Join Now
Join ePHOTOzine, the friendliest photography community.
Upload photos, chat with photographers, win prizes and much more for free!
I have recently started photographing newborn babies and children. I have found my 70-200mm f/2.8 really good for outdoor shots of children, however am debating what lens I should buy for indoor/studio shots for newborn babies?
do I go with fixed focal length? what f-number? 50mm/85mm/90mm??
Any advice?
The lens you have is the best lens you could possibly have for this sort of photography 70mm for the full length shots and 200mm for the head shots when the baby is looking away from the camera. If you are working with natural light the 85mm 1.8 will work well.
You dont say which make of camera you use but I use the canon 50mm f1.4 and it is fantastic, not to hard on the pocket either.
Stu
50mm 1.8 is just as good as the 1.4. Some of the sharpest photos i have taken is with the 50mm 1.8.
Holds up well against projectile vomit though. Seriously though, I'd be tempted to go for my standard portrait lens which is the Tamron 90mm macro f2.8 (I did have the 85mm 1.8 Nikkor but found they were doubling up so I decided in favour of close-focusing - the Nikkor is a top lens though and I was sad to see it go).
I Can totally recommend the 50mm f1.8, I have one, Great lens and feels awesome.. (although you may want a verticle grip with it... sets the camera off nicely 
)
But i would seriously recommend the 35mm as it gives you a wider angle thus allowing you to shoot in smaller rooms.
Quote: Isn't there a debate about the 1.8 being made of really cheap plastic and is easily breakable?
In a studio environment you wont have a problem. If your going to have an accident with a lens your better smashing one up that only costs £70 than breaking a lens worth hundreds of pounds and having a huge repair bill.
Sorry, but I thought it was a joke about being cheap plastic and easily broken.......50mm (whether 1.8 or 1.4) is usually considered to be a great lens (i.e. fantastic quality) for a ridiculously reasonable price.
thanks for this. it's been really helpful. I'm off to the shops to try both 50mm 1.4 and 1.8
Has anyone tried both these lenses? does the USM on the 1.4 make a big difference?
and when talking about the 1.8 is this the MK1 OR 11 version? i've heard the 1 is much better, but obviously not for sale anymore
Add a Comment
ePHOTOzine, the web's friendliest photography community.
Upload photos, chat with photographers, win prizes and much more.
Join Our Free Newsletter
Awards
Current Competitions
Olympus 'Portraiture' Competition - Win £1000 Worth Of Gear!
30th April 2013 - 31st May 2013
This month, to celebrate the launch of Olympus' new micro site Olympus Image Space, Olympus are giving you the chance to win £1000 worth of Olympus gear!...
Featured e2 Photo
May's Photo Month
Check out ePHOTOzine's inspirational photo month calendar! Each day click on a window to unveil new photography tips, treats and techniques.
