Here's a breakdown of the pros and cons, and why it's so popular:
Why the 70-200mm is so popular for portraits:
* Compression: This is arguably the biggest advantage. Longer focal lengths compress features, making faces appear more pleasing and less distorted. It minimizes perspective distortion that can occur with wider lenses (e.g., making noses look larger relative to the rest of the face).
* Background Blur (Bokeh): Longer focal lengths, especially when combined with a wide aperture (like f/2.8), create beautiful, creamy background blur, isolating your subject and eliminating distracting elements. This is highly valued in portrait photography.
* Working Distance: The longer reach allows you to shoot from a comfortable distance, which can help your subjects relax and look more natural. It also allows you to frame tighter shots without being too close to the person's personal space.
* Versatility: While primarily used for portraits, it can also be used for other types of photography like landscapes, sports, and even some wildlife.
* Sharpness: Good 70-200mm lenses are typically very sharp, delivering excellent detail in your portraits.
* Professional Look: Clients often associate a larger lens with professional-grade work. This can be a subconscious factor in building trust and perceived value.
Reasons why you might *not* need a 70-200mm lens:
* Cost: High-quality 70-200mm lenses are expensive. That's a significant investment, especially when starting out.
* Size and Weight: They're bulky and heavy, which can be tiring to carry around for extended shoots. This is particularly relevant for on-location shoots.
* Space Requirements: You need space to use them effectively. In smaller studios or indoor locations, you may not have enough room to step back and frame your shot.
* Alternative Lenses: You can achieve excellent portraits with other lenses, such as:
* 50mm: Often called the "nifty fifty," it's affordable, lightweight, and can produce beautiful portraits, especially with a wide aperture (e.g., f/1.8 or f/1.4). You'll just need to be closer to your subject.
* 85mm: Considered a classic portrait lens, it offers a good balance of compression and working distance. Often less expensive than a 70-200mm.
* Other Zooms (e.g., 24-70mm): More versatile but generally don't offer the same level of background blur or compression as a 70-200mm.
* Shooting Style: If you prefer environmental portraits where the background is an important part of the story, a wider lens might be more suitable.
* Budget Constraints: There might be other gear that provides a better return on investment early on, like lighting equipment or a better camera body.
Here's a decision-making process:
1. What kind of portraits do you shoot? Close-ups, full body, environmental?
2. What's your budget? Can you realistically afford a high-quality 70-200mm, or are there better ways to invest your money?
3. What space do you typically work in? Studio, outdoors, or both?
4. What's your current lens lineup? Do you already have something that fills a similar need, or are you missing a key piece of equipment?
5. Try Before You Buy (If Possible): Rent a 70-200mm lens for a weekend to see if it fits your workflow and shooting style. This is the best way to determine if it's right for you.
In conclusion:
The 70-200mm lens is a powerful and versatile tool for portrait photography, offering excellent compression, beautiful background blur, and a comfortable working distance. However, it's not the only lens that can produce stunning portraits. Consider your budget, shooting style, and space requirements before making a decision. A 50mm or 85mm lens can be a great alternative, especially for beginners. Ultimately, the best lens is the one that helps you create the images you envision.