My Most Used Portrait Lens Will Surprise You

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  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 23 ก.พ. 2024
  • I take a look at my most used portrait lens and why it has become my most used lens.
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ความคิดเห็น • 160

  • @jamesbruce
    @jamesbruce 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +35

    Thanks Martin, I have never seen your channel before, Your work is stellar. So many people talking about cameras and gear cannot actually photograph people. That does not apply to you. Thanks for the video.

    • @MartinCastein
      @MartinCastein  3 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Thank you!

    • @georgedavall9449
      @georgedavall9449 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      Please check out his other videos. One can learn a lot from Martin. He is very knowledgeable and talented, and no nonsense.

  • @mrca2004
    @mrca2004 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +4

    24-70 is the lens that has made photographers more money than any other. It is my only zoom. But, unless I am shooting run and gun or don't want to change lenses because of weather or sand, I prefer primes. My combo is an age old one, 35, 85, 135. I trained with 2 famous wedding photographers who in 2011 were charging $50,000 a wedding. Their best work was with the 85. Looks like you like oof backgrounds even on environmental. I want them recognizable as they explain or support the subject. The zeiss 35 mm 2.0 distagon does that. The 85 1.4 planar, is incredible. Stopped down, both give separation without oof bg. It's called zeiss 3D pop.

  • @dance2jam
    @dance2jam 7 วันที่ผ่านมา

    Good question (at the end), and a tough one. I've just started being more interested in photographing portraits. I shot predominately wildlife, and avoided portraits because I didn't understand strobes (or even light if I'm being completely honest), didn't own a stand, and didn't understand the first thing (or so I thought) about positioning people and making them feel comfortable in front of my lens. Once I started paying a bit more attention to the four letter word (pose), I realized many of the concepts are the same as in dance - esthetically pleasing angles and positions, That made me feel more comfortable about directing someone else. Now, as for the most used lens thing: I'm going to combine a comment you made in your most recent video (the one you made today) on starting with portraits, with my comment here. The most common lens I'm using, is the one I'm using now. That is to say, I'm trying to force myself to use one lens for all portraiture for a while, till I feel I know it very well, and then do the same with the alternatives. Yes, I get the prime vs zoom, and the less expensive f/4 zoom in studio vs better separation outdoors. I don't own many lenses, but the ones I own tend to be "unique" (Nikkor 105mm f/1.4 (used copy), 200mm f/2 - used copy purchased for low light sports/action.and small child photography). The 2 telephoto lenses are the ones I shoot the most outdoors. You know the problems with the 200mm for portraits - if you are doing your type of photography (i.e. fashion-lite, environmentalist portrait), you need a hand-signals to work with your subject. That said, and not to make too much of it, I just love the look and separation of that lens when you shoot it wide-open. I imagine the 24-70mm f/2.8 will be the next lens to pick up and really learn. After that, it's likely a 24 or 35mm prime. Perhaps, it's just me, but I feel as though a 50mm prime would be the most challenging, so I'm electing to leave it for last. An 85mm? everyone shoots them - and I'd rather not lump myself there just yet.

  • @pauldarville3843
    @pauldarville3843 4 วันที่ผ่านมา

    Informational, thanks Martin!!

  • @PLdemorygray
    @PLdemorygray 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +6

    I shoot with the 24-70 f2.8 the most, but my best portraits have come from my 135mm 2.0. Somehow, the distance works well with my personality. I like intimate face shots. If I'm working closer to my subject using a shorter lens, subtle signs of discomfort, or trying to please, can come through in the resulting photograph. So, the slightly longer lens seems to work better with my personality and vibe. And it's been this way for me for a long time. Back in my film shooting days, my two favorite lenses were a Zeiss Biotar 7.5 cm f1.5 and a Nikon 105 f2.5.

    • @georgedavall9449
      @georgedavall9449 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

      I hear ya. That 135 f/2.0 is legendary! I have had limited success with the 135 f/2.8 SF lens myself. I like 85/ 135/ 200/ 300 focal ranges. Stay safe Happy Shooting!

  • @michaelreaves6212
    @michaelreaves6212 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +7

    Just wanted to say that the photos you shared from your portfolio are stunning, love your work!

  • @CanoeToNewOrleans
    @CanoeToNewOrleans 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +10

    I often shoot with a 50 1.4 on my 5D2. That's my go-to portrait lens although I don't mind the 40 mm 2.8.

    • @SzilviaVirag
      @SzilviaVirag 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

      I love the 40mm f2.8. It's the best little lens to walk around with if I only want to take one camera with me. Otherwise I carry the RP with the good old EF 50mm f1.8, and my little M series camera with the 22mm f2 in case I suddenly want to shoot wider without messing around switching lenses.

    • @CanoeToNewOrleans
      @CanoeToNewOrleans 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      Agreed, I love hiking with the 40 mm, it's so light. @@SzilviaVirag

  • @ladislavphotography
    @ladislavphotography 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    I agree, for me 24-70/2.8 was the best investment in the past. For fashion and weddings it has done most of the work.

