50mm vs 85mm for Portrait Photography + Behind the Scenes

[@wingofwinter888]

your lens comparison reviews is the best in the youtube-verse. you are the only one that actually show how close and how far from the subject with certain focal length, not even DPreview ever do this. thank you for making videos like this.

[@troydiehl4466]

I like the 50 on the 3/4 and 1/2 body shots. 85 on the full body and close up face only

[@holyfool3012]

I prefer 50MM 1.8 because that's what I can afford

[@KBzr-yb6bt]

indian stereotype lol

[@kape2377]

I actually love the 50mm 1,8. Have been shooting quite a few portraits with it and it never disappoints. :)

[@sexysilversurfer]

95% of people wouldn’t notice if it was at 1.4 or 1.8.

[@holyfool3012]

@@kape2377 It is magical actually I feel satisfied with it ,but if I could get 35MM that would complete me.

[@kape2377]

indian stereotype i got the sigma 35mm art and highly recommend it. It is VERY sharp and clear even at 1,4. I love how the pictures come out from it. If you feel the 1,8 is too soft, dont even think about the 1,2 😁 at least the one I used was so soft it made me cringe. Only at 2,8 it was somewhat sharp, but then you could just as well stick to the 1,8, right? At least my 1,8 is extremely sharp and beautiful at 2,8.

[@meliswrld]

I absolutely love how dreamy the images look with the 85mm 💗

[@sweetcalamares]

I really liked this shoot Julia, I personally would go for the 85mm, because you can isolate your subject if needed and just f stop-it up if you need the flowers to come back; I believe it gives you more options on controlling your background.

[@baileywooten2069]

Love them both! I think the 50mm is alittle more versatile, whereas the 85 would mainly be used for portraits, but I still love the look of it!

[@johnrwallace]

It all comes down to environment and what feel you're going for...basically you've proved that you need both lenses! haha. Great video!!

[@juliatrotti]

Haha it definitely doesn't hurt to have both! Hopefully this shows the pros and cons of each though so if you can only afford one you can choose what will work best for you :D

[@karikaru]

I got a 50 and a 70-200. Obviously the prime will be faster, but on a budget, 70-200 can get you a lot of utility for the price of one prime. Or you could do a 24-70 2.8 and a 135 f2L (supposed to be ridiculously good) to save you from having to buy a lot of lenses to cover your desired range.

[@stephengatley8144]

@@karikaru If you have an APSC & FF using a 35mm, 85mm you get 35, 56, 85 & 135mm now that's efficiency!

[@stephengatley8144]

@@juliatrotti You should ditch that 85mm 1.2L for an 85mm 1.4L IS USM i got mine last week, focus is dead accurate & soo fast!. My focus missed rate is about 3% but my sample pool is under 1000 shutters still!.

[@karikaru]

@@stephengatley8144 that's actually kind of brilliant.

[@geebes2112]

I really love the 85, I think it goes really well with a 35 for most portrait situations

[@juliatrotti]

Yesss 85 + 35 is the best combination! 🙌

[@artsartemia4426]

That's what i use, 35 and 85 mm. I have also 50 mm but i don't know why is a prime i use only sometimes

[@Began2011]

I really like how the 85 looks. Super clean and sharp.

[@ceg2235]

Model is a Photog's dream. Wonderfully photogenic with fluid movements throughout! Love the way you include technical details in your side-by-side comparisons. I really enjoyed your video - well done! Thank you!

[@juliatrotti]

Thank you so much!

[@travis8665]

She needs a good feed. Nothing attractive about the model.

[@joansmith7649]

@@travis8665 Are you being sarcastic? This model is a dream for sultry lingerie type shots. In the photos Julia is shooting for this lens comparison, the model is simply not dressed in the attire she was meant to be wearing or not wearing, as the case may be.

[@deAbreuCaique]

Loved the comparison! I personally prefer 40mm; I’ve been using a Nikon Z5 coupled with a 40mm f2 and it’s very close to the 50mm, but for me it’s more useful for wedding photography and also environmental portraits. But I also use 70+mm focal lengths to complete the shoot. Great job Julia, congrats for the nice work being done!!!

