85mm vs 135mm for Portrait Photography

[@electricinfinty]

I love that you use a lot of the same models, I really feel like we get to know them. I love the relationship you clearly have with them. I really liked the 135 which surprised me!!

[@kennethmyrez]

135 feels magical

[@md.nazmulabedin423]

I think 85mm is the best lens for studio and low light photography. And 135mm is the best potriat lens in daylight. I have both lenses from Sigma Art series. Both are really amazing lenses. Beside that 70-200 f/2.8 is the best versatile lens I think. Thanks Julie for your informative review.

[@WS-bk7uu]

Loved the fact that this was an in the field test in different scenarios and appreciated the side-by-side comparisons!

[@merlinsrobe4621]

Just a few days ago I was deciding between these exact two lenses. In the end I opted for the 135mm because I wanted something for taking candid shots of friends and family and felt the 85mm would require me to be a bit too close and possibly spoil the moment.

[@gutenbird]

How much do you wish you had opted for the 85mm? The 135 looks great on these images and seems to be the better optics but just not very practical for most uses.

[@rumtreibbaer]

I had a Praktica analoge camera in the early 80's. As young people I went hitchhiking with a friend. We were sleeping on Marcussqare that time. Back to photography, I accidently only took a 135mm prime lens with me. So I learned how to shoot with a prime lens. A great lesson to have only one lens with you, one get's a different perspective and more love for details. I encourage people to try different lenses to learn. There is no 'universal' lens for everything but if you only have one make the best of it

[@romekk3975]

I am so much into tight portraits that I cannot imagine anything better than a 135mm from Canon. I have used in once on vacation and it's absolutely stunning. The picture quality is superb. The bokeh is unlike anything else I've shot before. On top of that, you will get the lovely feel of a lens that originated back in the 90-ties. I will need to buy myself a copy of my own at some point.

[@danielzavala656]

I love my 85mm 1.2 because it's both lenses in one on full frameits the same but on crop frame it becomes like a 135mm f1.9 if you own full frame and apsc cameras like I do the 85mm 1.2 it's 2 lenses in 1. Great video Julia!

[@haihuydong4060]

Nice infomation, thank you so much

[@kape2377]

I own the 135 and yes, I literally had to stand on the other side of the street once for a full body shot, but one thing I think No one mentioned, if the person you are photographing is a little uncomfortable in front of a camera, it can feel better NOT having the photographer so close. It is one thing if you know each other, but if someone who hires you is a little camera why, that can be better actually.

[@TheJoejoez]

That's my experience also, especially for Head and shoulders shots...head and shoulders shot with an 85 is too in their comfort zone if they aren't used to modeling.

[@gamingwithstand6886]

I shoot long for portraits from 85mm to 200mm I don't like being close to people. But I do like 35mm portraits people do they have a fun look to them.

[@joinmetraveling3228]

You have some of the best and most thorough reviews on KZbin. Awesome job, keep it up!!

[@sherry5305]

Once again, I find my eBay cart filled with lenses when I should be asleep smh

[@S9universe]

bruhhh lmaoo

[@mrlufus]

I feel you

[@Rkolb2798]

Yep , been there

[@bramcallaert7828]

6 AM here rn. Been looking for what lenses to buy next all night... This comment could not be more relatable.

[@apealeal3973]

Im doing this right now lol

[@BikerMiceOne]

Whay I really liked in this video are those straps. I need those in my life

[@iancurrie8844]

When both lenses are used to create the same amount of "bokeh" (same shallow depth of field) the 135mm still offers more compression due to its longer focal length. This appears to bring the background closer and is quite nice. It also makes the face appear more natural in terms of relative features. If you have the distance to work, the 135mm is clearly the better of the two. If you really prefer to be in your model's face, as Julia does, the 85mm it is!

[@davepastern]

I'm looking at a small studio setup - no more than 8' by 10', and I suspect the 135mm will be too long a focal length in such confines...

[@iancurrie8844]

@@davepastern Uh...yeah Assuming there will be things in your room you'll be no more than what, 8ft from your model? I think you might find even 85mm is too long for a full body portrait.

