Macro lens for portraits

[motso]

Hi all,

I bought the Sony 30mm 2.8 macro lens about a year ago for a really good price however it doesn't get as much use as I had hoped! I am looking to take a few portraits in the future. In theory this lens seems ideal, good focal length and nice wide aperture, is there anything I'm missing that would make a macro lens unsuitable for portraits?

Thanks

Tom.

 

[dibbly dobbler]

I'd be wanting something with a bit more focal length I think Tom - say 50-100mm - this would give you more working distance for your macros. You don't really need a 'fast' lens for macro either as typically you'd be stopping down a bit anyway.

 

[Laudrup]

I'd go longer for portraits. Sony do an 85mm f/2.8 I think that might be worth a look. The Sony Alpha experts could probably help more, but a macro for portraits isn't a problrm.

 

[Davec223]

30mm is to short for portrait, 50mm plus for portrait, when I am out I seem to be using 200mm more and more, trouble with short focal lengths for portraits is it throws perspective out and it looks very strange.

 

[motso]

Thanks for the comments, so to surmise, a macro lens is absolutely fine for portraits but 30mm is insufficient?

So if (like I should have done) I had got the 100mm sony macro this would be ideal for both? I could then use either the 30mm or my 70-200 2.8 if I required more or less focal length. Does this make sense?

Thanks

Tom

 

[Davec223]

Thanks for the comments, so to surmise, a macro lens is absolutely fine for portraits but 30mm is insufficient?

So if (like I should have done) I had got the 100mm sony macro this would be ideal for both? I could then use either the 30mm or my 70-200 2.8 if I required more or less focal length. Does this make sense?

Thanks

Tom

Basically yes, I have a 105mm macro which is also nice for portraits. I am not saying don't use the 35mm for portrait, just watch what you do.

Here's a comparison for you

http://www.lesjones.com/www/images/posts/stepheneastwood-tile1.jpg

 

[Cagey75]

A 105mm is great on a crop-sensor. But after switching to FX I actually found mine a little shorter than I'd like for macro, just sold it and bought a 150mm sigma. Really nice lens, and will be great for portraits, albeit outdoor mainly.