When it comes to photography, understanding the nuances of different lenses can be the difference between capturing a stunning image and a mediocre one. Two of the most popular prime lenses for portrait photographers are the 85mm and 50mm lenses. While they may seem similar, they have distinct characteristics that set them apart. In this article, we’ll delve into the world of focal lengths and explore the question: is an 85mm lens wider than a 50mm lens?
The Basics of Focal Length
Before we dive into the specifics of the 85mm and 50mm lenses, it’s essential to understand the basics of focal length. Focal length refers to the distance between the camera sensor and the subject being photographed, measured in millimeters. This distance affects the angle of view, magnification, and perspective of the image. A shorter focal length (e.g., 24mm) captures a wider angle of view, while a longer focal length (e.g., 200mm) captures a narrower angle of view.
Angle of View
The angle of view is the extent of the scene that’s visible through the lens. A wider angle of view means more of the scene is captured, while a narrower angle of view means less of the scene is captured. This is where the misconception about the 85mm and 50mm lenses comes in. Many photographers assume that the 85mm lens is wider than the 50mm lens because of its longer focal length. However, this is not entirely accurate.
A 50mm lens has a wider angle of view than an 85mm lens. This may seem counterintuitive, but it’s essential to understand that the angle of view is not solely determined by the focal length. The sensor size of the camera also plays a significant role. On a full-frame camera, a 50mm lens has an angle of view of around 47°, while an 85mm lens has an angle of view of around 29°. This means the 50mm lens captures a broader scene than the 85mm lens.
Magnification
Magnification is the degree to which the subject is enlarged. A longer focal length results in greater magnification, making the subject appear larger in the frame. This is why telephoto lenses (e.g., 200mm) are often used for capturing distant subjects or creating a compressed perspective.
In the case of the 85mm and 50mm lenses, the 85mm lens has a greater magnification than the 50mm lens. This means that the subject will appear larger in the frame when using the 85mm lens. However, this increased magnification comes at the cost of a narrower angle of view.
Portrait Photography and the 85mm vs 50mm Debate
The 85mm and 50mm lenses are both popular choices for portrait photography, but they serve different purposes. The 50mm lens is often used for more environmental portraits, where the subject is placed within a scene or surrounded by context. The wider angle of view allows for more of the environment to be captured, creating a sense of place and atmosphere.
On the other hand, the 85mm lens is often used for more intimate, close-up portraits. The narrower angle of view and increased magnification make it ideal for capturing the subject’s face and essence. The compressed perspective also helps to create a sense of depth and dimensionality.
Compression and Perspective
One of the key differences between the 85mm and 50mm lenses is their effect on compression and perspective. The 85mm lens has a stronger compression effect, which means that objects in the background appear closer to the subject than they would with a 50mm lens. This compression can create a sense of intimacy and isolation, drawing the viewer’s attention to the subject.
In contrast, the 50mm lens has a more natural perspective, with objects in the background appearing more distant from the subject. This can create a sense of space and context, making the portrait feel more expansive.
Background Blur and Bokeh
Both the 85mm and 50mm lenses can produce a beautiful bokeh (out-of-focus area) and background blur, but the 85mm lens tends to excel in this area. The longer focal length and wider aperture (typically f/1.4 or f/1.8) create a more pronounced bokeh and a creamier background blur. This can add to the sense of intimacy and isolation, drawing the viewer’s attention to the subject.
Conclusion: Which Lens is Right for You?
So, is an 85mm lens wider than a 50mm lens? The answer is no. While the 85mm lens has a longer focal length, the 50mm lens has a wider angle of view and is better suited for capturing more of the scene.
Ultimately, the choice between the 85mm and 50mm lens comes down to personal preference, your subject, and the type of portrait you’re trying to create. If you want to capture more of the environment and create a sense of space, the 50mm lens may be the better choice. If you want to create a more intimate, close-up portrait with a compressed perspective, the 85mm lens may be the better choice.
Remember, the key to capturing stunning portraits is not just about the lens, but about understanding the nuances of focal length, angle of view, magnification, and compression. Experiment with different lenses, techniques, and approaches to find what works best for you and your photography style.
What is the main difference between an 85mm and a 50mm lens?
The main difference between an 85mm and a 50mm lens is the angle of view and the perspective they provide. An 85mm lens is considered a short telephoto lens, which means it has a narrower angle of view compared to a 50mm lens, which is considered a standard lens. This narrower angle of view allows the 85mm lens to capture a more intimate and compressed perspective, making it ideal for portraits and close-up shots.
