What is the Best Canon Lens for Outdoor Portraits?
Choosing the right lens for outdoor portrait photography can make a significant difference in the quality and impact of your images. While Canon doesn't offer a 75-200mm f/2 lens, several other options provide outstanding results. For a balance between budget and quality, we'll explore several popular Canon lenses that are ideal for capturing outdoor portraits.
Understanding the Landscape
For classic portrait photography, using a 35mm lens isn't typically the best choice. A slightly longer focal length is more appropriate, often ranging from 50mm to 135mm. This range provides a comfortable compression of the face while still allowing a natural perspective.
Popular Canon Lens Options
85mm F/1.8
For budget-conscious photographers, the Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 is an excellent choice. It offers excellent value for money and produces sharp, detailed images. This lens is particularly effective for shallow depth of field needs, allowing you to easily blur the background and draw attention to your subject.
85mm F/1.4 Sigma Art
If you don't mind investing a bit more, the Sigma Art 85mm f/1.4 is an outstanding alternative. This lens provides exceptional performance, especially in low light conditions, and is known for its sharpness and pleasant bokeh.
85mm F/1.4L IS Canon
For premium quality, the Canon 85mm f/1.4L IS is highly recommended. This lens is renowned for its exceptional sharpness even when stopped down and its fast autofocus, making it perfect for outdoor portraits where you might need to work quickly.
85mm F/1.2L II Canon
The Canon 85mm f/1.2L II is the pinnacle of quality in the Canon lineup. This lens offers unparalleled sharpness and low light performance, making it ideal for capturing portraits in challenging conditions.
The Canon 135mm f/2L
Another excellent choice is the Canon EF 135mm f/2L. This lens is reasonably priced and offers a slightly wider perspective than the 85mm, which can be advantageous in certain outdoor settings. It provides a beautiful bokeh and sharpness, making it suitable for a variety of portrait scenarios.
Additional Recommendations
For even better results, consider the Canon 85mm F/1.4 L IS and Canon 50mm F/1.2L USM. These lenses offer exceptional sharpness and fast apertures, making them perfect for portraits, especially in low light conditions.
At the budget end, the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 is another great choice. While it provides a full-frame equivalent of 75mm on crop sensors, it still offers a crisp, detailed image at a budget-friendly price point.
Conclusion: Best Proportion for Facial Features
When it comes to achieving the best proportion for facial features, the 135mm on full frame or 85mm on APS-C is ideal for head shots. However, my personal preference is the 70–200mm f/4L, as it can cover a wide range of lens lengths, including 85mm, 105mm, 135mm, and 200mm. This versatility, combined with its performance, makes it a highly satisfying choice for outdoor portrait photography.
Ultimately, the 'best' lens depends on your budget. For a budget-friendly option, the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 is hard to beat. For those willing to invest more, the Canon 85mm F/1.4L IS, Sigma Art 85mm f/1.4, and Canon 85mm F/1.2L II all offer top-notch performance and are highly recommended.
Whether you're a beginner or an experienced photographer, the right Canon lens can help you achieve stunning outdoor portrait photography. Experiment with different lenses to find the perfect fit for your style and needs.