3 Exceptional Lenses That Will Always Shoot Flattering Portraits
There’s no need for a beauty filter when you’ve got lenses like these!
The secret to flattering portraits starts with an attitude. Part of it could be word choice when working with a subject. Some subjects need music to make magic happen. Then there’s the outfit choice, the lighting and all. Of course, a lot of it has to do with your creative vision. So we dove a bit into our reviews index to find some of the best lenses for flattering portraits. With the right lens and communication skills, you can shoot photos that don’t need any post-production. Here are three lenses we love for flattering portraits–and a pro tip for you too!
The Phoblographer’s various product round-ups are done in-house by the staff. Our philosophy is simple: you wouldn’t get a Wagyu beef steak review from a lifelong vegetarian. And you wouldn’t get photography advice from someone who doesn’t touch the product. We only recommend gear that we’ve done full, thorough reviews with. If you’re wondering why your favorite product didn’t make the cut, there’s a chance that it’s on another list. If we haven’t reviewed it, we won’t recommend it. This method keeps our lists packed with industry-leading knowledge.
Canon RF 85mm f1.2 L USM: A Gem for Flattering Portraits
In our review, we state:
“Sure, it’s bulky and weighs a ton, but boy are the resulting images worth lugging the lens around. Portrait photographers will appreciate the f1.2 aperture–especially if you miss that from the old Canon EF lenses.”
Pro Tip: If you talk with your hands, you can surely direct someone. Try this: hold up a finger at around eye level. Ask a portrait subject to follow the tip of your finger with their nose. This is a fantastic way to ask someone to turn their head just the right amount without touching them. Want to adjust the shoulders? Use both hands in the air and move them as if you’re moving someone’s shoulders physically. To adjust the chin, try putting your index finger and thumb together. Then bring them up or down accordingly. Give it a shot! This is bound to help you get more flattering portraits.
Sony 50mm f1.2 G Master: Details You’d Never Dream of
In our review, we state:
“Before I go on, I should state a huge obvious fact. The Sony 50mm f1.2 G Master is great. For the folks who want clinical sharpness, you’re getting it. For the folks who complained about onion bokeh, there is none. And if you are bothered by beautiful lens flare, its soul has been sucked dry. You’ll need to put all that stuff in via post-production instead. Basically, if you don’t like sitting in front of a computer, create a camera profile instead. Otherwise, get a Pro-Mist filter or something. You’ll probably need it. Sony does this thing that adds extra contrast, clarity, and sharpness. Lots of you will like it.”
Fujifilm GF 110mm f2 R LM WR: The Perfect Lens for Flattering Portraits?
In our review, we state:
“Jeez, this lens is stupidly sharp. The Fujifilm GF 110mm F2 R WR lens somehow or another delivers such sharp images but with just enough softness on skin to not make you want to pull your hair out when it comes to retouching. At least that’s the case when shooting wide open. When you stop down, you’re going to; 1. Need a lot of power from a flash, and 2. Get a whole lot more details. This lens is sharpest at F11 but even so it can be thoroughly enjoyed wide open.”