When it comes to photography, the choice of lens can significantly impact the quality and aesthetic of your images. Two popular focal lengths among photographers are 85mm and 50mm, each offering unique characteristics that cater to different shooting styles and preferences. In this article, we will delve into the world of 85mm and 50mm lenses, exploring their strengths, weaknesses, and ideal applications to help you decide which one is better suited for your photography needs.
Introduction to 85mm and 50mm Lenses
Both 85mm and 50mm lenses are considered prime lenses, meaning they have a fixed focal length that does not zoom. This design allows for larger apertures, resulting in a shallower depth of field and a more pronounced bokeh effect, which is the aesthetic quality of the blur produced in the out-of-focus parts of an image. Prime lenses are often preferred by professional photographers due to their optical superiority and ability to produce high-quality images with distinct characteristics.
Characteristics of 85mm Lenses
85mm lenses are often referred to as portrait lenses due to their flattering perspective and ability to capture subjects with minimal distortion. The compressed perspective of an 85mm lens means that it can make objects appear closer together than they actually are, which is particularly useful for portraits as it can create a more intimate and natural look. Additionally, the shallow depth of field achievable with an 85mm lens, especially when paired with a wide aperture, can beautifully separate the subject from the background, drawing the viewer’s attention directly to the subject.
Characteristics of 50mm Lenses
50mm lenses, on the other hand, are known for their versatility and are often considered a standard or normal lens. They provide a field of view that is closest to the human eye, making them ideal for a wide range of photography genres, including street, documentary, and everyday life photography. The natural perspective of a 50mm lens means that it captures scenes with minimal distortion, providing a realistic representation of the world. Furthermore, 50mm lenses are generally more compact and lightweight compared to 85mm lenses, making them easier to carry around, especially for photographers who prefer a more discreet approach.
Comparing 85mm and 50mm Lenses
When comparing 85mm and 50mm lenses, several factors come into play, including the type of photography you intend to do, the desired aesthetic, and personal preference.
Portrait Photography
For portrait photography, an 85mm lens is often the preferred choice due to its flattering perspective and ability to create a beautiful bokeh. The compressed perspective of an 85mm lens can slim down facial features, making it particularly flattering for close-up portraits. Additionally, the wider aperture available on many 85mm lenses allows for a shallower depth of field, which can help isolate the subject from the background.
Street and Documentary Photography
For street and documentary photography, a 50mm lens is often preferred due to its wide aperture and natural perspective. The ability of a 50mm lens to capture scenes with minimal distortion and its relatively small size make it ideal for photographers who need to blend into their surroundings. Moreover, the wider field of view of a 50mm lens compared to an 85mm lens allows photographers to capture more of the scene, which can be beneficial for telling stories through photography.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the choice between an 85mm and a 50mm lens depends on your specific photography needs and preferences. If you specialize in portrait photography and value the flattering perspective and beautiful bokeh that an 85mm lens can provide, then it might be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you are more into street, documentary, or everyday life photography and prefer a lens that offers a natural perspective and versatility, a 50mm lens could be more suitable.
Final Considerations
Before making a decision, consider the following points:
– Photography Genre: Different genres of photography may require different focal lengths. Understanding your primary genre can help narrow down your choice.
– Personal Preference: The feel and handling of a lens can significantly impact your photography experience. If possible, try out both 85mm and 50mm lenses before making a purchase.
– Camera Body: The compatibility of the lens with your camera body is crucial. Ensure that the lens you choose is compatible with your camera’s mount and can fully utilize its features.
By carefully considering these factors and understanding the unique characteristics of 85mm and 50mm lenses, you can make an informed decision that enhances your photography experience and helps you achieve the desired outcomes in your images. Whether you choose an 85mm lens for its portrait perfection or a 50mm lens for its versatility, the right lens can elevate your photography to new heights.
What are the primary differences between 85mm and 50mm lenses?
The primary differences between 85mm and 50mm lenses lie in their focal lengths, which significantly impact the perspective, compression, and overall aesthetic of the captured images. An 85mm lens is considered a short telephoto lens, ideal for portrait photography, as it provides a flattering perspective and compression that helps to isolate the subject from the background. On the other hand, a 50mm lens is a standard prime lens that offers a more natural perspective, similar to the human eye, making it suitable for a wide range of photography applications, including street, documentary, and everyday photography.
In terms of optical characteristics, 85mm lenses tend to have a narrower angle of view and a shallower depth of field compared to 50mm lenses, which makes them more suitable for capturing intimate, close-up portraits with a pleasing bokeh. In contrast, 50mm lenses have a wider angle of view and a deeper depth of field, allowing for more flexibility in composition and a greater sense of context. Understanding these differences is crucial in choosing the right lens for your specific photography needs, as it can significantly impact the quality and style of your images.
Which lens is better suited for portrait photography, 85mm or 50mm?