[@davepastern]

@@iancurrie8844 yeah, I was thinking that too. Only looking to do head/shoulder shots and perhaps a bit of the arms. Only an amateur, not looking to make money, just learn more about studio lighting and photography with a very basic setup that I'm thinking about getting (godox AD200pro with reflector/diffuser as main light; reflector dish; savage paper backdrop sheet. Maybe 2 lots of Godox SL100D units to try and help emulate hollywood style glamour shooting when used with a fresnel. The latter are really out of my budget though. I can't see of any cheaper ways to get the face/shoulder/backdrop highlighting for the Hollywood style of shot that is very typical (really need 4 lights plus a 5th massive reflector for frontal fill from what I can see). It's a pity that studio is so expensive to get into, even at the budget end of the market.

[@iancurrie8844]

@@davepastern Honestly, for your use, I think a zoom would be better. In a studio setting, you're not trying to blow out the background or create strong separation from it as you might in, say, a wedding. In that case, a narrower aperture would be preferable to get more of the model's face in focus and allow you some zoom versatility. I'm not sure a prime is well suited for such a constrained area.

[@saintmovies7735]

The 85 for me by a country mile. Thanks for the comparison- gr8 job!

[@robdtoys]

I own the 135mm and I use it 75% of the time. The look is just magical. I have never used the 85mm but was always interested how it compares. Great comparison. One thing that you didn't mention is price. The 135mm is one of the cheapest L lenses and a huge bang for the buck!

[@garthzutautas125]

I just got the 135mm 1.8 G Master for my A7III and it is incredible! I just shot a whole entire wedding on it and the results are mind blowing. It's such a way different lens than the 85mm. for group shots it's so much better because you're gonna have to stop to 1.8 to get everyone sharp and in focus anyway so you might as well get the extra compression from the 135 if you have the room to back up.

[@risbill1]

Loving my 85 1.8. It's an amazing lens for an unbelievable price. Used it a few days ago to shoot an indoor fashion show with pretty low light. We used strobes to add some light to the models but the lens managed to maintain focus tracking (AI Servo) as the models approached even in such low light.

[@ProferHarbach]

85 1.8 is amazing. I bought it for 180€ xD

[@isaiasanchez1987]

To my eyes the 135 gives it a more epic glamorous look, and the 85 makes you look a bit tinier as you're not compressed as much. Hard to decide so maybe just get both lol.

[@dougg6467]

They are remarkably close and thank you for showing them side by side. I have both focal lengths and have traditionally used 85 for indoor posed shots and 135 for outdoor candid shots. You’ve convinced me that I’m not sacrificing much by not taking the time to change lenses or cameras.

[@guillaumebouqueau]

When you’re not used to it, the 85 is a nightmare for the time it takes to focus. The 135 is much faster but a little bit tight. I usually use it in street photography to isolate subjects from the background.

[@RonnieSaini]

I use 50mm f1.2 and 135mm f2.0 for portraits and I switch between these two lenses, never felt that I'm missing out anything without 85mm

[@nogerboher5266]

I'm a wider version of you then! I shoot with only 35mm and 85mm! I am looking at 135 videos to decide if I should get that GM 135mm f1.8 or not... I feel like using 35 and 135 leave too big of a gap - the images would look like they are from 2 different sessions :D I have no idea yet... I might buy it just because!

[@courtneydavies8276]

I’ve been using Sigma art 85 f1.4 for a while now and I just bought the 135 f2. Sooo excited

[@lucidelluniverso]

Hi Courtney, Can you kindly give me a feedback about the lens? i own the 85mm 1.8 and i was wondering if i will get any evident benefit buying the 135 f2. Thank you, Christian

[@FranklinLiranzo]

both of these lenses are magnificent in their own way, and I think you used them both well... right now my two favorite lenses are the canon 135mm f2 and the canon 85mm f1.4... and I used them interchangeably on many of my shoots.

[@rayyancr]

Just want to say that the detail from the shots are insane sharp 🔥

[@JiaxinLiu]

Why do you not like lens hood? In sunny condition like this, it should help reduce reflection and increase contrast.

