McRcFly]

Try the 35mm 1.8 macro lense. On the crop sensor camera

[@waynethorn7218]

Some good points here. 50m is a great portrait lens so is tge 35mf2 just have to get a bit closer and it’s wider close up, but as you say the 50m has its editorial look

[@dance2jam]

Good question (at the end), and a tough one. I've just started being more interested in photographing portraits. I shot predominately wildlife, and avoided portraits because I didn't understand strobes (or even light if I'm being completely honest), didn't own a stand, and didn't understand the first thing (or so I thought) about positioning people and making them feel comfortable in front of my lens. Once I started paying a bit more attention to the four letter word (pose), I realized many of the concepts are the same as in dance - esthetically pleasing angles and positions, That made me feel more comfortable about directing someone else. Now, as for the most used lens thing: I'm going to combine a comment you made in your most recent video (the one you made today) on starting with portraits, with my comment here. The most common lens I'm using, is the one I'm using now. That is to say, I'm trying to force myself to use one lens for all portraiture for a while, till I feel I know it very well, and then do the same with the alternatives. Yes, I get the prime vs zoom, and the less expensive f/4 zoom in studio vs better separation outdoors. I don't own many lenses, but the ones I own tend to be "unique" (Nikkor 105mm f/1.4 (used copy), 200mm f/2 - used copy purchased for low light sports/action.and small child photography). The 2 telephoto lenses are the ones I shoot the most outdoors. You know the problems with the 200mm for portraits - if you are doing your type of photography (i.e. fashion-lite, environmentalist portrait), you need a hand-signals to work with your subject. That said, and not to make too much of it, I just love the look and separation of that lens when you shoot it wide-open. I imagine the 24-70mm f/2.8 will be the next lens to pick up and really learn. After that, it's likely a 24 or 35mm prime. Perhaps, it's just me, but I feel as though a 50mm prime would be the most challenging, so I'm electing to leave it for last. An 85mm? everyone shoots them - and I'd rather not lump myself there just yet.

[@DaneRThomas]

This is why I find the new RF 24-105 f/2.8 so tempting. When I have my 24-105 f/4 on for portraits, I often wish that I could get the additional separation and more limited depth of field that a wider aperture would provide. I can get that with my 35, 50, and 85mm primes and my 70-200 f/2.8 zoom, but they all feel limiting in some way. I'd probably keep the f/4 for travel and general use, and the primes for specific use cases, but the f/2.8 seems like it would open up some new possibilities.

[@fastflame200]

I agree. I have the RF 24-105 f/2.8. It is just always on my R3 unless I have the RF 100-300 on it. My Trinity of lenses: RF 100-300mm F2.8 L IS USM RF 24-105mm F2.8 L IS USM Z RF 10-20mm f/4L IS STM

[@photom3]

Was wondering, having not seen anything for awhile. Even though I m not doing portraits or even a pro for that matter I always try to learn from the information

[@MartinCastein]

I’m good, needed a little break for a bit but back now and feeling ready to go!

[@jmac_photo]

I really love the 500mm f8 for portraits. In the studio it gives me incredible close ups that highlight the emotion I am going after. And outside it really captures the mid day light and the harsh shadows I prefer. Great video- thanks for sharing.

[@user-pg5rt7ju4f]

I miss my 250mm f5,6 mirror lens lost in "storage". Incredible saturation (compared to regular lenses in range 150-300) due to reduction of lenses used (needed for correction). Difficult to use at close distance, dof is practically zero.

[@brendonwilson1318]

I saw someone ripping on the 24-70 2.8L mark 1 on reddit the other day and I'm just like HUH? No, it's not as sharp as the mark II but it's a big upgrade almost any other standard zoom at the price point. The character, bokeh, and sharpness is far better than the 24-105 imo.

[@RichardFraser-y9t]

I sometimes shoot with my 24-120 f4 because its flexible, but I prefer my 50mm f1,4 for the separation.

[@JR-ro5kv]

Interesting conclusion, and commentary thanks for sharing. Wonderful images BTW cheers

[@georgedavall9449]

Loved to see you smile @ 00:59, And laugh @ 02:10. 😊 Great Stuff Martin! 👍

[@MartinCastein]

Thanks! 😃

[@MarkWodjykl]

Your analysis is awesome and your images are amazing ...

[@MartinCastein]

Thank you very much!

