BEST Focal Length for Portraits?
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- Опубликовано: 3 май 2023
- 35mm, 50mm, 85mm and 135mm. For anyone getting into portrait photography you've probably come across these prime focal lengths. These focal lengths are all great but each one affects your photo differently. The longer the focal length, the more compression. Like the background is getting bigger and closer to your subject.
The best focal length is the one that serves you best, and that's because the best portrait lens doesn't exist!
I enjoy shooting with a 35mm over all the others because it means I don't have to be 20ft away from my subject. I can use it in smaller studios and tighter spaces. It doesn't obliterate the background like an 85 or 135mm. I can also capture more environment in my scene. The 35mm works with my shooting style and for me; the most versatile. I can use it in so many different scenarios where the others can't.
Everyone has a different style and what my favourite lens is might not be yours. You might like the look of the 135mm. You might like that you're always going to get an extremely blurry background with an insane amount of compression.
The "best" lens doesn't exist!
@AnthonyGugliotta
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85mm is the most flattering for portraits, 35mm is good for portraits but also when you wanna show off the scene around your subject.
70-200mm f/2.8 is the answer.
Nah, 35mm on one body and a 135mm on the other body
@@AFR0MAMBA Unless you're in a venue / setting where you literally can't move - then primes become a liability (as much as I love a good prime)
Ah yes, the "everyone's a beginner" choice
Alternatively 2 bodies: APS-C and FF, with 2 lenses: a good 50-58mm 1.4 or 1.2 lens (80-85 on Canon APS-C) and a 135 1.8-3.5 or similar.
50mm, 80mm, 135 and 200mm on uncropped sensors with just 2 primes and 2 cameras. If you manage to find primes with lesser elements than modern ones, you can even have a nice 3d-pop, not only background blur!
But 35mm is for real sometimes nice, even a 24mm 1.4 works nice for "special" looks. I was mainly shooting the compact and light EOS RP + RF 50 1.8 combo, feels basically like a Budget-Leica but with more features.
No, for weddings yes, for portraits fixed lenses 100%
The two are different types of portraits. It depends what you are trying to create. The 135 is more photographic but the 35 is better for video as well since it gives you more in the background. Almost all non photographers that have seen my photos have picked the ones taken with 135 over the rest of them.
Yes, 85 & 100/135 is best for portraits for me.
Keeping the subject background is always the key.. 35mm!!
I love 35mm
I have them all. They all have their place. 35mm for street ports and or indoors for group shots. 50, 85, and 135 are great portraits lenses but you need more distance to shoot with them. A 70-200 would be a great addition to your list. Additional focal length compression more expensive and alot heavier. My favorite and least used is the 135.
Not sure which lens or focal works for you, try renting one to help your purchase decision
I mean, everybody has a zoom lens i guess or any possibility to recreate the focal length you are searching for a prime lens.
Renting lenses is a good idea if you want to invest in a very expensive lens and wanna try it for a week or so.
I have all prime focal lengths. GM 14, 24, 35, 50 1.4, sigma 85mm DG DN, and the Samyang 135mm 1.8. Instead of the 70-200, I’m using the Tamron 35-150 2-2.8 which is an amazing lens mounted to my A7RV.
Sigma 56mm f1.4 gotta be the best one for Sony cameras. Super sharp, amazing contrast and beautiful bokeh!
Depends also on your sensor and camera type.
For my camera it’s a 35mm f/1.8 lens for crisp detail, natural focal length and nice bokeh
Pictures from the longer lenses are more flattering to the subject but they are less practical. I think the nifty fifty is still the best overall compromise.
The 50mm is a great focal length!
But on crop sensor it is effectively a 75mm or 80mm. That 75-80mm range is best for portraits, I find (just my opinion, of course).
If you want the real nifty fifty perspective (to see things as our eyes see them), then on a crop sensor you need to use the 35mm - this converts to 52mm with a 1.5 crop factor.
35mm definitly distorts the face. Even 50mm does. 85mm makes the background get really tight but the face is more natural. Talking about full frame.
Depends what you are going for. If background is interesting and important then take the 35mm, if its more important to get an accurate portrait then take 85mm. 50mm is the perfect middle ground.