  • @christopherleecowan
    @christopherleecowan 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +5

    For portraits I use the Canon R my three main lenses are
    Tamron 24-70 f/2.8 G2
    Zeiss 35mm f/2 Distagon
    Nikon 105 f/2 DC

  • @BelowZero
    @BelowZero 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Excellent video! Thanks for sharing Martin.

  • @donsoley746
    @donsoley746 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Great food for thought - thanks Martin!

  • @efreutel
    @efreutel 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Superb lighting. Some of the best I’ve seen. Thank you.

  • @localnavy433
    @localnavy433 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +5

    This was a great video and for it it was the 24-105 f4 I just love the focal range it offers but I do agree with the sharpness issue

  • @jeffslade1892
    @jeffslade1892 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    Yeah, and whilst I do not regularly shoot portrait, you might ask Bailey about using the "wrong" camera with the "wrong" lens and nailing it.
    I use MFT and there the 12-35/2.8 is your 24-70, with option of 35-100/2.8 and fast 25, fast 45 and fast 75. primes. But as with FF a wide lens such as the 25 will distort features if you are not careful and necessitate a longer lens than the "equivalent", and step back. The DoF is deeper, so move the subject away from the wall. The technique has to be modified for different formats, it's not a straight equivalent lens swap..

  • @Integr8d
    @Integr8d 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    Didn’t see that coming. Would’ve figured a 50 or 85. Maybe a 40 or a 60mil macro. Never would’ve guessed a zoom though.

  • @FOTO_EXPERT
    @FOTO_EXPERT 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

    Thank you for the video! I most often use Nikkor 50 1.8G and Nikkor 80-200 2.8D.

  • @philipogunbona8602
    @philipogunbona8602 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +4

    I have experimented with 50mm f1.4 and 24-70 f2.8 (all sigma lenses). I prefer the sharpness and consistency of 50mm f1.4.
    I love your analysis and always look forward to listening to you.
    Thank you for the excellent work.

  • @Dngrov257
    @Dngrov257 6 วันที่ผ่านมา

    Many people do not believe the 24-105 is not sharp enough at f4, but I do not see it for me. At 105MM, I think the background blur is sufficient in most cases. Essentially the equivalent of a 50MM f2.

  • @mvonwalter6927
    @mvonwalter6927 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    2.8 is a magic number on full frame. I've since decided that I don't really need anything faster. I now carry 28mm 2.8 and 50mm 2.5 primes for my Leica and they are tiny. But I still get the right amount of separation. In fact, I am usually at f4 on a 50mm in-between a meter or two for portrait.

  • @TheOgreKingdom
    @TheOgreKingdom 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    I recently did the same. I was switching systems and wanted to know which lenses to start with. In terms of 35mm equivalences, my top two lenses were a 28mm and a ~60-120mm.
    It shocked me more, which lenses I rarely touched. It makes me want to give myself a challenge of shooting outside of my typical ranges

  • @lichtgestalt9540
    @lichtgestalt9540 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    my most used lenses: 24-70mm 2.8 for fashion, 85mm 1.2 or 1.8 for portraits (nikon).

  • @duncanmacleod8066
    @duncanmacleod8066 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Thanks for your videos ❤

    • @MartinCastein
      @MartinCastein  3 หลายเดือนก่อน

      You are welcome !!!

  • @bentonpix
    @bentonpix 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Getting the most flattering perspective is all about the subject to camera distance, which is why a zoom lens is so versatile. On a FF A 40mm or 35mm is great for an environmental portrait but sucks for tight to medium head shots, even a 50mm sucks for tight to medium head shots IMO. If I wasn't using a zoom, I prefer the 40mm 1.4 (Sigma Art) or a 35mm 1.4 for a wider environment shot and an 85 1.4 for the tight to mid CU head shot, but no wider than a 70mm. But for fast versatility the Tamron 35-150 f2-2.8 is hard to beat.

    • @user-pg5rt7ju4f
      @user-pg5rt7ju4f 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

      a 40 f/2 was my most used on a m-mount rangefinder. Excellent & compact !
      many memorable environ.portraits (esp. at dusk) from Central Park "woodstock"
      & then used as a 60 on apsc sony by focus-peaking for a few years.
      seldom used on FF a7 series; will do more often , good results expected.
      Hard to imagine replacing it w/ the excellent 40 f/2.5 G (tested corner to corner,
      diagonal real-world photos by camera lab in uk) by coughing up $600.
      the 20-70 f/4 G is still on my mind; f/4 is not a problem as i am used to (all film) 24-35 f3.5, 24-50 f/4 AF & the Tokina 25-50 (only 2 weeks old on a new body snatched by 2 guys in front of st.mark's church on 2nd ave) ; problem is i chose & bought the(3 yrs older) 17-28 f/2.8 over it only 4 months ago. "harder" to use as it's less versatile,
      17-40 f/2.8 would be ideal, 2.8 is good. The Aperture ring on the
      20-70 is something to dro on. i'm Not a gadget freak, just a make-doer (like in
      my kitchen ; open all cupboards & fridge & make-do ). considering i started on 127 film , over the yrs i own practically nothing compared to most photogs.
      folks, damn the topedoes/lenses shoot ahead.
      p.s. the 20-70 G could be too sharp ( not too harsh ) for portraits !
      photos of various metal surfaces are just unreal

