As a photographer, especially one who is just starting out or looking to expand their kit, understanding the nuances of different lenses is crucial. Two lenses that often come up in conversations about prime lenses are the 50mm and the 85mm. Both are popular choices for portrait photography and offer unique perspectives due to their focal lengths. However, the question remains: if you already have an 85mm lens, do you really need a 50mm lens as well? In this article, we will delve into the characteristics of both lenses, their applications, and the scenarios in which one might be preferred over the other.
Understanding Focal Lengths: 50mm vs. 85mm
To approach this question, it’s essential to understand the basics of focal lengths and how they affect the photographer’s perspective and the final image. The focal length of a lens determines its angle of view and the magnification of the image. A shorter focal length (like 50mm) provides a wider angle of view, while a longer focal length (like 85mm) offers a narrower angle of view and more magnification.
The 50mm Lens
A 50mm lens is often considered a “standard” or “normal” lens because its angle of view closely approximates human vision. It’s versatile and can be used for a variety of photography genres, including portraits, street photography, and even landscape photography. One of the key advantages of a 50mm lens is its wide aperture, often available at a lower cost than other lenses, making it an excellent choice for photographers looking to achieve a shallow depth of field without breaking the bank. The 50mm lens also tends to be smaller and lighter, enhancing its portability.
The 85mm Lens
The 85mm lens, on the other hand, is particularly favored for portrait photography. Its slightly longer focal length provides a flattering perspective for subjects, reducing distortion and making facial features appear more natural. The 85mm lens is also known for its ability to isolate subjects from the background, thanks to its narrower angle of view and the potential for a wide aperture. This makes it an excellent choice for capturing stunning portraits with a pleasing bokeh.
Comparing the 50mm and 85mm Lenses for Portraits
When it comes to portrait photography, both lenses have their own merits. The 85mm lens is often preferred for its compression effect, which can make the subject’s features appear more balanced and reduce the apparent distance between different parts of the scene. However, the 50mm lens offers a more intimate and interactive way of shooting portraits, as it requires the photographer to be closer to the subject, potentially leading to more dynamic and engaging images.
Depth of Field and Background Separation
Both lenses can achieve a shallow depth of field, but the effect might be more pronounced with the 85mm lens due to its longer focal length. The ability to separate the subject from the background is a key aspect of portrait photography, and both lenses can deliver, provided they have a sufficiently wide aperture.
Considerations for Lens Choice
The choice between a 50mm and an 85mm lens for portraits (or any other genre) largely depends on the photographer’s personal preference, the specific shot they’re trying to achieve, and the environment in which they’re shooting. If the goal is to capture more formal, traditional portraits with minimal distortion, the 85mm might be the better choice. For more candid, informal shots where interaction with the subject is key, the 50mm lens could be more suitable.
Other Uses Beyond Portraits
While both lenses are excellent for portraits, their utility extends far beyond this genre. The 50mm lens, with its wider angle of view, is particularly adept at street photography and photojournalism, where the ability to capture a broader scene is advantageous. It’s also a great lens for landscape photography, offering a perspective that can encompass a wide swath of the environment.
The 85mm lens, while excellent for portraits, can also be used for wildlife photography, especially when used on a crop sensor camera, which can extend its effective focal length. Its narrower angle of view and potential for significant background blur make it less commonly used for landscapes or street photography but still valuable in specific contexts.
Final Thoughts on Necessity
Whether or not you need a 50mm lens if you already have an 85mm lens depends on your photographic needs and preferences. If your work primarily involves portrait photography and you’re looking for a lens that offers a unique perspective or more versatility in how you approach your subjects, then having both could be beneficial. However, if you’re looking to minimize your kit or are on a budget, understanding the strengths of each lens can help you make a more informed decision about which one to prioritize.
For photographers who value versatility and are often in situations where they need to adapt quickly, the 50mm lens might be seen as indispensable due to its wider applications across different genres. On the other hand, for those who specialize in portrait photography and are looking for the best tool to capture high-quality, flattering portraits, the 85mm lens is hard to beat.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the decision to add a 50mm lens to your kit when you already have an 85mm lens should be based on your specific needs, the type of photography you do, and your personal style. Both lenses offer unique advantages and can be invaluable in the right situations. By understanding the characteristics, applications, and differences between these two lenses, photographers can make informed decisions that enhance their creativity and productivity. Whether you choose to work with one, the other, or both, the key to exceptional photography lies in mastering your tools and understanding your vision.
What is the primary difference between a 50mm and 85mm lens?
The primary difference between a 50mm and 85mm lens lies in their focal lengths, which significantly affects their fields of view and perspectives. A 50mm lens is considered a standard lens, offering a field of view that closely resembles the human eye, making it ideal for everyday photography, such as street, portrait, and documentary photography. On the other hand, an 85mm lens is a short telephoto lens, offering a narrower field of view and a more compressed perspective, which is often preferred for portrait photography as it provides a flattering perspective and helps to isolate the subject from the background.
The choice between a 50mm and 85mm lens also depends on the desired bokeh, or out-of-focus area, in the image. The 85mm lens, due to its longer focal length, tends to produce a more pronounced bokeh, making it a popular choice for photographers who want to create a clear separation between the subject and the background. In contrast, the 50mm lens produces a less pronounced bokeh, resulting in a more natural and subtle blending of the subject with the surroundings. Ultimately, the decision to use a 50mm or 85mm lens depends on the photographer’s personal preference, the type of photography, and the desired aesthetic of the image.
Do I need a 50mm lens if I already have an 85mm lens for portrait photography?
