Let’s talk about lenses for breeders. We are not talking about studio photoshoots today. There will be a separate post devoted to that. We are talking about home photoshoots. The post will benefit breeders who want to take pictures of pups by themselves.
Focal length
The focal length for a classic breeder’s photoshoot should be between 70 and 85 mm. This focal length doesn’t significantly distort the proportions of models. If you have plenty of space, you can go for 100-135 mm. However, you must remember that this focal length is usually more expensive and requires at least 5 meters between the model and the photographer.
If all the mentioned lenses are far above your budget, you can try a 50-70 mm lens. The closer lens is to 70 mm, the less distortion you’ll get.
NB if you have a crop APS-C camera, please divide all the focal length parameters mentioned above by 1.5
Aperture
For this type of photoshoot, you don’t need wide-aperture lenses like 1.2/1.4/1.8/2.0. And there is room for savings as these lenses usually cost much more than 2.8/3.5/5.6 lenses. When taking pictures of pups, I usually set the aperture to 4 or even narrower (5-8). If you don’t do that, half of the dog will be out of focus.
So, you can buy lenses with a maximum aperture of 3.5/4/5.6/ But don’t forget to buy additional lights. The higher the aperture is, the darker your picture will be. For example, an aperture of 5.6 requires flash if you take pictures inside.
Focus speed
Pups can be rebellious and not easy to catch. But it doesn’t mean you must buy the most expensive super fast lenses for sports. Go for a high-speed portrait lens instead. To check the actual speed, rent a lens before buying. And don’t believe in fairy tales told by marketing experts.
Zoom or prime
Doesn’t matter. Strictly speaking, you don’t need a zoom lens for this type of photoshoot, but if you have one, you may use it. Set a focal length between 70 and 135 (for APS-C divide by 1.5).
Summary
Focal length
70-135 (45-90 for APS-C)
If you want to save, buy a 50-70 mm lens (35-45 for APS-C)
Max. aperture
Any aperture is ok. If you have a wide-aperture premium lens, just close the aperture to 4+
If you want to save, buy a 5.6-6.2 max aperture lens, but don’t forget to buy a flash.
Focus speed
Super-slow lenses are not ok. Rent and check the speed before buying.
Zoom or prime
Doesn’t matter
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