  • @RWAquariumPages
    @RWAquariumPages 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

    I really enjoyed this video. I'm considering adding a standard zoom and have been eyeing the rf 28-70 f2, I mostly shoot candids of my children and for the past 10 years been using 35,50,85 combo but always wondered if I need a standard zoom. What really got me is when you said it's only a boring range if you make it boring. I'm also considering upgrading my 50mm 1.8 to the 1.2 version. Ah first world problems great video and new sub here

  • @user-kp1jk5fe4v
    @user-kp1jk5fe4v 16 วันที่ผ่านมา

    Your analysis is awesome and your images are amazing ...

    • @MartinCastein
      @MartinCastein  16 วันที่ผ่านมา

      Thank you very much!

  • @brendonwilson1318
    @brendonwilson1318 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    I saw someone ripping on the 24-70 2.8L mark 1 on reddit the other day and I'm just like HUH? No, it's not as sharp as the mark II but it's a big upgrade almost any other standard zoom at the price point. The character, bokeh, and sharpness is far better than the 24-105 imo.

  • @filibertkraxner305
    @filibertkraxner305 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I never checked but I'm pretty certain I shoot most of my Canon work on the 28-70/2.0. It rarely leaves the R5, whether that's in studio or on location. I also rarely shoot it at 2.0, mostly at 2.8 (or above, in the studio with flash). So, for most (but not all) work, a 24-70 would have done it for me too ;-) I do shoot primes, but on other systems for jobs where I don't have to be so fast.

  • @user-sd3ik9rt6d
    @user-sd3ik9rt6d 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    I sometimes shoot with my 24-120 f4 because its flexible, but I prefer my 50mm f1,4 for the separation.

  • @johndillman8231
    @johndillman8231 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Great Video - Standardzoom it is ;)
    As an APS-C Shooter I really love my 17-50 2,8 on the older Canon and the 17-70 2,8 on the Fuji, by far the most-used lense for me for almost any style (roughly 80% of my pictures).
    I have to say: your channel and your approach to photography (and talking about gear you know and have used extensively, pointing out pros and cons of older camers) is such a joy in a time when it feels like almost all of the YT-photo-content is applauding new year, often just reading spec-sheets - thanks and keep it up!

    • @user-pg5rt7ju4f
      @user-pg5rt7ju4f 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

      I recommended exactly the 2 lenses above to a friend contemplating the purchase of sony a6700. a fixed 2.8 is great when using manual flash.

  • @garyelmenthaler1608
    @garyelmenthaler1608 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    I use the Nikkor 24-85 2.8 on my D850.Nice old lens. Just enough tele reach but not too much. And macro to boot!

    • @mcmillanvideos
      @mcmillanvideos 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Agreed, best lens ever. I used the d series on my f100, and the g series on my d750.

  • @nevvanclarke9225
    @nevvanclarke9225 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

    I'm a Fuji film shooter and also Nikon and other bits and pieces as well and definitely you start to develop a niche for what you want with the lenses you have. I'm a big 50 mm fan and the reason for it is in Fuji that particular lens that I use which is a 35 1.4mm - 50 equivalent is that it has character. And when she been shooting for with awhile you kinda know where to stand in relative distance to people I like it because I can get candid shots of people, but I can also step back a little bit and still retain some background separation and honestly with Lightroom now you can add a little bit of background separation and it doesn't look too bad. It's also good in confined spaces it's also discreet and what I mean is my 50 mm equivalent lens is very small and discreet so it doesn't intimidate people as soon as you put a big hulking long zoom lens on the end of your camera intimidates people I've seen it yesterday at a wedding. I was shooting with the FujifilmXT5 with a 50 mm equivalent lens and I had no problems getting shots. I then pulled out my GFX just for a couple long shots with a big lens on it and you just see the people and the way they change as soon as they see a big camera with a big lens, everything changes. No other people have talked about this as well, and I never believed it until I saw it with my own eyes. A big lens will intimidate customers and people add an event where is a smaller camera with a more discreet look will not intimidate people. And yes it's real so that is a factor that I've now started to think about more and more. And it's partly why cameras like the X100v and Vi are so popular for that stroller Photography because they are small and discreet

    • @user-pg5rt7ju4f
      @user-pg5rt7ju4f 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

      a 28/24 AF looks like a 85 & quite heavy. u r no longer invisible !

  • @nicktheobald1694
    @nicktheobald1694 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Thanks

    • @MartinCastein
      @MartinCastein  3 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      Thank you so much !!!

