THESE ARE THE MOST RECOMMENDED OBJECTIVES FOR NEWBORN PHOTOGRAPHY (OR NEWBORN)
THESE ARE THE MOST RECOMMENDED OBJECTIVES FOR NEWBORN PHOTOGRAPHY (OR NEWBORN)
Newborn photography is still on the rise. There are many photographers who surrender to this field, but there are also many fathers and mothers who venture into photography tempted to capture the best memories of their children. Whether you are a professional who wants to open new horizons or an amateur who is expecting a baby and does not want to miss one of its best moments, I bring you a series of recommendations for choosing lenses and the best lenses for photographing a newborn ( or for newborn photography ).
What is newborn photography?
What are the ideal lenses for newborn or newborn photography?
Lenses for newborn portraits
Objectives to photograph the newborn with the family
Objectives to capture the details of the newborn
Before getting into the matter, it would be good to situate ourselves, because you may not be very clear about what type of photography we are referring to.
WHAT IS NEWBORN PHOTOGRAPHY?
Newborn or newborn photography is one that is carried out in the first days of a baby's life. This type of photography became popular during the 90s and has become fully established. The best known are the posed sessions, of newborns in baskets, wrapped in gauze and on a puff with the frog pose, for example.
As in baby photography , posing is not the only option, there are also more free and spontaneous sessions that seek, beyond posing, to capture details of the newborn and unique moments of their arrival.
WHAT ARE THE IDEAL LENSES FOR NEWBORN OR NEWBORN PHOTOGRAPHY?
When choosing or buying a lens for newborn or newborn photography, there are several key aspects that you should take into account:
BRIGHTNESS
Try to make it a luminous objective for two aspects. First, because you will be able to capture a greater amount of light and, second, because you will be able to work with much smaller depths of field, or what is the same, get a greater background blur. Something very characteristic of these sessions.
The lower your lens's maximum aperture (f/-number), the brighter it will be. An f/1.4 is ideal, although an f/1.8 can also work perfectly for you.
FOCAL DISTANCE
The ideal when photographing a baby is a 50mm because it is the way to ensure that there are no distortions and keep the proportions of the head and body as close to reality. And it is that 50mm is the focal length that most closely resembles what the human eye sees.
On the other hand, if you use an APS-C camera, that is, it is not full frame, this focal length would be around 35mm, which would be the equivalent of 50mm.
Now, what if you want to take pictures of small details? The little mouth, the eyelashes, because I remind you that there is life beyond a baby in a basket ;), let's talk about babies or newborns. To capture detail, the most commonly used focal length is 85mm , although 85-105mm (or its APS-C equivalent) is recommended.
And if you are one of those who like to go beyond the bean bag pose and consider that it is equally important to capture the newborn in their environment or with the family, you can move between 24-70mm , which will give you greater versatility. Especially if you are in a house or in a very small space. But for portraits try not to go below 35mm.
FIXED OPTICS OR ZOOM?
Although the most recommendable is the quality that a good fixed lens offers you, as I mentioned in the previous section, the versatility that a zoom offers you is greatly appreciated at certain times.
For this reason, the ideal would be to have at least a fixed 50mm lens and a zoom lens to cover more options.
BUDGET
It is true that the poor go to the market twice and all that stuff, but it is also true that you have to keep your sanity. Will the expense be the same for a family that only wants to have the best memories as someone who wants to venture into photography at a professional level? Or a professional who already makes a living from photography but wants to open up his range of sessions?
No, it is not the same in any case. It is important to know what situation you are in, what budget you have and compare the investment with the results you want or need to obtain. And the trick is finding the balance.
In this article I will leave you from low-cost options to options more designed for a professional due to the investment they require. The decision will be yours based on your needs.
RECOMMENDED LENSES FOR NEWBORN PHOTOGRAPHY
Now that you know these fundamental points that I have just presented to you, I am going to leave you with a list of recommended objectives for photographing a newborn:
LENSES FOR NEWBORN PORTRAITS
As I said above, the ideal is 50mm. Now, depending on the brand of your camera, if you want an original or a compatible brand and the budget you have, you have several options. Likewise, you can opt for the 35mm or the 50mm depending on whether your camera is a full sensor or APS-C.
