Using 100mm Macro in portraits

[Eyad]

Hi,

I was told that I can use the 100mm f/2.8 USM Macro lens in portraits.

Although 100mm will give more compressed photos than those of 50mm, still, will it be a good idea to buy this lens for both purposes?

[Jim Bryant]

It was would make a dandy lens for portraits.
Here's a write up on the Canon 100mm macro, but if you don't use canon there are other brands on the market. link: http://www.amazon.com/Canon-100mm-Ma.../dp/B00004XOM3

[OsmosisStudios]

Any lens can be used for portraits: you just gotta find one thats sharp (which macros are) and that give you whatever effect youre looking for (shallow DoF, generally).

If youre gonna use the 100, though, make sure youve got the room. It's gonna be more for headshot work, but you can still get full body shots if you dont mind yelling at your model from a few dozen feet

[daft_biker]

Originally Posted by Eyad

Hi,

I was told that I can use the 100mm f/2.8 USM Macro lens in portraits.

Although 100mm will give more compressed photos than those of 50mm, still, will it be a good idea to buy this lens for both purposes?

I enjoy using that lens for portraits aswell as macro - it's an exceptionally sharp lens when focused on distant objects so no worries about it being "macro only". If you've got room to use that focal length I think it gives a nice perspective to portraits.

My wee sister:


A mate's kid:


.....oh...and it can also do sports....as macro lenses go it's very versatile!

Admitidly I didn't use the AF for that shot but I find it's every bit as quick to focus as a 70-200 f/2.8L which is pretty much the standard gear for that sort of stuff