Would the DA 70 make a good portrait lens?

justtakingpics · 04-11-2011, 06:35 AM

One that I could use professionally (one day) for outdoor portraits? It would be the only lens that I'd have because I would have to sell all my other ones to get it. I would then use that DA 70 to make money to buy others. I know it's more about the photographer on the being able to make money part but as far as the lens goes is this a good choice for my idea?

**blackcloudbrew** · 04-11-2011, 07:00 AM

I am not a pro and doing portraits is not my most favorite thing, but while I owned the DA 70 I did some portrait work and took some workshops on portraiture. Compared to my DA*16-50, Vivitar 85, and DFA 100, I found the DA 70 to be just the right length for studio work. I sold it after a while not because I didn't like it but as a trade for an UWA lens I wanted. I still miss it. My current portrait lens is a Voigtlander Nokton 58mm. It's a bit shorter than the DA70 but I've been able to work with that.

Bottom line answer is yes, it's a decent portrait lens.

RioRico · 04-11-2011, 07:10 AM

The DA70 is a fine lens and is good for headshots. That is not the best focal length for other uses, certainly not what I'd want as an only lens.

I see that you have 28-70 and 70-200 lenses -- do you shoot a lot at 70 with those lenses? I also see that you have a set of very fine Takumars. Maybe rather than sell everything for one lens that you *hope* will make you money sometime in the future, you could think of other ways to "plug the hole" between 55mm and 135mm. For portrait-range shots, a favorite of mine is an old M42 Sears-Tokina 55-135/3.5, a fairly fast constant-aperture workhorse that performs well.

Another option is even cheaper: Zoom with your feet. With the superb Tak 55/1.5 on your Kx, take a long step forward. Now you have the FOV (field of view) of a 70mm lens. Take another long step forward, you've got the FOV of a 90mm lens. Or use your excellent Tak 135/3.5 and take three steps back. You should be able to make revenue-generating shots with those!

Our of curiosity: Have you sold any pictures yet?

justtakingpics · 04-11-2011, 07:50 AM

Originally posted by RioRico

The DA70 is a fine lens and is good for headshots. That is not the best focal length for other uses, certainly not what I'd want as an only lens.

I see that you have 28-70 and 70-200 lenses -- do you shoot a lot at 70 with those lenses? I also see that you have a set of very fine Takumars. Maybe rather than sell everything for one lens that you *hope* will make you money sometime in the future, you could think of other ways to "plug the hole" between 55mm and 135mm. For portrait-range shots, a favorite of mine is an old M42 Sears-Tokina 55-135/3.5, a fairly fast constant-aperture workhorse that performs well.

Another option is even cheaper: Zoom with your feet. With the superb Tak 55/1.5 on your Kx, take a long step forward. Now you have the FOV (field of view) of a 70mm lens. Take another long step forward, you've got the FOV of a 90mm lens. Or use your excellent Tak 135/3.5 and take three steps back. You should be able to make revenue-generating shots with those!

Our of curiosity: Have you sold any pictures yet?

No, not at all. One day I want to. I know I don't have the skills right now. I also looked at the FA 77. I am finding the manuals harder to use than I though and decided to look at autofocus options. I know no lens or camera will make great pictures if I can't take a good picture but I don't want to cripple myself. I suppose maybe I should just stick it out with the manual ones.

v5planet · 04-11-2011, 08:20 AM

Originally posted by justtakingpics

No, not at all. One day I want to. I know I don't have the skills right now. I also looked at the FA 77. I am finding the manuals harder to use than I though and decided to look at autofocus options. I know no lens or camera will make great pictures if I can't take a good picture but I don't want to cripple myself. I suppose maybe I should just stick it out with the manual ones.

You are not crippling yourself by using less expensive, manual focus lenses. In fact, if you have to limit yourself to a single lens in order to afford a 70 or 77, you will be crippling yourself a lot more.

I agree with RioRico that you can get a lot of mileage out of your Takumars. I think at this point, learning technique will be more helpful than a new lens. My favorite portraits that I've done were taken with my Takumar 50/1.4 and 105/2.8; believe me, you're not crippling yourself with these lenses.