CANYON
Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM - Lens *- Electronics
By CANON (Designer)
Price: N/A
(As of: February 6, 2023 11:53 - Details )
3 new from €169.39 0 Second-hand
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Yongnuo YN 50mm F / 1.8 AF/MF Large Aperture Auto Focus Lens for Can... *- Electronics
Of
Price: €96.00
(As of: February 6, 2023 21:03 - Details )
4 new from €96.00 0 Second-hand
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Yongnuo YN35MM Canon DSLR Lens (f/2.0 AF/MF), Black *- Electronics
Of
Price: €135.00
(As of: February 6, 2023 11:53 - Details )
4 new from €135.00 0 Second-hand
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Canon EF 35mm f/2 IS USM - Lens for canon (Fixed Focal Length 35mm, Apert... *- Camera
Of
Price: N/A
(As of: February 6, 2023 11:53 - Details )
1 new from €777.99 0 Second-hand
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FUJIFILM
Meike 35Mm F/1.7 Large Aperture Manual Focus Aps-C Lens for Fujifilm X Mount Mir... *- Camera
Of
Price: €79.99
(As of: February 6, 2023 11:53 - Details )
1 new from €79.99 0 Second-hand
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Fujifilm F XF35MMF2 R WR, Lens 35mm, Color Black *- Accessory
Of
Price: €400.99
(As of: February 6, 2023 11:53 - Details )
You save: €48.01 (11%)
5 new from €400.99 3 second-hand from €381.39
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NIKONS
Nikon AF-S 50mm F1.4 G - Lens for Nikon (fixed focal length 50mm, aperture... *- Camera
Of
Price: €519.00
(As of: February 6, 2023 18:56 - Details )
6 new from €469.00 5 Second-hand from €308.99
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Nikon AF-S 50mm F1.8 G - Lens for Nikon (fixed focal length 50mm, aperture... *- Camera
By NIKON (Designer)
Price: €258.89
(As of: February 7, 2023 2:28 AM - Details )
2 new from €249.00 5 Second-hand from €179.99
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Yongnuo YN50mm F1.8 Large Aperture AF Lens. Autofocus FX DX. Full Frame... *- Electronics
Of
Price: N/A
(As of: February 6, 2023 18:10 - Details )
0 new 0 second hand
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Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 35mm f/1.8 G - Lens for F mount, fi... *- Camera
By NIKON (Designer)
Price: €259.00
(As of: February 7, 2023 5:24 AM - Details )
3 new from €209.90 8 Second-hand from €140.99
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OLYMPUS
Olympus V311030BE000 - Lens for Micro Four Thirds (fixed focal length ... *- Electronics
Of
Price: €297.51
(As of: February 6, 2023 11:53 - Details )
5 new from €290.80 4 second-hand from €193.99
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OLYMPUS AND PANASONIC
Neewer® 35mm f/1.7 Manual Focus Prime Fixed Lens for OLYMPUS and PANASONIC APS... *- Electronics
Of
Price: N/A
(As of: February 6, 2023 11:53 - Details )
0 new 0 second hand
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PENTAX
Pentax 27075114623 - SMC lens for Pentax (focal length 35 mm, f... *- Electronics
Of
Price: €147.21
(As of: September 11, 2020 16:45 - Details )
9 new from €138.00 1 second-hand from €236.50
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SONY
Sony 50mm for E-mount
Samyang SAMAF50SONY - Lens AF 50mm F1.4 Sony FE, Color Black *- Electronics
Of
Price: €399.99
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You save: €119.01 (23%)
6 new from €399.99 1 second-hand from €330.01
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Sigma F1.4 DC DN Contemporary - Lens 56 mm for Sony E, color black *- Electronics
Of
Price: €395.02
(As of: February 6, 2023 11:53 - Details )
You save: €33.98 (8%)
5 new from €395.02 0 Second-hand
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Sony 50mm for Type A mount
Sony SAL50F18 - Lens for Sony (Fixed Focal Length 50mm, Aperture f/1.8-22... *- Camera
Of
Price: N/A
(As of: February 7, 2023 2:37 AM - Details )
0 new 3 Second-hand from €186.99
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Sony SAL50F14 - Lens for Sony (Fixed Focal Length 50mm, Aperture f/1.4-22... *- Camera
Of
Price: €423.29
(As of: February 6, 2023 11:53 - Details )
1 new from €423.29 0 Second-hand
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As you will see, in this section I have extended more since it would be the main optics, so that you have a greater diversity when choosing. And so that no brand owner is offended, I have placed the brands in alphabetical order, because when it comes to brands there is no order of preference.
