Hi all! I'm 16 years old and am just starting my business as a portrait photographer. I'm unsure about my next equipment purchase. I currently own a Canon Rebel XS camera body and I shoot with a 50mm 1.4 lens. I'm considering purchasing a Canon 70D, although the cost is out of my current budget. I'm wondering if it would be best to stick with the Rebel XS and purchase a new lens or if I should invest in the new body? If I go the lens route first, should I go with a 35mm or an 85 mm prime lens next? Any and all recommendations/feedback will be appreciated. Thanks!
New camera body or new lens?
- Thread starter autumnlillyphotography
- Start date
That camera and lens are perfect for portraits, I'd actually suggest investing in a low cost off camera flash and investigate use of light reflectors. Also if you haven't already, shoot in RAW and get a copy of Lightroom.
Once you've had some income, consider your options from there.
Good luck !
Once you've had some income, consider your options from there.
Good luck !
Upvote
0
I agree with Haydn. Light is a crucial part of photography. And a question to ask yourself is: How is the current gear that I have limiting me from creating the photos that I want to create?
Upvote
0
I agree with the others, lighting will do more than any body. If you don't have a good lighting setup - get that first. Assuming lighting is covered...
If a 70D is out of your price range, then definitely a lens. By the way, I wouldn't save up for a 70D, I would save up for a 6D. Price keeps coming down on it it, and it is perfect for portrait work.
The 50mm 1.4 is so-so.
Take a look the 100mm Macro. A much better focal length for portraits. I suggest this because of the $500ish price range. The 135mm F/2 is best, but that is about the price of a new 70D that is out of your range.
On a crop body, the 85mm will be good. The 100 will be even better. If you are ever intending to go FF, go with the 100mm, not the 85. With the 6D coming in at $1,200 new...it is very tempting for folks to make the switch to FF.
If a 70D is out of your price range, then definitely a lens. By the way, I wouldn't save up for a 70D, I would save up for a 6D. Price keeps coming down on it it, and it is perfect for portrait work.
The 50mm 1.4 is so-so.
Take a look the 100mm Macro. A much better focal length for portraits. I suggest this because of the $500ish price range. The 135mm F/2 is best, but that is about the price of a new 70D that is out of your range.
On a crop body, the 85mm will be good. The 100 will be even better. If you are ever intending to go FF, go with the 100mm, not the 85. With the 6D coming in at $1,200 new...it is very tempting for folks to make the switch to FF.
Upvote
0
I agree with K. If you're just doing portraits, I don't see upgrading to the 70D doing much for you. You would benefit more from glass or lighting. I don't know where you are, but if you are in the US you can get a Speedlite 430EX II for $240 refurbished from Canon. Maybe get a small softbox for the flash and some reflectors. Lighting is so important for portraits, and you need to master that.
After that, I'd say go for a longer lens. I'd go for the 85mm f/1.8 out of the two lenses you mentioned. The 35mm f/2 IS is awesome, but I think you should get the 85mm. It produces a great look and it will let you work a bit farther from your subjects. The 100mm f/2 (non-macro) is pretty much identical to the 85mm in size and results. The 100mm 2.8L Macro is a good choice as well, but may be too pricy for you. I haven't used the non-L 100 macro.
After that, I'd say go for a longer lens. I'd go for the 85mm f/1.8 out of the two lenses you mentioned. The 35mm f/2 IS is awesome, but I think you should get the 85mm. It produces a great look and it will let you work a bit farther from your subjects. The 100mm f/2 (non-macro) is pretty much identical to the 85mm in size and results. The 100mm 2.8L Macro is a good choice as well, but may be too pricy for you. I haven't used the non-L 100 macro.
Upvote
0
You already have a crop body, so why buy another one? If you cannot afford a 6D, if you opt for a new body, then get a 5D classic (5Dc) for $400. I cannot see shooting portraits with a 35mm. The 85mm f/1.8 on a full frame would kind of duplicate your Rebel and 50mm, but I would guess the image quality would be better on the FF. I have two FF and two crop bodies, and choose the FF about 85% of the time. That said, I have shot some very nice portraits with a 40D and 70-200mm f/2.8 IS II.
Upvote
0
The benefit you get from a good light setup is much greater than from a different lens or camera. When using flashes your photos will be sharper and have much less noise. More importantly however you can create professional looking portraits much easier. The right light is always the key.
How are you willing to spend? Do you need to be mobile or do you have a studio?
What kind of photos do you want to shoot?
How are you willing to spend? Do you need to be mobile or do you have a studio?
What kind of photos do you want to shoot?
Upvote
0
I have a 430ex II and yougnuo flash...580? I think. You'll need a wireless trigger setup with the flash. It makes life alot easier. Anyways, lighting is a game changer for portrait work. Speedlites are best for location shoots. You don't have to have a softbox but I have a lastolite 25" box with stand. Really is awesome. I also have a continuous lighting setup.. it uses 5200K bulbs i think.. cheap and best if you're using a studio. I use that at home.
Lens.. I have to recommend the 85 1.8. I love that lens. With good lighting, I'm usually shooting 2.8 at the most. Usually f4. That lens i think is the best deal for portrait work. Good luck!
Lens.. I have to recommend the 85 1.8. I love that lens. With good lighting, I'm usually shooting 2.8 at the most. Usually f4. That lens i think is the best deal for portrait work. Good luck!
Upvote
0
I also second the idea of investing in lighting and another lens. If you feel that the 50mm lens is too tight (80mm equiv FL) then go for a 35mm lens (56 equiv FL) but, if you have room to move and head portrait is what you want, I'd suggest the 85mm lens.autumnlillyphotography said:
Upvote
0
painya
A pretty photo isn't always a good one.
If you want to get serious with lighting I do not recommend a canon flash, but a neweer TT850 or a flash with a li-ion battery. I too am a teenager shooting portraits and trying to make money and I could give you some advice if you'd like any. Feel free to message me.
Upvote
0
