Here's a breakdown to help you decide if it's a worthwhile investment for your specific style and needs:
Why a 70-200mm is often considered desirable for portraits:
* Compression: This is the most often cited reason. The longer focal lengths (especially 135mm and above) tend to compress the background, making it appear closer to the subject and creating a shallower depth of field. This helps to isolate the subject and create a pleasing, professional look.
* Working Distance: Allows you to stand further back from your subject. This can:
* Make subjects more comfortable: Some people feel self-conscious when a lens is right in their face. A longer distance allows them to relax and be more natural.
* Create a different perspective: Standing further back can result in a more flattering perspective, especially for headshots.
* Allow for more dynamic poses: You can capture more of the body without needing to be right up close.
* Bokeh: 70-200mm lenses, especially those with wider apertures (f/2.8 is common), are known for producing beautiful, creamy bokeh (background blur). This helps to isolate the subject and create a visually appealing image.
* Versatility (to some extent): While primarily for portraits, you can also use a 70-200mm for other types of photography, like events, sports, or even landscapes if you're looking for a specific compressed perspective.
Why you might NOT need a 70-200mm:
* Cost: 70-200mm lenses, particularly those with a constant aperture of f/2.8, are often expensive. It's a significant investment.
* Size and Weight: They're large and heavy lenses. This can be a burden if you're shooting for long periods or prefer to travel light.
* Space Requirements: You need more space to use a 70-200mm effectively, especially indoors or in cramped environments.
* Alternative Lenses:
* 50mm: A 50mm lens (especially an f/1.8 or f/1.4) is a fantastic and affordable portrait lens. It's versatile, lightweight, and produces beautiful results.
* 85mm: An 85mm lens is often considered the classic portrait lens. It offers a good balance of compression, working distance, and sharpness. It's often smaller and lighter than a 70-200mm.
* Zoom lenses (24-70mm, 24-105mm): These versatile zooms can be used for portraits, although they may not offer the same degree of background compression or bokeh as a 70-200mm.
* Your Shooting Style: If you prefer environmental portraits where the background is a significant part of the image, a shorter focal length might be a better choice. If you primarily shoot tight headshots, you might prefer a more compact prime lens.
Here's a checklist to help you decide:
* What kind of portraits do you shoot? (Headshots, full body, environmental portraits?)
* What is your budget?
* How important is background compression and bokeh to you?
* Do you prefer a longer working distance?
* How important is size and weight to you?
* Do you primarily shoot indoors or outdoors?
* What other lenses do you already own?
* Can you rent a 70-200mm to try it out before you buy? (Highly recommended!)
In conclusion:
A 70-200mm lens is a powerful tool for portrait photography, offering unique advantages in terms of compression, working distance, and bokeh. However, it's not essential, and other lenses can produce excellent results. Consider your budget, shooting style, and needs carefully before making a decision. Renting a lens to try it out is always a good idea! Good luck!