35mm vs 50mm Comparison for Portrait Photography

All photos edited with my Disposable Film Lightroom Preset Pack: www.digitalfil...
Hey everyone! During today's portrait photoshoot, I'm going to be showing you the similarities and differences between the 35mm vs 50mm prime focal lengths. For my 35mm lens I am using the 35mm f1.4 GM and for the 50 I have the 50mm f1.2 GM which I borrowed thanks to Sony Australia. I am using both these focal lengths on a full frame camera body - the Sony A7IV. Let me know which lens you prefer!
24mm vs 35mm comparison: • 24mm vs 35mm for Photo...
Sigma 35mm f1.4 DG DN review: • Sigma 35mm f1.4 DG DN ...
Zeiss 55mm f1.8 photoshoot behind the scenes: • POV Portrait Photograp...
LIGHTROOM PRESETS www.digitalfil...
VIDEO LUTS www.digitalfil...
BLOG + SAMPLE IMAGES blog.juliatrot...
MY APP iOS: itunes.apple.c...
MY APP ANDROID: play.google.co...
INSTAGRAM / juliatrotti
TWITTER / juliatrotti
FACEBOOK / juliatrottiphotography
DAN www.imakefilms...
PHOTO + VIDEO SETUP
My photo camera: amzn.to/3z6s5wn
My fav lens: amzn.to/3zc5sYl
UV filters: amzn.to/2DfQINX
Video camera: amzn.to/3rMrIkD
Video lens: amzn.to/31b1KMF
My ND filter: amzn.to/3gqAgZF
Small reflector: amzn.to/31aUcte
SD cards: amzn.to/3AWO1w8
CF express cards: amzn.to/3obbdPI
SD card case: amzn.to/3yMgIJN
My microphone: amzn.to/3O99LYF Lighting setup: amzn.to/3ILS5RZ
My tripod: amzn.to/3OhIovA
My camera bag: amzn.to/3fe4eyx
--
Thank you for watching!

[@walkingchopsticks6731]

I bought a 35mm lens after watching all your videos from a few years ago and its since became my favourite focal length for portraits. But recently I picked up a 50mm GM and I think that has to take the new spot for my favourite focal length

[@Princejp-m6k]

1.2 or 1.4?

[@walkingchopsticks6731]

@@Princejp-m6k50mm 1.4 does the job for me

[@djben928]

This channel is very helpful for photographers. Worth sharing. Thank you Julia

[@brianasealy6257]

Love it!! The 50mm is what I gravitate towards or even longer but I do love the 35mm for it's character too! You are actually the one who made me want to try a 35 after watching your videos!!

[@danncorbit3623]

I like variety. Fixed primes: 28mm, 35mm, 50mm, 85mm, 105mm, 135mm, 180mm. For gimmick shots, super-wide (usually with hands reaching towards the camera, with enough distance that the hands are large but not enormous), and 300mm prime for utter background vaporization. The 300mm makes interesting semi-candid shots, since you are too far away for clear directions without raising your voice. Also, 70-200mm f2.8 when you need to pick out and frame a large number of images in a short amount of time. There is a benefit to taking a majority of images with a single lens because the collection becomes more consistent looking. I see you testing a large variety of lenses and expect your approach is actually similar. For a single person, I like the majority of shots to be 50mm, but for two or more people, I think 35mm is better as the dominant lens.

[@DavidStella]

Is the 180mm prime lens made for Sony? I’d like to look up info on it.

[@danncorbit3623]

Not that I know of. It's for Nikon. Canon has a 200mm prime, but I don't think Sony makes a prime lens in that focal range. It's kind of niche use, and a 70-200mm f2.8 zoom can give similar effect.@@DavidStella

[@paiman_]

Tbh, for the majority of ppl, a standard f2.8 zoom lens is all they need but primes cannot be beaten on image quality. Sharper, shallower depth of field, arguably better to improve photography skills since you gotta physically move around & not rely on zoom, smaller & lighter (depends on focal length & aperture). But a Tamron 28-75mm f2.8 G2 will do for me since its a pretty good "all rounder". Was thinking of getting a 35mm 1.8 too.

