Choosing The Right Lens For Newborn Photography

Newborn photography is a delicate and intimate process that requires careful preparation and the right equipment. While the photographer's skill is the most important factor in capturing beautiful newborn portraits, having the right lenses can take your photos to the next level.

For newborn photography, you'll typically need a variety of lenses for different purposes. A medium telephoto lens is a must for capturing portraits, while a macro lens is ideal for getting those tiny details like the baby's toes, fingers, or eyelashes. An all-around 50mm prime lens is versatile and works well in low-light conditions, and a wide-angle lens is perfect for family photos or indoor shoots where space is limited.

When choosing lenses for newborn photography, consider these features:

- Aperture: Look for an aperture of f/2.8 or wider to create a dreamy blurred background and versatile shooting options.

- Focal length: Aim for a focal length between 35mm and 85mm, with 50mm being ideal for newborn portraits.

- Prime lenses: Prime lenses deliver crisp, realistic images with impressive details.

- Focusing distance: A shorter focusing distance lets you get closer to the baby for those intimate close-ups.

- Autofocus: Fast and accurate autofocus is essential for capturing sharp images, especially when working with moving subjects like toddlers or pets.

- Silent shooting: Lenses with quieter focusing mechanisms minimise the chance of waking a sleeping baby.

Prime lenses for sharper images

When it comes to newborn photography, there are a few lenses that are considered essential for capturing the perfect shot. One of the most important lenses to have in your arsenal is a prime lens.

Prime lenses are known for their ability to deliver incredibly sharp and crisp images, making them ideal for newborn photography. The reason prime lenses are sharper than zoom lenses lies in their design. Prime lenses have a fixed focal length, which means they don't have the moving parts that zoom lenses do. This simplicity in design allows for a more precise alignment of the lens elements, resulting in sharper images.

Additionally, prime lenses often have wider apertures, allowing more light to enter the lens and creating a shallower depth of field. This feature is advantageous when shooting newborns, as it helps to blur the background and keep the baby as the focal point of the image.

One of the most recommended prime lenses for newborn photography is the Sigma Art 35mm 1.4. This lens is loved by photographers for its sharpness, consistency, and lightweight design. The 35mm focal length is perfect for capturing newborn portraits, as it allows you to get close to the baby while still being able to fit everyone in the frame.

Another excellent option is the Canon EF 35mm f/1.4L II USM Lens. This lens is a prime wide-angle lens that will enable you to easily shoot indoors without the need for a zoom. With its wide aperture of f/1.4, you can create beautiful bokeh and capture stunning details of the newborn.

If you're looking for a more affordable option, the Canon RF35mm F1.8 is Macro STM Lens is a great choice. It offers the benefits of a prime lens at a budget-friendly price. With this lens, you can capture sharp images and stunning macro details of the baby's tiny features.

For an even more affordable option, the Canon RF50mm F1.8 STM, also known as the "nifty fifty," is a fantastic choice for beginner photographers. This lens delivers sharp images and is perfect for full-frame cameras.

When choosing a prime lens for newborn photography, consider factors such as aperture, focal length, focusing distance, and autofocus capabilities. By selecting a lens with a wide aperture and a focal length between 35mm and 50mm, you'll be able to capture stunning portraits with a beautiful bokeh background. Additionally, look for lenses with a short focusing distance, which will allow you to get up close and personal with your tiny subjects.

Macro lenses for close-up detail shots

Capturing the tinier details of a newborn, such as their toes, fingers, eyelashes, and wispy hair, requires a macro lens. This type of lens allows you to focus much closer than regular lenses, making it ideal for very small subjects.

A macro lens will give you the sharpness and detail that you can't capture with other lenses. It is a must-have for newborn photography, allowing you to highlight the tiny, cute, sweet details of your subject.

When using a macro lens for newborn photography, it is important to have a steady hand and precise focus. Manual focus is often preferred for its precision, but autofocus can be used with patience as the lens may take time to find its focus.

Some recommended macro lenses for newborn photography include the Canon RF 100mm F2.8 L Macro, Canon RF 85mm F2 Macro, and the Sigma 105mm. These lenses offer varying focal lengths and apertures, but all provide the ability to capture stunning close-up detail shots of newborns.

In addition to a macro lens, it is recommended to have a "go-to" lens for standard portraits and a wide-angle lens for family photos or when working in small spaces.

Wide-angle lenses for shooting in small spaces

A wide-angle lens is a must-have for newborn photography, especially if you're shooting in small spaces. Here are some tips and recommendations for choosing and using a wide-angle lens for newborn photography in tight quarters:

Why You Need a Wide-Angle Lens

When it comes to newborn photography, a wide-angle lens is essential, especially when working in small spaces. It allows you to capture family photos, include picturesque backgrounds, and work in confined areas without having to back up too far to fit everything in the frame. With a wide-angle lens, you can easily photograph parents and their newborn baby, even in a small studio or indoor setting.

Choosing the Right Wide-Angle Lens

When selecting a wide-angle lens for newborn photography, consider the following:

• Focal Length: Look for a lens with a focal length of 35mm or wider. This will allow you to capture the baby and their surroundings without having to stand too far away. The Canon EF 35mm f/1.4L II USM Lens, for example, is a popular choice for Canon users.
• Aperture: Aim for an aperture of f/2.8 or wider. This will enable you to create a beautiful, blurry background (bokeh) and make your subject stand out.
• Prime Lens: Prime lenses are known for delivering crisp, realistic images with impressive details. They are ideal for newborn photography as they provide the best image quality.
• Autofocus: Choose a lens with highly-reviewed autofocus features. This will ensure that you can quickly and easily focus on your subject, which is crucial when working with newborns.