  • @jmac_photo
    @jmac_photo 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I really love the 500mm f8 for portraits. In the studio it gives me incredible close ups that highlight the emotion I am going after. And outside it really captures the mid day light and the harsh shadows I prefer. Great video- thanks for sharing.

    • @user-pg5rt7ju4f
      @user-pg5rt7ju4f 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

      I miss my 250mm f5,6 mirror lens lost in "storage". Incredible saturation (compared to regular lenses in range 150-300) due to reduction of lenses used (needed for correction). Difficult to use at close distance, dof is practically zero.

  • @dingo3718
    @dingo3718 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I have a Tamron 18/270 and for some strange reason it's my most used lens, on my DX Nikon bodies, but I use my 85mm, 35 mm, 50mm, primes on my FX body, weired, ohh also use my 90mm Tamron for macro shooting on both bodies love that lens good portrait lens too, well in my opinion.

  • @andrewdoeshair
    @andrewdoeshair 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    I feel this! I had a sigma 85mm F1.4 Art for a few years and I just wasn’t thrilled with it. The results were consistently like 80% of what I wanted... The canon EF 85mm F1.2L ii could at times give me 95% of what I wanted (if every ingredient was perfectly in place) but on average it was 70-75% of what I wanted and sometimes even lower. So when I’d talk about stellar lenses that I love I tend to lean toward the one that hits 95% on rare occasions, and I under-appreciate the lens that hits 80% every single time.

  • @parnilsson322
    @parnilsson322 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Stunning pictures 👌.

  • @PsychedelicChameleon
    @PsychedelicChameleon 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Thank you Martin Castein for this insightful and self-reflective lens choice review!

    • @MartinCastein
      @MartinCastein  2 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      My pleasure!

    • @reusedisland1904
      @reusedisland1904 14 วันที่ผ่านมา

      And what about the highly desirable 85mm 1.2? Does anyone have a reason for preferring a smaller aperture?

  • @DogMediaLife
    @DogMediaLife 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Great video pal as always. Yes the 24-70mm. I've got to say, I find it to be my most used, most flexible lens. I often go through cycles of using certain primes for various jobs, but always find the flexibility of a 24-70mm range just so useful, practical and more importantly time saving of all of my lenses, that I end up never taking if off the camera.
    Whether its a wedding or a holiday, that is the lens I will always take with me. If I don't, I always seem to curse myself for not bringing it.👍

  • @Narsuitus
    @Narsuitus 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

    For portraits, I use the following Nikkor prime lenses on full-frame Nikon F-mount cameras:
    24mm for large group portraits
    28mm for group portraits
    35mm for group portraits and environmental portraits
    50mm for full-length and 3/4 length portraits
    85mm for half-length and head & shoulder portraits
    105mm macro for head & shoulder, face shots, and tight face shots
    135mm for face shots and tight face shots
    180mm for face shots and tight face shots
    For portraits, I use the following zoom lenses on full-frame Nikon F-mount cameras:
    28-70mm f/2.8 Nikkor
    75-150mm f/3.5 Nikon Series E
    80-200mm f/2.8 Nikkor
    28-200mm f/3.8 to f/5.6 Tamron

  • @waltereaton6404
    @waltereaton6404 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

    i agree 100%!!!

  • @dwaynepiper3261
    @dwaynepiper3261 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Hi Martin just discovered your channel and wanted to say something about your work really stands out from the crowd. I will check out your other videos.

  • @KentFleshman
    @KentFleshman 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    I am a Sony shooter, and though I don't use it as often as say my 55 1.8 or my 85 1.8, I absolutely love the 135 STF 2.8 (T4.5) utilizing an adapter. The background separation and bokeh are amazing. It is quite heavy though.

  • @Paul-vy1ev
    @Paul-vy1ev 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I have to say i was surprised i thought it was going be a prime but have to say i do like the 24-70 myself as it so versatile. Brilliant video. I need advice so doing photography at college and we doing photoshop because my laptop is old it wont run photoshop 2024. I know i have to get one that has 16gb ram and 500 ssd and at least i5 intel core processor , window 11. But where i get confused is on the graphic card side.do need rtx 4060 or rtx 3050 ,most laptop are running on lower graphic card that wont work on photoshop. The higher graphic card laptops seemed to come in over a £1000 +which over my budget, so any advice would great and if you got recommendations on a laptop would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

  • @fastcat9805
    @fastcat9805 20 วันที่ผ่านมา

    I like a 200mm for outdoor and 40mm indoor.

  • @peterpresentspeter6713
    @peterpresentspeter6713 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

    At the start of the video, my guess was exactly "24-70 F2.8". Now, I haven't added any of the "L", or "Mark I", but I can honestly say, I wasn't surprised (by the most used lens at least).

  • @bitpuff
    @bitpuff 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Most used for me now is the Sigma 18-50 f/2.8 on APSC. The most versatile and light weight zoom that makes shooting APSC actually worth the trade-offs.