In many ways a 70 or 77 will be better, but only if you have the skill set to take advantage of the performance gap; like that focal length; and don't have to sacrifice the rest of your lenses just to own one of those.

justtakingpics · 04-11-2011, 08:29 AM

Originally posted by v5planet

You are not crippling yourself by using less expensive, manual focus lenses. In fact, if you have to limit yourself to a single lens in order to afford a 70 or 77, you will be crippling yourself a lot more.

I agree with RioRico that you can get a lot of mileage out of your Takumars. I think at this point, learning technique will be more helpful than a new lens. My favorite portraits that I've done were taken with my Takumar 50/1.4 and 105/2.8; believe me, you're not crippling yourself with these lenses.

In many ways a 70 or 77 will be better, but only if you have the skill set to take advantage of the performance gap; like that focal length; and don't have to sacrifice the rest of your lenses just to own one of those.

ok. Thanks. I will continue, not giving up so easily.

**blackcloudbrew** · 04-11-2011, 09:10 AM

Good for you!

I think you also got some good advice from the others as well. Ultimately, it's you the photographer that will be the most critical element in your shots. The right lens can help but you can do a lot yourself. Good luck!

Marc Sabatella · 04-11-2011, 09:20 AM

But to answer the basic question here: the DA70 was designed to be a portrait lens. If that focal length works for you (it does for me, but I'm not a professional), then it should eb a great choice. But I'd certainly want shorter and longer choices available too.

the swede · 04-11-2011, 10:55 AM

Everyone got their own preferences and tastes to what their portraits should look like.

My very humble opinion is (i have the lens):
The focal lenght + its max aperture (f2,4) + used in midrange distances, (headshots, closeups) = Great photography. Thats it. This lens is so versatile. Use it in landscape or closeups or portraits.

Its size, build quality and quick shift is sweet things on the side, making it worth every penny.

You can keep an eye on the market place for a used one. The used ones is always in great shape from
people who take care of their stuff!

justtakingpics · 04-11-2011, 11:15 AM

Originally posted by the swede

Everyone got their own preferences and tastes to what their portraits should look like.

My very humble opinion is (i have the lens):
The focal lenght + its max aperture (f2,4) + used in midrange distances, (headshots, closeups) = Great photography. Thats it. This lens is so versatile. Use it in landscape or closeups or portraits.

Its size, build quality and quick shift is sweet things on the side, making it worth every penny.

You can keep an eye on the market place for a used one. The used ones is always in great shape from
people who take care of their stuff!

Do you mean the da 70 or the fa 77?

the swede · 04-11-2011, 11:17 AM

Originally posted by justtakingpics

Do you mean the da 70 or the fa 77?

whoops.... sorry... i mean DA 70

SpecialK · 04-11-2011, 12:08 PM

For portraits, generally the subject is not moving fast and it should be one of the times where manual focusing is relatively easy.

Also generally, portraits do not to be super sharp unless you like retouching.

justtakingpics · 04-11-2011, 12:25 PM

Originally posted by SpecialK

For portraits, generally the subject is not moving fast and it should be of the times where manual focusing is relatively easy.

Also generally, portraits do not to be super sharp unless you like retouching.

This shows my ignorance. I never thought about that (retouching).

Spotmatic · 04-11-2011, 01:09 PM

Originally posted by justtakingpics

This shows my ignorance. I never thought about that (retouching).

The lenses you have will be fine. Experiment with them. Get an inexpensive soft focus filter. Women do not like portraits that are too close to reality.

Have a look at a master's work. See anything razor sharp?

Legends Online: Arnold Newman

Pentaxor · 04-11-2011, 01:52 PM

Originally posted by Spotmatic

The lenses you have will be fine. Experiment with them. Get an inexpensive soft focus filter. Women do not like portraits that are too close to reality.

Have a look at a master's work. See anything razor sharp?

Legends Online: Arnold Newman

why would he still need a soft focus filter when you can do that during post-processing. atleast the OP can adjust the intensity of the softness that he wanted on the image. if he really wants a lens with a kind of soft-focus effect, the J-9 would be a great alternative.

04-11-2011, 06:35 AM	#1
justtakingpics Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Posts: 288	Would the DA 70 make a good portrait lens? One that I could use professionally (one day) for outdoor portraits? It would be the only lens that I'd have because I would have to sell all my other ones to get it. I would then use that DA 70 to make money to buy others. I know it's more about the photographer on the being able to make money part but as far as the lens goes is this a good choice for my idea?

