Since getting to use a Canon 200mm f/2 L a couple of years ago it’s had a place near the very top of my ‘wish list’. I thought it would make a great lens for specific types of portraits, and in terms of the optical quality and characteristics of the lens I was correct. However, there’s a serious flaw; I stood in front of one recently for the first time and immediately felt uneasy, it was like being under a microscope.
When I photograph people I want them to be as relaxed as possible. I don’t think that’s easily achievable if the subject(s) feel that any insecurity they have is being magnified and recorded. There’s also the issue that I wouldn’t have much change from $8000, which I simply can’t afford yet.
To a lesser degree my 70-200mm f/2.8 suffers the same problem… while the optics are excellent it’s not very discreet, and is pretty intimidating to someone uneasy about being in front of a camera. So I’m currently looking at an alternative portrait lens to add to the wish list. It’s got to be a prime (non-zoom) in order to be compact at the desired focal length (between 80 and 150mm) with maximum control over depth-of-field.
The lenses I’m going to test for the role are, in order of preference:
To kick things off I was able to get a 1-day loan of the 85mm f/1.8. Because of the huge difference in price between the f/1.8 and f/1.2 lenses, I was expecting to find some major flaws… however I was pleasantly surprised.
With my 5D I shot some quick lit portraits and brought the lens for a trip to the Calgary Farmers Market. Here’s the summary:
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Friday, December 2, 2011 at 11:56AM | 
