Yackers' Photography Tips and Tricks: Using zoom lenses for portrait photography

There are many photographers out there that only uses prime lenses for portrait photography. The reasons for using prime lenses vary however the most common one is that prime lenses are sharper and produce better portraits. I have to admit that my preferred portrait photography lens is a zoom lens, however there are times when I will revert to using a prime lens to capture portraits.

I have to agree that the image quality of prime lenses is slightly better than zoom lenses, however the difference between the top end zoom lenses and prime lenses is negligible, and you will have to go pixel peeping on the computer to see the difference. I have never had a paying client complain about the image quality of my zoom lenses, and until I do get complaints I will continue using a zoom lens for capturing portraits.

I should point out that I only use top end zoom lens for portrait photography and not the cheap or mid-priced zoom lenses that are widely available. The image quality of the cheaper zoom lenses is absolutely terrible and the image quality of the mid-priced zoom lens is not much better. If you want to use a zoom lens and capture good portraits you have to be prepared to dig deep and buy a top end zoom lens.

The reason I use zoom lenses for portrait photography is because of the versatility. With a zoom lens I can change the composition and framing standing on the spot by simply twisting the zoom ring. A zoom lens is not only useful when snapping portraits in tight places (i.e. those where you can’t physically move) but also when you want a variety of portrait shots and not have to keep interrupting the shoot (and annoying the subject) to swap lenses. Using a zoom lens I can get in, take the shots and get out again quickly, efficiently and without faffing around.

I use two zoom lenses for portrait photography and these are:-

Canon 24mm – 70mm f2.8L (full review here)

Focal Length – Full frame/APS-C:- 24mm - 70mm/ 38.4mm - 112mm / Aperture:- 2.8 - 22/ Min focus:- 15"/ Dimensions:- 3.48" x 4.45"/ Weight:- 28.4 oz/ Image stabilization:- No/ Price (approx.) $USD/£ GBP:- $1,750.00/£1,000.00

This is my go to lens for individual portrait shots and couple shots. The 24mm – 70mm focal length covers all my favorites and is suitable for full body shots, head and shoulder shots and head shots. This lens is bombproof and the image quality is something else. This lens is my workhorse, and whilst it is expensive it is worth every penny and it has paid for itself many times over on the paid shoots for which I have used it.

Below is a quick video clip, courtesy of Youtube, demonstrating how good the Canon 24 - 70 f2.8L lens.

Canon 16mm – 35mm f4L IS (full review here)

Focal Length – Full frame/APS-C:- 16mm - 35mm/ 25.6mm - 42mm/ Aperture:- 4 - 22/ Min focus:- 11"/ Dimensions:- 3.25" x 4.44"/ Weight:- 21.7 oz/ Image stabilization:- Yes/ Price (approx.) $USD/£ GBP:- $1,000.00/£820.00

This is my go to lens for taking group shots, and the 16mm – 35mm focal length is ideal to make sure that I can get everyone in the shot and still be able to be close enough to talk to the group, direct the group and pose the group. Like all L series lenses this lens is tough, durable and robust. Like all L series lenses the image quality is awesome.

When I was thinking of buying this lens I also considered the Canon 16mm – 35mm f2.8L lens, which is considered Canon’s 16mm – 35mm flagship lens. After a lot of research, a lot of reading and a few visits to the local camera shop to take some test photos with each one I decided the Canon 16mm – 35mm f4L IS lens was the best choice.

Below is a quick video clip, courtesy of Youtube, demonstrating how good the Canon 16 - 35 f4L IS lens.