[@poultrypower89]

Hiiiiii, just a friendly reminder that you're amazing and we all love your super helpful content!

[@juliatrotti]

Aw thank you!!

[@kimjoseph5668]

Love this video! I love the result of both lens. The 85mm lens can make the model pop out from the frame so much, and the result is so dreamy! I personally prefer to use 50mm lens cause I take photos mainly during travel so I want to include some of the background as well. (35mm will never leave my camera) If I am asked to just take pretty photo for a person and the location is not important, I will definitely choose 85mm. Btw, the posture you are using to take close up portrait might harm your lower back a bit. I suggest you to bend your knee instead of bend your waist.

[@juliatrotti]

I totally agree and do the same thing as you re: lenses in those particular situations 😄and yeah, thanks for pointing that out - I really do need to work on my photographing posture!

[@ssuryakanta1]

Hello Julia, I noticed 85 mm is the best for close up portrait & it works best for get separation from foreground to background . Unfortunate I don't have 85mm but m happy with my 50mm .

[@onlysublime]

get the 85 mm! even the 85 mm 1.8 is an amazing lens and you can often get that for amazing prices. Once you try that, you won't touch the 50 mm much (except in tight areas where you can't step back).

[@thedondeluxe6941]

I prefer the 50mm for portraits too. Love my 50mm F1.2! In fact I use it for pretty much everything :-)

[@j.kimmer1509]

just obtained an 85mm f1.2 RF; "doh!" wow. my biceps will get stronger after my tennis elbow. Made me enjoy taking photos again; every pimple and eye lash comes out amazingly sharp. Price of a used toyota truck but it is the only lens i have on my R these days.

[@kape2377]

I think both is necessary. 35 and/or 50 for full body shots and 85 and 135 for the more closer photos. I recently got myself a 35mm sigma art after having seen you talk so well about that focal length. It is an amazing lens. Already love it, so Thanks for being an inspiration. :)

[@rytacarms]

Love how you kinda do revisits on these focal length videos. Better and better each time

[@juliatrotti]

Thank you, I'm glad! Last time I was just talking in the office, so I really wanted to do this topic again but on location so we could see some proper tests/comparisons 😊

[@anthonyrock5039]

Great work. Your images with the 85 looked best to me. Inconvenient to step back with the 85 but it would yield the same framing as the 50 as well as matching choice of bokeh(if you have 1.2 vs of 50 and 85 . Your choice of having varied posing and framing of shots with each lens made me enjoy the shoot but not able to truly compare. Current comparison only speaks to the inconvenience of planning locations taking focal lengths into consideration. Great work overall. Nice atmosphere created for your model. Bless

[@philipgowdy]

Madeline..Superb model..SO many poses so fast..I think one of the most important things that you showed near the end is distance from camera to model. If you were working in a studio it would be hard for anything other than portraits with the 85mm where as you could shoot full lengths with a 46, 50, 55mm. I your situation though outside, just a bit of thought and the 85mm shines through.

[@madddog692000]

I noticed you holding the 50mm by the focus ring with your left hand. Possibly knocking focus out of whack?? I've caught myself doing this and changed my left hand position away from the focus ring. In focus keepers are much higher since the change. Great shots and good comparison.

[@hurleygreen927]

Love the 50mm 1.8 because that's what I have, and it allows me to be more creative with portrait shooting.

[@KBzr-yb6bt]

Please do a comparison full body shots bokeh 85mm f/1.2 vs 135mm f/2 both lenses at it’s maximum open aperture

[@bluemaki1]

Very detailed video! Thanks you. I prefer 50mm anytime, 85mm is good if you always shoot portraits where you have room to work with it.

[@Narsuitus]

For full-length, 3/4 length, and environmental portraits, I prefer to use a 50mm or 55mm normal lens on a full-frame camera body. For half-length and head & shoulder portraits, I prefer to use an 85 or 90mm telephoto lens on a full-frame camera body. For tight face shots, I prefer to use a 105 of 135mm.