  • @avjake
    @avjake 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    It's definitely my most used lens. I mostly do event portraits at a university. (Nikkor Z)

  • @photom3
    @photom3 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    Was wondering, having not seen anything for awhile. Even though I m not doing portraits or even a pro for that matter I always try to learn from the information

    • @MartinCastein
      @MartinCastein  3 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      I’m good, needed a little break for a bit but back now and feeling ready to go!

  • @Getoffmycloud53
    @Getoffmycloud53 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    I am not surprised, the EF 24-70mm 2.8 is a good mix between performance and character (and now price), it is my most used Canon zoom lens. To each his own but for the Canon EF system my most used lens is the EF 50mm f/1.2 - although IMO it can be a frustrating lens, so I am not calling it my favorite lens for that reason.

  • @PeterbFree
    @PeterbFree 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Thanks for sharing your insight. I do wonder what the most frequently used focal length your best images from your 24-70 was, (more or less).

    • @MartinCastein
      @MartinCastein  2 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Probably 50mm 🤣

  • @0ecka
    @0ecka 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I have 100/2, 50/1.8 and 28/1.8 for portraits (yes, I like small primes). But sometimes my 40/2.8 or 150/2.8 APO Macro can do even better by giving me a more interesting perspective, the look and just being fun to use. I always carry a camera with me, but I don't bring all my lenses, I choose one or two. I don't think there are rules or secret formulas to be discovered. It depends. Could be a mood thing, could be a habit thing, and if there's a wall behind, then it doesn't really matter.

  • @silvercruze2191
    @silvercruze2191 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Thanks for the video Martin. Come to think of it, you are a 5D classic, D700 generally appreciate older cameras user and even use them on jobs. Makes me wonder, since you can use those barebone in terms of features, usability, autofocus cameras and pull beautiful results from them. What are the cameras across your photo journey that you overall don't like. Can't be on the basis of features because you can pull a lot of cameras that don't have any hence why I am asking. Have fun with this one because I am intrigued.

  • @jedlevron
    @jedlevron 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

    On the D500 and D7500 on Nikon I only use 2 lenses. 17-55 2.8 for professional work and 18-300 walk around.

  • @DaneRThomas
    @DaneRThomas 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    This is why I find the new RF 24-105 f/2.8 so tempting. When I have my 24-105 f/4 on for portraits, I often wish that I could get the additional separation and more limited depth of field that a wider aperture would provide. I can get that with my 35, 50, and 85mm primes and my 70-200 f/2.8 zoom, but they all feel limiting in some way. I'd probably keep the f/4 for travel and general use, and the primes for specific use cases, but the f/2.8 seems like it would open up some new possibilities.

    • @MichaelEpprecht
      @MichaelEpprecht 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      I agree. I have the RF 24-105 f/2.8. It is just always on my R3 unless I have the RF 100-300 on it.
      My Trinity of lenses:
      RF 100-300mm F2.8 L IS USM
      RF 24-105mm F2.8 L IS USM Z
      RF 10-20mm f/4L IS STM

  • @FernandoSLima
    @FernandoSLima 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

    First time around here. I use Canon 90D and use 100mm 2.8 for head shots, 85mm 1.8 for portraits and a sigma 18-35mm 1.8 for half and full body shots. I am not a strong boket guy. Most of my shots are something between 3.2 and 5.6 or 8 aperture. thanks for the video.

  • @Digital_Photog1995
    @Digital_Photog1995 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I found using my EF 24-70 f2.8 was my most used lens. I had purchased two other lenses that I thought would be used more often the EF 85mm f1.2 and the EF 135mm f 2. To my surprise neither became my go to lenses. Ended up selling both for lack of use. Loved the idea and quality but they were collecting dust. Now for wildlife photography I use the EF 100-400mm on my EOS 7dmk2 . Also sold my EF 70-200mm f4. No regrets.

  • @swanseamale47
    @swanseamale47 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I've got the 24-105 Canon and Sigma art, both a cracking lens. Maybe you have a dodgy one?

  • @justinselvera3538
    @justinselvera3538 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

    I use a 5d classic and my most used lens is my 135 f2.

  • @77dris
    @77dris 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    Your portfolio is very impressive.

  • @9kat53
    @9kat53 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Sony A7iv and Tamron 35-150 2-2.8 is my most used set-up. I am finding I can make it work magic in almost any circumstance (I do mostly families in outdoor settings). Lately I almost never end up going to my Sigma 85 1.4 DG DN Art, not even for single portraits of the kids, etc. I just am getting what I need from the Tamron and it stops the flow sometimes, especially with the little ones, to change mid-session. Considering selling the Sigma but I have made some beautiful shots with it, kind of can't bear the thought of parting with it.

  • @Art_Wine_And_Anarchy
    @Art_Wine_And_Anarchy 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

    The lenses I use depend on the camera body, the lighting conditions, and the type of photography. For example, if your camera has a cropped sensor, using a lens made for a cropped sensor gives you sharper images. Or if you're shooting an indoor event, you may not have enough room to use an 85mm or even a 50mm.

