Here's a breakdown to help you decide if it's right for you:
Arguments for needing a 70-200mm lens for portrait photography:
* Compression: The longer focal lengths compress the background, making it appear closer to the subject. This is great for isolating your subject and creating a more pleasing separation. This also helps to minimize distractions in the background.
* Bokeh: 70-200mm lenses, especially those with wide apertures (f/2.8 or f/4), are known for producing creamy, beautiful bokeh (background blur). This further isolates the subject and adds a professional look.
* Working Distance: Allows you to photograph your subject from a comfortable distance. This is especially beneficial for:
* Candid Shots: You can capture natural expressions without the subject feeling self-conscious.
* Subjects Who Are Uncomfortable Close Up: Some people don't like having a lens pointed at their face from a short distance.
* Outdoor Photography: Gives you flexibility in positioning yourself relative to the subject and the background.
* Versatility: While primarily used for portraits, a 70-200mm can also be used for events, sports, and even some landscape photography.
* Sharpness: Good quality 70-200mm lenses are known for being very sharp.
* Professionalism: It's a popular lens among professionals, and often seen as a sign of a dedicated photographer. While not a *guarantee* of quality, it can project a certain image to clients.
Arguments against needing a 70-200mm lens for portrait photography:
* Price: 70-200mm lenses, especially those with a fast aperture like f/2.8, can be quite expensive.
* Size and Weight: These lenses are large and heavy, which can be a burden for some photographers, especially on longer shoots.
* Not Ideal for Tight Spaces: The minimum focusing distance and the field of view can make it difficult to use in smaller studios or rooms.
* Alternative Options Exist: Other lenses can achieve similar results, albeit with different techniques or trade-offs. Examples include:
* 50mm: Great for environmental portraits, especially when you want to include more of the surroundings. Fast 50mm lenses can create beautiful bokeh.
* 85mm: Often considered the classic portrait lens. Offers a good balance of compression and bokeh, and is generally more affordable than a 70-200mm.
* 135mm: Another excellent portrait lens, offering even more compression and bokeh than the 85mm.
* Not Essential for All Portrait Styles: If you primarily shoot headshots in a studio with controlled lighting, a shorter focal length might be more suitable.
What to consider before buying a 70-200mm lens:
* Your Budget: Can you afford a quality 70-200mm lens? Consider used options or third-party manufacturers to save money.
* Your Shooting Style: Do you primarily shoot outdoors or in a studio? Do you prefer candid shots or posed portraits?
* The Types of Portraits You Take: Full-body shots? Headshots? Environmental portraits?
* Your Physical Limitations: Can you comfortably carry a heavy lens for extended periods?
* Your Current Lens Collection: What lenses do you already own? Do they cover the focal lengths you need?
* Rent Before You Buy: Rent a 70-200mm lens for a weekend to see if it fits your workflow and style.
Alternatives to a 70-200mm lens (and their pros/cons):
| Lens | Pros | Cons | Best For |
|-----------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| 50mm | Affordable, lightweight, versatile, good in low light. | Can require you to get closer to the subject, less compression. | Environmental portraits, portraits in tight spaces. |
| 85mm | Excellent portrait lens, good compression, beautiful bokeh, often more affordable than 70-200mm. | Can be limiting in tight spaces, may still be expensive depending on the aperture. | Classic portraits, headshots, upper body shots. |
| 135mm | High compression, stunning bokeh, excellent subject isolation. | Limited versatility, can be challenging to use in smaller studios or indoors. | Portraits with a strong emphasis on background blur, isolating the subject. |
| Zoom Lens (e.g., 24-70mm) | Versatile for various situations, can be useful for wide shots and portraits. | May not have the same level of bokeh or compression as a dedicated portrait lens. | General purpose photography, portraits when versatility is paramount. |
In Conclusion:
A 70-200mm lens is a powerful tool for portrait photography, offering exceptional compression, beautiful bokeh, and the flexibility to work from a comfortable distance. However, it's not an absolute necessity, and other lenses can achieve similar results depending on your specific needs and preferences. Carefully consider your budget, shooting style, and physical limitations before investing in one. Renting one to try it out is always a good idea.