[@hywel3143]

Hi Robin. Thanks for the excellent video! The 5D sensor is very flattering for portraiture - fantastic photos! I’ve just bought a used Canon 85mm 1.8 for my 6D and I must agree with you: it’s just perfect for portraiture. Now I just need to be as talented as you and all will be well ;-)

[@CoolhandLukeSkywalkr]

If you are on the EOS RF lens system definitely get the 85mm over the 50mm because of the Blue Spectrum Refractive Optics.

[@MichalOlender]

As always thanks for the video Julia, I have a question, at 1.2 the whole model is in focus basically, if I do that, nose will be blurry and the whole face is not in focus, whys that, what am I missing? Is it because of the distance to the model?

[@HodajuciParadoks]

I have 35mm 1.8 , I would like 85mm 1.8 next to my collection..50 is nice too. When I can I will have all 3. They are all great for different look and depending on where you are talking pictures.

[@AdrianLardPhoto]

Love the look of the 85. Great shots!

[@chadmoore8181]

Thank you for the great comparison. It helps a lot to a rookie like me make a good choice on the next lens for me to buy. I was shooting on a Canon T7I and just upgraded to the Sony A7III. I am going to buy a Sony 85mm F/1.8 as my portrait lens but also going to get a Sony 50mm F/1.8 as well. Thanks again for the comparison!

[@samkgvids]

Always loving the content from you :) thank you Julia

[@juliatrotti]

Thank you so much!!

[@ps3Tank11]

i sold my 5div body for 3100 cad fot the a7r 4 did i make the right choice

[@boatmanbermuda7255]

no

[@kimjoseph5668]

ps3Tank11 the camera suit you better is the better camera. Sony camera has better auto-focus and much lighter weight, and the image quality also amazing.

[@stephengatley8144]

@@kimjoseph5668 The Lens + Body determine the Auto focus quality!. The eye auto focus mode on the Sony is very good but the auto focus is not better fast focusing lenses are the key!.

[@kimjoseph5668]

Stephen Gatley indeed, thank you for correcting me. I should say: better eye auto focus which is essential in portrait photography. :)

[@alt4xxx]

Yes

[@thienluong3263]

perfect comparison between lens 85mm and 50mm.Amd f.1.2 for pretty and fantastic phótos

[@elenamaksimenko3398]

85 mm was my first lens.Afterwards wanted to buy a 35 mm, but couldn't afford it by this time. So I bought 50 mm. Most of the time I still use 50 mm, but I really love 85 mm (even thought it's a bit hard cause you have to step a bit far from the model). thanks for this video

[@hardrod6989]

I like the 50mm more. Looks more natural. I am not a fan of too much bokeh n background seperation as seen with the 85mm. Nice Photos!

[@Photo90210]

I like the two. The 85mm lenses, no doubt, it's always the dearest for portraits, but I like the 50mm ... it's more "comfortable".

[@sreenikanth8456]

Love the way you direct the model. As usual, u were looking great in photoshoot. I go with 85mm personally. May be if the model was little healthy model, in 50mm full length would have not been that great. As the model's legs were so slim, 50mm made her look dramatic & better than her real size in 3/4 & full length portrait. Thank you !

[@joansmith7649]

I only shoot lingerie and nudes, and this model has a perfect body. Her legs are not too slim and her rear end has shape. She looks very healthy. Blue jeans is not what this model should be wearing.

[@nathangreen7312]

Another awesome video. Preferred the 50mm lens

[@Auhana50]

I noticed you use natural sunlight and I think it’s wonderful. Do you shoot without flash on all your portraits? Mahalo

[@holyfool3012]

Julia ..I want to be just like you a photographer ...Your work inspire me ..And recently I took few good pictures...Thank you so much

[@ejphoto]

I just purchased the 50mm. I'm anxious to do a portrait test with it!

[@dct124]

Way to go, the shots came out great and you don't move as much if not at all during release.

[@deniselisboa1]

I like how sharp the 85mm is but the 50mm shows more of the environment so both are equally as nice :) it depends on what your goal is

[@gustavosantiagofotografia]

Julia do you tilt just a tiny bit you camera up at around 1:10 or is it just my impression because of the shutter pressing?

