Introduction

When it comes to portrait photography, choosing the right lens is crucial to achieving beautiful, professional-quality images. Among the most popular options for photographers specializing in portrait, family, and senior photography are the 50mm and 85mm lenses. Both offer stunning image quality and are widely used by professionals, but they each have unique characteristics that make them suitable for different styles and settings.

If you’re in the market for a new portrait lens and are unsure whether the 50mm or 85mm is the better choice, this guide will break down the key differences, advantages, and best use cases for each lens. Let’s dive in!

The 50mm Lens: Versatility at Its Best

The 50mm lens, often referred to as the “nifty fifty,” is one of the most versatile and commonly recommended lenses, especially for beginner photographers. Here’s why:

1. Natural Perspective

The 50mm focal length closely mimics the human eye’s field of view, making it an excellent choice for capturing natural-looking portraits. Unlike wider lenses, it avoids distortion while still allowing for a comfortable working distance between you and your subject.

2. Great for Different Types of Photography

Beyond portrait photography, a 50mm lens can be used for street photography, event photography, and even landscapes. Its versatility makes it a great all-in-one lens for photographers who want to shoot a variety of subjects without switching lenses frequently.

3. Excellent in Low Light

Most 50mm prime lenses come with a wide aperture, such as f/1.8 or even f/1.2, which allows for incredible performance in low-light situations. If you frequently shoot indoors or during golden hour, this lens will help you achieve sharp images with beautiful background blur (bokeh).

4. Lightweight and Affordable

Compared to an 85mm lens, the 50mm is smaller, lighter, and generally more budget-friendly. If you’re just starting out or looking for an everyday lens that won’t weigh down your camera bag, the 50mm is a fantastic choice.

Best Uses for a 50mm Lens

• Portrait photography in tight spaces
• Full-body and half-body portraits
• Indoor photography with natural light
• Travel and street photography
• General photography needs

The 85mm Lens: The Ultimate Portrait Lens

If you’re looking for a dedicated portrait lens, the 85mm lens is a favorite among professional portrait and family photographers. Here’s why:

1. Beautiful Background Compression

The longer focal length of an 85mm lens compresses the background, making your subject stand out while creating a creamy, dreamy bokeh. This effect adds depth and a professional feel to your portraits, making it a top choice for wedding, senior, and family photography.

2. Flattering Perspective for Portraits

One of the biggest advantages of an 85mm lens is its ability to flatten facial features, reducing distortion that can sometimes be present in wider focal lengths. This results in more natural and flattering portraits.

3. Ideal for Outdoor Photography

The 85mm lens requires a bit more working distance than a 50mm, making it perfect for outdoor shoots where you have ample space. If you often photograph in parks, open fields, or scenic locations, this lens will help you create stunning portraits with soft, blurred backgrounds.

4. Great for Headshots and Close-Up Portraits

The 85mm lens excels at headshots and tight portraits, capturing fine details while maintaining a natural look. If you specialize in professional headshots or senior portraits, this lens is an excellent investment.

Best Uses for an 85mm Lens

• Professional portrait and headshot photography
• Senior and family photography
• Outdoor and natural light photography
• Wedding and event photography
• Creating stunning bokeh backgrounds

50mm vs. 85mm: Key Differences

• Focal Length: The 50mm lens offers a more natural perspective, while the 85mm lens provides more background compression and subject isolation.
• Versatility: The 50mm lens is more adaptable for different types of photography, whereas the 85mm is specialized for portraits.
• Working Distance: A 50mm lens allows for a closer working distance, making it ideal for tight spaces. An 85mm lens requires more space between the photographer and subject.
• Bokeh Quality: The 85mm lens produces creamier, more professional-looking bokeh, while the 50mm still offers a pleasing background blur.
• Flattering Perspective: The 85mm lens naturally compresses facial features for a more flattering look, while the 50mm provides a balanced, natural appearance.
• Best For: The 50mm is excellent for casual portraits, travel, and indoor photography. The 85mm is best suited for dedicated portrait sessions, outdoor shoots, and professional work.
• Weight & Size: The 50mm is smaller and lighter, making it easier to carry. The 85mm is bulkier and heavier.
• Price: The 50mm is typically more affordable, making it a great choice for beginners. The 85mm, while more expensive, is a professional-grade lens.

Which Lens Should You Buy?

Choosing between the 50mm and 85mm lens comes down to your photography style, budget, and shooting environment. Here are a few key factors to consider:

• If you’re a beginner or need a versatile lens, go for the 50mm. It’s lightweight, budget-friendly, and works well in various situations.
• If you’re a portrait photographer looking for creamy bokeh and professional-quality images, the 85mm is the better choice.
• If you shoot a lot indoors or in tight spaces, the 50mm is more practical. The 85mm requires more distance to frame your subject properly.
• If you mainly shoot outdoors and have room to step back, the 85mm will give you stunning, magazine-quality portraits.
• Budget-wise, the 50mm is a fantastic option for those looking to get great image quality without spending too much. The 85mm, while pricier, is an investment in premium portrait photography.

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We truly wish you the very best in your photography journey! You will rock it. Learning what gear is important to have will bring you one step closer to where you want to be! We promise. Best of luck!

Emily & Erin (E-Squared)