Here's a breakdown of the arguments for and against, and factors to consider:
Arguments FOR a 70-200mm for Portrait Photography:
* Compression: This is the big one. The longer focal lengths (135mm-200mm) provide significant compression, making the background appear closer to the subject and often creating a more pleasing and flattering perspective. It helps avoid wide-angle distortion that can make facial features appear exaggerated.
* Bokeh (Background Blur): 70-200mm lenses, especially those with wide apertures (f/2.8 or even f/4), excel at creating beautiful, creamy bokeh. This helps isolate the subject and draw the viewer's eye to them.
* Working Distance: It allows you to maintain a comfortable distance from your subject. This is especially helpful for:
* Candid Moments: You can capture natural expressions without being intrusive.
* Shy Subjects: Some people feel more relaxed when the photographer isn't right in their face.
* Children and Animals: Easier to photograph subjects that are more mobile.
* Creating Intimacy at a Distance: You can get close-up shots without physically being close, which can create a sense of intimacy.
* Versatility: While excellent for portraits, a 70-200mm can also be used for:
* Events: Capturing candids, speeches, and details.
* Sports: While not ideal for all sports, it's useful for some.
* Wildlife: Can be a good starting point if you're venturing into wildlife photography.
* Landscapes: For isolating specific elements within a broader scene.
* Professional Look: Clients often associate this lens with professional photographers. Whether or not that's a *good* reason to buy one is debatable, but the perception is there.
* Sharpness: Many 70-200mm lenses are known for their incredible sharpness.
Arguments AGAINST a 70-200mm for Portrait Photography:
* Price: High-quality 70-200mm lenses (especially f/2.8) can be expensive. There are cheaper options, but they might compromise on image quality, sharpness, or autofocus speed.
* Size and Weight: They are bulky and heavy, which can be tiring to carry around for long periods. This makes them less ideal for street photography or situations where you need to be highly mobile.
* Space Requirements: You need a good amount of space to use the longer focal lengths effectively, especially indoors. Small studios or tight locations can make it difficult.
* Alternative Lenses: There are other lenses that can produce excellent portraits, often at a lower cost and smaller size:
* 50mm f/1.8/f/1.4: Affordable, lightweight, and great for portraits, especially for headshots and upper-body shots.
* 85mm f/1.8/f/1.4: A classic portrait lens. Offers excellent background separation and flattering perspective. Often considered the sweet spot for portrait focal length.
* 35mm f/1.4/f/1.8: For environmental portraits, showing more of the surroundings.
Factors to Consider When Deciding:
* Your Style: What kind of portraits do you shoot? Close-up headshots? Full-body shots? Environmental portraits? Your style will influence the focal lengths you need.
* Your Budget: How much are you willing to spend? Don't break the bank on a lens if it means neglecting other essential equipment.
* Your Shooting Environment: Do you primarily shoot in a studio, outdoors, or a mix of both? Indoor shooting often requires shorter focal lengths due to space constraints.
* Your Subject Matter: Do you photograph individuals, couples, families, or groups? Groups require wider focal lengths to capture everyone in the frame.
* Your Camera: Are you shooting on a full-frame or crop sensor camera? Crop sensors will effectively increase the focal length, so a 50mm or 85mm might provide similar results to a 70-200mm on a full-frame camera.
* Personal Preference: Some photographers simply prefer the look and feel of shooting with certain focal lengths. Experiment and see what you like best.
Conclusion:
A 70-200mm lens is a powerful tool for portrait photography, offering excellent compression, beautiful bokeh, and comfortable working distance. However, it's not a requirement for taking great portraits. Other lenses, like 50mm and 85mm primes, can also produce stunning results and are often more affordable and compact.
Before buying a 70-200mm, consider your style, budget, shooting environment, and subject matter. Rent one if possible to see if it suits your needs. If you find yourself consistently wanting to achieve the compression and background separation that a longer lens provides, then a 70-200mm might be a worthwhile investment. If you primarily shoot in tight spaces or prefer wider perspectives, other lens options might be a better fit.