Here's a breakdown of the arguments for and against, to help you decide if a 70-200mm lens is right for you:
Arguments FOR the 70-200mm Lens:
* Compression: One of the most cited reasons. The longer focal lengths of a 70-200mm compress perspective, making the background appear closer to the subject. This can create a more flattering and less distorted image, especially for facial features. It helps to avoid the "bug-eyed" look you can get with wider lenses held too close.
* Background Blur (Bokeh): A 70-200mm lens, especially one with a wide aperture (f/2.8 is highly desirable), excels at creating beautiful, creamy bokeh. This helps isolate the subject and creates a professional-looking portrait.
* Working Distance: Allows you to maintain a comfortable distance from your subject. This is especially useful for candid shots, shy subjects, or when you want to avoid being too intrusive. It's also great for shooting children and animals.
* Versatility: While primarily known for portraits, a 70-200mm can also be used for events, sports, wildlife, and even some landscape photography. It's a relatively versatile lens to have in your kit.
* Zoom Range: The wide zoom range gives you flexibility in composing your shots without physically moving closer or further away. This is helpful in dynamic environments where you might not have a lot of space to maneuver.
* Image Quality: High-quality 70-200mm lenses (especially the f/2.8 versions) are known for their sharpness and excellent image quality.
* Subject Isolation: It helps isolate your subject from distracting backgrounds, particularly in busy or cluttered environments.
Arguments AGAINST the 70-200mm Lens:
* Cost: 70-200mm lenses, particularly those with a wide aperture (f/2.8), are expensive. They are a significant investment.
* Size and Weight: These lenses are large and heavy. This can be tiring to carry around for extended periods, and may not be ideal for travel or street photography.
* Not Ideal for Tight Spaces: In small studios or cramped locations, a 70-200mm lens may be impractical. You might not have enough room to achieve the desired framing.
* Slower to Focus (on older models): While modern 70-200mm lenses have fast autofocus, older or cheaper models may have slower focusing speeds, which can be problematic for capturing action or moving subjects.
* Alternatives Exist: There are other lenses that can achieve similar results for portraits, often at a lower cost or with different advantages:
* 85mm: Often considered the classic portrait lens. Provides excellent compression and bokeh, often in a more compact and affordable package.
* 50mm: A versatile "nifty fifty" lens can be used for portraits, especially environmental portraits, and is very affordable.
* 35mm: Great for environmental portraits, showing more of the subject's surroundings. Requires getting closer to the subject.
* Shorter Zooms (e.g., 24-70mm): Offer a wider range of focal lengths and can be used for portraits, although they might not provide the same level of compression and background blur as a 70-200mm.
Who *Might* Need a 70-200mm:
* Professional portrait photographers: Especially those who shoot outdoors or in spacious studios and prioritize image quality and subject isolation.
* Photographers who regularly shoot events or weddings: The zoom range is invaluable for capturing candids and moments from a distance.
* Photographers who want to minimize distortion and maximize background blur.
* Photographers who shoot a variety of subjects: The versatility makes it a good investment if you do more than just portraits.
Who *Might Not* Need a 70-200mm:
* Beginners: If you're just starting out, a more affordable lens like a 50mm or 85mm prime might be a better choice to learn the basics of portrait photography.
* Photographers who primarily shoot in small studios: A shorter lens would be more practical.
* Photographers on a tight budget: There are excellent alternatives that won't break the bank.
* Photographers who prefer a wider perspective for environmental portraits.
* Photographers who prioritize lightweight and portable gear.
In conclusion:
A 70-200mm lens is a powerful and versatile tool for portrait photographers, offering excellent compression, bokeh, and working distance. However, it's not a necessity. Consider your budget, shooting style, and the environments you typically work in to determine if it's the right lens for you. Try renting one to see if you like it before making a purchase. You may find that a different focal length better suits your personal vision.