04-11-2011, 12:08 PM	#12
SpecialK Pentaxian Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: So California Photos: Gallery Posts: 16,481	For portraits, generally the subject is not moving fast and it should be one of the times where manual focusing is relatively easy. Also generally, portraits do not to be super sharp unless you like retouching. Last edited by SpecialK; 04-11-2011 at 02:37 PM.

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04-11-2011, 07:00 AM	#2
blackcloudbrew Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Cotati, California USA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 4,460	I am not a pro and doing portraits is not my most favorite thing, but while I owned the DA 70 I did some portrait work and took some workshops on portraiture. Compared to my DA*16-50, Vivitar 85, and DFA 100, I found the DA 70 to be just the right length for studio work. I sold it after a while not because I didn't like it but as a trade for an UWA lens I wanted. I still miss it. My current portrait lens is a Voigtlander Nokton 58mm. It's a bit shorter than the DA70 but I've been able to work with that. Bottom line answer is yes, it's a decent portrait lens.

04-11-2011, 07:10 AM	#3
RioRico Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Limbo, California Posts: 11,263	The DA70 is a fine lens and is good for headshots. That is not the best focal length for other uses, certainly not what I'd want as an only lens. I see that you have 28-70 and 70-200 lenses -- do you shoot a lot at 70 with those lenses? I also see that you have a set of very fine Takumars. Maybe rather than sell everything for one lens that you hope will make you money sometime in the future, you could think of other ways to "plug the hole" between 55mm and 135mm. For portrait-range shots, a favorite of mine is an old M42 Sears-Tokina 55-135/3.5, a fairly fast constant-aperture workhorse that performs well. Another option is even cheaper: Zoom with your feet. With the superb Tak 55/1.5 on your Kx, take a long step forward. Now you have the FOV (field of view) of a 70mm lens. Take another long step forward, you've got the FOV of a 90mm lens. Or use your excellent Tak 135/3.5 and take three steps back. You should be able to make revenue-generating shots with those! Our of curiosity: Have you sold any pictures yet?

04-11-2011, 07:50 AM	#4
justtakingpics Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Posts: 288 Original Poster	Originally posted by RioRico The DA70 is a fine lens and is good for headshots. That is not the best focal length for other uses, certainly not what I'd want as an only lens. I see that you have 28-70 and 70-200 lenses -- do you shoot a lot at 70 with those lenses? I also see that you have a set of very fine Takumars. Maybe rather than sell everything for one lens that you hope will make you money sometime in the future, you could think of other ways to "plug the hole" between 55mm and 135mm. For portrait-range shots, a favorite of mine is an old M42 Sears-Tokina 55-135/3.5, a fairly fast constant-aperture workhorse that performs well. Another option is even cheaper: Zoom with your feet. With the superb Tak 55/1.5 on your Kx, take a long step forward. Now you have the FOV (field of view) of a 70mm lens. Take another long step forward, you've got the FOV of a 90mm lens. Or use your excellent Tak 135/3.5 and take three steps back. You should be able to make revenue-generating shots with those! Our of curiosity: Have you sold any pictures yet? No, not at all. One day I want to. I know I don't have the skills right now. I also looked at the FA 77. I am finding the manuals harder to use than I though and decided to look at autofocus options. I know no lens or camera will make great pictures if I can't take a good picture but I don't want to cripple myself. I suppose maybe I should just stick it out with the manual ones.

04-11-2011, 08:20 AM	#5
v5planet Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Seattle Photos: Albums Posts: 1,915	Originally posted by justtakingpics No, not at all. One day I want to. I know I don't have the skills right now. I also looked at the FA 77. I am finding the manuals harder to use than I though and decided to look at autofocus options. I know no lens or camera will make great pictures if I can't take a good picture but I don't want to cripple myself. I suppose maybe I should just stick it out with the manual ones. You are not crippling yourself by using less expensive, manual focus lenses. In fact, if you have to limit yourself to a single lens in order to afford a 70 or 77, you will be crippling yourself a lot more. I agree with RioRico that you can get a lot of mileage out of your Takumars. I think at this point, learning technique will be more helpful than a new lens. My favorite portraits that I've done were taken with my Takumar 50/1.4 and 105/2.8; believe me, you're not crippling yourself with these lenses. In many ways a 70 or 77 will be better, but only if you have the skill set to take advantage of the performance gap; like that focal length; and don't have to sacrifice the rest of your lenses just to own one of those.