[@SONYAdicto]

Focus and recompose

[@leew3rd]

I realize this is an old post, but I would appreciate your thoughts on using an 85mm f1.4 lens on a crop sensor nikon, essentially making it a 127 mm focal length. In your opinion, will it be a good choice for shooting a portrait? Thanks!

[@onQQuincy]

Great video do you have any comparing the 135mm f/2 with the 85mm f/1.2?

[@juliatrotti]

Thank you! I'm actually editing that video right now and it should be up in a week or two 😄

[@onQQuincy]

@@juliatrotti You're welcome & great

[@420sigmapower]

It's usually not the lens that does the distortion.. It is the distance of the lens from your model that causes the distortion. A cropped out 50mm portrait (to get field of view of 85mm) against 85mm at the same distance should give you pretty much the same result in theory. But this is still a good comparison from a practical point of view.

[@mikec2551]

Thank you for sharing! My favorite atm is 35mm. But I also like the 50. But it was nice to see the 85 as well. You’re inspiring! Thank you!!

[@juliatrotti]

Thanks so much!

[@thejohnnerparty]

I like both lenses. For me, it depends on the setting. I like the 85 more for inside portraits. Outside, it will depend on what you want included in the shot.

[@luiswaight6365]

OKAY BUT I LOVE THIS MODEL WOW

[@renaicoangler]

Hi Julia, nice video. You have micro adjusted the focus in the 50mm?? Any tips on getting sharp images at 1.2? Thanks!

[@LoranPolat]

hi julia, If you had only one porte lens, which one would you prefer?

[@robertdavis1255]

Great location & video... I have a 50mm but am still interested in 85mm....thanks for your review..

[@jwong7316]

Big fan! Bought your presets too. Love your editing style. Great vids, keep it up!

[@JoaoRodriguesNeto]

Hi, Julia, I loved the comparison you did between these 2 lenses. As I'm just beginning in photography and own a 50mm lens (1.8) and a 100mm (2.8 fixed) both from Canon, do you think I need to buy a 85mm? The Best shots I have made of my daughter were from this Canon 100mm 2.8 macro lens using a T5i at that time. I've made just close-up photos, because of the crop factor. Now I've upgraded to a EOS RP. What do you think of making a photo shoot comparing a 85 mm with a 100 mm on a full frame?

[@ellerose5211]

I love your videos! I just purchased the 50mm 1.2 lens and I love it so far. I am new to photography and watching your videos have helped me a lot. I would love to see more videos on your editing process...more specifically Photoshop and how you edit skin. :)

[@juliatrotti]

Than you so much! I have a few photo editing videos on my channel about skin retouching as well if you're interested in taking a look :)

[@roadtripalabama1]

Julia, you are doing a grt job.

[@NAM3L3555]

The 50 1.2 first version it's a good choise for today? Here in Spain it's about 800€ I have the canon 6d with the sigma 50mm 1.4 and the sony a7lll with Zeiss 55 1.8 I don't know if that lens will make some difference m in sharpness and that 1.2

[@dropyvisuals4355]

If you want one 1 50mm, if you can afford two, 35 and 85. ✨

[@sexysilversurfer]

Yummy Tech if you use mirrorless cameras then buy an adapter and use older glass and get two lenses. Much cheaper and for portraits manual focus is doable.

[@marioarias9942]

So true

[@marioarias9942]

@@sexysilversurfer Difficult and still expensive to find a manual legacy lens that is sharp at 1.2 most you need to stop down for sharpness which defeats the purpose.

[@snoopaka]

I have watched a couple of these lens tests and enjoy them. I prefer the 85 because the face looks more natural. I wonder if you could tell me why you shoot without your lens hoods. At the end of this video I know you stated you wanted to test lens flare. Why not have the hoods on all the time?

