Any lens a photographer uses to capture individuals in a closeup with proper composition is referred to as a portrait lens. These lenses have found vast use in the world of photography, where people take portraits of their loved ones at happy events or weddings and even at parties. The most common of them are 35mm lens, 50mm lens, and 85mm lens. There are other focal lengths too, but they are not used for human portraits often.
Similar Articles you may like to read –
Why you need a 50mm Lens for Portrait Photography
Is 24mm too wide for portraits?
85mm Composition Tips for Portrait Photography
50mm vs 85mm for portraits
Although wide-angle and telephoto portraits are both possible, experts agree that the best and most attractive lenses are 35mm and 50mm. We will discuss all of these lenses in this guide to help you determine the differences between 35mm, 50mm, and 85mm focal lengths. A comparison will be given to help you figure out how these lenses have different values and how they are used for taking portraits.
Comparison of 35mm Vs 50mm Vs 85mm For Portraits
A 35 mm lens has a short focal length and less zoom than the other two. It is mostly referred to as a wide-angle lens. A 50-mm lens is an ideal lens for most portrait photographers as it is the middle-range lens to meet all possibilities. The fact that an 85-mm lens has a long focal length and a constrained field of view makes it a telephoto lens. This makes it perfect for taking close-up photos of nature and animals as well as portraits.
Camera Lens | Focal Length | Min Aperture | Max Aperture |
35mm | 35mm | f/22 | f/2 |
50mm | 50mm | f/22 | f/1.8 |
85mm | 85mm | f/22 | f/1.8 |
Using A 35mm Lens
This prime lens is also called a wide lens. 35mm lens works best for taking portraits when there is a nice background and surroundings. You may snap fascinating portraits with this lens because of its wide field of view without needing to position yourself too far away from your subject. It will be ideal for outdoor photo shoots in a beautiful setting. Thanks to the wider focal length, you can fit more in the image without moving away from the subject.
In the above graph, the LW/PH refers to Line Widths Per Picture Height. It is a measure of resolution that is only as good as the highest resolution of the camera’s image sensor. It differs from sharpness, which is a mix of resolution and contrast. The taller the column of LW/PH, the better the lens performance.
Using A 50mm Lens
One of the most suggested lenses for new photographers is the 50mm lens. This is a great option to consider if you want a lens that captures the exact photos you can see at eye level. This type of lens fits all situations, which means that you get the most flexibility for shooting in different places with greater adaptability. It would be a smart choice for both indoor and outdoor portrait shooting.
It is also simpler to carry a 50mm lens as it is not too big and heavy like telephoto lenses. Not only this, you have other endless possibilities with this lens. Close-up photography is an option with this product, but the photographer must take extra care to prevent distortion. When you want to completely fill the frame with your subject or take close-up photos in confined settings, this can be helpful.
Portrait photography aims at capturing the personality, character, and emotions. It can either be candid or artistic. Portrait photography requires more than just the ability to understand your camera settings, lighting, and composition.
You must also possess the ability to connect with your subjects and capture their unique qualities. So, it is a difficult but rewarding genre of photography.
Click Below to read a comprehensive guide to learning and mastering the art of portrait photography.
Using An 85mm Lens
The 85mm is an excellent lens for capturing fine details. You will have the flexibility to shoot in various places thanks to the lens’s suitability for both outdoor and studio portraits. If your model is wearing tiny, intricate jewelry or is dressed in intricate clothing, this lens will help you get all the details in a photo. The lens eliminates distortion of your subject’s face and torso while enabling you to photograph close-up details.
Additionally, using an 85mm lens wide open with apertures like f1.4 or f1.8 will offer you the greatest depth of field and make your subject stand out against the background. You will have crisp details, subject isolation, and increased bokeh, among other advantages with such a lens. Close-up detailed photos are popular among photographers not only of people but also because of such lenses.
Compared to a 35mm or 50mm lens, an 85mm lens will offer you a considerably more compressed look. This might make your subject’s features appear closer together, which is quite flattering for photographs. More than that, you will get that stunning bokeh effect.
More articles you may like to read –
How To Improve Your Natural Light Portrait Photography
how to use Natural Backlight in Portrait Photography
Best time of the day for outdoor portraits
Best Camera Settings for Outdoor Portrait Photography?
What Lens Should I Use? 35mm, 50mm, and 85mm
There are numerous lenses available from various brands in this focal length. But for new photographers, we advise taking a look at these points before making a decision.
The 35 mm f/2 is undoubtedly a fantastic lens and one that is well invested in at some point, but we don’t believe it should be chosen as your first prime lens until the 50 mm or the 85 mm. Also can be utilized for more close-up work with a more fish-eye look, and it shoots stunning broad images.
The 50mm lens medium-angle focal length makes it an excellent generalist lens because it can take both portraiture and photojournalistic pictures. The 50 mm f/1.8 is one of the most common selections for new photographers to make when buying their first lens. It’s one of the least expensive autofocus lenses that the main camera manufacturers produce. This is, without a doubt the prime lens for you if you intend to capture portraits, events, nature, landscapes, or a little bit of everything.
The 85 mm f/1.8 is another prime lens that you can use to get started in taking portraits. For most sorts of photography including portraiture, its larger “telephoto” (zoomed-in) focal length makes it very usable. It compresses and separates the background in a way that will definitely distinguish your portraiture. You might wish to spend your money on this equipment if you aren’t expecting to photograph anything other than portraits.