[@MikeArcher_HauntedSoldier]

Loved the comparisons. Def preferred the 50mm more from all those shots.

[@brianamooney-lynn3580]

I just ordered a 24-70mm f2.8 and a 50mm f1.8 to start out. I did college photography and assisting (a decade ago) and am trying to get back into photography again. I'm hoping this is a good start. I'm already wishing that I had gotten a 85mm instead of the 50mm. I will be shooting mostly my family, other families, maternity shoots and natural light portraits outdoors.

[@jledvinka]

I don’t think you’ll be disappointed with your 50mm 1.8 😊

[@1990GreenAngel]

Both came out great but I love the compression/bokeh more. So I’ll go with 50mm

[@EnclaveDesigns]

35, 50, and 85 primes all have their use cases in portrait. 35 to capture and include the background, 50 is a great middle ground between 35 and 85, putting more focus on the subject, and 85 is putting all the focus on the subject. Also, consider where you're shooting; if it's in a small space, you'll be better off with a 35.

[@patatipatata9726]

Love your content. Love your smile. Thanks for posting.

[@freddybell8328]

Ahh the great debate. I wish smartphone camera mains lens were 35mm equivalent instead of the usual 23-28.

[@jsannet]

That is exactly what you get with the iPhone 15 Pro. I have mine set to 35 mm default with 24 megapixels. Best camera update since the iPhone 6S.

[@freddybell8328]

@@jsannet Thats a digital crop with a 48mp down sampling with 12mp frames for noise reduction and dynamic range with "special processing" not a true 35mm optical. Not much different than a normal digital crop.

[@jsannet]

@@freddybell8328 no it’s 24 megapixels. And you are wrong it’s true 35mm crop I compared it to my A7 IV with 35mm gm. Same perspective.

[@sr.manwelldos4969]

Nubia Z50s pro 35 mm

[@HappydorisNonglait]

Some Motorola have 23mm 35mm and 50mm🔥❤️

[@Lovestroem]

Wonderful. I think it´s smart to have two lenses that are not too close to each other so you can really choose between two looks. A 35mm plus a 85mm or 135mm comes to mind. If it´s only going to be one single lens, I think the 50mm is slightly more suitable when it´s more about the person than the scenario...

[@martinruiz398]

I love 35mm for the versatility and shooting indoors where space is usually limited, however when side by side the 50mm looks more pleasing.

[@astromoosie]

Honestly, you convinced me to go with 35mm too. Still waiting on Nikon to release their 35mm f1.2... Great work and video as always!

[@dianachristine8438]

Same!

[@ThierryMinet]

In this shoot I definitely preferred the 50mm, but you take great shots with any lens.

[@christiansampayan8818]

Love your content! The photos are great. The editing is suave. You have a soothing voice. The model knows her job well❤❤❤

[@michaelbell75]

Thanks, always like these. 50mm for me. You can see more of the scene with the 50mm too, just step back a little and stop down to around f/4 😃

[@musiqueetmontagne]

Thanks for sharing this video. I love the 35mm for street etc but prefer the 50 for environmental portraits, then 135mm.. The nice thing about the 50mm 1.2 is one can stop down a little and my Nikon lens still has lovely Bokeh at 1.4,1.8 & f2...

[@julianmclean3869]

Many thanks for sharing Julia; the 50mm looks like the best all rounder to my eyes; I do not have one however will be on my hit list !!! (beautiful photos BTW)

[@PH61a]

I do prefer the 50 f1.2. Hope to own one one day.

