Time and time again photographers ask what is the best lens for a certain type of photography. Truth is that there is never one best, as each session may call for something a bit different.
Michael Sasser runs through the different scenarios in which makes his three favorite lens the best for each type of session. If you are looking for the full environmental look versus up close and intimate. While there are plenty of gear review videos saturating the market, it is great to see those specifically speaking about boudoir photography.
The top three favorite picks are the 35mm f/1.4, 50mm f/1.4, and 85mm f/1.8.
35mm f/1.4. Image with permission and courtesy of Michael Sasser.
50mm f/1.4. Image with permission and courtesy of Michael Sasser.
85mm f/1.8. Image with permission and courtesy of Michael Sasser.
Each calls for just a slightly different look, however Sasser explains that 90 percent of his time is shooting with his 50mm f/1.4. The 35mm is great for shooting in close spaces or hotel rooms but the distortion can be a bit much if you get in to close to the subject. The 85mm works wonders on cleaning up background issues such as cords but gives to much of a "camera" look as Sasser explains. The 50mm is the sweet point for that personal focal length.
Watch the entire video for some great information on the Sony a9 with his boudoir and video work.
If you want to learn more about working with models, we offer a full course on Swimwear photography with Joey Wright. Make sure to save 15% by using code "ARTICLE" at checkout. Save even more with the purchase of other tutorials in our store.
35mm, 50mm for portraiture... yeah, surely the best lens for the task :D
Nobody said they are "the best". The whole stipulation is that different concept and setup will call for different focal length. Altogether I don't find this as a major revelation. 35mm, 50mm and 85mm represent your most typical wide, normal and tele focal lengths respectively. People worry entirely too much about distortion from 35mm or 50mm in portraits. It will create a different look but it can be done and it will work.
ok, go ahead and shoot boudoir with a 70-200, and let us know how that works out.
I never really thought about a lens having a "camera" look but it's obvious in this context. Suddenly, everything I've ever read about using normal to wide angle lenses for portraiture makes sense. :-)
I love my 85 1.4 and 70-200
What about a 28-70 2.8?
This will be a fine lens for boudoir, but I wouldn't say it has anything special about it. I always shoot at f/1.4 for 90% of my images, and that is something that 28-70 cannot do. I do know a hand full of photographers that do all their work at 2.8, so you should be set!
On those three lenses, where they prime lenses? I’ve spent many years just shooting with the lenses I can get and I’ve always ,an aged to do good, well at least the people I took pictures fro had no issues lol, but I’m ready to start getting better lenses so I wanna make sure I get the right ones.