Which Focal Length is Better for Portrait Photography: 50 or 85mm?

It’s an often-debated question among photographers. Which is the best focal length prime lens to use for portraits? You can choose from plenty of options depending on your creative choice and technical requirements. Today, we’ll look at just two lenses—the Canon RF 50mm f/1.2 L USM and 85mm f/1.2 L USM.

Both of these lenses have great qualities. While their focal lengths aren’t massively different, they will both produce different results and they both have the best use cases. Here are the similarities and differences between those two prime lenses for portrait photography. 

Aperture and depth of field

Both lenses have large apertures, which generally creates a good amount of background blur. When shot with similar framing, the 50mm and the 85mm will achieve a similar depth of field. But if you stand in the same place, the 85mm will get you closer to the subject, resulting in a narrower depth of field.

Bokeh versus texture

Which lens is better is subjective. It depends on the look you are aiming to achieve. Some photographers prefer the creamier bokeh of the 85mm, while others prefer more texture to their background due to using the 50mm. 

Background compression

Another difference between 50mm and 85mm is the amount of background compression. Longer focal length lenses increase background compression, where the background features less of the subject’s surroundings, whereas wider lenses decrease background compression, allowing more of the background in the shot.

Versatility

So far, the 85mm may appear to be the better option. However, there are some situations where you may run into issues with the 85mm, and you wish you had more versatility. For example, if you are restricted to a small space, the reach of the 85mm may work against you, not allowing you to achieve a wider shot than you desire. This is where a 50mm lens's versatility would benefit you. With its wider angle of view, the 50mm would allow you to get more of the subject in the image, even in confined spaces.

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