The Daily Insight
news /

What is the difference between a 50mm lens and a 85mm?

Differences in Depth of Field One of the biggest differences between the 85mm lens and the 50mm lens is the distance that you'll need to stand from your subject. With the 85mm lens, the minimum focusing distance is 2.8 ft, and with the 50mm lens, the minimum focusing distance is 1.15 ft.

.

Likewise, do I need a 50mm and 85mm?

If you want to shoot weddings – this could really fall into that portrait category. But 50mm is a much more versatile lens during a wedding day than an 85mm. For this reason we would probably recommend a 50mm if you are using this kit primarily for weddings.

what is the difference between a 35mm lens and a 50mm lens? As you can see, 35mm captures more of the scene and is suitable for full-length and waist portraits. 50mm will take shoulder-length photos without distortion and with noticeably creamy bokeh. You can also use a 50mm lens to capture more scene, but you need to step back.

Hereof, what is the 85mm lens best for?

Bokeh/Compression with the 85mm Lens The 85mm is WELL known to be great for compression and bokeh. To make it short and sweet, the 85mm tends to make the background appear closer than it is while allowing the subject to really stand out. This allows your eye to go directly to where you want it to!

How far should a 50mm lens be from a subject?

Minimum focus distance is a different matter. For example a 50mm lens may have a minimum distance to the subject of about 14 inches, but you wouldn't want to shoot a portrait shot from that distance.

Related Question Answers

When would you use a 50mm lens?

Why You Need a 50mm Lens: They're Great for Low-Light Shooting. If you really want to expand your photographic capabilities, a 50mm lens will allow you to do so because they're great for taking photos when lighting is low. With maximum apertures of f/2 and larger, 50mm lenses can collect a lot of light.

Should I get a 35mm or 85mm?

In case you were looking for a new lens for portrait photography, consider this. Popular focal lengths include 85mm, but in the past few years 50mm and 35mm lenses have become better and better when it comes to portraiture. They have less distortion and overall just have a more pleasing look about them.

Why is 35mm so popular?

This is because it is one of the most versatile focal lengths that you will come across as an option for your lens. This means that when you shoot at this focal length you are giving your viewers a vantage point similar to if they were on the scene, this is one reason why 35mm is so popular in film and video work.

Why are 35mm lenses so expensive?

The reason the 35mm lens is more expensive is because of the flange to sensor distance on an SLR. The SLR needs a mirror box to fit between the lens mount and the film or sensor. Mirrorless bodies have a big advantage when it comes to wide angle lenses, the lens design can be simpler and smaller.

Can you use a 50mm lens for family portraits?

Canon EF 50mm f/1.2L If you often have to take pictures in low light, then pay attention to this model which is the best Canon lens for family photography and close-up portraits. The lens has a high-speed processor, a newly developed ring-type ultrasonic motor (USM) and improved AF algorithms.

What can you shoot with a 50mm lens?

Here are 8 reasons why you should have the 50mm prime lens in your bag!
  1. A 50mm Prime Lens Will Improve Your Composition.
  2. You Can Shoot in Low Light.
  3. You'll Achieve Beautiful Bokeh.
  4. 50mm Lenses Are Super Sharp at All Stops.
  5. You Can Travel Light.
  6. You Become Less Visible.
  7. The 50mm Prime is the Most Versatile Lens.

Why is a 50mm lens good for portraits?

Wide apertures are key to portrait photography because they throw the background into a pleasing blur that helps draw the viewer's attention to the in-focus subject. On an APS camera, the 50mm is the equivalent of a 75mm, which is an ideal focal length for portraits. Not bad for a small, lightweight lens.

What's the best lens for wedding photography?

The most popular lenses for wedding photography are the 24-70mm and 70-200mm bright zooms. For primes,think of the 85mm, 50mm 35mm, and a macro lens. The best lenses for wedding photography are also bright, sharp and versatile. Find lenses that fit your camera body, shooting style and budget.

Which is better for portraits 50mm or 85mm?

Using an 85mm lens will result in an image that is more closely framed on your subject. On the other hand, shooting with the 50mm lens will result in an image that includes more of the background (though not nearly as much as shooting with the Canon 24mm lens).

Is 85mm good for street photography?

85mm is a great focal range for the type of street photography I do. It's not close enough to really disturb people (which is great unless you're looking for the opposite effect in your street images), but not too far that you're completely removed from the action.

Should I buy a 85mm lens?

Why You Should Use An 85mm Lens! The 85mm focal length is often a go to choice for photographers who have the room to work with it, and who don't want to be super close to their subjects while shooting. So the compression provided by the 85mm focal length, combined with the depth of field of fast F1.

Why are 85mm lenses so expensive?

85mm f/1.4 and f/1.2 lenses are expensive, because of the diameter required. 85mm / 1.2 = 71mm, which is nearly 3 inches wide. The front element probably needs to be a little bit wider than that to prevent vignetting.

Why is 85mm best for portraits?

As I just stated above, an 85mm lens is going to give you a more accurate representation of what's in front of you. This lens will compress the shot so that things that are slightly closer to the camera appear to be on the same plane as things that are slightly further away.

Why you need a 35mm lens?

Like it's cousin the 50mm lens, a 35mm lens is known for having excellent versatility. Use it on a full frame camera to get a standard view of a landscape. Pop one onto your crop sensor camera for a longer effective focal length for portraits. It's even better when you can find a good used 35mm lens for a great price.

What can I shoot with an 85mm lens?

It is a short telephoto focal length and one of the best options when it comes to portrait photography. Many photographers enjoy its versatility; an 85mm lens can shoot street photography, candids, portraits, and landscapes if you're in the right place.

What is the best focal length for street photography?

I prefer anything from 28mm to 50mm for Street Photography. The most used focal length is the 35mm, as it comes close to our normal human vision. 35mm for Street Photography is ideal because it allows us to be in the middle of the action, getting close to people, but without the distortion that 28mm sometimes can have.

Do I need a 35mm and 50mm lens?

A 50mm prime is a reasonable starter lens for portraits, but it's not much use otherwise, as it's restrictive indoors and not really suitable for landscape (unless you have a special scene). Many people consider 35mm to be also a bit restrictive, but the good thing is that the Nikon DX 35mm f/1.8 is quite inexpensive.

Can I use 50mm lens for landscape?

Landscapes usually require very good sharpness, and the 50mm prime lenses excel at that. As with most lenses, its sweet spot isn't wide open, but more in the f/4 to f/5.6 range. Even narrower apertures will still yield excellent results. The 50mm prime allows you to capture very sharp images.

Which prime lenses should I own?

A basic prime lens kit should have at least three lenses: one wide-angle, one standard focal length and one telephoto. For general purpose or portrait photography, I recommend a moderately wide lens, a normal lens and a short telephoto lens, such as a 35mm, 50mm, 85mm combo.