Best lens for studio?

rallying1

rallying1

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Name
Gary
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Hi All,

newbie question but what would be the best lens for studio, portrait, type work.
I am more drawn to this type of work that anything else really and I am trying to gather kit as money permits etc, I know there isnt a 'one lens fits all' scenario but I only have the standard lens that came with my Sony and a 70-300mm zoom my wife gave me for my birthday.

All suggestions gratefully recieved,

many thanks.
 
You'll probably find that most photographers use a couple of fast zooms to allow maximum coverage and flexibility - that will allow location as well as studio-based shooting.
Something along the lines of a 24-70 f/2.8 and a 70-200 f/2.8 would be a good place to start.

Then, based on what percentage of shots are taken at the various focal lengths, you might consider adding a fast prime or two: 50mm f/1.4; 85mm f/1.4; 105mm f/2.8 or 135mm f/2.
 
What he said, but rarely the 24-70mm for me, unless I'm in a small studio.
I also tend to use the longer lens on inexperienced new models, as they can get a bit intimidated sticking a shorter lens too close in their face
 
what are you photographing and how big is the studio..

Once you know both the above, you can pick your lens!

Generally you shouldn't go wide angle... so depending on the format of your camera, 50mm upwards.

For portraits the conventional wisdom is 85mm upwards (for full frame - so 50mm for a DX sensor), My personal fav is the 105mm on full frame - but my studio is long enough to do 3/4 length with a 180mm. You generally need twice the length of studio as the subject/camera distance - so if you work 8 foot from your subject, you need 16 foot, to allow for the distance between the subject and background - and to get behind the camera etc...
 
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