  • @L.Spencer
    @L.Spencer 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    That was pretty well explained. I have a crop sensor and the 50mm, and I'm finding that it's really hard to fit things in the picture, I often can't back up far enough. I haven't really tried it for portraits, but I will this week. I'm in a portraiture class at college and I'm considering getting the 24mm, it's not too expensive.

    • @ShutterNChill
      @ShutterNChill 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

      I was in your shoes, had crop sensor and 50mm. I had the same problem, had trouble fitting things in the picture. I'm using now 35mm on full frame, and finally I feel I have the freedom that I always anted. That's equivalent to 24mm on a crop sensor, I encourage you to try it.

    • @user-pg5rt7ju4f
      @user-pg5rt7ju4f 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@ShutterNChill u mean it's equiv. to 53mm on crop ?

  • @hywel3143
    @hywel3143 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

    I use my Canon 70-200 L IS (version 1) the most, often around 120-140 mm for my amateur outdoors head and shoulders portraits because then I get the required background blur. I find with friends and family that having the lens further away from the subject often makes them more comfortable. It's more than sharp enough for portraits at f/4 but as you say Martin it's often not wide enough for environmental portraits.
    I mostly use the 50mm f/1.8 II for environmental portraits. As you say the 24-105 is a great all round lens, but this is the one area where I don't really think it works that well for me.

  • @daintyasia8152
    @daintyasia8152 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I often shoot with 50 f1.4 on 6D M1.

  • @MarttiSuomivuori
    @MarttiSuomivuori 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Not a surprise. I had the Canon 24.70 f/2.8 v.2 and what else did I need? In Kruger park something longer, of course, but other than that, not much. Now I have the Sony eq. and it leaves nothing to be hoped for. With the RIV I have enough pixels for a tighter crop in P+P. Unfortunately, I love lenses so I have a lot of them that barely get any use. I feel good having them. Does that count?

    • @user-pg5rt7ju4f
      @user-pg5rt7ju4f 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

      weight is full time 24/7 ; necessity is not.
      i separately bought the kit lens for a7C to use on a7iv, bought a 3rd party hood
      and the lens (front) has never been recapped.
      Collapsed when not in use, unexpectedly good optical quality (bought after seeing J.Vong's utube vlog video) makes for a great carry around for
      casual use; smaller max aperture is not a full-time problem & can be "fixed".
      For 15 yrs since 9th grade, I had been zooming w/ my feet (58 f1.4, 28 &135)
      until i got the really good uni-max-aper internal focus zoom in 1981 (when good usable zooms started to appear). Lazy zooming w/o changing subj-cam distance
      (& thus perspective) makes many present-day photos boring. Focal length (for me ) has never been a problem when in use, what feels good looks good & vice versa; besides we physicists know what light really is ( Seriously kidding ! ).
      5.6 & 8 are most used in studio portraits (w/0rw/o strobe) & to offend some I'd
      say the above mention circa 81 zoom beats many a famous portrait lens (some
      portrait lenses are just too harsh for portraits ! not bec.of lighting) hi-res first !
      Enjoy & have fun w/ ur 2470 F2.

  • @jpdj2715
    @jpdj2715 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

    We need to turn the discussion of lenses around. That will do two things: (1) remove the surprise, and (2) introduce learning and frustration that goes with learning.
    The result will be better images.
    Both in the portrait (person) and the background, what we are discussing is "perspective".
    And perspective follows from distance to subject, and angle to subject.
    Relative to that, the focal length, image angle, is just the in-camera crop.
    Our problem is that "we" do not see photographically. We need to learn that - photographers and fin art artists.
    Once we can see photographically, we can easily decide at what distance to shoot a subject. And in that use perspective compression, or perspective exaggeration, or perspective masking versus accentuation.
    This, again, follows from distance and angle to subject.
    Very wide image angle lenses add some seeming distortion to the edge of the frame. And we need to learn to deal with that. Other than that, the discussion is about distance.
    As to the nifty-fifty, we have to understand that this is a "masculine" thing. The anatomy of the brain is on the X chromosome and men with one X, women with 2 Xs have different brains. Vision is in part also on the X chromosome. 1X people have more "tunnel vision" and 2X people have more wide-angle vision. The latter may want more "context" or background, hence a wider angle lens.
    Part of this discussion was relayed to me by two Asian women. Where one said she preferred white men for their more profiles faces. The other a photographer that shot portraits with a 35mm lens - i.e. at closer distance and hence exaggerating relief in the face, or elsewhere.
    We also have to consider the effect of the smartphone-camera and selfies. The face-perspective in a portrait that was unacceptable 40 years ago is totally fine today - portraits are shot at arm's length a lot, now.
    So I would want to see my images classified by Lightroom by distance, not focal length.

  • @jravell
    @jravell 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    My 28-105mm II is the one I’ve taken the most surprisingly good portrait pictures with. Other lenses that have given good results were expected to (mainly the Nifty 50 and the Sigma 50mm Art).

