Which lens should I use?

[SabrinaO]

I have my first engagement session today (crossing my fingers it doesn't rain) and I don't know which lens I should use. I have a 35mm 1.8 and a kit 18-55mm 3.5-5.6. I don't want to keep switching lens during the shoot, so what to do?

 

[rehab]

lets combine all your issues about this into a single thread next time. as for your issue, id throw the 35mm on craigslist and grab a 50mm nikon ($130 from pretty much anywhere). This is going to give you a more natural looking person. If you dont want to do that then the 18-55 and keep it at ~50mm

 

[LarissaPhotography]

For portraits, I'll have to agree with rehab about getting a little longer lens than the 35mm. 50mm is a good place to start, and I'm guessing you have a crop sensor body, so the 50 will turn into something more like 75mm, which is a good portrait focal length.

 

[Robin Usagani]

while I agree you need longer focal lens but if I had the 2 options I would go with the 35mm. No brainer choice for me.

 

[KmH]

A location shoot is a great situation to use long focal lengths like 200 mm to get some background perspective compression. You usually have way more room to be back from the subject(s).

As mentioned, be careful with the 35 mm because you can get so unflattering distortions.

I guess you didn't go out and scout the location in advance and take some test shots?

 

[tirediron]

You want extra butter on yours Bitter?

 

[gsgary]

If you don't know, your not ready for the shoot, sorry

 

[Ginu]

From your vast collection of lens I would go with the 35mm however something like a 50mm or 85mm would be better for the type of photo shoot.

As someone already mentioned, if you dont know the answer to this question, perhaps you should not do the photo shoot.

 

[rehab]

A location shoot is a great situation to use long focal lengths like 200 mm to get some background perspective compression. You usually have way more room to be back from the subject(s).

As mentioned, be careful with the 35 mm because you can get so unflattering distortions.

I guess you didn't go out and scout the location in advance and take some test shots?

when you use something like that 200mm, yes you get a nice shallow DOF but you begin to flatten your subject. Granted this depends on your lighting and several other factors but a 100mm is much more pleasing than a 200mm.

 

[Geaux]

while I agree you need longer focal lens but if I had the 2 options I would go with the 35mm. No brainer choice for me.

This.

 

[Jace]

You want extra butter on yours Bitter?

Off topic, but: Hey John! Your inbox has been full since saturday I think!


=D

 

[KmH]

I had a 35 mm f/1.8G for a while, but sold it. To much distortion, and to much lateral CA at wide apertures for me.

If I want to shoot 35 mm I use my Nikon AF 24-85 mm f/2.8-4D.