Which Prime Would You Buy For Portrait Work?

Christopher M.W.T · 08-27-2009, 02:55 AM

I am considering these 3 based on pricing reason.

1. Tamron 90mm f2.8
2. Sigma EX 70mm f2.8
3. DA70mm f2.4.

Now yes I am aware of the FA77 f1.8 and as much as I'd love to I can't yet justify the costs of the lense.

I already have DA40 and love it. The fast that the first two are 1:1 macro really interests me, however overall image quality and colour comes first.

**Digitalis** · 08-27-2009, 03:16 AM

personally, I would go for the DA70. when you get a macro lens you will probably want one with more working distance than the tamron. ditto for the sigma 70mm

Christopher M.W.T · 08-27-2009, 03:24 AM

Originally posted by Digitalis

personally, I would go for the DA70. when you get a macro lens you will probably want one with more working distance than the tamron. ditto for the sigma 70mm

So far my experience with the DA limiteds are great, so yes the 70mm is looking very attractive.

Just how much different is it from the FA77 though? is the FA77 really worth the extra dollars?

attack11 · 08-27-2009, 03:24 AM

none of those, they're all too slow. if you're not in the f1.x range, it's not good enough for portraits at those focal lengths.

f2.8 is great at 135mm or longer for portraits. i'd seriously consider the fa77.

**Digitalis** · 08-27-2009, 03:34 AM

Originally posted by C.W Tsorotes

So far my experience with the DA limiteds are great, so yes the 70mm is looking very attractive.

Just how much different is it from the FA77 though? is the FA77 really worth the extra dollars?

the DOF difference between f/1.8 and f/2.4 is rather trivial. It all matters how close your subject is to your lens that helps create a nicely blurred background. Apart from that, all lower f stops give you are faster shutter speeds and blurrier backgrounds.

But the DA 700mm f/2.4 is the best bang for buck, and the best construction quality wise of the three. i'm not going to say there aren't any differences between the FA77 and the DA70 there are differences...it just depends on what qualities you are looking for in a lens.. I happen to own the FA77 and I adore it's characteristics especially on films like T-max 100 in an ME super.

**Digitalis** · 08-27-2009, 03:38 AM

Originally posted by attack11

none of those, they're all too slow. if you're not in the f1.x range, it's not good enough for portraits at those focal lengths.

how many professional portrait photographers do you know who exclusively use their lenses wide open?

Damn Brit · 08-27-2009, 03:39 AM

I was previously going to buy 70, mainly for size and price reasons. I ended up with the 77 and I am so happy that I did. The lens itself is a work of art and the pictures it takes are exquisite.

**Digitalis** · 08-27-2009, 03:45 AM

yeah, I noticed that happens a lot here damn brit, people setting out to get one thing and then they come home with something completely different. However the price of the FA limited lenses has taken a hike here in OZ i'm happy I got mine for $890

ll_coffee_lP · 08-27-2009, 03:46 AM

FA77 or Sigma 70macro were my choices. I don't regret anything and love them both.

c[_]

**rparmar** · 08-27-2009, 05:10 AM

Originally posted by C.W Tsorotes

Now yes I am aware of the FA77 f1.8 and as much as I'd love to I can't yet justify the costs of the lense.

Despite this.... get the FA77. Sell something to make up the balance. Check these forums for used copies (two recently). That's where I got mine.

But also, the FA43 is nice for portraits where you want more environment or want the option of doing a small group. Of course at that focal length you do not get the same flattening of features, but if you prefer to capture personality as opposed to flattening faces, it works very well.

**Lowell Goudge** · 08-27-2009, 05:37 AM

Originally posted by C.W Tsorotes

I am considering these 3 based on pricing reason.

1. Tamron 90mm f2.8
2. Sigma EX 70mm f2.8
3. DA70mm f2.4.

Now yes I am aware of the FA77 f1.8 and as much as I'd love to I can't yet justify the costs of the lense.

I already have DA40 and love it. The fast that the first two are 1:1 macro really interests me, however overall image quality and colour comes first.

None of the above

If you are serious about portraits, I think you want something with less DOF for the occasion where you want to really eliminate in focus background.

