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What lens to use for newborns?

photodad1photodad1 Registered Users Posts: 566 Major grins
edited July 19, 2013 in People
I am taking my first newborn photos this weekend and looking for suggestions for which lens to rent? I'll be using a Canon 5DMark3 and taking photos indoors using natural near the windows. I'm looking at the 50, 85 or 100mm lens.

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    QarikQarik Registered Users Posts: 4,959 Major grins
    edited July 12, 2013
    85mm is perfect. open up the aperture to f2.8 or even more if you can get away with it. for window light type shots..make sure sun in not directly shining through window..and pick a window that has some shears or roman blinds that will diffuse the light nicely. the mom holding baby over the shoulder can be nice pose.

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    D700, D600
    14-24 24-70 70-200mm (vr2)
    85 and 50 1.4
    45 PC and sb910 x2
    http://www.danielkimphotography.com
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    divamumdivamum Registered Users Posts: 9,021 Major grins
    edited July 13, 2013
    Sorry didn't answer your pm - I've been out of the country with limited internet access. I think you'll get more expert replies by posting publicly, anyway! I've shot newborns exactly twice, and pretty much made it up as I went along - used the 85mm and 135 on the 5dII (pretty much my go-to's if I'm not using the 70-200 2.8) and just tried to use DOF to my advantage.

    Have fun!
    facebook | photo site |
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    ziggy53ziggy53 Super Moderators Posts: 23,848 moderator
    edited July 13, 2013
    Even the long end of a standard zoom can be OK. This was at 68mm and f4, using a Canon EF 28-80mm, f2.8-f4L USM on a Canon 5D MKII body. A moderate crop to probably around an 80mm FOV.

    IMG_0056%20over_i2e%20ps%20ds%20crop%20800.jpg
    ziggy53
    Moderator of the Cameras and Accessories forums
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    Gaby617Gaby617 Registered Users Posts: 218 Major grins
    edited July 15, 2013
    I have used my 50 1.4 on the very few I have shot.

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    I have read about people preferring macro lenses but @ the end of the day its all about the look your going for for that paticular session.
    www.gortizphotography.com
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    Bryce WilsonBryce Wilson Registered Users Posts: 1,586 Major grins
    edited July 15, 2013
    My favorite for wee ones is the 105 macro. It provides an excellent combination of sharpness, bokeh and the ability to stay close for minor adjustments.
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    photodad1photodad1 Registered Users Posts: 566 Major grins
    edited July 15, 2013
    I did my photo shoot and used both the 50mm 1.2L and 100mm macro. But worked fine, however, I think for my session the 85mm 1.2 L would have been nice to use.
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    lilmommalilmomma Registered Users Posts: 1,060 Major grins
    edited July 19, 2013
    50 all the way for me, but everyone is different! Looks like you mostly use the 70-200 so it might be a little shocking to go that wide. 85 is a great one as well if you are accustomed to working longer focal lengths. Good luck!
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    lilmommalilmomma Registered Users Posts: 1,060 Major grins
    edited July 19, 2013
    I obviously didn't read through all the way to see I am late to the party!

    Post the results!
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