Bill states the nub of the case very well. I also think it makes a difference
as to the type of portrait you are attempting. Lenses longer than 100mm or so
tend to produce more of the fore-shortening effect, i.e., compression of space
so that shapes are not as well defined with respect to front-to-back depth.
(Note: use of hyphens may not be up to spec, sorry in advance.)
So, many consider a 135's perspect to be just at the edge of "acceptability" in
that regard, but I've always felt, as Bill pointed out, that the result is the
real test. A 50mm is not considered a "portrait lens", but many fine portraits
have been made with "normal" (or shorter) lenses in various formats, as they
encourage the photographer to include more of the environment. Skillfully
done, this can add a lot to a portrait.
Earl
*********** REPLY SEPARATOR ***********
On 11/24/2004 at 10:46 PM NSURIT@xxxxxxx wrote:
>In a message dated 11/24/2004 9:25:33 PM Central Standard Time,
>farali@xxxxxxxxxxxx writes:
>
>I picked one up (F3.5) in a
>bargain bin at a local camera shop in Cleveland....not bad fang for ten
>bucks. Someone mentioned that the lens is not good for portraits. I have
>heard otherwise. Whats the deal on this lens? Is this actually an
>Olympus made lens or 3rd party? Just wondered.
>
>
>
>This is not a third party lens. This focal length is at the upper end of
>what many think of as being a good one for head and shoulder type work.
>I
>prefer something which requires me to get a little closer like something
>in the
>85 to 100mm range, however each person has their favorites. So I'd say
>whatever works best for you, is the best lens. The f3.5 is much smaller
>and much
>lighter than its big brother the f2.8. The question which comes up for
>me is,
>"How do you like the results you are able to produce with this lens?"
>That
>is probably the only question that has any relevance. Many people prefer
>the
>lens you own. You got a very good deal on the lens. Doris would be
>proud
>of you! As for the person who said the lens wasn't good for portraits,
>did
>you see any of their work done with another lens that you would be proud
>to
>call your own? I would bet the answer is "no." So, use it, enjoy it,
>produce
>some images that please you and when you decide you need something else
>(if
>that happens) find a new home for it on the list and find what you are
>looking
>for here. Bill Barber
>
>
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