Literally, the definition of a 'Portrait Lens' is a fast lens with focal lengths in the 90-105mm range (equivalent). Are you a 'yay' on at least that?
Neither yay nor nay, neither right nor wrong, regarding that range of focal lengths. Also, “fast” (eg f/1.2 or f/1.4, wide open) is not strictly needed.
Literally? Definition? Now, that's a big definite nay.
I am afraid you are being too rigid with respect to general without-context suggestions. They are not rules or laws.
This image was
not created by me using a fast prime lens with focal length in 90–100mm range (equivalent). Definitely
not f/1.2, f/1.4, f/1.8, f/2, f/2.5, f/2.8…
A “crime” in your book?
In my book, a Portrait lens is one which you use to take a portrait. Traditionally that may be within a particular range, but I have personally seen some spectacular portraits, taken with anything from fisheyes to 500mm FF.
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OK, portraits demand different lenses and techniques depending on the subject, and what you are attempting to achieve. Certain lenses bring qualities to the table that others do not. Even within the same focal lengths the variation between lens attributes can be enormous.
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Knowing the subject and how they are lit, when they are lit, and why they are being portrayed in that manner, then marrying that with your 'vision', will often determine the kind of lens you may wish to use.
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I am fortunate to have some wonderful 'portrait' lenses... 12-40mm, 30mm, 45mm, 56mm, to name a few, but in truth I have lenses ranging from 9mm to 150mm for portraiture, and I wouldn't hesitate to use any of them if the shot demanded it. Along with a set of older manual glass that bring completely different qualities to the table, like the Takumar 35,55,105,150, primes... all beautiful portrait lenses, but with specific characters that add variation to the palette.
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Limiting your creative vision to a 'Traditional FL' may be efficacious on occasion, but it needn't define the totality of all portraiture. That would be crazy!
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That said... New Born shots is what this is about, how to grab some beauties without getting in the way, disturbing the infants sleep, distorting already peculiar features, yet having the flexibility to use it in various lighting scenarios, and distances, getting both environmental portraits and head shots, probably inside due to the nature of keeping babes warm in cooler climates and seasons. All, while not breaking the bank, which might be better used lavishing surprises on the mother in question!
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-Olympus 45mm f1.8 covers all the bases... cheap as chips, spectacularly beautiful, sharp as a razor at f4 across the frame, but gives you good distance to capture both indoor environmental images, and close up. (other 45's in MFT do a similar job)
-Panasonic 30mm f2.8 Macro is also an inexpensive option, great indoor portrait lens, slightly slower, but enables close up images, as close as you like, and as sharp as the Oly 45 across the frame from f2.8-5.6. ( you may want to shoot a close feature)
-Sigma 56mm f1.4, a stunning portrait lens, but if indoors you need larger rooms to take advantage of it, although it offers the added bonus of being semi-candid, and will get you out from under the feet of a feeding mother and child.
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Special time of your life... however you capture it, don't forget to be present. <3
Macro's can be handy!
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Photography is poetry made visible; it is the art of painting with light!