[@TheGolfR32Racer]

Hi Julia which Filter do you use on the 50 1.2? Greetings from Italy :)

[@floydbrown2142]

Always great video content, thank you. It’s the Wednesday and have seriously had a 50mm in the “cart” three times in the last week. Im running with a 16-35 gm and an 85 gm. Reluctantly never had a fifty in my early days. Now being an antique myself with a restruck interest in photography. Now evidently there digital cameras, thanks to many its a bit fun. I find myself keyed in on a space issue primarily as any pursuit for full body portraits at 11’ft from the backdrop. So within your video the flower garden area photos was a mention of distance, I feel this is my same dilemma and reasoning. I appreciate your help and truly enjoy your videos.

[@jytaia9564]

You most likely already know this, but I find that continuous mode helps me capture sharper images. The models swift movements can be difficult to shoot on single shot.

[@juliatrotti]

Yes definitely! I like using continuous on mirrorless cameras, but on the 5D4 I find that continuous and servo modes just aren't that accurate so I prefer being able to control where and when the camera is focusing :)

[@d.l2089]

Hey Julia! So for those of us that have APS-C crop sensors but want the 35mm f/1.4 "look" and don't want to break the bank, what lens would be a suitable alternative?

[@juliatrotti]

I uploaded a video just about this a couple of weeks ago titled Crop Frame vs Full Frame if you wanted to take a look! Towards the end I get a similar look of 35mm on full frame but on a crop frame :D

[@iMich1000]

Could you do a comparison video Canon vs Sony vs Nikon. And how your presets behave on each system?

[@juliatrotti]

Yes that would be so fun!

[@d.f.4830]

Isn't it odd that the 50 causes 'distortion' in her face? I'm an interested punter, but I could have sworn that the human eye was (very roughly) the equivalent of a 45mm lens on a full-frame camera. You even said later that the 85 was 'flattening' the face - that flattening is distortion, to the extent that it differs more from what your eye sees than the 50 does. Right...?

[@night_runnerexe]

Hey Julia! You should do a shoot with the EOS R and the new 50mm RF 1.2. Would love to hear your thoughts!📸📸📸

[@lifeinfullcircle514]

Love this channel I use a lot of your tips when doing my on photography keep up the good work

[@makennajoydozier61]

How do you get sharp focus on the eyes with your 50? I noticed you were having problems with a lot being soft and I have the same issue. Trying to get better at getting sharp focus on my 50 1.8 because I can’t afford another lens right now!

[@antoniodevera5988]

Great video, very informative! I have the Sigma18-35mm f/1.8 on an APSC-S Canon camera...any thoughts (preferences) on whether I should purchase the Sigma 35mm [56mm effective focal length] f/1.4 or the Sigma 50mm [80mm effective focal length] f/1.4? Thanks!

[@schmulia]

Julia, please, where is your camera strap thingy from? I neeeeed one so bad!

[@KagoPh]

The 85mm really shines when it comes to the close up portraits but I really liked the 50mm because it shows more of the background, especially by the field:) awesome video!:) Julia ALWAYS makes informative videos. I've actually learned A LOT from her and her channel:)

[@juliatrotti]

I agree! That's why I normally like shooting with my 35mm, just so you can see more of the environment :D and thank you so much, I really appreciate it!

[@sahilgambhir582]

I got an 85mm f1.8 after watching your old videos :)

[@soldier5637]

Just ordered an 85mm 1.8 for my new A7II. Very budget option i chose, but should still be much better than the kit lens for portraits.

[@juliatrotti]

An 85 is always a great option regardless of what exact lens it is, have fun using it! 🙌

[@franckleclerc8692]

Maybe I should try San Francisco Lightroom preset. I already bought Amalfi, wild bird and Florence...

[@geribrn6453]

Now please do an 85 vs 135 as the 135 has become my favorite portrait lens :D

[@kape2377]

Mine too! It is simply amazing, only thing you need is a little extra space. It is a wonderful lens.

[@harshadsatarkarphotography]

Would love see review.. how samyung 45 1.8 stack up against Zeiss fe 55 1.8

[@brucechancontact]

The colour is so beautiful

[@charlenedebruyn7454]

Love your videos! Cant wait for new videos every week! Thank you!

[@juliatrotti]

Thank you!

[@charlenedebruyn7454]

You give me so mich inspiration! Thank you! I am doing a Julia inspired shoot this saterday! Would love to learn more from you and one day maybe tag along on a shoot with you. If you are ever in South Africa i would love to meet you!