[@BeardedGeezer]

If I were shooting portraits, which I am not, I would be taking a long hard look at the new RF 24-105 f2.8L lens for my R-5 body. I have the 24-105 f4 L version, and I agree it is not as sharp as my RF 50 1.2.

[@rbos6001]

RF 35mm 1.8 or its fuji eqv 23mm 1.4. Small enough with enough separation to carry everywhere you go and excellent for photography of children in their environment

[@9kat53]

Sony A7iv and Tamron 35-150 2-2.8 is my most used set-up. I am finding I can make it work magic in almost any circumstance (I do mostly families in outdoor settings). Lately I almost never end up going to my Sigma 85 1.4 DG DN Art, not even for single portraits of the kids, etc. I just am getting what I need from the Tamron and it stops the flow sometimes, especially with the little ones, to change mid-session. Considering selling the Sigma but I have made some beautiful shots with it, kind of can't bear the thought of parting with it.

[@kirkcircus]

I’m quite surprised by this as my 24-70 f2.8 is an ultra reliable workhorse for weddings and events and I get great results. However for me personally nothing can touch the 85mm f1.2 for pure aesthetics and artistic beauty. It is slow but portrait photography isn’t fast moving. My preferred aperture is f2 or wider. Sublime.

[@silvercruze2191]

Thanks for the video Martin. Come to think of it, you are a 5D classic, D700 generally appreciate older cameras user and even use them on jobs. Makes me wonder, since you can use those barebone in terms of features, usability, autofocus cameras and pull beautiful results from them. What are the cameras across your photo journey that you overall don't like. Can't be on the basis of features because you can pull a lot of cameras that don't have any hence why I am asking. Have fun with this one because I am intrigued.

[@FernandoSLima]

First time around here. I use Canon 90D and use 100mm 2.8 for head shots, 85mm 1.8 for portraits and a sigma 18-35mm 1.8 for half and full body shots. I am not a strong boket guy. Most of my shots are something between 3.2 and 5.6 or 8 aperture. thanks for the video.

[@fineartviewfotografie3742]

Actually 2 lenses. The Zeiss planar 85/1.4 and the Voigtlander Nokton 58/1.4. For studio and environmental portraits (not really classical portraits).

[@jravell]

My 28-105mm II is the one I’ve taken the most surprisingly good portrait pictures with. Other lenses that have given good results were expected to (mainly the Nifty 50 and the Sigma 50mm Art).

[@hywel3143]

If yours is the old 3.5-4.5 Canon USM II then I have the same lens. It's is my favourite all day walk around lens because paired it's so light ( only 370g!) and makes a refreshing change from the weight of my L lenses. Nice 7 blade diaphragm.

[@jravell]

@@hywel3143Indeed the one.

[@carte-noire]

I have only 35 mm eqivalent lens in my Fuji X100f. So somehow I use it for my conception of macro, some portrets and landscape ofcourse. But sometimes I really need some much narrower lens for sunsets or moonlight photo.

[@dingo3718]

I have a Tamron 18/270 and for some strange reason it's my most used lens, on my DX Nikon bodies, but I use my 85mm, 35 mm, 50mm, primes on my FX body, weired, ohh also use my 90mm Tamron for macro shooting on both bodies love that lens good portrait lens too, well in my opinion.

[@campbells0ups]

without watching my guess is your #1 is the 24-70 2.8 mki

[@filibertkraxner305]

I never checked but I'm pretty certain I shoot most of my Canon work on the 28-70/2.0. It rarely leaves the R5, whether that's in studio or on location. I also rarely shoot it at 2.0, mostly at 2.8 (or above, in the studio with flash). So, for most (but not all) work, a 24-70 would have done it for me too ;-) I do shoot primes, but on other systems for jobs where I don't have to be so fast.

[@janedagger]

T3i w Konica 50 and sometimes the 40 but, beginner so.. higher i'm not used to yet but working on it.

