When it comes to photography, one of the most frequently asked questions pertains to the necessity of certain lenses, particularly the 85mm vs. the 50mm lens. If you’re venturing into the world of portrait photography or simply exploring the art of capturing life’s moments, you might wonder whether you truly need an 85mm lens if you already own a 50mm lens. This article delves into the nuances of focal lengths, comparing the two lenses to help you make an informed decision.
Understanding Focal Length
Focal length is a critical aspect of photography that determines how much of a scene the lens can capture. Measured in millimeters (mm), the focal length influences the image’s perspective, depth of field, and how the subject interacts with the background.
- Short Focal Lengths: Lenses with shorter focal lengths (wide-angle lenses) are ideal for capturing expansive scenes, such as landscapes.
- Long Focal Lengths: Lenses with longer focal lengths (telephoto lenses) excel at isolating subjects, making them popular for portraits and action shots.
Understanding the distinction between these focal lengths is crucial to grasping the benefits of using both the 50mm and 85mm lenses.
The 50mm Lens: A Versatile Companion
The 50mm lens has long been celebrated as a staple in many photographers’ kits. Its versatility and relatively affordable pricing make it an excellent choice for various applications. Here are some reasons why the 50mm lens is a favorite:
1. The “Nifty Fifty”
Often referred to as the “nifty fifty,” the 50mm lens offers a natural perspective that closely resembles what the human eye sees. This makes it perfect for street photography, capturing candid moments, and even everyday scenes.
2. Wide Aperture Options
Many 50mm lenses come with wide maximum apertures (often f/1.8 or f/1.4). This capability allows photographers to create stunning bokeh (blurred background) effects, making the subject stand out sharply against a beautifully softened background.
3. Lightweight and Compact
The compact size and lightweight nature of the 50mm lens make it easy to carry around, making it an excellent option for travel and street photography.
The 85mm Lens: A Portraiture Powerhouse
On the other hand, the 85mm lens is a lens specifically designed for portrait photography. While it may not be as versatile as the 50mm lens, its specialization offers certain advantages.
1. Ideal for Portraits
The 85mm lens is favored by portrait photographers for several reasons. It provides a comfortable distance from the subject while producing flattering portraits without distortion.
2. Unique Compression and Background Blur
Longer focal lengths produce a phenomenon known as compression, making the subject appear closer to the background and providing a more aesthetically pleasing look. Moreover, the bokeh produced at f-stops of 1.8 and below is incredibly creamy and smooth when using an 85mm lens, elevating portrait work.
3. Excellent for Low-Light Situations
Many 85mm lenses also come with wide apertures, facilitating excellent performance in low-light environments, which is particularly beneficial for indoor events or ambiance-driven photography.
Comparison: 50mm vs. 85mm
To decide whether you need an 85mm lens if you already have a 50mm lens, let’s break down their differences further:
| Feature | 50mm Lens | 85mm Lens |
|---|---|---|
| Focal Length | 50mm | 85mm |
| Perspective | Natural perspective for street and general photography | Flattering for portraits |
| Bokeh Quality | Good, but less pronounced | Very smooth and pronounced |
| Compression Effects | Less compression of background | Greater compression, making subjects pop |
| Usability in Low Light | Decent | Excellent |
| Weight and Size | Light and compact | A bit larger and heavier |
As demonstrated in this comparison, both lenses have unique strengths and weaknesses.
Do You Need Both Lenses? Factors to Consider
While it’s tempting to choose between the two, many photographers find that both lenses serve complementary roles in their work. Here are some factors to consider:
1. Your Photography Style
Consider what type of photography you primarily engage in. If your focus is on street photography, events, or landscapes, the 50mm lens may suffice. However, if portrait photography is your passion, the 85mm lens can elevate your work with its specialized features.
2. The Ability to Experiment
If you’re still discovering your photographic style, adding both lenses to your toolkit allows for experimentation. The different focal lengths can influence artistic choices and help you refine your eye for composition.
3. Budget Considerations
While investing in lenses can be beneficial, both the price and budget should be considered. The 50mm lens typically costs less than the 85mm, making it a more economical choice. However, if your primary focus is on portraiture and you have the budget, the 85mm lens could provide qualitative benefits that justify its expense.
Final Thoughts: Making the Choice
So, do you need an 85mm lens if you already have a 50mm lens? The answer is nuanced. While both lenses offer unique benefits, the decision boils down to your photography goals, style, and budget.
The 50mm lens is a fantastic all-rounder that offers versatility in various photography contexts, while the 85mm lens excels in producing stunning portraits with its unique features like background compression and smooth bokeh. Consider trying both lenses to assess how each fits your creative needs. If finances allow, investing in both can lead to an enriched photography experience, broadening your creative horizons while honing your skills.
In conclusion, both the 50mm and 85mm lenses have special attributes that can enhance your photography. Start with the lens you feel suits your current needs best, but keep the other in mind for your evolving journey as a photographer. Each lens presents opportunities that could elevate your craft in ways you might not yet imagine. Happy shooting!