OBJECTIVES TO PHOTOGRAPH THE NEWBORN WITH THE FAMILY
There are many parents who are only looking for the portrait of the baby, but the truth is that it is quite difficult for me to conceive a newborn session without the presence of the family, especially if you are a father or a mother who wants to photograph your baby and capture their first months of life. If you dedicate yourself professionally to photography and want to venture into this sector, everything will depend on the type of sessions you offer or what you want to do, whether posed or more free-style. Personally, I have a weakness for this type of photos and I don't think they are incompatible ? .
In these cases you need a lens that covers more scene. In addition, a zoom lens is much more versatile and comfortable. It is not necessary but it does allow you to get general shots of the family and close-ups without having to keep changing lenses.
Newborn photography sessions with the family
Some recommended objectives to photograph the newborn with his family are:
CANYON
Canon EF 24-70mm f/4L IS USM - Lens for Canon (Focal Length 24-70mm, Appe... *- Electronics
By Canon (Author)
Price: N/A
(As of: February 7, 2023 8:36 AM - Details )
0 new 0 second hand
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Sigma 24-70 mm F 2.8 DG - Lens for Canon, color Black *- Electronics
Of
Price: €1,200.99
(As of: February 7, 2023 8:36 AM - Details )
You save: €58.01 (5%)
11 new from €1,200.99 1 second-hand from €1,122.51
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FUJIFILM
Fujifilm Fujinon XF 55 - 200mm f/3.5 - 4.8 LM OIS - Lens for Fujifilm with ... *- Electronics
Of
Price: €695.69
(As of: February 7, 2023 8:36 AM - Details )
You save: €103.31 (13%)
9 new from €695.69 1 second-hand from €599.00
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NIKONS
Sigma 576955 24-70 F2.8 DG AF OS HSM Art Reflex Lens for Nikon, Black *- Electronics
Of
Price: €1,200.99
(As of: February 6, 2023 11:53 - Details )
You save: €58.01 (5%)
9 new from €1,200.99 0 Second-hand
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OLYMPUS
Olympus M.Zuiko - Digital Lens ED 40-150 mm F4-5.6, telephoto, suitable for ... *- Electronics
Of
Price: €200.17
(As of: February 6, 2023 11:53 - Details )
You save: €128.83 (39%)
5 new from €200.17 2 second-hand from €193.99
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SONY
Be careful with the type of frame ?
Type E
Sony Fe 28-70mm F/3.5-5.6 OSS - Lens for Sony (Focal Length 28-70mm, Appe... *- Electronics
Of
Price: €299.99
(As of: February 6, 2023 11:53 - Details )
You save: €250.01 (45%)
8 new from €299.99 7 second-hand from €199.00
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Sony SEL2470GM.SYX FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM - Lens for Sony (G Master Lenses, Di... *- Electronics
Of
Price: €1,800.99
(As of: February 6, 2023 11:53 - Details )
You save: €699.01 (28%)
2 new from €1,800.99 0 Second-hand
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Type A
Sony SAL2875 - Lens for Sony/Minolta (Focal Length 28-75mm, Aperture f/2... *- Camera
Of
Price: N/A
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0 new 0 second hand
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OBJECTIVES TO CAPTURE THE DETAILS OF THE NEWBORN
To capture well the details of the newborn, those that are unique to each baby, the little skin of the first days, their eyelashes, a mole, the fingernails, the wrinkled mouth, etc., you need a lens with a focal length between 85-105mm. Don't you find this image fascinating? Freezing time like this is an immense power.