@@Xirpzy distortion is based on the subject distance to the camera NOT the lens focal length. so 35mm doesnt distort the subject. neither does a rectilinear 16mm distort a subject, again, what distorts a subject is how close you are to the subject with the camera.
@@truthseeker6804 look at direct comparisons with normal portraiture framing. There are some here on youtube and plenty on google images. The 16mm will not look like a 85mm when the subject takes up the same amount of space in the photo. Even a rectilinear lens wont fix that. Sure if you step waay back and crop you might get something similar but then the background compression will be completely different unless you mess with aperture. There is a reason why 50 and 85mm are considered portrait focal lengths and 16mm is generally not.
the best lens for portrait is the one you use and feel creative with. period
agree with this!
I love my 10-18, especially when sticking it right up close to the subjects face 😂
@@DaddyM7MD they must look like donkeys at that range
Canon 70-200 F2.8L at 200 is my favorite for the last 12 years. Can't change my mind. So versatile. I was tempted with the 85 1.2 several times though. Haha
Sony has a Tamron 35-150 mm F2-F2.8. Pretty good too!
This is some solid information for people just starting out or anyone not able to experiment with it themselves. Thanks for this brother.
Glad I could help!
Really great short… I can see the four lenses and how they capture the subject in the background. Super helpful! And I assume you’re on a full frame camera.
Glad it was helpful!
Unless I'm doing groups or environmentals, 35 is a no-go for portraits. It absolutely distorts the face unless you're further back (50 does as well). I'm at 85 or longer for anything 3/4-shot or tighter. All subjective of course, but that's the beauty of this (and any) art form.
I find that 35 is great for full body or dynamic posing, especially if extra background context is something you’re looking for
@@braedon8802 It all depends. Imagine a portrait shot on a mountain capturing another "small" (in the frame) mountain row as background. Then anything between 70-100mm could be usable to show context.
I prefer 50-100mm for portraits of any kind, 35mm might work for full body shots, poses and so but i prefer face and more details/cropped in
But i also have not invested yet in anything below 50mm, except a 17-55 2.8 on APS-C which is not that great with its F2.8 and considering APS-C crop so effective F4, more like F5.6 look.
Love them all ❤❤❤ cannot go wrong with prime lens for portrait
I love 85 mm
But starting to falling with my 70-200 Mm f2.8 G 2 sony
My go to is 35mm for portraits I just love the wider look! However, when I want a tighter look the 24-70 zoomed into 70mm is awesome!
85 always
I think you're focusing on the wrong part initially. Most of these lenses will create a shallow enough depth of field to create separation, and conversely can be closed down enough to not obliterate the background Look at the faces instead. What focal length is most flattering to the shape of the face/body. I think your conclusion at the end is good if you're trying to make it an environmental portrait photo, but that might not be the most important consideration for every portrait.
Totally agree. My thoughts exactly. Nice video, beautiful pictures, but the message is like bokeh, a little out of focus.
I love the look of the 135mm love it so much!
My preference has been more on the telephoto side, but I'm trying to work with more wide angle shots just so I have a good all around balance in my work.
Aftery practicing with various 50mm, 85mm and 135mm lenses my portrait combo finally established from Sigma's 40/1.4 and 105/1.4. Both are just excellent wide opened, sharp, contrasty, with no fringing. Especially the 40/1.4 aspires for the best non telephoto lens ever made by any manufacturer.
Really love my 33 1.4 on Fuji. It is close to the 50mm full frame crop size but it keeps the background of a 35mm full frame compression for context while still providing a nice shallow depth of field.
Love these comparisons. As a noob these help me a ton ❤
Glad I could help!
Wow.. a good video with actual useful information. Thanks!
Thank you so much for the support! Glad it was helpful!
How long distance did you have, between the 35mm and the 135mm? 😅 The background isn't the only thing moving
Around 88cm minimum focus distance.
You move about 3 meters between each of those focal lengths. To get about the same perspective between shots.
Definitely wide - 35mm. Captures the context.
My favourite focal length 35mm!
I agree, I think the 35mm was the most flattering for the subject in this case.