[@meh4062]

She probably uses a filter. Also I think artistically she likes the flares. Lastly I’d actually use a filter myself near/on beaches to prevent sand/water. Hopefully she will answer though.

[@wesleybryant7334]

That camera harness is so cool, love the 135

[@jamesgrantham1743]

I believe it’s the money maker! I’ve got the mando one and love it ! There amazing but pricey

[@christopher100]

4:25 The 135 is GREAT at capturing movement. It's one of my go to basketball and gymnastics lenses.

[@AGVME]

im only just realizing the amount of skill you would need to use a telephoto lens to follow along with basketball and gymnastics. That's super cool. Like you gotta super precise, predict movement, read bodies turning, time to hit angles. Is it that the telephoto lenses are faster so you can shoot continuously even faster?

[@luistunonjr.304]

For your kind of photography, which happens to be my favorite type too (portraits) my arsenal is a 35 a 50 and an 85mm. Anything else is extra weight in your bag. It took me 55 years to find this out; hope it doesn't take you that long or like me, every bone in your back will hurt by the time you reach 40. Oh, and if sometimes you want to simply have fun and be creative, throw in an old 24 and a manual fish-eye. -Good luck and enjoy your art.- Love your videos....

[@carolinahalkias3360]

This is so helpful thank you 🙏🏼

[@johnrwallace]

Wow, the 135 is so creamy and makes the subject leap off the background! Great Video... But I agree, I still think I'd lean toward the 85 for convenience and versatility sake!

[@slickhatter9812]

True but if for an example you have layers of colors a 135 will be much better bringing all together like street signs, background colors and subject clothing colors than an 85 but for portraits 85 is more than enough in my humble opinion

[@robertbenton2804]

Hi Julia, the 135mm is better for headshots. Note how the models face looks much better on the 135mm close up at the end of the video. The 85mm is good for mids and full lengths and for better communication since you're closer. Both you and the model are beautiful. I like your accent.

[@rodrigozini-fotografia7185]

I was about to buy a 135, and I already have an 85mm. I was in doubt whether the price of the lens would be worth it since I already have a very similar one in mm, your video helped me back out of this purchase. Thanks. I see it won't make as much of a difference as I was imagining it would, but I do more weddings, they wouldn't be portraits.

[@TallSomeone]

Intelligent, relaxed, informative presentation, Julia. Exemplary human contribution to photography expertise for others. I noted (let me know if I'm wrong) that you seemed to applaud the 135 slightly more FOR ITS VISUAL QUALITIES, but then "chose" the 85 for the benefits offered to shooting logistics. My thought on that would be, for my walk through that dilemma, to modify shoot mechanics to get the 135 into smoother play! It is a monster. You are a committed participant in photography. It's very inspiring to see the attention to your art's fundamentals.

[@comment_below]

@5:00 whats the reasoning for not backing up more to make it easier -or is there a reason?

[@imranq4523]

I just got the RF 85 L it's a beauty. Both focal lengths are great you can't go wrong with either.

[@wanneske1969]

I have them both and love them both but one huge disadvantage of the 135 mm is that it has no stabilisation. I have a shaky hand so I need to take pics at 1/320th of a second or shorter, which might be a problem when it's darker

[@bahaatamer1245]

Get a Tripod

[@wanneske1969]

@@bahaatamer1245 I have one but it doesn't really help when the subject moves (singer at a concert, wedding couple)

[@Canoneosmiami]

The model is beautiful,great shots !

[@willdegraw]

Julia, you're really pretty. Thanks for the consistent uploads and instruction!

[@parthasarathikanaparthi2366]

Hi Julia... I prefer 85mm as I can't get enough space everytime. And it gives me proper full length pictures. Love 85 focal

[@opaulinho5420]

Wow!! I'm impressed with the 135mm, its sharpness is awesome. 85mm can be more convenient but depending of the job 135 would be always my favorite. At least on this test the sharpness of 135mm is much better and I'm not talking about the chromatic aberration yet. Good video. Kiss from Brazil

[@DeeanaJohnsonkati]

Hi Julia. Thanks for the comparison. Since I’m a hybrid shooter, I like the 135mm when shooting video cause distance is key (people act more natural when they don’t have a camera In their face for example crowd shot at a concert). But for photos, the 85mm. Proximity with a nice bokeh works well when shooting portraits, as you shared.

