What f/number is best for portraits?

[Carl911]

I have a feeling this is going to be a difficult question to put a definitive answer to but it seems most people doing portrait face photo's like to get the blur effect from using a small f/number, eg. F/1.8-5.6 but of course the smaller the number the smaller the depth of field.
I have found that using f/1.8-2.5 often means you are lucky if you can even get two eyes in good focus.
From experience, is there a general best f/number for good sharp all round safe portraits.
I only use the 50 or 85mm prime lenses.

cheers ~Carl

[OsmosisStudios]

Depends.

I can manage to get both eyes sharp at f/1.8, but its alot easier (and sharper) at f/2.8. For a stop, I'll gladly do it.

I tend to shoot f/2.8 for portraits but do sometimes drop down to f/8 either for sharpness (on certain lenses or effect)

[Dayna]

I usually shoot at 2.8 or 3.2 with my 50mm

[jdepould]

f/11, 16. Whatever works.

[Fotogreen]

This might sound dumb but when you say focus on the eyes how do you do it say for example one is using one of the focus points?

[Jim Bryant]

Depends on what lens you're using. From what I use (see below) most of the lens are tack sharp at all f-stops. But all said, for portraits, f11-and above for all lenses.

[binah06]

I use 2.8 or 3.2 with my 50mm.

It is a lot more likely that the eyes will not be in focus at lower then this. I would rather get sharp eyes and fix anything else in photoshop. If I have a subject that can hold really still, like adults or my friend's chameleon then I will shoot at a lower 1.8. It's really personal preference and how still you can stand when you shoot.

For focusing, one way I do it is I set my camera on single spot focus where the camera only uses the center focus point. Then I focus on the eyes and then adjust my composition in the frame then snap the picture. You have to be careful with the lowest f stops because you are moving the camera after you focus but for most others it works great. Really you are only moving the camera and inch or less horizontally or vertically. The focus should only change if you move forward or backward.
I would be interested in hearing better ways. I am still learning how all the focusing options on my D70 work.
Best Wishes,
Melissa

[kencaleno]

F4/F5.6 Ken

[Silverz]

If I go for a low setting like 1.8 then i usually take several shots moving the camera slightly forwards each time if it is handheld, so I know at least one will have good focus on the eyes.

[49erbruin]

I've been wrestling with this too. My main subject is my ~1 1/2 year old daughter who, of course, doesn't stay still for long. I was shooting her at ~f/2.5 with my 50 mm 1.4, but the photos weren't as sharp as I felt they should be with that lens.

A photographer friend suggested I 1) Try practicing at least at f/4 for a bit, since I'm not a super-experienced photographer; 2) DON'T use the center focus point and use switch to the correct point instead and 3) move my auto focus to AI Servo on my Canon XTi to help to better track my toddler.

I tried this yesterday and got MUCH sharper shots and good bokeh too! Hope that helps...