I love 35mm focal length! Just posted a full behind the scenes to a portrait session with the 35mm: ruclips.net/video/e3Y5bMbc7fE/видео.html
If you got a very recognizable bg, like Golden Gate Bridge or something, I'd do wider. But in more generic settings with nothing interesting in the bg, I'd probably go tight.
Great way of looking at it!
This is cool I dig the breakdown
Smooth brain take
I have shot 85mm but recently the 50mm has had great results with modern optics. 35mm will consider in the future for environmental shots. I will never do a 135mm.
loved the 135mm the most!
Tamron 35-150 f/2-2.8 is my preferred focal length 😊. It covers all of the most popular portrait focal lengths. 85mm if I have to choose a prime.
Is there any APS-C version (such as 24-100mm or so) with F2.8 aperture or faster on the market? For EF(S) mount?
80mm primes are also nice, i really love my 50mm 1.4 SMC Takumar vintage lens on my R7/APS-C, hard to nail focus wide open or at F2 or 2.8, but amazing shots possible if i hit the focus
@@harrison00xXx I don’t know. I only shoot Sony and Fujifilm.
35 makes you the slimmest, the compression makes you stalkier as you go out, if your looking at the yellow jacket
85mm gives you the most realistic look
Mostly subjective but knowing how lenses and focal lengths work and how they affect your shots will greatly inform your choices/preferences.
100%
35 & 85 is my go to. Out doors I love my 85mm but indoors I tend to go with the 35mm as the 50mm is just a little too tight for me
24-240mm + 60-600mm is my lens go-to, 60-600 if im planning on photographing further away subjects and 24-240 for closer subjects
a lot of info in little package, thanks!
Glad it was helpful!
Still rocking the old Sony Zeiss 55mm 1.8
I prefer the 35 mm because it gives and impression closest to the eye, with the subject fully part of the building
I think if using a full-frame camera, a 50mm will be closer to what your eyes will see.
Every beginner looks at RUclips videos and think they have to have a 70-200 2.8.... you don't. Be different if you like different. I stopped using longer lengths... 85mm and under is my go to.
I absolutely love my 35mm!
I bought a 70-200 and I have to say, it's amazing for portraits. It's crazy sharp and it gives amazing blurry bokeh. Yes, it's heavy. Yes, it's expensive. (€1100,-) but it gets you most focal lenghts you'll need. Just quickly looking online, a sigma 85mm is already more than half the price of the 70-200.
@@StefanoLombardoYTbro are you blind to what a serious portrait glass can do? I would never take advice from these newby’s who was only shoot for a couple of years.
Nice answer
EF-S 17-55mm is a versatile piece of kit with an ultra wide zoom lens. I don’t shoot landscape/wildlife so no need for a telephoto myself.
135 all the way
Sigma 135 1.4 is a beast!
@@StefanoLombardoYTDo mean the Sigma 105mm?
I love the drama of 135😍
It looks very good!
Very nice video! Very informative 📸 just subbed!
Thanks for the sub!
It depends....35mm movie mode scene 50mm for blog 85mm self and 135mm group shots.
28-70 and 135 is my go to😂
Sigma art 35 1.4 smartest choice!
My favourite lens!
for me,
only face 70-80mm
face + background 35-50mm
One important thing overlooked.
Portraiture is about the subject and its more important to offer a fattening perspective to the subjects features.
Someone, for example, isn't going to appreciate having a nose and chin looking exaggerated when the photographer uses a wide-angle lens!
omg you are soooo smarttttttt 😤
Thank you I'm aware 🤣
Id rather focus on the face. It really depends who I’m shooting - a slim and good looking person would most likely look great at any focal length, otherwise you can’t go wrong with a 50mm or 85mm
I love my 70-150mm, but I'm open to using a 35mm in the future!
I think 35mm is to make your subject look slimmer.
Please suggest
I want a blurry backround lens for my Sony ZVE-10 camera to shoot real estate videography where the host will move from room to room and describe the features of the house.
Honestly for APS-C which is what the ZVE-10 is I'd definitely recommend the Sigma 16mm 1.4: geni.us/ki5Z . It becomes more of a 24mm after the crop but you do get a shallow depth of field for great bokeh. There's not too many lenses other than the Sigma 16 that can get wider than that at that aperture.