04-11-2011, 08:29 AM	#6
justtakingpics Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Posts: 288 Original Poster	Originally posted by v5planet You are not crippling yourself by using less expensive, manual focus lenses. In fact, if you have to limit yourself to a single lens in order to afford a 70 or 77, you will be crippling yourself a lot more. I agree with RioRico that you can get a lot of mileage out of your Takumars. I think at this point, learning technique will be more helpful than a new lens. My favorite portraits that I've done were taken with my Takumar 50/1.4 and 105/2.8; believe me, you're not crippling yourself with these lenses. In many ways a 70 or 77 will be better, but only if you have the skill set to take advantage of the performance gap; like that focal length; and don't have to sacrifice the rest of your lenses just to own one of those. ok. Thanks. I will continue, not giving up so easily.

04-11-2011, 09:10 AM	#7
blackcloudbrew Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Cotati, California USA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 4,460	Good for you! I think you also got some good advice from the others as well. Ultimately, it's you the photographer that will be the most critical element in your shots. The right lens can help but you can do a lot yourself. Good luck!

04-11-2011, 09:20 AM	#8
Marc Sabatella Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Denver, CO Photos: Gallery Posts: 10,685	But to answer the basic question here: the DA70 was designed to be a portrait lens. If that focal length works for you (it does for me, but I'm not a professional), then it should eb a great choice. But I'd certainly want shorter and longer choices available too.

04-11-2011, 10:55 AM	#9
the swede Inactive Account Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 2,310	Everyone got their own preferences and tastes to what their portraits should look like. My very humble opinion is (i have the lens): The focal lenght + its max aperture (f2,4) + used in midrange distances, (headshots, closeups) = Great photography. Thats it. This lens is so versatile. Use it in landscape or closeups or portraits. Its size, build quality and quick shift is sweet things on the side, making it worth every penny. You can keep an eye on the market place for a used one. The used ones is always in great shape from people who take care of their stuff!

04-11-2011, 11:15 AM	#10
justtakingpics Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Posts: 288 Original Poster	Originally posted by the swede Everyone got their own preferences and tastes to what their portraits should look like. My very humble opinion is (i have the lens): The focal lenght + its max aperture (f2,4) + used in midrange distances, (headshots, closeups) = Great photography. Thats it. This lens is so versatile. Use it in landscape or closeups or portraits. Its size, build quality and quick shift is sweet things on the side, making it worth every penny. You can keep an eye on the market place for a used one. The used ones is always in great shape from people who take care of their stuff! Do you mean the da 70 or the fa 77?

04-11-2011, 11:17 AM	#11
the swede Inactive Account Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 2,310	Originally posted by justtakingpics Do you mean the da 70 or the fa 77? whoops.... sorry... i mean DA 70

04-11-2011, 12:25 PM	#13
justtakingpics Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Posts: 288 Original Poster	Originally posted by SpecialK For portraits, generally the subject is not moving fast and it should be of the times where manual focusing is relatively easy. Also generally, portraits do not to be super sharp unless you like retouching. This shows my ignorance. I never thought about that (retouching).

04-11-2011, 01:09 PM	#14
Spotmatic Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Ft. Myers Florida Posts: 169	Originally posted by justtakingpics This shows my ignorance. I never thought about that (retouching). The lenses you have will be fine. Experiment with them. Get an inexpensive soft focus filter. Women do not like portraits that are too close to reality. Have a look at a master's work. See anything razor sharp? Legends Online: Arnold Newman

04-11-2011, 01:52 PM	#15
Pentaxor Veteran Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Vancouver, B.C. Photos: Gallery Posts: 6,513	Originally posted by Spotmatic The lenses you have will be fine. Experiment with them. Get an inexpensive soft focus filter. Women do not like portraits that are too close to reality. Have a look at a master's work. See anything razor sharp? Legends Online: Arnold Newman why would he still need a soft focus filter when you can do that during post-processing. atleast the OP can adjust the intensity of the softness that he wanted on the image. if he really wants a lens with a kind of soft-focus effect, the J-9 would be a great alternative.