[@saleemrishah]

i just couldn't find any of your Models comparable to your beauty... and ye, i found this Video very helpful.

[@isaactorres372]

🎉thank you for showing full body portraits omg people rarely explain these differences

[@Keeg64]

Thank you for cropping and scaling them for comparison!

[@angelgarciapadilla5730]

I love you Julia! 🤭 Great pictures!

[@aniquewaseem6259]

Excellent video Julia. Beautifully explained

[@juliatrotti]

Thank you!

[@aniquewaseem6259]

🥰😍

[@michaelmills2926]

I would go for the 85 mm all the time, great video 👍

[@MichaelMa]

I'm surprised you got such good contrast without a hood or hand to cover the lens for flares. I like the colors on the 85. You can always make 135 colors look similar, but sometimes you never know what looks better unless suggested to you by another lens.

[@axelferis]

Hard to tell... At the beginning i was for the 135mm but at the end don’t know which is the best. Very hard to give a winner.

[@themuslimbusinesscomments]

hey julia, great work! it seems like 135 mm has a bit of say 10% extra compression, and perhaps a 125mm lens would be perfect for portraits, what do you think?

[@andychandler3992]

135 for me. Most of the shoots I do are outdoors, so I have a lot of room to play with. For me, it was a matter of subject seperation and the "pop"

[@brianeibisch6025]

Julia should really be the model as she is most beautiful however I have always liked the 85mm lens as a portrait lens. I think when attempting to isolate subject the 85mm is the best all round lens too. The 85mm can take a great head shot, bust and head, half body and full body and also just general photography. I think it is important to really decide what lens is best for your several purposes so you don’t go broke buying gear or need a carry truck for your massive collection of “stuff”.

[@huseyinaltinbalik78]

Beautiful lenses. And and all is beautiful..Thank you.

[@luisenriquez2122]

Beautiful picture omg sorry for the question but is that a fiddle leaf fig 😮

[@native1181]

I’m definitely buying the Mark iii and these lenses!!!!

[@ak4120]

superb photoshoot with super beautiful model i like it dear👌👍

[@philphoto6299]

I dont think you can ever say one lens is always better than the other. They are situational. Seems like one factor of choice is, "Exactly how much background do you want in view", and by that I mean purely framing, not bokeh. The other to me, is entirely dependant on the model's face. I think a model with a very pointy or angular face might benefit from the 135. Whereas someone with a relatively flat face would benefit more from the 85.

[@antdx316]

1:08 135mm 1/6400 f2 ISO250, why not ISO-100 1/2500?

[@danielbento1477]

Wow ! The loved 85mm ! Julia great job 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@huwpenson2678]

no lens hoods ?

[@tmewborn1]

Thanks I have the Nikor 85 f1.8 and love it...i just ordered the Nikor 135mm f2 D lens which will arrive in four days. I am excited to compare them myself. I also have the 24mm f2D lens & Nikor 35mm f2.8D lens both are awesome lens too. i enjoy the oder very sharp Metal material D lenses.Thank You for your most excellent Video & sharing the images,, your commentary,

[@whatsupchicken]

For me I do really close portraits and between 85 and 135 and 50 as well it is not about the bokeh not the sharpness not the background field view but the compression of the face. The longer the focal length the further you go away from the subject and the ratio between the closest and farthest point of the face gets lower hence it will be compressed more. Making the eyes closer and the ear also closer. This is what I look for when it is about to choose focal length!

[@nathangreen7312]

First comment for a change. Another awesome video Julia. I preferred the 85mm for the detail it gave to the models' skin and also preferred the Bokeh from it too

[@VenTimofey]

So both lenses look great! It just seems that they both get the job done and that you'll wish you had one or the other in difference circumstances.

[@tristanwilhelm9600]

I'd be interested to see your take on the Sigma 105 1.4 🤔

[@jneiberger]

Same here! I have an 85 f/1.8, so I'm considering an 85 f/1.4, a 105 f/1.4 and the 135 f/1.8. I want to be able to get more separation and compression, but still retain sharpness. The Sigma 105 and 135 are insanely sharp, even wide open.