    • @hywel3143
      @hywel3143 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      If yours is the old 3.5-4.5 Canon USM II then I have the same lens. It's is my favourite all day walk around lens because paired it's so light ( only 370g!) and makes a refreshing change from the weight of my L lenses. Nice 7 blade diaphragm.

    • @jravell
      @jravell 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@hywel3143Indeed the one.

  • @emiliaganchorre
    @emiliaganchorre 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Tokina 100mm f2.8 with my Nikon D700 and SB-900 speedlight

  • @danielson_9211
    @danielson_9211 4 วันที่ผ่านมา

    Picked up the 24-105 2.8 worth every penny so is the 85 1.2 still king.

  • @datobaggu
    @datobaggu 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

    My God man! do you ever bring out the handsome in the materiels you work with

  • @BeardedGeezer
    @BeardedGeezer 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

    If I were shooting portraits, which I am not, I would be taking a long hard look at the new RF 24-105 f2.8L lens for my R-5 body. I have the 24-105 f4 L version, and I agree it is not as sharp as my RF 50 1.2.

  • @duncanthorn6338
    @duncanthorn6338 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    For me it's the 85 1.8.

  • @campbells0ups
    @campbells0ups 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    without watching my guess is your #1 is the 24-70 2.8 mki

  • @herle
    @herle 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

    You would enjoy the 28-70 f2 lens then...it's a special one

  • @georgedavall9449
    @georgedavall9449 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Loved to see you smile @ 00:59, And laugh @ 02:10. 😊
    Great Stuff Martin! 👍

  • @WarrenRoddy
    @WarrenRoddy 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    I shoot a Nikon F2 with a Voigtlander 58mm f1.4 glued to the body. It’s not the best setup if you have to make money but it’s not impossible.

  • @alexanderv805
    @alexanderv805 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

    First time on your channel. Love the way you look in the frame, like a speaking portrait. That's the way a true portrait photographer should look in his vids, I thought while watching😅 Is it a 2 foot softbox with a grid or a beauty dish, I wonder...
    I use Tamron 28-75 f2.8, it's the only one I have though.

    • @MartinCastein
      @MartinCastein  3 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Hahaha thanks I’m always thinking about changing it up but it’s simple and does the job I guess, it’s a 3x2 softbox so you basically got it right

  • @LetFreedomSPK
    @LetFreedomSPK 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

    i was expecting a prime lens to be revealed....i was surprised to hear it was a zoom lens!
    i have this lens and hardly use it....the nikon 24-70 f2.8 E i regret not getting the G version of this lens because it could work with my film Nikon F6.

  • @b991228
    @b991228 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I’ve found a way to come up with inexpensive prime lenses from the manufactures. They offer me what they call reconditioned lenses at incredibly low prices. These are newly purchased lenses returned by the customer. These are nearly unused lenses that have been returned because the customer is not accustomed to using prime lenses and want to purchase something different. These are usually around 35, 50 or 85mm. After inspection the manufacture finds they are in brand new condition. They offer it to me at a very low price because they are aware that I know exactly what I am getting and will not return it. Try making an offer to the manufacturer. They are anxious to make the sale.

  • @apjferreira1
    @apjferreira1 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Great video, as always. The lens I use the most on my Canon 6D is the 24-105mm L, followed by the 85mm f/1.4 L and the 100mm f/2.8 L.

    • @MartinCastein
      @MartinCastein  3 หลายเดือนก่อน

      The 100mm is such a good lens

    • @apjferreira1
      @apjferreira1 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@MartinCasteinIt is indeed

  • @Garbid
    @Garbid 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Probably would be better to check the focal distance. Which is used most.

  • @artistjoh
    @artistjoh 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

    There is good reason why the Holy Trinity of lenses idea has always been Wide, mid, and long f2.8's. Aesthetically f2.8 has always been plenty enough background blur on full frame, but there is another part of the secret sauce. Because these are the standard pro kit, and therefore a significant driver of profits, Canon and Nikon have, in the AF era, put an outsized portion of their lens development resources into the Holy Trinity, and frankly, the investment dollars show in the quality of the results.
    Most people (Canon and Nikon, both) tend to downplay the mid zoom. I do not know why, because, as you say, when it comes to results in professional jobs, it is the 24-70 that delivers most often. Having said that, I do notice it is job category dependent. The 24-70 reigns (for me) more in food and product, while the 70 to 200 is nearer the top in fashion, especially closer to the longer end. I think this is more to do with compression than bokeh, and the fact that I generally have the room to shoot in the 180-ish zone. It fits my style.
    So my basic kit is the Trinity, paired with some fast primes, although it is common for me to use an f4 wide zoom instead of 2.8. I still remember the joy I felt when using the Canon 11-24 for the first time, and that is f4. The fast primes are rarely for more bokeh, but simply for the extra stops in low light. I have never understood this current craze for more blur. To me, too much blur is a disadvantage just as often (or more often) than it is a good thing. I must be weird.

