Question about focal length and portraiture

[Dr. G]

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Do you find that certain models have more flattering focal lengths to shoot at or do you just stick to the general "rules" when it comes to which lengths to use when shooing full body, 3/4, shoulders and up or just face images?  I only own the SL2 with the Summicron-SLs in 35, 50 and 90 but was wondering if adding a zoom would be something to think about for dialing in the most true to life representation of what the model looks like.  I know I can frame with any length but the perspective distortion will change what the final image shows (i.e. a shoulders up image taken with a 35mm lens will look drastically different than the same framing with a 90mm lens).

Also, do zooms at specific focal length have the same perspective distortion as the equivalent prime?  In other words, will a 24-90 at 50mm draw an image the same way as a 50mm prime?

Edited November 19, 2020 by Dr. G

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[BernardC]

There is some very interesting information about focal length and distortion here: http://www.bernieharper.co.uk/

Summary: perceptions are very different for male and female subjects. There's a reason why female models often starve to look better (or more normal) in photographs. The same perception effects also explain the popularity of the "selfie" format (equivalent to a 28mm lens at arm's length): it corresponds to what we perceive with our eyes.

To answer your other question, perspective distortion should be the same with primes and zooms. Fundamentally, it's a function of how far you are from the subject. Geometric distortion will typically be higher with zooms, especially at the edge of the frame.

[Photoworks]

2 hours ago, Dr. G said:

Also, do zooms at specific focal length have the same perspective distortion as the equivalent prime?  In other words, will a 24-90 at 50mm draw an image the same way as a 50mm prime?

yes it is the same if the perspective is the same.

the 24-90 has a great distortion correction, you can get a similar look then the 50mm. Just the F-Stop changes

[Dr. G]

I've always found that using longer focal length lenses at a distance gave me great results when shooting portraits, even full body shots.  Unfortunately that only leaves me with the 90-280 as an option within the SL system native lenses.   I have the Sony 100-400GM lens that I use with my a9ii.  That combination gives me reliable eye autofocus, but I still much prefer the look and colors I'm getting from the SL2.  I really wish the SL2 would let me see the eye AF point. 

[snooper]

For strict portraits (heads and shoulders) you might want to try the incredible L 75 Summicron, more than any other prime or zoom. If you look at it closely, you'll probably find out that most of your portraits shot with a 24-90 will end up within the 50 - 80 mm range.

Even if there is obviously no strict rules about all of this, a 50mm might be a good call for half body portraits.. Etc.

[caissa]

I always found 135mm good for portraits. With a zoom the 100-135mm range. Long ago the 135 was one of the first lenses available in each system. But nowadays it is not so often seen anymore, why ?

[caissa]

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20 hours ago, Dr. G said:

I've always found that using longer focal length lenses at a distance gave me great results when shooting portraits, even full body shots.  Unfortunately that only leaves me with the 90-280 as an option within the SL system native lenses.   I have the Sony 100-400GM lens that I use with my a9ii.  That combination gives me reliable eye autofocus, but I still much prefer the look and colors I'm getting from the SL2.  I really wish the SL2 would let me see the eye AF point. 

Sigma has a 135 mm with high quality. A 200 mm will probably also come. I find the Sigma “good enough” and cannot find a difference in color.

For longer lenses I like to use the old R 250 (version 2). But maybe you don’t like that style. I always found it an excellent lens (for people or landscape) but maybe not as “clean” or (over)sharp as the latest apos.

Edited November 20, 2020 by caissa

[Steven Lane]

4 hours ago, caissa said:

I always found 135mm good for portraits. With a zoom the 100-135mm range. Long ago the 135 was one of the first lenses available in each system. But nowadays it is not so often seen anymore, why ?

I would love to see a Summicron L 135 put into production. Back in my film days, I loved my Zuiko 135 2.8, probably my favourite telephoto of all time.

[FlashGordonPhotography]

On 11/20/2020 at 2:09 AM, Dr. G said:

Do you find that certain models have more flattering focal lengths to shoot at or do you just stick to the general "rules" when it comes to which lengths to use when shooing full body, 3/4, shoulders and up or just face images?  I only own the SL2 with the Summicron-SLs in 35, 50 and 90 but was wondering if adding a zoom would be something to think about for dialing in the most true to life representation of what the model looks like.  I know I can frame with any length but the perspective distortion will change what the final image shows (i.e. a shoulders up image taken with a 35mm lens will look drastically different than the same framing with a 90mm lens).

Also, do zooms at specific focal length have the same perspective distortion as the equivalent prime?  In other words, will a 24-90 at 50mm draw an image the same way as a 50mm prime?

Yes. Different models get different treatments. But not based on what's *natural*. More about what either how the sitter sees themselves or what the client wants.

Yes. A zoom or prime at the same focal length/aperture/sensor size has the same perspective, except for difference created by optical design, actual focal length or focus.

Gordon

[Aperture 2]

Dear Dr. G, I have the 50mm f1,4 and the zoom 24-90 but I purchased the 90 for portraiture

- The 50mm is to short for close portraits (deformation for head and top of shoulders close portraiture)

- The zoom had not a sufficiently big aperture for may taste to properly isolate from background (but I'm a Noctilux user on my M...)

Finally I purchased the 90 mm f2, perfect lens for portraiture (no deformation and no compression) and fantastic deep of field control - you already have the best.

Also the zooms are more "intimidating", not so easy to make spontaneous family pictures with them while the summicrons are small and unobtrusive.

Just my opinion anyway.

[Photoworks]

On 11/19/2020 at 2:19 PM, Dr. G said:

I've always found that using longer focal length lenses at a distance gave me great results when shooting portraits, even full body shots.  Unfortunately that only leaves me with the 90-280 as an option within the SL system native lenses.   I have the Sony 100-400GM lens that I use with my a9ii.  That combination gives me reliable eye autofocus, but I still much prefer the look and colors I'm getting from the SL2.  I really wish the SL2 would let me see the eye AF point. 

Why you use a long lens for portraits. You will need to shout out loud in order for the subject to hear you. You totally lose the connection and conversation. LOL

Many celebrated photographer use 28-35-50mm lenses to place the portrait into place and have a sense to be right in the moment.

[FlashGordonPhotography]

On 11/20/2020 at 6:19 AM, Dr. G said:

I've always found that using longer focal length lenses at a distance gave me great results when shooting portraits, even full body shots.  Unfortunately that only leaves me with the 90-280 as an option within the SL system native lenses.   I have the Sony 100-400GM lens that I use with my a9ii.  That combination gives me reliable eye autofocus, but I still much prefer the look and colors I'm getting from the SL2.  I really wish the SL2 would let me see the eye AF point. 

With portraits (mostly static) face detect works fine with either the 90-280 or Sigma 100-400. They're not fast enough for actual eye detect to make a difference.

Gordon

[futura]

I tend to use the 35mm and 50mm most as I find them interesting focal lengths for environmental shots with models.