topic Re: EOS 5D Mark III lens recos for outdoor pics of families and seniors in Gear Guide

EOS 5D Mark III lens recos for outdoor pics of families and seniors

SCphotography — Tue, 12 Aug 2025 12:21:57 GMT

I just upgraded to a Canon 5D Mark III. I’m focusing on families and seniors. We will mostly be shooting outdoors. What lens do you recommend that would pair well with a Canon 5D Mark III?!?

Re: What lens do you recommend that would pair well with a Canon 5D Mark III?!?

fogeken450 — Mon, 11 Aug 2025 05:50:13 GMT

Hello,

I like Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 Affordable, perfect for creamy headshots.

Re: What lens do you recommend that would pair well with a Canon 5D Mark III?!?

ebiggs1 — Mon, 11 Aug 2025 16:27:27 GMT

There is only one best lens and it is a fantastic lens. The Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM Lens. Over the years I have had all three of the models Canon made and they were all outstanding and are the industry standard for a GP lens. I even had/have, still have, the EF 28-70mm f/2.8L USM which is a great lens, too.

I will imagine others will suggest other models but the Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM Lens is the best lens you can buy, period.

Re: What lens do you recommend that would pair well with a Canon 5D Mark III?!?

normadel — Tue, 12 Aug 2025 03:25:33 GMT

Well, ebiggs loves his 24-70.

There is no one "best" lens. That's why there are so many EF lenses of all sorts of focal lengths, zoom ranges, focusing systems, maximum apertures, and other features. No one can tell you what the one "best lens" is for you.

Families , seniors, and outdoors can be photographed with any lens. What did you upgrade from? Sounds like to should learn about lens traits in general, starting with how focal length affects the field of view. A good lens for landscape photography is different than a good lens for portraits, closeup work, action, on and on. There's a lot to learn, especially if you want to take advantage of your camera's capabilities.

Re: What lens do you recommend that would pair well with a Canon 5D Mark III?!?

shadowsports — Tue, 12 Aug 2025 07:19:06 GMT

Lens for portraits you'll want to look at

EF 24-70 f2.8

EF 28-70 f2.0

EF 85 (comes in f1.2 or f1.4)

EF 135 f2

EF 70-200 f2.8

Like Ernie said, the 24-70 is a pretty safe bet. It works very well for individuals and family. For headshots an 85 can offer more desirable perspective. The 135 is great for families. The 70-200 is somewhat a "cheater" as it can also be used in a wider variety of non-portrait shooting scenarios.

In the end, however, there's nothing like the 24-70. ❤️

Re: What lens do you recommend that would pair well with a Canon 5D Mark III?!?

ebiggs1 — Tue, 12 Aug 2025 20:42:36 GMT

Great shot Rick!😊

Re: EOS 5D Mark III lens recos for outdoor pics of families and seniors

ebiggs1 — Tue, 12 Aug 2025 20:45:22 GMT

"There is no one "best" lens. "

Ah, but there is if the question is, "What lens do you recommend ...." And that lens is the Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM Lens.

Re: EOS 5D Mark III lens recos for outdoor pics of families and seniors

ebiggs1 — Tue, 12 Aug 2025 20:49:54 GMT

"I like Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 Affordable, perfect for creamy headshots."

You may like it and I like my ef 85mm f1.2L a lot, but absolutely not if it is the only lens you have and that was the question. I never recommend anyone buy a priem as their only lens. Never.

While on this reply the 135mm would be even worse of a choice unless it is an addition to a stable of lenses as a 85mil should be..