Here's a breakdown of the pros and cons, and why it's so popular:
Why a 70-200mm is a Great Choice for Portrait Photography:
* Compression: The telephoto nature of the lens creates flattering facial compression. Features appear less distorted and more balanced. This makes subjects look more pleasing in photos.
* Background Blur (Bokeh): Especially with a fast aperture (f/2.8 or f/4), a 70-200mm lens creates beautiful, creamy background blur, isolating your subject and minimizing distracting elements.
* Working Distance: Allows you to create portraits without being right in the subject's face. This is beneficial for:
* Comfort: Many people feel more comfortable and relaxed when they're not being photographed from only a couple of feet away.
* Natural Expressions: You can capture more candid, natural expressions because you're less intrusive.
* Control Over Lighting: Gives you room to work with reflectors, strobes, and other lighting modifiers.
* Versatility:
* Headshots to Full-Body: The zoom range allows you to easily transition between different types of portraits without changing lenses.
* Indoor & Outdoor: While best suited for outdoor or larger indoor spaces, the zoom range makes it adaptable to various environments.
* Other Genres: Can be used for sports, wildlife, and other types of photography.
* Image Quality: Typically, 70-200mm lenses are designed with high-quality optics, resulting in sharp images and good color rendition.
* Professional Look: A 70-200mm lens often looks impressive and can help you project a professional image. While this is superficial, perception matters.
Why You Might *Not* Need a 70-200mm Lens:
* Cost: High-quality 70-200mm lenses (especially f/2.8 versions) can be very expensive. This is a major barrier to entry.
* Size and Weight: These lenses are large and heavy, which can be a burden if you're shooting for long periods or traveling light.
* Not Ideal for Tight Spaces: In small studios or confined indoor locations, a 70-200mm lens might be too long.
* Redundancy: If you already have other portrait-friendly lenses (like a 35mm, 50mm, or 85mm), you might not see a significant improvement in your portraits to justify the expense and bulk of a 70-200mm.
* Alternatives Exist: Other lenses can produce excellent portraits.
Good Alternatives to a 70-200mm Lens for Portrait Photography:
* 85mm Prime Lens: A popular choice for portraits, offering excellent image quality and beautiful bokeh at a often a lower price and smaller size than a 70-200mm.
* 50mm Prime Lens: A versatile and affordable option, particularly useful for full-body shots and environmental portraits. Requires you to get closer to the subject.
* 35mm Prime Lens: Great for environmental portraits and capturing a wider field of view.
* Zoom Lenses (e.g., 24-70mm, 24-105mm): Can be versatile, but might not offer the same level of background blur as a 70-200mm or a fast prime lens.
* Medium Format: If you're after the ultimate portrait quality, medium format cameras offer exceptional dynamic range and bokeh, but at a significant cost.
Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to purchase a 70-200mm lens depends on:
* Your Budget: Can you afford a high-quality 70-200mm lens?
* Your Shooting Style: Do you prefer working at a distance or getting up close to your subjects?
* Your Subject Matter: What type of portraits do you primarily shoot (headshots, full-body, environmental)?
* Your Physical Capabilities: Are you comfortable carrying a heavy lens for extended periods?
* Your Existing Gear: What lenses do you already own and how do they perform for portraits?
* The Look You Want: Are you specifically after the compression and background blur that a telephoto lens provides?
Recommendation:
* If you're serious about portrait photography and have the budget, a 70-200mm lens is a worthwhile investment. It's a versatile and powerful tool that can significantly improve the quality of your portraits.
* If you're on a tighter budget or prefer a lighter setup, consider starting with an 85mm or 50mm prime lens. You can achieve excellent results with these lenses, and they're a great way to learn the fundamentals of portrait photography.
* Rent a 70-200mm lens before buying to see if it fits your needs and shooting style. This will help you make an informed decision.
In conclusion, while not an absolute necessity, the 70-200mm is a highly regarded lens among portrait photographers for its compression, bokeh, working distance, and versatility. Consider your individual needs and circumstances before making a purchase.