Newborn detail photography by Marta Schmidt
Let's see the best price-quality lenses that you can find to capture the details of the newborn:
CANYON
Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM - Lens for Canon (Fixed Focal Length 85mm, Apertu... *- Electronics
Of
Price: €467.29
(As of: February 6, 2023 11:53 - Details )
You save: €21.71 (4%)
6 new from €467.29 0 Second-hand
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Tamron SP AF 90mm F/2.8 Di Macro 1:1 - Lens for Canon (Fixed Focal Length... *- Electronics
Of
Price: N/A
(As of: February 6, 2023 11:53 - Details )
0 new 1 Second-hand from €439.99
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FUJIFILM
VILTROX PFU RBMH AF 85mm F1.8 II Auto Focus Prime Objective Lens for Camera... *- Camera
Of
Price: €458.00
(As of: February 6, 2023 11:53 - Details )
1 new from €458.00 0 Second-hand
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Fujifilm Fujinon Lens XF 90mm F2 R LM WR Camera Lens Black *- Electronics
Of
Price: €957.48
(As of: February 6, 2023 11:53 - Details )
You save: €141.52 (13%)
5 new from €957.48 0 Second-hand
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NIKONS
Nikon AF-S 85mm F1.8 G - Lens for Nikon (fixed focal length 85mm, aperture... *- Electronics
By NIKON (Designer)
Price: €529.89
(As of: February 6, 2023 11:53 - Details )
You save: €19.11 (3%)
4 new from €455.56 4 second-hand from €373.99
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Nikon AF-S VR Micro-Nikkor 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED - Mount Lens for Nikon ... *- Camera
Of
Price: N/A
(As of: February 6, 2023 11:53 - Details )
0 new 1 Second-hand from €799.99
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Samyang F1111203102 - DSLR Photographic Lens for Nikon F Ae (Focal Length... *- Electronics
Of
Price: €374.94
(As of: February 6, 2023 11:53 - Details )
You save: €14.06 (4%)
9 new from €350.00 0 Second-hand
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OLYMPUS
Olympus Zuiko Digital - Four Thirds Objective (Focal Length 70-300 mm,... *- Electronics
Of
Price: N/A
(As of: February 6, 2023 11:53 - Details )
1 new from € 719.00 1 second-hand from €340.99
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Olympus M.Zuiko - EZ Digital Lens - M7530 75 - 300 mm 1:4.8 - 6.7 II, suitable for... *- Electronics
Of
Price: €453.82
(As of: February 6, 2023 11:53 - Details )
You save: €95.18 (17%)
2 new from €453.82 2 second-hand from €422.92
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SONY
E-Mount
Sony SEL85F18 - Telephoto (E-mount prime telephoto lens with F1.8 aperture ... *- Accessory
Of
Price: €539.00
(As of: February 6, 2023 11:53 - Details )
You save: €111.00 (17%)
9 new from €539.00 10 second-hand from €449.29
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A-Mount
Sony SAL85F28 - Lens for Sony (Fixed Focal Length 85mm, Aperture f/2.8-22... *- Camera
Of
Price: N/A
(As of: February 6, 2023 11:53 - Details )
0 new 0 second hand
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And what if you don't have any of these goals? If you want to dedicate yourself to professional photography, invest. You have no other. Start with the 50mm, if you don't get to f/1.4, get an f/1.8 or search the second hand market.
Now, if you only want to capture memories and snapshots for the family album, do not complicate yourself, squeeze the objective you have and focus on other aspects beyond the objective to portray your baby in his first months of life . If you can make the disbursement, what has been said, the king of objectives or the one that interests you the most of those recommended. But if this is not the case, do not let the monetary issue prevent you from capturing those snapshots that in a few years will give you a pinch in the heart and steal a smile.
To finish, I would like to add something, if you feel that your brain is going to explode with so many acronyms, what if USM, what if EF, or what if Type E, etc., before banging your head, read this article where I explain what stand for the acronyms and numbers of the objectives . And to find out if the lens is compatible with your camera you can use our free tool, for the moment, available for Nikon and Canon and brand lenses.
Maybe you have any suggestions or questions, we will be happy to hear from you in the comments below. Thank you for reading, for sharing the article, and for enjoying photography as much as this enthusiastic team.
