What is the difference between 50mm and 85mm

Get more details on a comparison between these lenses in the video below by Julia Trotti:. Fortunately, there are many places where you can find high-quality used lenses so you can stretch your buck a bit further and get more kit for your dollar. I've used Lensfinder multiple times for that very purpose and to sell old lenses as well , and it's been a breeze each time. Lensfinder has buyer protections built right in as well as a rating system for sellers, that way you know who you're dealing with.

The point is that there are great deals to be had on all kinds of lenses, so if you aren't sure which of these fine options is for you, consider buying used so you can afford both! Enroll in our Portrait Photography Mastery Course and join the photographers who have fast tracked their learning by mastering the art of taking awe-worthy portrait shots in just a matter of days.

ON Demand. Which is Best for Portraits: 50mm or 85mm? The main thing here is that you can be further away from a subject and get a thinner depth of field here. The cinematic look is done using a 65mm focal length. So if you truly want a cinematic look, go for a 50mm. If you want a more classic portrait shoot look, reach for an 85mm lens instead. He also likes pizza.

What Is Good Light? How to do Accent Lighting for Portraits. Review of the Westcott Eyelighter for Headshots and Portraits. Shooting with Available Light — Lifestyle Portraiture. Portraits on an Overcast Day? Use a Reflector. Tips for Using Flash for Beach Portraits. Tips for Portrait Photography in Overcast Weather [video]. Tips for Posing Large Families and Groups. How to Pose People for Headshots. Tips for Posing People in Outdoor Portraits. Your Posing Guide for Maternity Sessions.

Handiwork: How to Pose Hands. Your Guide to Posing Bands in Photography. Posing Tips — Waistlines, Thighs and Bustlines. Poser: Achieve Perfect Portrait Expression. Capturing Better Portraits Between Poses. Tips for Posing Men. Is Portrait Formatting always best for Portraits? Portrait Tip: Don't Fill the Frame. Comparing a 50mm Versus 85mm Lens for Photographing People 1. Focal length reach 2. Depth of field 3. Background compression 4. Space constraints 50mm vs 85mm: final words.

Comparing a 24mm Versus 50mm Lens for Photographing People. When used vertically for a headshot, as seen above, the photographer has to stand very close to the subject. If using an even wider lens than the 35mm, such as a 24mm or 18mm, those effects are exaggerated even more. This is simply not the most flattering way to capture a subject. I have found that the 85mm lens , also known as the classic portrait lens, to be my go-to lens for headshots.

The lens is designed to preserve and flatter the proportions of the human face. Jaw lines are shortened, the nose is not lengthened, and hair looks more full.

Instead, the 85mm lens produces a much more professional, and proportionally correct image. Note that in the side by side comparison above, the sidewalk is visible in the 35mm image but absent in the 85mm image, thus there are less distractions in the 85mm photo as it draws the eye to the subject instead of the context.

The subject seems to pop out of the photo and appear more three dimensional.