Choosing the perfect lens for portrait photography is one of the most important decisions a photographer can make. With so many focal lengths available, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Among the most popular choices are 35mm, 50mm, and 85mm prime lenses. But when it comes to 35mm vs 50mm vs 85mm, which lens is best for portraits?

This guide will help you understand the key differences between these lenses, their strengths, and which one suits your specific portrait photography style.

Understanding Focal Length in Portrait Photography

Focal length affects how your subject appears in the frame and how much of the background is included. Here’s a quick breakdown:

  • Wide focal lengths (e.g., 35mm) capture more background and context.
  • Standard focal lengths (e.g., 50mm) offer a natural perspective.
  • Telephoto focal lengths (e.g., 85mm) compress the background and isolate the subject.

Now let’s dive deeper into each lens type.

35mm Lens for Portraits: Wide, Candid, and Environmental

Overview

The 35mm lens is a wide-angle prime lens known for its ability to capture more of the scene. It’s a favorite among street and lifestyle photographers.

Pros

  • Great for environmental portraits (shows more of the background and context)
  • Ideal for indoor or tight spaces
  • Adds storytelling to portraits
  • Lighter and more compact

Cons

  • Can cause distortion, especially at the edges
  • Not ideal for tight headshots

Best Use Cases

  • Environmental portraits
  • Street photography
  • Full-body lifestyle shots
  • Group portraits

50mm Lens for Portraits: Versatile, Balanced, and Natural

Overview

Often called the “nifty fifty,” the 50mm lens closely resembles how the human eye sees. It’s one of the most versatile and affordable lenses.

Pros

  • Natural perspective without noticeable distortion
  • Works well for full-body and half-body portraits
  • Lightweight and fast (common f/1.8 or f/1.4 apertures)
  • Affordable option for beginners and pros alike

Cons

  • May require some space for headshots
  • Slightly less background compression than 85mm

Best Use Cases

  • Everyday portrait photography
  • Indoor and outdoor portraits
  • Beginners transitioning into portraiture
  • Wedding or family sessions

85mm Lens for Portraits: Flattering, Compressed, and Professional

Overview

The 85mm is a short telephoto lens and is often considered the gold standard for portraiture due to its flattering compression and subject isolation.

Pros

  • Exceptional background blur (bokeh)
  • Highly flattering perspective for faces
  • Minimal distortion
  • Ideal for close-up portraits and headshots

Cons

  • Requires more space to shoot
  • Heavier and more expensive
  • Not ideal in tight indoor spaces

Best Use Cases

  • Professional headshots
  • Studio and outdoor portrait sessions
  • Close-up beauty and fashion photography
  • Creating creamy bokeh for subject separation

Comparison Table: 35mm vs 50mm vs 85mm for Portraits

Feature35mm50mm85mm
Field of ViewWideStandardNarrow
DistortionModerateLowMinimal
Subject IsolationModerateGoodExcellent
Best ForEnvironmental shotsVersatile portraitsHeadshots, close-ups
Bokeh QualityDecentGoodOutstanding
PortabilityHighVery highMedium
Price (typical range)Budget-friendlyBudget-friendlyMid-to-high range

So, 35mm vs 50mm vs 85mm: Which Lens Is Best for Portraits?

The answer depends on your portrait style and shooting conditions:

  • Choose a 35mm if you like capturing people in their environment and want to include more context.
  • Choose a 50mm if you want flexibility, natural perspective, and an all-around portrait lens.
  • Choose an 85mm if you focus on headshots and love creamy bokeh with flattering compression.

Many professional photographers actually use all three for different scenarios. If you’re just starting out, a 50mm is a great middle-ground. If you’re building a portrait lens kit, consider adding all three to your arsenal.

Types of Portrait Photography and Ideal Lens

Portrait TypeRecommended Lens
Environmental Portrait35mm
Full-Body Portrait35mm or 50mm
Half-Body Portrait50mm
Headshot85mm
Indoor Lifestyle35mm
Outdoor Editorial50mm or 85mm
Studio Beauty Shot85mm

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Which is better for portraits: 35mm or 85mm?

Both have strengths. Use a 35mm for environmental portraits and wider scenes. Choose an 85mm for close-up portraits with flattering background compression.

Is 50mm good enough for professional portraits?

Yes, the 50mm lens is versatile, sharp, and widely used by professional portrait photographers. It’s excellent for full-body and half-body shots.

Why do photographers love the 85mm for portraits?

The 85mm lens provides superior background blur (bokeh), compresses facial features naturally, and produces professional-quality headshots with flattering results.

Can I use a 35mm lens for headshots?

Technically yes, but it may cause distortion, especially when close to the subject. It’s better suited for environmental or full-body portraits.

What lens should beginners use for portrait photography?

A 50mm f/1.8 is a perfect starting point—affordable, sharp, and works well in most portrait scenarios.

This page was last edited on 3 June 2025, at 9:06 am