Studio Lens advise

[learningtog]

Hello,

I am working on a studio setup to help me best learn the rules and restrictions of studio photography.

I have a room which has a 2.7m white paper backdrop that comes down to create the flooring, this comes out about 2 metres, from there i have about another 2 metres to shoot from. I have 4 flash heads that are two for lighting the background and two for the subject.

Bearing this mind, what lenses would you recommend that would be best for me?

I have read about a 50mm lens on a crop would be the equivalent of an 85mm? I guess if am doing portraits i am gonna have to get in close to fill the frame? would that be too imposing on the subject, especially if a child? would this be suitable for full length shots? or do i expect to get a lot of studio kit, edges of paper in shot?

If i look at a zoom lens, round the 35-85mm range, i suspect this would allow me zoom right into the subject and also to come out enough to get full length shots.

Would i ideally be needing a longer zoom so that i can stand further back and zoom in? what is better stand closer to subject or further away?

Thanks

 

[GyRob]

I have a bit more room that you and use a 1.3 crop camera most of my full lenth shots are taken with a zoom at aprox 35mm = 45mm field of view .
I think 50mm = 85mm would be to tight for full lenth shot finefor head and shoulders though.
I think its always best to not be to close to your subject as its like invading there space.
Rob.

 

[Triggaaar]

What do you already have?
I like a 24-120 (on full frame) for kids that are moving, and something with that range would allow you to try a lot out.

 

[Garry Edwards]

Just use the longest lens you can manage with in the space available.
Longer lens = less perspective distortion = more flattering results of your subject and less need for a wide background.

 

[donkeymusic]

 

[=ReBeL=]

Stick a lens that you already have on your camera and see what gives you perfect distance. For Canon 85 1.8, 50 1.4 and 50 1.8 are all relatively inexpensive lenses and good for portraits. If crop, go for 50mm. If FF 85 is great.