[@PH61a]

Now I own one 😀

[@14bqdonk]

ok

[@Birkolator]

@@14bqdonkalright

[@michaelcliffordphotos]

@juliatrotti The wind in India Rose's hair in that first shot looked so amazing! She is really an awesome model! I have both of those lenses, and they are among my favorites. (The 50 more than the 35, but I usually feel happiest around 85 or 135.) I've found that subjects who grew up with smartphones have a preference for wider focal lengths - probably because that's what they are used to from selfies and group photos. Have you noticed that with your subjects too?

[@elizabethfarawell4297]

thank you so much for making this video... for some reason focal length and figuring out which lens never made sense in my brain so I need a visual of it like how far back you have to stand etc. this was so much easier for me to understand and visualize

[@TechnikMeister2]

Its worth remembering that professional fashion and portrait photographers do not shoot wide open and do not chase background blur. They shoot at f5.6 or 8 so all the hair and face, not to mention the dress in the case of fashion, is in focus. This is where the 50 and 35 are used. Do the research. If they wanted to isolate the subject they would be at 100 to 200 focal length.

[@PixeloProGear]

I’m torn on my setup. I can’t afford 3 prime lenses. So I was thinking a 35mm and 85mm setup versus a 35mm and 50mm setup. Thoughts?

[@WieHurra]

Nice, all my gear in one video 😅 I use A7IV and I only have these two lenses in my collection 😁

[@MarcoACasco]

Great tutorial, very, very helpful !!! Most of the time I use a Fuji X100T with its fixed lens (that is 35 mm when conversion made), I have tried a 50 mm (after conversion made) on my Nikon D5600, beautiful pictures too !!! But, came to the same conclucion as you did. Thanks for sharing !!!

[@chrisgresham7048]

Hi, Julia do you think the 35mm lens is more geared towards people shooting in locations like Chicago (Manny style portraits)? And the 50mm is more geared for beach locations like (Jon Snip style portraits)?

[@mjpt57]

Great video. Unfortunately I can neither afford nor justify the purchase of those class of lenses. I'm a Canon shooter and the RF50L (I think they have a 35mm L lens) are thousands of dollars. But being a hobbyist (not even up to amateur standard yet) who's taken up photography as a retirement interest, I think that my wife would hit the roof if I spent $6k or so on these lenses. So, I have the "nifty 50" an f1.8 and a 35 f1.8, both RF (mirrorless) glass, both of which set me back a total of around $800. Watching this video has given me some valuable insights on how to use both lenses, insofar as the focal ranges go. Thanks again.

[@darjakarstens4017]

Hey! I am shooting on Canon too and I bought a 35mm f/1.4 for around 600€ and it's a great lens, even for professional photography, it's what you make out of the lens what counts :)

[@specialized41]

Waiting for the review from you of New Sigma 70-200mm Dg Dn sport.

[@StarSeek]

Hey Julia! I really need your advice on this. I have been a Nikon user and have 2 Nikon D750 bodies and Nikkor lenses. I am considering moving to Mirrorless and like to shoot similar photos. Portraiture, use of light. I also shoot in low light for my partner's gigs as a mobile dj. These can be indoor, outdoor. Can be little to no light (apart from ambient or flashing lights from partner's gear! :D) The Nikon D750 fairs well in low light. I am wondering if the Sony A7IV would be better and what your thoughts are?

[@Daniel_Zalman]

Julia, have you ever worked with a 24-70 for an extended period of time and do you have any thoughts on it?

[@shahidshaheen6523]

Great you give me idea which less can I take now, thanks

[@77dris]

When I had the 35 I wanted a bit more reach. When I had the 85 I wanted something wider. I ended up with a 50mm 1.4 and it's the best of both worlds. It's a more versatile lens for me. Actually, the Sigma 40mm 1.4 would be amazing, but it's just too big and heavy.

[@j.d.148]

Which camera are you using?