Additionally, the 85mm lens tends to have a more flattering effect on the subject’s face, with a slight compression of the facial features and a more pleasing bokeh (out-of-focus area). This is why many photographers prefer the 85mm lens for portrait photography. On the other hand, the 50mm lens provides a more natural perspective, making it suitable for everyday photography, street photography, and reportage.
Is an 85mm lens only suitable for portraits?
While the 85mm lens is often associated with portrait photography, it is not limited to this genre. Its unique perspective and compression make it suitable for other types of photography as well. For example, the 85mm lens can be used for capturing close-up shots of products, food, or still-life compositions, where the emphasis is on the subject’s details. Additionally, it can be used for landscape photography, where the compressed perspective can create a sense of depth and intimacy.
That being said, the 85mm lens is indeed particularly well-suited for portrait photography. Its flattering perspective and ability to create a beautiful bokeh make it a popular choice among portrait photographers. Moreover, the lens’s compression can help to emphasize the subject’s eyes and create a sense of connection with the viewer.
Can I use a 50mm lens for portraits?
Yes, you can definitely use a 50mm lens for portraits, and many photographers do so successfully. The 50mm lens provides a more natural perspective, which can be beneficial for capturing portraits that require a sense of context or environment. Additionally, the 50mm lens is often smaller, lighter, and more affordable than an 85mm lens, making it a more accessible option for many photographers.
However, keep in mind that the 50mm lens may not provide the same level of compression and flattering perspective as an 85mm lens. This means that the subject’s facial features may appear more natural, but also more realistic, which may not be desirable in some cases. Nevertheless, with proper technique and posing, a 50mm lens can still produce stunning portraits that capture the subject’s personality and essence.
How does the aperture affect the lens’s performance?
The aperture of a lens affects its performance in several ways. A lens with a wider aperture (represented by a smaller f-stop number) allows more light to enter the camera, making it ideal for low-light conditions and creating a shallow depth of field. This is particularly useful for portraits, where a shallow depth of field can help to separate the subject from the background.
In terms of the 85mm vs 50mm lens debate, a wider aperture can accentuate the differences between the two lenses. For example, an 85mm lens with a wide aperture can create a more dramatic bokeh and a shallower depth of field, making it even more suitable for portraits. On the other hand, a 50mm lens with a wide aperture can still create a pleasing bokeh, but it may not be as pronounced as that of an 85mm lens.
Can I use an 85mm lens on a crop sensor camera?
Yes, you can use an 85mm lens on a crop sensor camera, but you need to consider the crop factor when choosing your lens. Crop sensor cameras have a smaller sensor size compared to full-frame cameras, which means they crop the image captured by the lens. This can affect the lens’s angle of view and effective focal length.
For example, if you use an 85mm lens on a crop sensor camera with a 1.5x crop factor, the effective focal length would be around 127.5mm. This means the lens would behave more like a 127.5mm lens on a full-frame camera, making it even more suitable for portraits and close-up shots. However, keep in mind that the crop factor can also affect the lens’s performance, particularly in terms of vignetting and distortion.
Is it worth investing in both an 85mm and a 50mm lens?
Whether or not it’s worth investing in both an 85mm and a 50mm lens depends on your photography needs and goals. If you specialize in portrait photography, having both lenses can provide you with more creative options and flexibility. The 85mm lens can be used for more formal, close-up portraits, while the 50mm lens can be used for more casual, environmental portraits.
On the other hand, if you’re a generalist photographer who shoots a variety of genres, you might not need both lenses. In this case, you could choose one lens that meets your primary needs, and use it for multiple types of photography. Ultimately, it’s essential to assess your photography goals and budget before investing in either lens.
Can I achieve the same effect as an 85mm lens using editing software?
While editing software can certainly help you achieve a similar look to an 85mm lens, it’s not possible to replicate its unique perspective and compression exactly. Editing software can help you manipulate the perspective, contrast, and bokeh of an image, but it cannot change the fundamental way the lens captures the scene.
Moreover, even with advanced editing software, it’s often difficult to achieve the same level of subject isolation and compression as an 85mm lens. The 85mm lens’s unique optical design and compression create a distinct aesthetic that is hard to replicate using software alone. If you want to achieve the signature look of an 85mm lens, it’s best to invest in the actual lens rather than relying on editing software.