[@sg3-h7u]

I rented the 50mm 1.2 and shot with the canon 6D in these similiar circumstances and got huuge chromatic abberation! I'm not sure why, because it was the same scene...trees, slight sun in background.

[@emilymendoza1952]

I looooveee both of them but ay! mi amor the 85 mm its my favorite! 📸

[@Pinkarrie]

May I know the strap you use?

[@billb8262]

Curious if anyone else feels the same as me. Aside from portraits, I hate the 50mm FOV. I often use a 24-120mm Nikon and find most of my shots are well zoomed or very wide. Very little in the middle. I have found I don't like shooting at what my eye sees. I like wide or narrow. Is it because I'm just accustomed to my natural FOV and bored of it since photography is also about new experiences, places and perspectives? Wondering how others feel.

[@wanneske1969]

Nice comparison of those 2 lenses

[@maisiaola]

Great works comparison did! Well done

[@juliatrotti]

Thank you!

[@katepic]

I appreciate the information and tips. I’d love to see a little more time on the actual images shot from the session in the video. Great work! Wishing you well

[@Alicebasta]

Hi Julia! Where could I find that camera shoulder strap? Thank you

[@kierrajohnson9244]

So I have a question, if you’re using an EF 50mm lens on a crop frame it ends up really being like 80mm right? So would you get similar distortion as you would from an 85mm lens of a full frame?

[@izobrr]

Yes. Distortion will be the same. Distortion only depends on the camera distance from the subject. So it is not the lens focal length or sensor size causes the distortion directly, their combination just forces you to step closer or farther to fit your subject into the frame, and the resulting distance determines the level of distortion.

[@kierrajohnson9244]

@@izobrr ah thanks for your reply.

[@mikemoe6433]

LOVE your videos Julia! Very helpful!

[@Triplebuc50]

Very informative. I have a Nikon D3300 + Nikon 85mm 1.8, I appreciate your shooting with your Subject presenting a variety of poses. Do you also shoot Men? Some examples if possible! Also Group shots with 85mm 1.8g Nikon lens. Very nice photography

[@Triplebuc50]

Do you do Vertical Shots too? I like Vertical for Portrait

[@Triplebuc50]

As a Senior Citizen 72 years old, I enjoy Portraits, especially with a large variety of poses, Male & Female, Adults and Children, Singles and small groups.

[@MyekalBenham]

Hey Julia! Have you tried your 85mm 1.2L on a Sony camera? It seems to work pretty well! I'm finding it to let it my Canon glass go lol

[@yannickstrumpler3561]

Absolutely love those shots!

[@icreatecontent67]

I Love the 35mm and 85mm Combo. 35 for environmental Shots and Full body. 85mm for Candid and Bokehlicious Shots.

[@knightryderbelow]

The closeups are so gooooood!✌🏻

[@nirwanaeathell]

1.2 miss focus alot LOL would u do 24mm vs 35 ?

[@rajeshvelappan8396]

Hai Julia which video camera u using to take the footage?

[@prosperity1715]

Hi, so do you prefer Sony or canon? So confused checking out your channel.

[@iemwill9429]

can you send me your friends Gulkin Retro link? I'd like to check it out please

[@wilhelmrosenthal1305]

85 is a better portrait lens and sharper. 50 is a better story lens and easy to work with. I have both in 1.2 variants but many times I find myself having the 50 on the camera and switch it out for the 85 right before I actually leave the house. Case in point I’m on my way to Bali right now and the 50 is on my desk at home while my shoulders are hurting with the massive 85 in my bag. So worth it, the slow AF “issue” is overblown, good things are worth waiting for and good things come in the form of dreamy backgrounds that melt away into infinity. What can I say I’ll sell my soul just for bokeh.

[@juliatrotti]

You've put it perfectly! Have an amazing time in Bali, there are sooo many beautiful photo opportunities there 😄 and I agree that the slow AF issue on the 85 is overblown, it's a little slow but not unusable and definitely worth it for that beautiful bokeh + compression!!