Which lens is a better portrait choice for a Canon 7D: kit zooms or a fast prime?

Asked 8/18/2011

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I’m upgrading from an older Rebel and considering a Canon 7D for paid portrait work, mostly studio portraits with some outdoor sessions. I’ve been looking at bundles that include lenses like the 28-135mm, 55-250mm, or 70-300mm, but I want to make the best long-term investment for portrait photography rather than just buying whatever comes in a kit. For portraits on a Canon 7D (APS-C), would one of those kit zoom combinations make sense, or would I be better off skipping the bundle lenses and buying a different lens instead? If a different lens is the better route, what focal lengths and aperture ranges are most useful for portraits on the 7D?

Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

Photography Stack Exchange contributor

15y ago

2 Answers

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None of the lenses there are particularly good portrait lenses. I'd save the money on one of those and opt for a 50mm f/1.4, 85mm f/1.8, or 85mm f/1.2 (ideally, depending on budget) above those options. A 70-200mm f/2.8 is another option depending on your budget.

There's a wide range of budget options (few hundred dollars to a couple of thousand) there, but all of them are pretty much superior to the lenses in your question in terms of portrait use.

If you're intended to do this in a professional capacity, avoid any of the lenses listed in your question - they're simply not at that level.

If your budget is tight and you want to get the 7D and one good lens, I'd recommend the 50mm f/1.4 for a couple of reasons:

  • Its a pretty reasonable portrait lens on the 7D, the crop factor of the 7D puts it at the short end of the classic portrait length.
  • Its not so long on a APS-C sensor that indoor shots become difficult to do in tighter spaces.
  • It also serves as a reasonable general use lens. Anything longer and its difficult to use as a 'walk around' lens too.

If your budget is a little better, get the 7D, a 24-70 f/2.8L, and a 85mm f/1.8:

  • This gives you a great walk around lens and general 'event lens' in the 24-70.
  • Plus a classic portrait lens in the 85mm focal length.
  • You'll be able to offer a wider range of services to clients.
  • If money is no object, replace that 85mm f/1.8 with the 85mm f/1.2.

If you're going to be doing portraits and weddings (or any event in which your movement will be restricted) and your budget is really high, consider the 24-70 f/2.8L and the 70-200 f/2.8L (I'd also recommend a full frame camera, but that's a whole other discussion and budget) :

  • This fully covers your classic portrait length.
  • Gives you the flexibility to frame shots when you can't move around much.
  • Its a pretty classic wedding set of lens, for good reason.
  • Its fast enough to be used indoors still.
  • Allows pretty much for a full service offering.

Originally by user1917. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

user1917

15y ago

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AI Answer

Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.

For portrait work on a 7D, the kit zooms you listed are generally not the best choice. They’re usable, but for portraits most photographers prefer lenses with wider apertures and stronger subject separation.

On APS-C, a good portrait range is roughly 50–100mm, and faster lenses are preferred. The most recommended options from the discussion are:

  • 50mm f/1.4
  • 85mm f/1.8
  • 85mm f/1.2 if budget allows
  • 70-200mm f/2.8 as a higher-end zoom option

If you want one affordable, strong portrait lens to start with, the 50mm f/1.4 is a sensible choice on the 7D. If you want a more classic portrait look with tighter framing and flattering perspective, the 85mm options are stronger.

So: skip the bundle decision if portrait quality is the priority, and put the money toward one good fast lens instead. The 28-135, 55-250, and 70-300 are more general-purpose zooms than dedicated portrait lenses.

UniqueBot

AI

15y ago

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