I would consider 50mm F1.4, 85m F1.4 at the short end

at the long end, at one time there was a 100mmF2 and there is also the 135mm F2.5 (and if you have a ton of money an A 1.8)

a 70-90mm F2.8 just does not cut it.

there are lots of fast fifties around, and there is the Samyang 85mmF1.4 which is exceptional value for the money at about $300

Skyntara · 08-27-2009, 05:39 AM

77 Limited.

It's a magical lens. My girlfriend loves it because it makes everything look good.

My instructions for using a 77 Limited follow.

1. Wide Open
2. Point
3. Shoot

It makes everything look good.

Its bokeh is juicy and delicious. When I got my K200D all I wanted was this lens. I saved and saved but everytime I got close, something else came up for a bargain price. I ended up with a DA* 16-50, a Sigma 105 Macro and a Sigma 70-200.

One fateful day I got my 77 Limited. It was black, not silver like I hoped but it was magical.

The day it arrived there were rainbows

Here's some creamy delicious bokeh from yesterday at the dogpark

and finally, here's a fullsize pic demonstrating sharpness wide open, as well as DOF at wide open and minimum focus.

http://pictures.1337it.com/FullSize/IMGP7068.jpg

Save your pennies, buy a 77. You will not regret it.

attack11 · 08-27-2009, 05:45 AM

Originally posted by Digitalis

how many professional portrait photographers do you know who exclusively use their lenses wide open?

how many do you see faking shallow dof with plugins? there's no denying the wider the better for portraits. f1.2 / f1.4 lenses are ideal for the job.

8540tomg · 08-27-2009, 05:46 AM

I did buy the DA 70/2.4. No regrets.

Tom G

**Lowell Goudge** · 08-27-2009, 05:48 AM

Originally posted by Digitalis

how many professional portrait photographers do you know who exclusively use their lenses wide open?

it is not a question of exclusive use, but the ability to do so when you need it.

08-27-2009, 02:55 AM	#1
Christopher M.W.T Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 1,689	Which Prime Would You Buy For Portrait Work? I am considering these 3 based on pricing reason. 1. Tamron 90mm f2.8 2. Sigma EX 70mm f2.8 3. DA70mm f2.4. Now yes I am aware of the FA77 f1.8 and as much as I'd love to I can't yet justify the costs of the lense. I already have DA40 and love it. The fast that the first two are 1:1 macro really interests me, however overall image quality and colour comes first.

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08-27-2009, 03:16 AM	#2
Digitalis Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Melbourne, Victoria Photos: Gallery Posts: 11,694	personally, I would go for the DA70. when you get a macro lens you will probably want one with more working distance than the tamron. ditto for the sigma 70mm

08-27-2009, 03:24 AM	#3
Christopher M.W.T Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 1,689 Original Poster	Originally posted by Digitalis personally, I would go for the DA70. when you get a macro lens you will probably want one with more working distance than the tamron. ditto for the sigma 70mm So far my experience with the DA limiteds are great, so yes the 70mm is looking very attractive. Just how much different is it from the FA77 though? is the FA77 really worth the extra dollars?

08-27-2009, 03:24 AM	#4
attack11 Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Ottawa, ON - Canada Photos: Gallery Posts: 658	none of those, they're all too slow. if you're not in the f1.x range, it's not good enough for portraits at those focal lengths. f2.8 is great at 135mm or longer for portraits. i'd seriously consider the fa77.

08-27-2009, 03:34 AM	#5
Digitalis Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Melbourne, Victoria Photos: Gallery Posts: 11,694	Originally posted by C.W Tsorotes So far my experience with the DA limiteds are great, so yes the 70mm is looking very attractive. Just how much different is it from the FA77 though? is the FA77 really worth the extra dollars? the DOF difference between f/1.8 and f/2.4 is rather trivial. It all matters how close your subject is to your lens that helps create a nicely blurred background. Apart from that, all lower f stops give you are faster shutter speeds and blurrier backgrounds. But the DA 700mm f/2.4 is the best bang for buck, and the best construction quality wise of the three. i'm not going to say there aren't any differences between the FA77 and the DA70 there are differences...it just depends on what qualities you are looking for in a lens.. I happen to own the FA77 and I adore it's characteristics especially on films like T-max 100 in an ME super.