For portrait photography, an 85mm lens is generally considered a better choice than a 50mm lens. The longer focal length of the 85mm lens provides a more flattering perspective, which helps to reduce facial distortion and create a more natural, pleasing representation of the subject. Additionally, the narrower angle of view and shallower depth of field of the 85mm lens allow for a more pronounced separation of the subject from the background, creating a beautiful bokeh that helps to draw attention to the subject.
The 85mm lens also offers a more comfortable working distance, allowing photographers to capture high-quality portraits without being too intrusive or obtrusive. In contrast, a 50mm lens may require a closer working distance, which can sometimes be distracting or uncomfortable for the subject. While a 50mm lens can still be used for portrait photography, an 85mm lens is generally preferred by professional portrait photographers due to its unique optical characteristics and the high-quality results it can produce.
Can I use a 50mm lens for landscape photography?
Yes, a 50mm lens can be used for landscape photography, although it may not be the most conventional choice. The 50mm lens offers a relatively wide angle of view, which can be beneficial for capturing broad vistas and sweeping landscapes. However, the perspective and compression provided by a 50mm lens may not be as dramatic as those offered by wider-angle lenses, such as 24mm or 35mm lenses, which are more commonly used for landscape photography.
Despite this, a 50mm lens can still be a valuable tool for landscape photography, particularly when used to capture more intimate, detailed scenes, such as patterns in rocks, textures of trees, or abstract compositions. The 50mm lens can also be used to create unique, stylized landscape images that emphasize the relationship between different elements in the scene, rather than trying to capture a broad, expansive view. With careful composition and attention to detail, a 50mm lens can produce high-quality landscape images that are both visually appealing and thought-provoking.
How does the aperture affect the performance of 85mm and 50mm lenses?
The aperture of a lens has a significant impact on its performance, and this is particularly true for 85mm and 50mm lenses. A wide aperture, such as f/1.4 or f/1.8, allows for a shallow depth of field, which can help to isolate the subject from the background and create a pleasing bokeh. This is especially useful for portrait photography, where a wide aperture can help to create a sense of intimacy and separation between the subject and the environment.
In contrast, a narrower aperture, such as f/8 or f/11, provides a deeper depth of field, which can be beneficial for landscape or street photography, where a greater sense of context and sharpness is desired. The aperture also affects the amount of light that enters the lens, with wider apertures allowing more light to enter and narrower apertures reducing the amount of light. Understanding how to use the aperture effectively is crucial in getting the most out of your 85mm or 50mm lens and achieving the desired results in your photography.
Are 85mm and 50mm lenses suitable for low-light photography?
Both 85mm and 50mm lenses can be suitable for low-light photography, although their performance may vary depending on the specific lens and camera combination. In general, lenses with wider apertures, such as f/1.4 or f/1.8, tend to perform better in low-light conditions, as they allow more light to enter the lens. The 85mm lens, with its wider aperture and shallower depth of field, can be particularly effective in low-light portrait photography, where it can help to create a sense of intimacy and separation between the subject and the background.
However, the 50mm lens can also be used for low-light photography, particularly when paired with a camera that has good low-light performance. The 50mm lens may require a slightly higher ISO or longer exposure to achieve the same results as the 85mm lens, but it can still produce high-quality images in low-light conditions. Additionally, the 50mm lens can be used to capture unique, stylized images that emphasize the textures and patterns of the scene, rather than trying to capture a sharp, detailed representation of the subject.
Can I use a 50mm lens for street photography?
Yes, a 50mm lens can be an excellent choice for street photography, as it offers a relatively wide angle of view and a natural perspective that is similar to the human eye. The 50mm lens allows for a deep depth of field, which can help to capture sharp images of scenes with multiple subjects and layers of activity. Additionally, the 50mm lens is often compact and discreet, making it easy to carry and use in crowded urban environments.
The 50mm lens can also be used to create unique, stylized images that emphasize the rhythms and patterns of urban life. By using a wide aperture and a relatively fast shutter speed, photographers can capture sharp images of moving subjects, while blurring the background to create a sense of energy and movement. Alternatively, a narrower aperture and slower shutter speed can be used to create images with a greater sense of depth and context, capturing the intricate details and textures of the urban environment.
How do I choose between an 85mm and 50mm lens for my photography needs?
Choosing between an 85mm and 50mm lens depends on your specific photography needs and preferences. If you specialize in portrait photography, an 85mm lens may be the better choice, as it provides a flattering perspective and compression that helps to isolate the subject from the background. On the other hand, if you prefer to shoot landscapes, street scenes, or everyday photography, a 50mm lens may be more suitable, as it offers a wider angle of view and a deeper depth of field.
Ultimately, the choice between an 85mm and 50mm lens comes down to your personal style and the type of images you want to create. It’s essential to consider your photography goals, the type of subjects you typically shoot, and the optical characteristics of each lens before making a decision. You may also want to consider renting or trying out both lenses to see which one works best for you and your photography needs. By choosing the right lens, you can unlock new creative possibilities and take your photography to the next level.