[@jpdj2715]

We need to turn the discussion of lenses around. That will do two things: (1) remove the surprise, and (2) introduce learning and frustration that goes with learning. The result will be better images. Both in the portrait (person) and the background, what we are discussing is "perspective". And perspective follows from distance to subject, and angle to subject. Relative to that, the focal length, image angle, is just the in-camera crop. Our problem is that "we" do not see photographically. We need to learn that - photographers and fin art artists. Once we can see photographically, we can easily decide at what distance to shoot a subject. And in that use perspective compression, or perspective exaggeration, or perspective masking versus accentuation. This, again, follows from distance and angle to subject. Very wide image angle lenses add some seeming distortion to the edge of the frame. And we need to learn to deal with that. Other than that, the discussion is about distance. As to the nifty-fifty, we have to understand that this is a "masculine" thing. The anatomy of the brain is on the X chromosome and men with one X, women with 2 Xs have different brains. Vision is in part also on the X chromosome. 1X people have more "tunnel vision" and 2X people have more wide-angle vision. The latter may want more "context" or background, hence a wider angle lens. Part of this discussion was relayed to me by two Asian women. Where one said she preferred white men for their more profiles faces. The other a photographer that shot portraits with a 35mm lens - i.e. at closer distance and hence exaggerating relief in the face, or elsewhere. We also have to consider the effect of the smartphone-camera and selfies. The face-perspective in a portrait that was unacceptable 40 years ago is totally fine today - portraits are shot at arm's length a lot, now. So I would want to see my images classified by Lightroom by distance, not focal length.

[@apjferreira1]

Great video, as always. The lens I use the most on my Canon 6D is the 24-105mm L, followed by the 85mm f/1.4 L and the 100mm f/2.8 L.

[@MartinCastein]

The 100mm is such a good lens

[@apjferreira1]

@@MartinCasteinIt is indeed

[@allee2445]

What is your thought on 35-150mm f2-2.8? It seems to be the perfect focal length for portrait/fashion under all situations..

[@Digital_Photog1995]

I found using my EF 24-70 f2.8 was my most used lens. I had purchased two other lenses that I thought would be used more often the EF 85mm f1.2 and the EF 135mm f 2. To my surprise neither became my go to lenses. Ended up selling both for lack of use. Loved the idea and quality but they were collecting dust. Now for wildlife photography I use the EF 100-400mm on my EOS 7dmk2 . Also sold my EF 70-200mm f4. No regrets.

[@hywel3143]

I use my Canon 70-200 L IS (version 1) the most, often around 120-140 mm for my amateur outdoors head and shoulders portraits because then I get the required background blur. I find with friends and family that having the lens further away from the subject often makes them more comfortable. It's more than sharp enough for portraits at f/4 but as you say Martin it's often not wide enough for environmental portraits. I mostly use the 50mm f/1.8 II for environmental portraits. As you say the 24-105 is a great all round lens, but this is the one area where I don't really think it works that well for me.

[@justinselvera3538]

I use a 5d classic and my most used lens is my 135 f2.

[@MartinCastein]

Nice combo

[@ChasWG]

I own the same MK I Canon EF 24-70 f2.8 L. Its a phenomenal lens! ." yes, its been upgraded and improved and given IS and all that, but I don't own those. I own the original "Brick." For years, it just lived on my cameras. Bodies come and go, but lenses are forever. Now days, I'm not sure what lens I like the best. I love the old lenses. I probably own some 60 lenses of all types. Everything from L39 mount to RF mount. With modern mirrorless bodies, it doesn't matter what mount the lens is. As long as they make an adapter or you can make an adapter! The lenses work on these new bodies. My oldest is from 1958 and my newest is from 2023. They all have their look and best uses. Some are wickedly sharp and some are not. I tend to like the ones that don't require you to stop the lens down to f5.6 to begin to be sharp. Those are pointless. I like to shoot wide open at times, but I do like something in every image to be in focus. Something has to be sharp. Its usually the eyes for me. So I like lenses that are fairly sharp either wide open or close to wide open. My most recent addiction are Canon FD SSC lenses. And I think my favorite one is the 50mm f1.4 SSC. Its just so good! But the 100mm f2.8 SSC has to be a close second. Or maybe the other way around. Not sure yet.

[@gerryhardman9060]

I agree, as far as Focal length are concerned my favourite lenses were my 35 F2 in my 85 F2 and I would carry them around with me and trade back-and-forth and shoot them all day. However, using a zoom lens although convenient a F1.4 lens at 2.8 I would think is sharper than a zoom lens, is at it’s maximum aperture of 2.8? You would know better than me, because I don’t own any 2.8 zooms. I really like your portraits and mid length shots and although I’ve shot 26 weddings over the years, I’m going more towards product photography. As always, though I enjoy your videos and your experiences are second to none regards Gerry.