[@lewcehjitl3282]

Something about the IQ of the 50mm f1.2 is outstanding 😊

[@simonkelic7786]

with a little step backwards you could reach also more integration of the background with a 50 mm. with 1.2 a lot more separation and this 3 D pop i think. as a fuji user the 35 mm was not as always the best choice for close up as you mentioned here. on aps c i always go for 56 just to avoid distortion 35 (50 ff) also will bring. I really love your style but in this clip i liked the 50 mm more due to more creamy background

[@digitalmente01]

what camera and lens were you guys using to record this video?

[@apwip]

Great video! One thing that puzzles me is that some photos are 1/2000 sec with ISO 250. Would it be better to bring down the shutter speed so that you could have ISO 100 for better quality? By using Aperture or Manual with Auto ISO the camera will select the lowest ISO for the situation every time.

[@khoifoto]

My 2 cents: Modern camera doesn't care much about ISO below 800. For noise sensitive project, of course it's base ISO all the way, but for a fun photoshoot, auto ISO range from base to even 1600 is acceptable.

[@MaryNerdy_01]

I can never regret clicking any of your videos. You are amazing. And i feel like you read my mind as i am planning on what my first lens should be between the two..❤

[@NayLynAung]

Do u use filter and request for canon Ef 50mm 1.8 pros and cons video

[@sKyyyFir3]

Would be better for comparison to stop the 50 down to 1.4. Besides that great comparison!

[@jliang70]

or get the Sigma 35mm F1.2.

[@parveenjitkaur]

Thanks for sharing this! Currently contemplating which affordable 35mm lens to get for my Sony 7AIII (and I'm kinda sold with the 50mm too UGH)

[@robigerovasilisphotography]

Can I please ask what brand is your camera holster? And if it's been asked I apologise for asking again 🤷🏼‍♀️

[@MarttiSuomivuori]

Are you suggesting that we should choose the lens according to the image we have in mind? That's pretty radical! What if you just get a 40mm?

[@jimwlouavl]

I’ve never been a 35mm fan but have found the Nikon Z 40mm to be a good compromise for groups.

[@LMNDZ513]

Yeah i love my 35mm 1.4..but yes a 40mm would be a good option to try for myself..too bad Sony doesn't make a 40mmGM lol I would try 40mm later on for sure.....its definitely the "in-between" focal length..as is the true focal length that is closest to our human vision according to some people and cinematographers lol ..not 50mm like some misconception out there seem to say..lol

[@77dris]

Sigma makes an optically amazing 40mm 1.4 but it is big and heavy (for Canon anyway, I think for Sony too)

[@alexanderglockner892]

Thanks Julia for that comparison Video - love this type of videos 🙂 I use 35mm and 50mm too but more the 50mm - for me sometimes the 35mm is for me a little to wide. But i love both looks - maybe i must more shoot with the 35mm. Have a good time and see you Alex

[@wanimd3282]

which one u prefer for event or indoor ?

[@leotomma3494]

Are you using the same camera, if not what what are they

[@KuldeepSingh-vy2gr]

Hi Julia Please suggest me to buy my new camera for both purposes (videos and photos) Sony alpha a7 4 Sony a7 c2 Or fujifilm X-H2 Fujifilm X-T5

[@ScratThunder]

I can’t decide whether to pack the 35mm 1.4 or the 55mm 1.8 for christmas family vacation. So many up and downsides to each.

[@LMNDZ513]

Me personally I vote for the 35mm..love my 35mm 1.4 GM..its on my camera like 95 percent of the time..especially for a family holiday like you mentioned....versatile in many scenarios..interiors incase you like a coffee shops astehtics for example, exterior architecture, group shots incase you have a lot of people to include, still good for up close portraits, landscapes, good for up close details because of the 35mm minimal focus distance is so good..etc seems like the 55mm would not be as versatile especially inside interiors..landscapes would also be somewhat limited if you want to include the "whole scene"..lol ..obviously the focal length is up to you depending on what you want to capture..lol

[@brandon9638]

It really depends on your environment and what you're going for. I shoot 35mm because it forces me to think about composition from a creative perspective. Combined with post-production editing, my photos feel cinematic or dreamy depending on the look I'm going for. Having environmental context is the largest contributing factor of that. For me, these looks invoke a nostalgic emotion when I go back and look at them. And because it's wide, it gets everything in the background, so it feels like I'm there. Shooting 50mm wide will yield beautiful portraits that will look great in a photo album or print, but they never make me feel anything.