[@tristanwilhelm9600]

@@jneiberger from using both 135 and 105 now, the 135 allows you to get much closer and seems to have better detail(barely) but the 105 still manages to be my go to for most shoots these days

[@jneiberger]

@@tristanwilhelm9600 That's kind of what I've been hearing. I know a pro who has the 105 and he also had the 135. He said because of the longer focal length, he hardly ever used the 135 except for outdoor senior portraits and stuff like that. I absolutely love the shots I've seen online from the Sigma 135, but I worry that I also wouldn't use it as often as I might use the 105 1.4, and the 105 would still give me better clarity and compression than what I get with my current 85 1.8. I think I'm leaning toward that 105.

[@stevenmeansphotography3861]

Question when shooting the model walking on the beach what were your camera setting And where was you focus since the model was moving

[@rhykko77]

Excellent comparison!......I often prefer the 135 f2 bokeh to the 85 1.2 What has become of your Sony ? Thanks

[@grenaclana]

Hi Julia. What brand? model is that strap? It look more compact and tighter to the upper back than other options

[@Spagatti_Monkey]

Hi I love ur videos and content! One question, Do you use same filter on both the lense while youbshot these? Does the filter make difference?

[@dedushkamoroz1734]

I have both and i love them. My favorite lenses!

[@LCBear]

They are really close for their function, it’s hard to imagine for people who have two, you must have a preference right?

[@dedushkamoroz1734]

@@LCBear I have 2 bodies 🙄😂

[@benisrael3801]

The 135mm is a BEAST! I need one lol

[@juliatrotti]

Yeah it's such a good focal length!

[@Charmainesworld]

Tested the 135 it’s a good Lense for Outdoor shootings like fashion or portrait but for wedding maybe in the church. The problem is you need a lot of Space between your Model and your Lense. So I habe the 85mm and I’m in love with the bokeh and the effect to the image.

[@juliatrotti]

Yeah I agree, I normally use my 135 for weddings rather than portrait shoots! I also don't like how far away I have to be from my subject during a portrait photoshoot with that lens

[@m0nztam0nk]

really cool comparison... the 85 is surely very good and nice to work with... but the IMAGE coming from the 135 ... so sublime, almost surreal and ethereal... just so different and clean... i really cant wait to try out the sony version on my next shoot, i will rent a 135 and see for myself... i mean, i LOVE 85... but the 135 images are just so special!

[@maddieboucher5639]

I love seeing both. I have the 85 and it’s great. It would be awesome to try the 135 mm someday. I’ll prob stick with my 85 for now as 135 is a lot more

[@scorpionoir4952]

I think longer focal lengths work better for street style photography where you have to be far away and a bit more discreet.

[@Connect04]

I love your videos. Can you please tell me how are you nailing focus on 85mm at f1.2. I have been struggling to nail focus. Most of my shots are miss focused. I'll be glad if you can give me tips on how

[@gustavovasquez1859]

Great video, picture samples and comparison with both lenses. I would like to know if you are considering the Canon EOS R for your gear and workflow Thanks again for sharing

[@seefoody]

What camera strap do you use? I need to find a high quality one and yours looks perfect!

[@kiliandietrich8526]

Focal length affects the depth of field. So if you want to compare bokeh, you could account for that, for example by calculating what f-stop you'd need to get the same depth of field. Apps like PhotoPills have tables where you could look it up if the math is not that appealing to you. In your video at 4:00 you probably stand at a distance of 6m... gives 33cm DOF with the 135mm at f2.8, with the 85mm you'd have to be at f1.1 to get the same result, commercially available is only f1.2 so that could be the most honest comparable case. Cheers

[@tommino8970]

At 7:13 is "135" clearly sharper, but at 9:05 looks like opposite. Too blurry background at 4:19 is not for everyone (for me, depends on the composition). Hard to tell, both lenses are non-IS and it was taken from the hand. The real compare would be possible from tripod only. On other side, in Photoshop will be applied Gaussian blur in frequency separation, so everybody can choose his favorite.

