50mm vs 85mm for portraits on a crop sensor camera
Aug 7, 2016 01:19:03 #
It depends somewhat on the type of portraits you do. If it is mostly head shots, I think you will find the 85mm to be a more practical lens than the 50mm.
Aug 7, 2016 05:54:35 #
mas24
Loc: Southern CA
Forget the 50mm. OK if that is all you have. I would recommend having in your prime lens collection, the 35mm and 85mm. And you don't have to break the bank to acquire both. The nifty fifty sees what the eyes see on a 135mm format camera.
Aug 7, 2016 06:08:05 #
Aug 7, 2016 06:36:53 #
Kmgw9v wrote:
The 70-200 is a favorite portrait lens..
But, consider the new 105mm 1.4 available later this month---Should be as creamy as the 85mm 1.4.
But, consider the new 105mm 1.4 available later this month---Should be as creamy as the 85mm 1.4.
I am sure that this new lens with be priced with Royce's pocket book in mind.... Joking
Aug 7, 2016 06:40:42 #
jeryh
Loc: Oxfordshire UK
I think the 85mm would be best, it seems to be the universal portrait lens.
Aug 7, 2016 06:52:55 #
I have the Tamron 85mm 1.8 and it is a VR lens. Excellent and very sharp. I have used wide angles for fun too for environmental portraits. The 70-200mm is also great.
Aug 7, 2016 07:42:55 #
mas24
Loc: Southern CA
Dziadzi wrote:
I am sure that this new lens with be priced with Royce's pocket book in mind.... Joking
Nikon's 105mm 1.4E ED lens to be released. $2200. Isn't that in everyone's budget?
Aug 7, 2016 08:01:38 #
Architect1776 wrote:
Yes, use a 1,200mm and use a phone. 
(Just a bit of humor)
(Just a bit of humor)With ot without 2x teleconverter? LOL
Aug 7, 2016 08:05:57 #
pyroManiac
Loc: HIXSON,TN
I'd go with the 85. It will work with either the cropped or full size sensor.
Aug 7, 2016 09:02:53 #
JohanneT
Loc: South Africa
Hi, I agree, 85mm is better than 50mm DX or FX. 85mm/f1.4 is one of the best lenses on the market but little pricey but f1.8 is also good.
Have fun
Have fun
Aug 7, 2016 09:16:09 #
Royce Moss wrote:
Hey Hoggers, I plan to do a lot of portrait work and I need advice on which lens to go with. I have done a lot of research back and forth and the only advice I am pretty sure I can trust is you guys. My 7200 and rest of my gear was stolen so I'll use a 3200 for awhile and then plan to maybe go full frame. My question is what is the best to use 50mm or 85mm? I will be using studio lighting most of the time as well as outdoor portraits. Thanks for your advice.
Since a full frame might be in your near future and only those two lenses are are your choices, I'd have to say the 85.
Aug 7, 2016 09:22:21 #
aflundi
Loc: Albuquerque, NM
Royce Moss wrote:
Hey Hoggers, I plan to do a lot of portrait work and I need advice on which lens to go with. I have done a lot of research back and forth and the only advice I am pretty sure I can trust is you guys. My 7200 and rest of my gear was stolen so I'll use a 3200 for awhile and then plan to maybe go full frame. My question is what is the best to use 50mm or 85mm? I will be using studio lighting most of the time as well as outdoor portraits. Thanks for your advice.
I don't own one, but I think if I were in your position, I'd strongly consider the Sigma 50-100mm f/1.8 Art lens. I'm thinking that for portraits using an APS-C sensor, you probably couldn't find a better lens, offering exceptionally high quality and flexibilty -- perhaps even exceeding a 70-200mm f/2.8 on FF.
Also, since you are using a d3200, having a "dock-able" lens for fine-tune AF adjustment would be a huge plus, and this lens offers manual focus override in AF mode, so you can use it that way too.
Aug 7, 2016 09:27:30 #
The 85mm will be better than the 50mm. But if you are space constrained, the 50mm will work. Just don't get too close and try to fill the frame; you will want to crop to get the effective focal length back up to portrait length.
If you have both lenses, then use them. If buying, then you will actually want both lenses. Having the two will give you more flexibility.
If you have both lenses, then use them. If buying, then you will actually want both lenses. Having the two will give you more flexibility.
Aug 7, 2016 09:33:06 #
We all are going to have different opinions and I will give you mine.
If you are going to be shooting 3/4 portraits with your D3200 the 50mm lens is what you need. It can do pretty good also for head and shoulders.
If you go full frame then the 85mm lens is a very good choice. You can also use the 85mm with your D3200 where it will be the equivalent of a 127mm lens.
Studio light will be ideal to shoot around f8-11 but outdoors and especially if you want a good bouquet the 85mm offers in my humble opinion the best option to reduce distortion of the facial features.
If you are going to be shooting 3/4 portraits with your D3200 the 50mm lens is what you need. It can do pretty good also for head and shoulders.
If you go full frame then the 85mm lens is a very good choice. You can also use the 85mm with your D3200 where it will be the equivalent of a 127mm lens.
Studio light will be ideal to shoot around f8-11 but outdoors and especially if you want a good bouquet the 85mm offers in my humble opinion the best option to reduce distortion of the facial features.
Aug 7, 2016 09:44:55 #
A.I.R.
Loc: Carmel IN
Just wanted to say I am so about the loss of your equipment. That must have been a sad day! Enjoy the "new" journey experimenting with different equipment.
If you want to reply, then register here. Registration is free and your account is created instantly, so you can post right away.