Which Canon lens is best for fashion photography if I care most about sharpness?
Asked 10/14/2013
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2 answers
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I’m choosing a Canon lens for fashion photography and sharpness is my main concern. I was considering the EF 24-70mm f/4L and comparing it with the EF 24-105mm f/4L, but I’ve heard mixed comments about sharpness at the long end. Would either of these f/4 zooms be a good choice for fashion work, or should I be looking at other Canon options if I want the sharpest results?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
12y ago
2 Answers
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If you want the sharpest result, get the 24-70f/2.8 II or the 70-200f/2.8 IS II (whichever is appropriate for your needs). They are the two sharpest zoom lenses Canon has ever made and are possibly two of the sharpest zoom lenses in the world right now. I own both and have found them to both perform exceptionally.
If cost is a factor, you could consider giving up the zoom and go for a semi-fast prime that would be ever so slightly sharper and would also be much cheaper (but you have to zoom with your feet), but if you want sharp and zoom, there isn't any substitute for the f/2.8L IIs.
One thing worth noting though is that the 24-70 is not a fixed volume lens (the front element moves) so it is not as well weather sealed as some. Probably not an issue for fashion photography, but something to keep in mind if you will be using it in any wet environments.
Originally by user11392. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user11392
12y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
If sharpness is the priority, the community consensus is that Canon’s sharpest zoom options are the EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II and EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II. Between the two f/4 zooms you mentioned, neither is the top choice if your main goal is maximum sharpness for fashion work.
Several answers also point out that for serious fashion photography, fast primes are often a better fit than f/4 zooms. Primes such as 35mm, 50mm, 85mm, 100mm, 135mm, or 200mm can deliver equal or better optical performance, while also giving you wider apertures for subject separation and lower-light shooting.
So:
- Best sharp zooms: 24-70mm f/2.8L II or 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II
- Best value for sharpness: consider primes instead of an f/4 zoom
- If choosing only between 24-70mm f/4L and 24-105mm f/4L, neither is the strongest recommendation for fashion when sharpness is your top concern
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