[@mr-ys3wr]

May I know what that dual camera strap is?

[@VioletaMeyners]

louchehy yes please! If you find out pls share :)

[@can0nguy]

What is the make and model of the shoulder harness? Thanks for sharing!

[@Alfredolunafoto1]

Love the classic look of the 135mm

[@alexfox575]

Thanks for the nice review! Can you tell the name of your 2x camera strap please?

[@jmalegromusic]

very detailed video and the Model is so professional

[@theae.7959]

Hi Julia, amazing comparison video, just want to know what camera strap you’re using in the vid? Thank you!

[@MattHalpain]

4:18 I like the bokeh in the 85mm better than the 135mm lens. To me the 85mm lens bokeh looks more crisp and defined in the blurred circles. 8:58 I think I prefer the 135mm for the portrait shot, as more of the models portrait is in the photo clearly.

[@AFR0MAMBA]

Thanks! I went with the 135 on my Sony 👍🏼

[@tonyhahn1341]

hi where did you get your camera strap" O great 85mm lens got to get that lens

[@KBee795]

I like both lenses but think it's more about using them in a studio where you might not be able to back up so you choose the lens that gives you the body or shoulder shot you're after. Sometimes it's about the bokeh and other times it's about the background compression. I have both in Nikon and like them very much but don't shoot them totally wide open, just a tad off wide open which seems to give me better results. Most of my lenses shoot their best at f4 to f5.6. I tend to shoot at f2 or f2.8 instead of wide open as my bokeh circles are rounder (they are oblong at f1.8). I guess you have to test your lenses to find this bokeh sweet f stop.

[@debozebever]

I tried 50, 85, and 135... Ended up with... 105 macro. Great lens for closeups and tack-sharp as i never shoot portraits (headshots) wide open.

[@CAllen-uw7hc]

Julia, Did you you stop shooting on the Sony A7iii? I don’t see you posting much with it lately.

[@lifetimesofamultiplemediam1003]

I love watching these because I love the vibe between photographer and subject. I need to learn that, I'm rubbish shooting portraits. I have the 135mm and love it, but also want the 85mm, not the f1.2, but the new f1.4 stabilised version. Keep on keeping on Julia.

[@raystark5992]

I use the 135 and 100 on the Sony system

[@38201270298]

ray stark what 135mm do you have? I like this focal length, but the price of Zeiss just pissed me off.

[@raystark5992]

The g master f1.8 and the price of that pissed me off too😂😂

[@38201270298]

ray stark nope, it's overkill for my needs. too big, too heavy.

[@DJFoucher]

Enjoyed how you made the comparison of both lens with a variety of shots. Thanks 🙏

[@juliatrotti]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Hruaitluanga_Zadeng]

Both is excellent. But, I can say that 85mm is more practical for everyday use.

[@joshuathroneburg795]

I feel the comparisons are hard to give an apples to apples because one has such hard light compared to what appears to have been the sun going behind a cloud. Could the chromatic aberration have been pronounced due to this and with the light color top on her dark pants in such intense light compared to the other 135? Just curious :) I love your work and posts, purchased the 85mm mk ii because of you :)

[@n0g4rdd3r9]

Where did you get those awesome camera straps? Cheers.

[@juliatrotti]

Thanks! They are from Holdfast gear

[@francescoz1964]

Hi Julia, I love the 135 mm lens but I have a doubt... Do you think it is a lens suitable for thin models? Thanks for sharing your video :)

[@kennypringle4580]

You don’t shoot with lens hoods?

[@juliatrotti]

Not all the time, I really like lens flares and the lower contrast look when shooting backlit.

[@sleepypandaeyes]

This was very helpful & informative! Thank you so much. Love your videos!

[@juliatrotti]

Glad it was helpful!

[@kerryearnshaw93]

Have you ever done a shoot with 6D mkii? I’ve heard mixed reviews with its dynamic range and some lenses not focusing? What canon camera body do you recommend?

[@souljah9e]

Thank you so much for this comparison video. I would like to know what brand of camera strap are those?

[@jamesgrantham1743]

Money Maker there amazing