Here's a breakdown of why it's popular, its advantages, its disadvantages, and when other lenses might be a better fit:
Why the 70-200mm is Popular for Portraits:
* Compression: One of the biggest draws is its ability to compress the background. This means that the background appears closer to the subject, creating a smoother, less distracting, and more aesthetically pleasing background blur (bokeh). It separates the subject from the background effectively.
* Reach: The zoom range allows you to shoot from a comfortable distance, which can make subjects feel more relaxed and natural. You don't have to be right in their face to get a close-up. This is especially helpful for shy subjects or capturing candid moments.
* Versatility: The range allows for a variety of shots, from environmental portraits that include the surrounding scene (at 70mm) to tight headshots (at 200mm). This eliminates the need to constantly switch lenses during a shoot.
* Excellent Image Quality: Most 70-200mm lenses, especially the higher-end versions, are known for their sharpness, contrast, and color rendition. They often perform well in low light, especially those with wider apertures (f/2.8 is a common favorite).
* Bokeh: The combination of the zoom range and wide aperture creates beautiful bokeh, which is highly desirable in portrait photography.
Advantages of Using a 70-200mm for Portraits:
* Flattering perspective: Longer focal lengths generally produce a more flattering perspective for portraits, avoiding the distortion that can sometimes occur with wider lenses.
* Comfortable working distance: Allows you to communicate easily with your subject without being too close.
* Background isolation: Effectively blurs the background to draw attention to the subject.
* Variety of compositions: Offers flexibility in framing and composition without moving too much.
* Subject comfort: Less intrusive than shorter focal lengths that require you to be close to the subject.
Disadvantages of Using a 70-200mm for Portraits:
* Size and Weight: 70-200mm lenses, particularly those with a fast aperture like f/2.8, are large and heavy. This can be tiring to carry around for extended periods.
* Cost: Good quality 70-200mm lenses can be quite expensive.
* Indoor Space Limitations: In small indoor spaces, you might not have enough room to back up far enough to use the lens effectively.
* Over-Reliance: It can be tempting to always rely on the 70-200mm, potentially limiting your creativity and exploration of other focal lengths.
* Requires Stabilization (Sometimes): While many modern 70-200mm lenses have image stabilization, older models might not. The longer focal length makes camera shake more apparent, especially in lower light.
When Other Lenses Might Be a Better Choice:
* Limited Budget: Excellent portraits can be taken with less expensive prime lenses like a 50mm f/1.8 or an 85mm f/1.8. These are often sharper and offer wider apertures for the price.
* Tight Spaces: In small studios or indoor environments, a 35mm, 50mm, or 85mm lens might be more practical.
* Environmental Portraits: If you want to capture more of the environment and tell a story about the subject's surroundings, a wider lens like a 35mm or 50mm might be a better choice.
* Street Photography Portraits: For candid street portraits, a smaller, less conspicuous lens like a 35mm or 50mm might be more appropriate.
* Personal Preference: Ultimately, the best lens is the one that suits your style and vision. Some photographers prefer the look and feel of prime lenses.
Alternatives to Consider:
* 85mm f/1.4 or f/1.8: A classic portrait lens, offering excellent image quality, beautiful bokeh, and a flattering focal length. More compact and often cheaper than a 70-200mm.
* 135mm f/2: Similar benefits to an 85mm but with even more compression and background separation. Excellent for headshots and tighter portraits.
* Primes in General: Experiment with a variety of prime lenses (35mm, 50mm, 85mm) to find what you like best.
In conclusion:
A 70-200mm lens is a fantastic tool for portrait photography, offering versatility, compression, and beautiful bokeh. However, it's not a necessity. Consider your budget, shooting environment, style, and personal preferences when deciding if it's the right lens for you. Try renting one to see if you like it before committing to a purchase. Don't be afraid to experiment with other focal lengths to find what works best for your creative vision.