[@Narsuitus]

For portraits, I use the following Nikkor prime lenses on full-frame Nikon F-mount cameras: 24mm for large group portraits 28mm for group portraits 35mm for group portraits and environmental portraits 50mm for full-length and 3/4 length portraits 85mm for half-length and head & shoulder portraits 105mm macro for head & shoulder, face shots, and tight face shots 135mm for face shots and tight face shots 180mm for face shots and tight face shots For portraits, I use the following zoom lenses on full-frame Nikon F-mount cameras: 28-70mm f/2.8 Nikkor 75-150mm f/3.5 Nikon Series E 80-200mm f/2.8 Nikkor 28-200mm f/3.8 to f/5.6 Tamron

[@jedlevron]

On the D500 and D7500 on Nikon I only use 2 lenses. 17-55 2.8 for professional work and 18-300 walk around.

[@swanseamale47]

I've got the 24-105 Canon and Sigma art, both a cracking lens. Maybe you have a dodgy one?

[@Paul-vy1ev]

I have to say i was surprised i thought it was going be a prime but have to say i do like the 24-70 myself as it so versatile. Brilliant video. I need advice so doing photography at college and we doing photoshop because my laptop is old it wont run photoshop 2024. I know i have to get one that has 16gb ram and 500 ssd and at least i5 intel core processor , window 11. But where i get confused is on the graphic card side.do need rtx 4060 or rtx 3050 ,most laptop are running on lower graphic card that wont work on photoshop. The higher graphic card laptops seemed to come in over a £1000 +which over my budget, so any advice would great and if you got recommendations on a laptop would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

[@jaapkroonfotografie]

I use the Tamron 35-150 the most. It's my perfect portrait lens.

[@mindcave]

The 65mm might just be the greatest portrait lens of all. The lovechild of the 50mm and 85mm. Special shoutout to the Sigma 65mm f2 DG DN i-series lens.

[@pauldarville3843]

Informational, thanks Martin!!

[@danielson_9211]

Picked up the 24-105 2.8 worth every penny so is the 85 1.2 still king.

[@alexanderv805]

First time on your channel. Love the way you look in the frame, like a speaking portrait. That's the way a true portrait photographer should look in his vids, I thought while watching😅 Is it a 2 foot softbox with a grid or a beauty dish, I wonder... I use Tamron 28-75 f2.8, it's the only one I have though.

[@MartinCastein]

Hahaha thanks I’m always thinking about changing it up but it’s simple and does the job I guess, it’s a 3x2 softbox so you basically got it right

[@duncanmacleod8066]

Thanks for your videos ❤

[@MartinCastein]

You are welcome !!!

[@WarrenRoddy]

I shoot a Nikon F2 with a Voigtlander 58mm f1.4 glued to the body. It’s not the best setup if you have to make money but it’s not impossible.

[@0ecka]

I have 100/2, 50/1.8 and 28/1.8 for portraits (yes, I like small primes). But sometimes my 40/2.8 or 150/2.8 APO Macro can do even better by giving me a more interesting perspective, the look and just being fun to use. I always carry a camera with me, but I don't bring all my lenses, I choose one or two. I don't think there are rules or secret formulas to be discovered. It depends. Could be a mood thing, could be a habit thing, and if there's a wall behind, then it doesn't really matter.

[@PeterbFree]

Thanks for sharing your insight. I do wonder what the most frequently used focal length your best images from your 24-70 was, (more or less).

[@MartinCastein]

Probably 50mm 🤣

[@Dngrov257]

Many people do not believe the 24-105 is not sharp enough at f4, but I do not see it for me. At 105MM, I think the background blur is sufficient in most cases. Essentially the equivalent of a 50MM f2.

[@anthonyrock5039]

24-70 range zoom had always been my go to work or travel lens when i am unlikely to be able to change lenses.

[@Garbid]

Probably would be better to check the focal distance. Which is used most.

[@LetFreedomSPK]

i was expecting a prime lens to be revealed....i was surprised to hear it was a zoom lens! i have this lens and hardly use it....the nikon 24-70 f2.8 E i regret not getting the G version of this lens because it could work with my film Nikon F6.

[@herle]

You would enjoy the 28-70 f2 lens then...it's a special one