Using Your Wide-Angle Lens in Small Spaces

When using your wide-angle lens in small spaces, keep the following in mind:

• Distortion: Be careful not to stand too close to your subjects when using a wide-angle lens, as it can cause distortion. It's best to maintain a bit of distance, especially when photographing family members along with the newborn.
• Lighting: Some wide-angle lenses perform better in low-light conditions, which can be useful when shooting indoors or in small spaces with limited lighting.
• Versatility: A wide-angle lens can be used for more than just newborn photography. It's a versatile tool that can capture stunning indoor photos and even astrophotography.

Recommended Wide-Angle Lenses

• Canon EF 35mm f/1.4L II USM Lens: This prime lens offers a sharp, consistent, and lightweight option for Canon users. It's perfect for staying within arm's reach of the baby while shooting.
• Sigma Art 35mm 1.4: This Sigma lens is another excellent choice, known for its sharpness, consistency, and lightweight design. It's ideal for staying close to the baby while capturing stunning images.
• Canon RF35mm F1.8 Macro STM Lens: If you're on a budget, this Canon lens offers a more affordable option without compromising quality. It works with Canon mirrorless R cameras without the need for an adapter.

Telephoto lenses for zooming in and out

Telephoto lenses are a must-have for newborn photography, allowing you to capture medium-range shots and zoom in on the finer details of your tiny subjects. Here's a detailed guide to help you choose the right telephoto lens for your newborn photography needs:

Versatility of Telephoto Lenses:

Telephoto lenses offer a versatile range, typically covering medium telephoto to short telephoto focal lengths. This range is ideal for capturing portraits of the newborn as well as including family members in the frame. The ability to zoom in and out gives you compositional flexibility without having to switch lenses constantly.

Focal Length Considerations:

When choosing a telephoto lens for newborn photography, look for lenses that offer a focal length range starting from around 50mm to 85mm, which is ideal for portrait photography. Lenses with a focal length range up to 200mm or more can provide a nice zoom capability to capture intimate details like tiny fingers and toes without disturbing the baby.

Aperture for Creative Control:

An aperture of f/2.8 or wider is ideal for newborn photography as it allows you to create a beautiful bokeh background. This helps to isolate the newborn as the main subject, making them stand out. A wider aperture also enables you to blur out busy or distracting backgrounds, which is especially useful when shooting in various locations.

Image Stabilization for Sharp Images:

Look for telephoto lenses with built-in image stabilization, often offering 4 to 5 stops of compensation. This feature is crucial for handheld shooting, allowing you to capture sharp images even in low-light conditions without the need for a tripod. Image stabilization also helps when photographing wiggly newborns, ensuring your images remain crisp and clear.

Autofocus for Fast and Accurate Shooting:

Autofocus is essential for newborn photography, as you want to capture those fleeting moments quickly and accurately. Modern autofocus systems are incredibly advanced, ensuring your camera can find and focus on the subject swiftly. Some lenses also offer eye-detection autofocus, making it easier to keep the newborn in sharp focus.

Weight and Handling:

Consider the weight of the lens, especially if you plan on shooting handheld for extended periods. Lighter lenses are more comfortable to use and reduce the risk of camera shake. Additionally, look for lenses with ergonomic designs and smooth zoom and focus rings for easier handling.

Lens Compatibility:

Ensure that the telephoto lens you choose is compatible with your camera's mount. Lenses from different brands may not fit your camera, so check if the lens is designed for your camera's specific mount type (e.g., Canon EF, Nikon F, Sony E-mount).

Examples of Telephoto Lenses for Newborn Photography:

• Canon RF 24-70mm 2.0: This lens offers a versatile focal length range and a bright aperture, making it ideal for both indoor and outdoor newborn photography.
• Nikon NIKKOR Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S: A macro lens with a 105mm focal length, perfect for capturing intimate details with stunning sharpness and low-light performance.
• Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM: A versatile full-frame lens with impressive image resolution, fast and quiet autofocus, and a wide aperture for stunning bokeh.
• Sigma 70mm f/2.8 EX DG Macro: A short telephoto macro lens with exceptional sharpness and a shallow depth of field, perfect for intimate newborn portraits.

50mm prime lenses for versatility

50mm prime lenses are a versatile and cost-effective option for newborn photographers. They are typically lightweight and compact, making them ideal for travelling between shoots. Their wide aperture allows for faster performance than zoom lenses, which is essential for opportunistic newborn photography.

The 50mm focal length offers a highly versatile range of focal lengths, delivering realistic-looking images with a natural-looking background blur. This makes it a good choice for both indoor and outdoor newborn photography, as well as for capturing the details of the baby's features.

The Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM lens is a good option for newborn photographers, as it has quiet and quick autofocus features, and can capture sharp images in low-light environments. The Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 50mm f/1.4G lens is another excellent choice, as it has attractive bokeh and can capture detailed pictures in low-light environments.

The 50mm prime lens is a classic choice for photographers and is a versatile addition to your kit. It is a useful portrait length on APS-C sensors and is similar to the field of view of the human eye on a full frame. The 50mm prime lens is a good choice for capturing scenes while travelling, freezing action in low light, and for nature and wildlife photography.

Frequently asked questions