How to Master Portraits Using Only Two Lenses

Your camera gear doesn't define how good you are at taking portraits, but the lenses you pick do matter—a lot. Choosing the right lenses affects your flexibility and helps shape your distinct style as a portrait photographer.

Coming to you from Martin Castein, this practical video explains how just two lenses can cover nearly all your portrait photography needs. Castein argues convincingly that owning mountains of equipment doesn't improve your photos; instead, mastering a mid-range zoom and one prime lens offers versatility and helps refine your technique. He recommends starting with a mid-range zoom, such as a 24-70mm f/2.8 or a 24-105mm f/4, for consistent framing and flexibility in studio sessions. Importantly, Castein downplays the obsession with lens sharpness, highlighting that virtually any modern lens is sharp enough for portraits. He explains how the choice between f/2.8 and f/4 primarily hinges on whether you shoot frequently in lower-light situations outdoors.

Castein then dives into his rationale for adding a prime lens to your kit, pointing out that prime lenses help maintain consistency in outdoor shoots, especially when there's significant movement involved. Unlike in studio settings, outdoors, your subjects move frequently, and so do you. A prime lens restricts your tendency to zoom excessively, keeping your compositions deliberate. He discusses three prime focal lengths—35mm, 50mm, and 85mm—each offering distinct advantages and challenges. At 35mm, you're forced to carefully consider angles due to the wider perspective capturing more environment, which can enhance your storytelling if done intentionally. At 85mm, portraits gain a polished, professional feel due to the compression effect, but you're challenged to avoid generic headshots or bland backgrounds. The 50mm lens sits between these extremes, capable of exceptional results but demanding careful compositional choices to avoid dullness.

Expanding further, Castein emphasizes that while each lens has its strengths, the 50mm lens deserves special attention. Though often dismissed as "boring," this focal length can significantly boost your compositional skills by blending the environmental context of the 35mm with the flattering perspective of the 85mm. He urges you not to give up on it prematurely, suggesting that mastering the 50mm lens will make you a better, more thoughtful portrait photographer. Your choice here isn't trivial—it’s about deciding how deliberately you want to engage with your photography.

What sets this advice apart is its practicality. Rather than overwhelming you with endless lens choices, Castein narrows your focus to two key lenses, enabling you to shoot confidently in nearly any scenario, whether indoors or outside. His approach cuts through the typical gear obsession that distracts many photographers, emphasizing purposeful composition and understanding your equipment deeply. The real takeaway isn't about buying gear, but choosing wisely and learning to use your lenses fully. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Castein.