[@lakenberlin9746]

@@brandon9638exactly the comment I needed to help me decide - I gotta have the 35mm I’m sure of it. Thank you!

[@lekcjeopieniadzach9021]

Thanks Julia

[@thriloknathreddy3556]

I'm 2nd , please do the samsung camera videos . I am very big fan of your work.🤩🤩

[@PGphoto2011]

Great video! What plate do you use on the bottom of your cameras?

[@zakstation4124]

very helpful video 😇

[@g_lantos]

I feel like most portrait/travel photographers like either a 24&50mm combo or a 35&85mm combo… I personally prefer 20/35/85mm combo for travel/portrait/landscape…

[@phillipharris2831]

Im really struggling with this decision I shoot on a7riii my only lens is the 70-200 2.8 and I love it but im looking for a prime that will close the gap with a lower f/stop and more portable something that can be used for indoors, storytelling, closeups, street, landscape and even astro I want wide but not too wide this and distortion makes me nervous 50 feels safer but it feels so close to 70 With the 35 in crop it would be 50 the riii has 42 pixels so im ok with crop but would doing this eliminate the 35 distortion and look like a true 50 Or is the 50 wide enough

[@petrucik2182]

A love both lenses!

[@mmF-uj7pg]

I think this comparison would've been better if filmed in a city like setting, where the choice between a 35mm and 50mm matters more because you're choosing between including more or less of the environment, which might have some landmarks you want to include in the shot. In nature, the background being just trees, it's harder to feel the difference between a 35mm and 50mm if you're considering backgrounds

[@SammyLeung-o7u]

Do photographers rely solely on post-production techniques to eliminate the large light-ratio shadows caused by backlighting?

[@ofmetalphilosophy4837]

No. She's using a simple technique relying on natural light.

[@yucachan09]

I have a 50mm and it’s so small. How is yours so huge? What do you have attached to it?

[@g33k3301]

50mm f1.2 GM, it‘s the aperture.

[@Yellowcatt]

Thank you for the video! I want to explain why 35mm is the best for me) The image from a 35mm lens is more informative and more closely connects the subject (model) with the background. It’s easier for us to understand where the photo shoot is taking place.A wider angle gives us an understanding of the place. It is also more versatile in small spaces. Because of this quality, the 35mm lens became the best for me.

[@brandon9638]

35mm forced me to think differently about composition. It also helped me find my style. I like shooting more a cinematic and dreamy look to my photos. Which for me, invokes a nostalgic emotion.

[@vincentbaldwin5842]

Im a gear head. I have the 35mm 1.4 Gm and want the 50mm 1.2 as well

[@KiraBiel]

i pick sigma 40mm 1.4 for wxtra bokeh than 35mm and more shaper ang great image quality.

[@jdstrobist]

Merry Christmas 🎄 😎✌️

[@dhrubo9140]

Iphone 15 and pixel 8 video please..😢

[@Cookups]

Thank you, helpful video.

[@chrisburnard5157]

Thank you, very much appreciated.

[@RiposteThis]

How much does the f1.2 vs f1.4 play in that background bokeh?

[@dinolarsson]

Not much at all. I've tried both the 50 1.2 gm and the 50 1.4 gm. The rendering is a tiny bit smoother on the 1.2, some things in the background look less busy. Most of the time you have to look really really hard to notice any difference.

[@bobby07241]

Hello, I am no expert but why you shoot with the sun infront of you isnt this a bad practice ?

[@FrankReiter]

Did you like the photographs? If you did, it’s not a bad practice.

[@MartinV.]

Great Video!

