# @adorama on YouTube

- **Type:** Video
- **Original URL:** https://youtube.com/watch?v=m50AqzWxeQE
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/67694628-adorama-youtube
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/postThumbnails/4744e0791c.jpg
- **Posted:** 2026-06-04T14:00:22.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** Adorama (@adorama) — https://gondola.cc/adorama

## Caption

The days of the truly cheap, plastic “fast” prime lenses maybe fading but they’ve certainly not gone and the 50mm f/1.8 prime lens still holds a place in many photographers hearts.

But buying just because a lens is cheap doesn’t make it bad and, as photographer Gavin Hoey demonstrates in this tutorial, if you plan for the limitations of a low cost lens you can maximise its positives. 

In this case Gavin works exclusively with a wide open (f1/.8) aperture on a classic used Canon 50mm. His goal is to make the most of its potential to create portraits with an obvious shallow depth of field (or DOF for short) and to help you do the same Gavin shares a bunch of simple hints and tips.

One the main technique is mastered, Gavin shares a quick two light portrait set-up that maximises the background blur and plays to the strengths of a budget fast prime lens.

Timestamps and Chapters 
0:00 Intro 
0:34 Control the ambient light
1:34 Why patterned backdrops work
2:58 Distance affects backgrounds  
3:26 Testing camera to subject distance 
4:41 Posing tips for shallow DOF portraits
5:22 Focusing with budget lenses
6:01 Setting the key light
7:35 Adding a shoulder light
8:50 Budget prime lens portrait session
9:44 Conclusions and Subscribe

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➥ https://www.youtube.com/user/adoramaTV 

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✘ GEAR USED:

Used Canon EOS 5D Mark IV Digital SLR 
https://www.adorama.com/used-canon-eos-5d-mark-iv-digital-slr-camera-body/p/imcca5dm4

Used Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II
https://www.adorama.com/used-canon-ef-50mm-f-18-ii-standard-autofocus-lens/p/eol50182

Flashpoint XPLOR 300 Pro II 
https://www.adorama.com/flashpoint-xplor-300-pro-ii-ttl-r2-outdoor-flash-godox-ad300pro-ii/p/fplfx300piit

Flashpoint eVOLV 200 Pro II 
https://www.adorama.com/flashpoint-evolv-200-pro-ii-r2-ttl-pocket-flash-godox-ad200pro-ii/p/fplfev200pii

Glow S2 Round Flash S-type Bowens Mount Bracket 
https://www.adorama.com/glow-s2-round-flash-bracket-bowens-mount-godox/p/glbdsm02pro

Glow EZ Lock Collapsible White Beauty Dish (42") https://www.adorama.com/glow-ez-lock-collapsible-beauty-dish-42-inch-white-bowens-mount/p/glbdez42w

Flashpoint 10' C Stand 
https://www.adorama.com/flashpoint-10-foot-c-stand-turtle-base-kit-grip-arm-chrome/p/fplsc

Glow EZ Lock 12x36" Quick Stripbox 
https://www.adorama.com/glow-ez-lock-12-x-36-inch-quick-strip-bowens-softbox/p/glsbez1236

Flashpoint R2 XPro II TTL Wireless Flash Trigger 
https://www.adorama.com/flashpoint-r2-xpro-ii-ttl-wireless-flash-trigger-olympus-panasonic/p/fprrxproiio

Tether Tools LeverLock Plate and TetherPro Optima 10G 15' USB-C 
https://www.adorama.com/tether-tools-leverlock-plate-tetherpro-optima-10g-usb-c-cable-15ft/p/ttllpc15g2o

#primelens #portraitphotography #adorama

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Follow Gavin Hoey on https://www.instagram.com/thegavinhoey
Model: Chloe Kerley https://www.instagram.com/chloemkerley

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THANKS SO MUCH FOR WATCHING!

## Stats

- **Views:** 18,961
- **Likes:** 1,231
- **Shares:** 0
- **Comments:** 68

## Tags

portraitphotography, adorama, primelens

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