Taking photographs of anime figures can be a fun and rewarding hobby, but it can also be challenging if you're not sure what kind of lenses to use. In this guide, we'll discuss some key factors to consider when choosing lenses for photographing anime figures, including depth of field, aperture, and focal length. This guide mainly involves shooting with a DSLR or mirrorless style camera, though shooting with your phone camera can also produce fantastic results! Hopefully we can come up with a guide for phone cameras soon.

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Depth of Field

When it comes to depth of field, the most important thing to consider is the distance between the anime figure and the background. If you want to create a sharp, detailed image of the figure, you'll need to use a lens with a shallow depth of field. This means that only a small portion of the image will be in focus, with the rest appearing blurred. To achieve this effect, you'll need to use a lens with a wide aperture, such as f/1.4 or f/1.8 or create a large distance between the figure and the background.

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Aperture

Aperture is another important factor to consider when choosing a lens for photographing anime figures. Aperture refers to the size of the lens opening, which determines how much light is allowed to enter the camera. A wide aperture, such as f/1.4, will allow more light to enter the camera, which can be useful for shooting in low light conditions. A narrow aperture, such as f/16, will allow less light to enter the camera, which can be useful for shooting in bright conditions or when you want to create a larger depth of field and capture every detail in the scene.

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Focal Length

Focal length is the distance between the lens and the film or digital sensor in the camera. Lenses with a short focal length, such as a 35mm or 50mm lens, are called “normal” lenses because they produce images that look similar to what we see with our eyes. Lenses with a longer focal length, such as a 75mm or 100mm lens, are called “telephoto” lenses because they allow you to zoom in on your subject from a distance. Telephoto lenses are particularly useful for photographing anime figures because they allow you to capture detailed, close-up shots without having to get too close to the figure.

Examples

30mm

A 30mm lens is not typically considered the best choice for taking photos of anime figures because it is a wide-angle lens, which can distort the appearance of the figures and make them look smaller or distorted.

However, a 30mm lens could be used in certain scenarios where you want to capture a broader, more panoramic view of the scene. For example, if you're photographing an anime figure in a large, expansive setting, such as a park or cityscape, a 30mm lens could be used to capture the entire scene in a single shot. This can be useful for creating images that convey a sense of scale or context.

50mm

A 50mm lens is a good choice for anime figure photography because it is a “normal” lens, meaning it produces images that look similar to what we see with our eyes. This makes it a versatile lens that can be used in a variety of shooting scenarios.

80mm

An 80mm lens is a good choice for anime figure photography in scenarios where you want to capture detailed, close-up shots from a distance. For example, if you're photographing an anime figure that is on display in a glass case or from a distance, an 80mm lens would allow you to zoom in on the figure and capture detailed shots without having to get too close. This can be useful if you want to avoid reflections or other distractions in the background.

Final Thoughts

Overall, the best lenses for taking photographs of anime figures will depend on the specific conditions of your shoot and the type of image you want to create. If you want to create a sharp, detailed image with a shallow depth of field, a lens with a wide aperture and a short focal length is a good choice. If you want to create a larger depth of field or shoot from a distance, a lens with a narrow aperture and a longer focal length is a better choice. Experiment with different lenses and settings to find the combination that works best for your photography.

Feel free to drop your favourite lenses in the comments! My personal favourite is the fujifilm 90mm f/2.