50mm vs 85mm Lens for Portraits: Which One Should You Get?
Start with the frustration.
Have you ever spent hours researching lenses only to end up more confused than when you started?
We get it.
The 50mm and 85mm are two of the most popular portrait lenses for a reason.
But if you’re only buying ONE lens, which one makes the most sense for your photography?
Let’s keep it simple and break it down step-by-step.
What Is the Difference Between a 50mm and 85mm Lens?๐ฅ
Understanding focal length in simple terms
What focal length means
Why focal length changes how your photos look
Why neither lens is “better”
It’s about how you like to shoot
How a 50mm lens sees the scene
Wider field of view
More environment included
Great all-around lens
How an 85mm lens sees the scene
Narrower field of view
More zoomed-in look
Creates stronger subject separation
50mm vs 85mm Compression Explained
What is lens compression?
- Simple beginner-friendly explanation
- Why compression affects portrait appearance
How the 50mm lens renders facial features
- More natural perspective
- Requires shooting closer
How the 85mm lens renders facial features
- Flattering compression
- Slightly slimmer appearance
- Popular for headshots and senior portraits
Side-by-side comparison examples
- Highlight facial differences
- Include comparison images from the same session
50mm vs 85mm Bokeh and Background Blur
Why photographers love blurry backgrounds
- Subject separation
- Professional look
50mm lens background blur examples
- Strong blur while keeping context
85mm lens background blur examples
- Creamier, more compressed backgrounds
- Dreamy portrait look
Does more bokeh automatically mean better photos?
- Not necessarily
- Depends on style and location
Which Lens Is More Versatile?
Why we reach for a 50mm lens so often
- Families
- Couples
- Lifestyle portraits
- Tight shooting locations
- Sports portraits
When the 85mm shines
- Senior portraits
- Individual portraits
- Headshots
- Outdoor sessions
What happens when you don’t have enough room?
- Why location matters
- Real-world examples
Final Thoughts
You really can’t go wrong.
The best lens is the one you’ll actually use.
A 50mm gives you flexibility.
An 85mm gives you that classic portrait look.
The good news?
Neither choice is a mistake.
You are closer than you think.
Want help understanding natural light? ๐ฅ
Our free Glow & Grow training. Inside, we’ll break down:
- how to find good natural light
- how to avoid bad light
- how to make lighting feel simple
- how to stop second-guessing your settings
๐ Watch the free Glow & Grow training here:
https://esquaredphotography.com/glowandgrow
More places to hang out with us ๐ธ
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You are not behind.
You just need a plan.
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