Choosing the right lens for portraits

I’ve been experimenting with different lenses for portrait photography and noticed how the depth of field impacts the background blur. Using a 50mm f/1.8 makes a world of difference compared to my kit lens. I’d love to hear what others prefer when capturing those intimate shots and any quirks you’ve noticed with different focal lengths.

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And i totally get what you’re saying about the 50mm f/1.8 — it really does create a stunning background blur! I’ve found that using an 85mm lens can add even more compression to your shots, giving that lovely depth. Just be mindful of your shooting distance; it may require a bit more space than the 50mm.

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The 50mm f/1.8 is great for those tight shots, but I’ve found that an 85mm really enhances facial features without much distortion. It’s perfect for capturing that intimate vibe you’re after. What’s interesting is how you can also play with angles to change the background blur, even with a longer lens like the 85mm. @dahu541, have you experimented with different apertures to see how that affects the depth of field?

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I’ve noticed that a 35mm can be great for creating a bit more context in your shots, especially in tighter spaces. It’s like giving your portrait a little backstory, you know? @ebryant91, have you tried using a prime lens for group portraits?

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Absolutely! I love the 50mm for its sharpness, but don’t overlook an 85mm for lovely flattering portraits… @dahu541, have you tried using a wider aperture for those soft backgrounds?

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