08-27-2009, 03:38 AM	#6
Digitalis Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Melbourne, Victoria Photos: Gallery Posts: 11,694	Originally posted by attack11 none of those, they're all too slow. if you're not in the f1.x range, it's not good enough for portraits at those focal lengths. how many professional portrait photographers do you know who exclusively use their lenses wide open?

08-27-2009, 03:39 AM	#7
Damn Brit Guest	I was previously going to buy 70, mainly for size and price reasons. I ended up with the 77 and I am so happy that I did. The lens itself is a work of art and the pictures it takes are exquisite.

08-27-2009, 03:45 AM	#8
Digitalis Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Melbourne, Victoria Photos: Gallery Posts: 11,694	yeah, I noticed that happens a lot here damn brit, people setting out to get one thing and then they come home with something completely different. However the price of the FA limited lenses has taken a hike here in OZ i'm happy I got mine for $890

08-27-2009, 03:46 AM	#9
ll_coffee_lP Inactive Account Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 1,972	FA77 or Sigma 70macro were my choices. I don't regret anything and love them both. c[_]

08-27-2009, 05:10 AM	#10
rparmar Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2008 Photos: Gallery Posts: 8,819	Originally posted by C.W Tsorotes Now yes I am aware of the FA77 f1.8 and as much as I'd love to I can't yet justify the costs of the lense. Despite this.... get the FA77. Sell something to make up the balance. Check these forums for used copies (two recently). That's where I got mine. But also, the FA43 is nice for portraits where you want more environment or want the option of doing a small group. Of course at that focal length you do not get the same flattening of features, but if you prefer to capture personality as opposed to flattening faces, it works very well.

08-27-2009, 05:37 AM	#11
Lowell Goudge Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Toronto Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 17,888	Originally posted by C.W Tsorotes I am considering these 3 based on pricing reason. 1. Tamron 90mm f2.8 2. Sigma EX 70mm f2.8 3. DA70mm f2.4. Now yes I am aware of the FA77 f1.8 and as much as I'd love to I can't yet justify the costs of the lense. I already have DA40 and love it. The fast that the first two are 1:1 macro really interests me, however overall image quality and colour comes first. None of the above If you are serious about portraits, I think you want something with less DOF for the occasion where you want to really eliminate in focus background. I would consider 50mm F1.4, 85m F1.4 at the short end at the long end, at one time there was a 100mmF2 and there is also the 135mm F2.5 (and if you have a ton of money an A 1.8) a 70-90mm F2.8 just does not cut it. there are lots of fast fifties around, and there is the Samyang 85mmF1.4 which is exceptional value for the money at about $300

08-27-2009, 05:39 AM	#12
Skyntara Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Sydney Posts: 157	77 Limited. It's a magical lens. My girlfriend loves it because it makes everything look good. My instructions for using a 77 Limited follow. 1. Wide Open 2. Point 3. Shoot It makes everything look good. Its bokeh is juicy and delicious. When I got my K200D all I wanted was this lens. I saved and saved but everytime I got close, something else came up for a bargain price. I ended up with a DA* 16-50, a Sigma 105 Macro and a Sigma 70-200. One fateful day I got my 77 Limited. It was black, not silver like I hoped but it was magical. The day it arrived there were rainbows Here's some creamy delicious bokeh from yesterday at the dogpark and finally, here's a fullsize pic demonstrating sharpness wide open, as well as DOF at wide open and minimum focus. http://pictures.1337it.com/FullSize/IMGP7068.jpg Save your pennies, buy a 77. You will not regret it.

08-27-2009, 05:45 AM	#13
attack11 Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Ottawa, ON - Canada Photos: Gallery Posts: 658	Originally posted by Digitalis how many professional portrait photographers do you know who exclusively use their lenses wide open? how many do you see faking shallow dof with plugins? there's no denying the wider the better for portraits. f1.2 / f1.4 lenses are ideal for the job.

08-27-2009, 05:46 AM	#14
8540tomg Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Waterloo, Ontario Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,461	I did buy the DA 70/2.4. No regrets. Tom G

08-27-2009, 05:48 AM	#15
Lowell Goudge Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Toronto Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 17,888	Originally posted by Digitalis how many professional portrait photographers do you know who exclusively use their lenses wide open? it is not a question of exclusive use, but the ability to do so when you need it.