[@idol031808]

Any reason for ISO 250 versus 100?

[@SWERBZ420]

What about 90mm macro

[@AnkitKumarSingh-ie3fg]

Hii Julia, Really love your content🧡🧡. Watching you since 2020. Can you bring a review of newly launched Sigma 70-200 mm f2.8 DG DN sports lens for sony E-mount!!! Thanks.... Keep up with your good content💯. Love from India!

[@Sebastian-lw1ei]

I think anything closer than 1m to subject introduces too much distortion, no matter the focal length

[@KiraBiel]

love 50mm!

[@dougmorato]

10:55 she looks so much better on that 50mm IMHO

[@NN_86]

i love 50mm over 35

[@EARLJEFFRES]

💯👍 Great info‼

[@rudydeclarisse]

Team 50mm, it's on my cam forever

[@moses1202]

I love the way you pronouce Bokeh~. Cause this is a Japanese word which mean blur and also has a lot of meaning. When I watch anime, the character sometimes say BOKEH~ to curse the other.

[@jadmusicetc]

please do this on apsc

[@Readingworld2023]

Can i use these lenses on Nikon Z5 ?

[@jliang70]

Nikon 40mm f2 will be a good alternative and it is under $400. Manual focus lens like 54mm voitglander F1.4 is also very good portrait lens, it is not the technical perfection like some of the modern lenses, it does has color fringing but it has the character that made it a very good portrait lens.

[@Readingworld2023]

@@jliang70 thank you 🌷

[@KampucheaRC]

Great ❤

[@devispesaresi9069]

Meike 35mm f2

[@jennymartin4410]

Ugh Julia your videos always make me want to switch to Sony 😭

[@SayWhaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaat]

Of course 50 will look better for portraits, as 85mm will be better than 50mm. I think there should be photos based on scene...not all of them to be portraits. I think all people udnerstand that portraits are always better with 50mm and up

[@sgpork]

For a shoot like this. I take 50 over 35. Because I can control. But if im out in street or holiday.. 35 is better for me because its wider and easier to frame. Compare to 50.

[@PaoloNeumanDoria]

50mm 👍

[@MattHalpain]

On my Canon R100 I prefere the 50mm. My R100 has a crop sensor. So 50mm x 1.6 = 80mm. I like the look of the 80mm. But that being said, If I want a "50mm" on my R100 the 35mm x 1.6 = 56mm. I think I like the 50mm more than the 35mm.

[@KLNYC]

I like 50mm more.. 35mm on APC is like 50ishmm.

[@riderzaur]

I've no idea how I ended up here... Photographer: you can see the difference and the distortion... me, a complete noob: nope, can't see anything :( Great quality video tho, watched it all. Extra piece of random knowledge to lock up there and remember in a random conversation 3 years in the future.

[@14bqdonk]

2 big dream❤❤

[@khoifoto]

Oh well, people keep talking about 35 and 50mm... The 135mm in my bag is like: "uh...What the heck are you talking about"

[@donaldstuckey9096]

Not the biggest fan of 35. Too much distortion. I do like compression in my portraits. One of the reasons why I use a 50, 85 and 135.

[@MH-cq3zy]

Great video, the 35 1.4 (Sony Zeiss) was for years my favorit lens. Now I got the 50mm 1.4 GM Now the 50mm is the lens i use most of the time. One thing in your videos is a little bit confusing. The one behind the camera always looks better than the one in front of the camera.

[@toripuru_wav]

i thought the model was miranda kerr wow

[@idol031808]

Editing her fly aways would be a nightmare.

[@SUPERSTARSSTYLE1YOUTUBE]

cool

[@stevofoo]

Come on!!!!, I think Im the first!!! NIce episode :D

[@TravellingIndia2Sansar]

❤❤❤

[@marcosguevara1058]

Me gustaría en Español

[@danfarmer_photo]

Hardly an unbiased comparison being that one of your children is in the line up, Jules! 😉😂 #35mmforlife