  • @reinhartreuschel5499
    @reinhartreuschel5499 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I like your way to take/make/shoot/create photos with human beings/persons & your presentation as well. Because I've been taking photos since 1971 with film and only partly switched to half format digital (Nikon D300) with the same lenses (Nikkor F), my favourite portraits lenses of today are Micro-Nikkor 55 or 60 mm and still 85mm. My GP-Zooms are 35-105mm (Zoom-Nikkor 3.5-4.5/35-105 AIS) and 3.5/75-150 AIS S.E. Beyond that I have been experienced with a complete range of focal length between 15 and 300 mm, additionally the 500 mm mirror lens. And I enjoyed shooting portraits with all of them: VARIATIO DELECTAT - that's the way I like it;-)) @philosimot

  • @charlesfisher2134
    @charlesfisher2134 28 วันที่ผ่านมา

    Ok so my Canon 50mm 1.8 is a 80mm with the 1x6 crop and my 24mm pancake is a 38.4 mm . I have never used either for a portrait lens ?

    • @MartinCastein
      @MartinCastein  28 วันที่ผ่านมา +1

      maybe give it a go?

  • @charlesfisher2134
    @charlesfisher2134 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Just a thought. My Canon 50 mm 1.8 with a crop is about 85mm or 90mm how would it do ?

    • @MartinCastein
      @MartinCastein  3 หลายเดือนก่อน

      No problem in its own way, use it.

    • @MartinCastein
      @MartinCastein  3 หลายเดือนก่อน

      I think it’s 80mm

    • @charlesfisher2134
      @charlesfisher2134 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@MartinCastein thanks. I also use the Canon 28mm pancake with good results.

  • @rogerdsmith
    @rogerdsmith 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

    The classic triad of lenses for Leica users has traditionally been 35mm, 50mm, and 90mm.

  • @saschastefanovski4212
    @saschastefanovski4212 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    28-70 F2.8 sigma on E-mount

  • @kevmoiz1718
    @kevmoiz1718 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +19

    without watching, I'll go for the 85mm 1.8

    • @mortenthorpe
      @mortenthorpe 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      Well, the GFX GF 110 f2 is simply amazing for portraits!

    • @Twobarpsi
      @Twobarpsi 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

      I'm buying this lens next.

    • @alexanderv805
      @alexanderv805 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Too obvious.

    • @nickreid5939
      @nickreid5939 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      50mm f1.4 or f1.8

    • @DrWasim
      @DrWasim 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Watch the video 😅

  • @jsamc
    @jsamc 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

    100mm fixed 2.8

  • @cameraprepper7938
    @cameraprepper7938 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I do not like the 50mm focal length, ANY focal length either shorter or longer ! I never use zooms.

  • @akaimagez
    @akaimagez 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

    👍 My lens too.

  • @dan.knows.photography
    @dan.knows.photography 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    I'm missing that 24-70 & 5diii setup 😅

  • @williamstackford
    @williamstackford 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I always refer to the clothes as wardrobe

  • @thedarkslide
    @thedarkslide 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

    For me it’s 35mm or 40mm mostly.

  • @michaelkaercher
    @michaelkaercher หลายเดือนก่อน

    That was not very surprising. I do most of my portraits with my Nikon 24 70 2.8. I also use the 70 200 2.8 but recently I refrain from it because of the slight compression of faces. I rarely use my prime lenses. It is a shame.

  • @AR-vf7vg
    @AR-vf7vg 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

    "Funny" why, especially in studio, we would not rather want to put up with 4 cameras with, say,
    24 f1.4,
    35 f1.2
    50 f1.2
    85 f1.4 (yes I WANT 75 f 1.2 or f1.4)
    But still there too we like the 'elasticity' of th 24-70,
    BUT; is it not because we find it strange to would have to invest and use ND filters to take advantage of open aperture, and would have to take them of again when alternating with shooting at say f5.6. ..?
    I did not buy a 24-70 when changing system, to force myself away from it. After usefull 7 years, I might have to admit I should allow myself again that zoom.

  • @rangersmith4652
    @rangersmith4652 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

    If sharpness isn't a particular issue for you -- and based on the samples here, it need not be -- it's not surprising a zoom lens is your most used.

  • @nellatrab
    @nellatrab 24 วันที่ผ่านมา

    There are just too many like channels on YT for photography...mostly they all seem to be doing the same thing akin to each genre!

  • @bngr_bngr
    @bngr_bngr หลายเดือนก่อน

    So what camera did you use for your most used lens?

    • @MartinCastein
      @MartinCastein  หลายเดือนก่อน

      probably 6d mark 1

    • @bngr_bngr
      @bngr_bngr หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@MartinCastein what do you think when your most used camera is the Nikon 600. Do you use both at the same time 😂

    • @MartinCastein
      @MartinCastein  หลายเดือนก่อน

      i use the canon system for portraits and this is "my most used portrait lens", thats the title of the video, i use the nikon system for weddings. having shot nearly 400 weddings ive taken a lot more photos on the nikon system.

  • @MrBanda77
    @MrBanda77 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Sigma 105 1.4 Art