For portrait photography, an 85mm lens is often the preferred choice due to its ability to compress the perspective, reduce distortion, and produce a pleasing bokeh. However, a 50mm lens can also be used for portrait photography, especially in situations where a more natural and intimate perspective is desired. The 50mm lens can help to create a sense of proximity and connection between the subject and the photographer, which can be particularly useful for capturing candid, informal portraits. Furthermore, the 50mm lens can be used to create a more dynamic and interactive portrait, with the subject placed off-center and the surroundings incorporated into the frame.
In addition to its potential for capturing unique and intimate portraits, a 50mm lens can also serve as a versatile and convenient lens for everyday photography. Its standard focal length and compact design make it an ideal lens for travel, street, and documentary photography. If you already have an 85mm lens for portrait photography, consider how often you engage in other types of photography, such as landscape, street, or documentary photography, and whether a 50mm lens would be a valuable addition to your lens collection. A 50mm lens can provide a different perspective and help you to explore new creative possibilities, making it a worthwhile investment for photographers who want to expand their creative horizons.
Can I use a 50mm lens for professional portrait photography?
While an 85mm lens is often the preferred choice for professional portrait photography, a 50mm lens can also be used to capture high-quality, professional-looking portraits. The key to using a 50mm lens for professional portrait photography lies in understanding its limitations and advantages. For instance, the 50mm lens can produce a more natural and subtle perspective, which can be beneficial for capturing portraits in a more intimate and relaxed setting. Additionally, the 50mm lens can help to create a sense of depth and dimensionality in the image, making it ideal for capturing portraits with a more nuanced and complex character.
To use a 50mm lens for professional portrait photography, it’s essential to consider the lighting, composition, and subject positioning carefully. Pay attention to the subject’s placement within the frame, and use the surroundings to create a more dynamic and interactive portrait. Additionally, be mindful of the potential for distortion and ensure that the subject’s features are not exaggerated or distorted. With careful consideration and attention to detail, a 50mm lens can be used to capture stunning, professional-quality portraits that showcase the subject’s personality and character. By experimenting with different techniques and approaches, photographers can unlock the full potential of the 50mm lens and create unique and compelling portraits.
How does the aperture of a 50mm lens compare to an 85mm lens?
The aperture of a lens refers to its ability to control the amount of light that enters the camera, and it’s usually represented by an f-number. Both 50mm and 85mm lenses are available with a range of aperture values, from wide apertures like f/1.4 or f/1.8 to narrower apertures like f/2.8 or f/4. In general, a wider aperture (smaller f-number) allows more light to enter the camera, creating a shallower depth of field and a more pronounced bokeh. The 50mm lens often has a wider aperture than the 85mm lens, making it more suitable for low-light photography and creating a more subtle bokeh.
The choice of aperture depends on the photographer’s personal preference, the type of photography, and the desired effect. For portrait photography, a wide aperture like f/1.4 or f/1.8 can be used to create a shallow depth of field, separating the subject from the background and emphasizing their features. On the other hand, a narrower aperture like f/2.8 or f/4 can be used to create a deeper depth of field, incorporating more of the surroundings into the image and providing a more contextualized portrait. By understanding the aperture values and their effects on the image, photographers can make informed decisions about which lens to use and how to use it to achieve the desired result.
Is a 50mm lens suitable for landscape and architectural photography?
A 50mm lens can be a suitable choice for landscape and architectural photography, especially when a more intimate and detailed perspective is desired. The standard focal length of the 50mm lens allows it to capture a moderate field of view, making it ideal for photographing smaller landscapes, cityscapes, and architectural details. Additionally, the 50mm lens can help to create a sense of depth and dimensionality in the image, making it well-suited for capturing complex scenes with multiple layers and textures.
However, for grand, sweeping landscapes or expansive architectural scenes, a wider-angle lens like a 24mm or 35mm may be more suitable. These lenses can capture a broader field of view, emphasizing the scale and grandeur of the scene. Nevertheless, the 50mm lens can still be used to create striking and unique landscape and architectural images, especially when combined with careful composition and attention to lighting. By experimenting with different techniques and approaches, photographers can unlock the full potential of the 50mm lens and create compelling, high-quality images that showcase their creativity and skill.
Can I use a 50mm lens for street photography?
A 50mm lens is an excellent choice for street photography due to its compact size, discreet design, and standard focal length. The 50mm lens allows photographers to capture a moderate field of view, making it ideal for photographing people and scenes in a more natural and unobtrusive way. Additionally, the 50mm lens can help to create a sense of intimacy and connection between the photographer and the subject, making it well-suited for capturing candid, spontaneous moments in public spaces.
The 50mm lens also provides a unique perspective on the world, encouraging photographers to engage more closely with their surroundings and to explore the intricate details of urban life. By using a 50mm lens for street photography, photographers can develop a more nuanced understanding of the relationships between people, places, and objects, and create images that are both personal and evocative. With its versatility, compactness, and creative potential, the 50mm lens is an ideal tool for street photographers who want to capture the beauty, complexity, and dynamism of urban life.
How does the weight and size of a 50mm lens compare to an 85mm lens?
The weight and size of a lens can significantly impact a photographer’s experience, especially when working in the field or traveling. In general, a 50mm lens is smaller and lighter than an 85mm lens, making it more convenient to carry and use, especially in situations where mobility and discretion are essential. The compact design of the 50mm lens also makes it easier to handle and maneuver, allowing photographers to work more quickly and efficiently in fast-paced environments.
The size and weight difference between a 50mm and 85mm lens can also affect the overall balance and feel of the camera. A smaller and lighter lens like the 50mm can make the camera feel more agile and responsive, while a larger and heavier lens like the 85mm can make the camera feel more stable and substantial. Ultimately, the choice between a 50mm and 85mm lens depends on the photographer’s personal preference, the type of photography, and the desired level of mobility and convenience. By considering the weight and size of the lens, photographers can make informed decisions about which lens to use and how to use it to achieve the best results.