What is the difference between 50mm and 85mm lenses?
The primary difference between 50mm and 85mm lenses is their focal length, which affects the perspective and compression in your images. The 50mm lens is often described as a “standard” lens because it closely matches the field of view of the human eye, making it versatile for various types of photography, including street, portrait, and landscape photography. In contrast, the 85mm lens is considered a portrait lens due to its ability to capture subjects with flattering compression and a shallow depth of field.
Additionally, the 85mm lens allows photographers to maintain a comfortable distance from their subjects while still getting close-up, detailed shots. This separation can reduce distortion and help isolate the subject against a beautifully blurred background, known as bokeh. The choice between the two often comes down to the type of photography you plan to do and the look you aim to achieve.
Do I really need an 85mm lens if I already own a 50mm?
Whether you need an 85mm lens depends on your photography style and what you aim to capture. If you specialize in portraits, the 85mm lens can provide a degree of separation between you and your subject that a 50mm lens may not be able to achieve without getting too close. The longer focal length creates a flattering perspective, and the greater ability to achieve background blur can help make the subjects stand out more dramatically.
However, if your photography covers a wider range of subjects and styles or you’re just starting out, a 50mm lens might suffice for now. It’s a cost-effective option that delivers excellent image quality across various shooting conditions. Ultimately, consider your specific needs, shooting situations, and budget when deciding if an 85mm lens is a necessary addition to your kit.
What are the advantages of using an 85mm lens?
Using an 85mm lens offers several advantages, especially for portrait photography. The lens provides excellent compression that flatters facial features, making subjects appear more aesthetically pleasing. Additionally, the wider aperture commonly associated with 85mm lenses allows for a shallow depth of field, helping to achieve that much-coveted bokeh effect that beautifully isolates subjects from their backgrounds.
Moreover, an 85mm lens usually has a longer focal length, which means you can shoot from further away while still capturing high-quality close-ups. This distance can be beneficial when photographing subjects who may feel nervous or uncomfortable being right up close, creating a more relaxed atmosphere during portrait sessions. Furthermore, it is great for capturing candid moments without intruding on personal space, which can provide more natural and genuine results.
Can I use a 50mm lens for portrait photography instead of 85mm?
Yes, you can absolutely use a 50mm lens for portrait photography. Many photographers appreciate the versatility of the 50mm focal length, especially in tight spaces where an 85mm might be too long. With its standard view, the 50mm lens provides a natural perspective and can be used effectively to create compelling portraits, especially when combined with good lighting and composition techniques.
However, you may encounter some limitations when using a 50mm lens for portraits. The shorter focal length may lead to some distortion if you get too close to the subject, creating unflattering results, especially for headshots. Additionally, achieving that soft background blur can be more challenging compared to using an 85mm lens, which opens up the creative possibilities when isolating your subject from the background.
How does aperture impact the performance of 50mm and 85mm lenses?
Aperture greatly influences the performance of both 50mm and 85mm lenses, particularly in terms of light-gathering capabilities and depth of field. A wider aperture (e.g., f/1.8 or f/1.4) allows both lenses to gather more light, making them ideal for shooting in low-light conditions. This characteristic is often crucial for portrait photographers who may find themselves shooting in natural light or controlled indoor environments without a flash.
Moreover, a wider aperture also contributes to shallower depth of field, enabling photographers to create a more pronounced background blur that can enhance the aesthetic appeal of portraits. While both 50mm and 85mm lenses can offer wide apertures, the 85mm will generally provide a distinct advantage in terms of background separation due to its longer focal length, allowing for a smoother transition between the subject and the background.
Is an 85mm lens better for low-light situations compared to a 50mm lens?
An 85mm lens can be better for low-light situations if it has a wider maximum aperture than the 50mm lens you own. For example, if you have a 50mm f/1.8 and an 85mm f/1.4, the 85mm lens will allow you to gather more light, making it more effective in those challenging lighting conditions. The ability to shoot at wider apertures not only improves the overall exposure but also allows for a shallower depth of field, adding an artistic quality to your images.
However, if both lenses share similar aperture ratings, the difference in low-light performance may not be significant. The key factor is the higher light-gathering capability a wider aperture provides, regardless of the focal length. Thus, while longer focal lengths may create a different aesthetic and perspective, it’s primarily the lens’ aperture that determines its efficacy in low-light environments.
Are there situations where a 50mm lens is preferable to an 85mm lens?
Absolutely, there are numerous situations where a 50mm lens may be preferable to an 85mm lens. For everyday photography, environmental portraits, or street photography, the 50mm lens offers versatility, allowing photographers to capture a broader scene and including contextual elements around subjects. Its standard perspective closely mimics human vision, making it an excellent choice for storytelling through images.
Additionally, the 50mm lens can be advantageous in confined spaces where the longer focal length of an 85mm lens might restrict movement or create challenges in composition. It’s also generally more lightweight and less expensive, making it an ideal choice for travel or casual photography. Ultimately, the versatility and practicality of the lens can make it the better option depending on your specific shooting circumstances.