There are 3 thing effect while different lenses for portrait
1. As you switch to higher focal lenght background will be compressed more means getting out from the frame
2. As you switch to higher focal length you have to go back and far away from subject to capture the same focal lenght
3 as you switch the lense to higher focal lenght your focal lenght will more accurate😊😊
105mm f1.4
35mm and 85mm. All you need.
Love my 35mm!
Every youtube short that starts with a "This" is reduced to just an infomercial.
Was that Maggie Geha?!?!
Which is best for gym content/ videos?
if u in studio prefer +50mm, in outdor and u wanna show the background 35mm better
Do one for cannon t7i I’m new on this
is it a Sony 35mm f1.8? I would like to know if its good for a Sony Alpha A7II ?
35mm❤
What is your camera, it's full fream or aps c?
Full Frame!
for Aps-c (Canon R7) which is the best for portraits?
Which is the best camera settings for sony 6400,18-135 mm lence,for portrait photography
Check out this video it'll be roughly the same: ruclips.net/video/bpi8K59sLEg/видео.html
70~200 VR f/2.8 is the best hands down. Just say those lens is the best for your budget. I can clearly see this guy never owned or shot with the beast before.
The lens i have!
Canon 180mm macro is stunningly sharp.
I just stick with the nifty fifty.
What are your settings?
I choose 105mm f/1.4
The 105mm f/1.4 is a beast!
The 35mm is the greatest lens ever. The sigma 35 1.2 ART is just the best ever.😊
135 is my favorite
Hi I have an XT3 and I'm looking for, ideally, an all-in-one lens I can use for events, portraits, and lowlight. Any recommendations?
Note: I love that Fuji lenses are small and easy to carry, but if I don't need to carry multiple lenses, I'd rather not.
Thanks! 🙏
I'd recommend the Sigma 18-50mm F2.8 DC DN | Contemporary: geni.us/BQul
will i get the same result if my length si 135 but the aperture is 5.0 because of the compression
Yeap, I prefer the 35mm even for video with the cinematic effect filter is the S...
35mm is my favourite focal length! I actually just posted a video on the 35mm: ruclips.net/video/e3Y5bMbc7fE/видео.html
What are you filmining this video on ?
At 135mm, you might as well just take pictures at your back yard. Can’t even see the background anymore 😅
To me, taking portraits, concentrate on the main subject, while the background is for framing the subject.
85MM❤
How mm lens is youe Glasses
My Samsung S22 Ultra has a 100x zoom. It’s great at maximum zoom for storytelling if you’re a microbiologist.
35mm for fashion. 85mm+ for 1/4 portrait.
👍
200 mm people do not like to be photographed close they feel uncomfortable you get unreal photos
Best camera and lens for street fashion?
For me i prefer 50mm
the zeiss 85mm
Keep the eyes on the face because we don’t photo shoot buildings
Hey bro, what camera were you using?
All the gear that I use is here! kit.co/stefanolombardo
What Programm do you use for photos ?
Lightroom!
Best
Yup
We all have our own preferences. It all depends on how much room we have to move in…
The Nikkor 135mm f2 DC is the best portrait lens I have ever used.
135mm is great if you are shooting tight head shots or you are outdoors, or you are shooting in really large indoor spaces. However, 135mm is a real pain if you are attempting 1/2 length or 3/4 length portraits indoors. And at 135mm you are on the verge of compressing the face too much and having a 2D image.
@@joansmith7649 Heck I shoot 200mm indoors no problem 😂
If you were shooting in hotel bedrooms with furnishings, you may find difficulties using the 200mm. And there is such a thing as too much compression of the 3D human body. I am glad you are happy with the 200mm. I prefer the look of a 90mm, or a 75mm for 3/4 view.@@bradl2636
105DC is incredible at all fstops. I typically shoot at f8-f11 for studio work *chef’s kiss*
how about a 105mm ?
Is no one gonna talk about Anthony coming into frame
Which gear
❤
85 or 135 outside, 35 indoors.
35 and 50
What is your camera?
Sony a7iv: geni.us/T9LX