We explain here how the 85mm lens for shooting models is your way to go as it is the sweet spot for the model photographers out there. Also, we added our product recommendations.
If you happen to be in still photography, then you might know that the most commonly used and loved focal length for this particular niche is 85mm to 135mm. These two extremes end in focal lengths and are used by photographers in creative ways; the wider end, when in closeup, exaggerates the objects in a way that the face in the portrait will get accentuated in all the wrong ways along with distortion.
The other side of the spectrum will also distort the image but differently; your portrait will be flattened, and everything in focus will be affected. If you are into model photography, then an 85mm lens for shooting models in your work routine is your way to go. Many people use other focal lengths as well, which also have advantages in their own way, but here is why the 85mm, which is also known to be the best known as the quintessential portrait lens in the community, comes out as the best one for model photography:
1. You get the versatility of capturing striking close-ups of models along with full-length frames, both with sufficient details for model photography.
2.You get great focus tracking when shooting models with most of the camera systems and lenses as the distance between the lens and your model is not that significant. This creates a smooth experience of shooting models as you can communicate easily and focus works for you as well.
3.It can also be used for tighter closeup shots where you can play with light and shadows on the model's face. In this way, you can accentuate the textures of the hair, skin, and clothing model is wearing while maintaining sufficient sharpness.
4.Plus you get to create a nice bokeh effect with these lenses with your f/1.8 or f/2.0 aperture by isolating your model from the background.
5.This focal length also keeps things less chunky and lets you move around with your lens hence maintaining balance between quality and portability.
One such worthy 85mm lens that takes model photography to a new level is the SIRUI Aurora Series 85mm lens system.; An Aspherical lens with added ED and HRI glass significantly improves the image quality as compared to the competition and features a much more compact and lightweight body. The next generation of optical elements structure in the lens mount gives enhanced performance even in low light with lit backgrounds, which happens to be quite a popular setting for model photography these days.
While 85mm lens for shooting models is overall great for model and fashion photography in general, it is still a prime lens with a fixed focal length, and if that bothers you, there is an option of 24-70mm, which offers more versatility in portrait photography with nice compression. But you lose all the nice creamy bokeh you get with 85mm, which has now become a standard in product photography these days.
Having said that, creativity in model photography demands experimenting with different focus lengths. Although 8fmm is great for portraits of models, many others use different focal lengths for different types of model photos with thoughtfully planned-out scenarios and executed angles.
Other commonly used lenses for shooting models are 35mm, 24-70mm (mentioned above), and 50mm lenses, all right in their perspective for model photography, while an 85mm lens for shooting models stays on top, being the most common one.
Tips to Get Better Results:
1. Always consider light for your portrait; lighting can make or break your final results. Your 85mm lens works great with both natural light and artificial lighting setups, so we recommend getting yourself acquainted with your lens and how to get the most out of it in available light.
2. Use softboxes or reflectors in indoor model photoshoots to deal with shadows and use golden hours for the outdoors to get the best results.
3. Work with roughly six to twelve feet of distance between you and the mode, this will avoid distortion and will also maintain a natural composition.