How To Choose A Focal Length | Best Portrait Lens

[@chrisfu1736]

Started out with an 85mm but would have gone 35mm or 50mm if i could recommend one. Find the 85mm better for headshots, but less versatile outside of controlled environments.

[@Pentax67]

Chris Fu 85mm for headshots ...? Study and practice more. Absolutely bad idea because you still have facial distortion with 85mm. 135 and 200mm are best lenses for headshots. 105mm is also a good idea for headshots. Avoid 35mm it’s isn’t portrait lens it’s a WIDE lens for paysage, scenery. 35mm gives too much distortions. 50mm is fine

[@bunmeng007]

@@Pentax67 lol genius. Many pro love to shoot protrait with 85mm. Others use 35mm for environmental portrait. It's a matter of style and preference.

[@Tamayo808]

@@Pentax67 sounds like you have to study and practice more 😂. Stop normalizing lens’s focal lengths and use your creativity.

[@Athiril]

FE 85mm f/1.8 is my favourite recently, ridiculously light and excellent quality.

[@slangdoll]

If anyone expects to just be told what to get and not figure out what they like to shoot or how they like to shoot themselves, get the 50mm on fullframe or the 35mm on a crop sensor :)

[@IszyIzzy]

So pretty much a 50mm

[@johnlewisofficial]

This video was extremely helpful. I just bought my first Canon camera.

[@richardpcrowe]

For full frame, I like the 85mm and the 135mm... For crop cameras, a 50-58mm and 85mm are my favorites... I like longer focal length lenses for shooting people...

[@Expedox]

that's some top quality info right here. since i'm shooting portraits with my 85 1.8 and looking to buy either a 35 or 50 as an addition to my photobag i found this video. What i found was a really good comparision between these focal lenghts AND a new channel i am subscribed to. Keep up the good work!

[@selo4485]

Wow. Seriously from all the photography youtubers, I think your pictures have bee. The most impressive to me. Artistically speaking

[@learningcameras]

Thank you so much Joana!!! Means the world

[@CanadianArchivist]

I bought the 50mm Nikkor AF-S 1.8G. The best! Love the lens. Great photos and has become my first choice to use before anything else

[@jozosaravanja1626]

50mm is one of my favorite lenses. 35mm is great for street and events. But 85mm is more special for portraits. As you said each has its own purpose but if i could choose 1 out of 3 it would have to be 50mm. It's so versatile.

[@elizabethg1604]

What’s the difference between the $125 and $400 50mm?

[@GildedApp5]

@@elizabethg1604 the price! And one is 1.8 and the other is 1.4. If you're referring to canon.

[@elizabethg1604]

GildedApp5 Thanks

[@NBWDOUGHBOY]

get a 35mm & 85mm.. Put the 35mm in crop mode and you have 52.5mm. basically getting 3 focal lengths from 2 lenses. Simple...

[@kalas73]

@@NBWDOUGHBOY You are correct!

[@richardpcrowe]

On a full frame camera, I like the 85mm and 135mm focal lengths for general fashion and portrait. For the same type of shooting on a crop camera, I like the 50mm and 85mm... For environmental portraits, I like the 35mm on the full frame camera and the 30mm on the crop camera. I don't like any wider focal lengths because of the chances of perspective distortion...

[@kekrofl]

I'm a total beginner, but I've outgrown the kit lens on my a6000, now looking for a prime and unsure of focal lengths. This video really helped me get more informed and was a joy to watch. Thank you, and subscribed!

[@learningcameras]

Thank you so much Johan!!! Keep in mind that the a6000 is a crop sensor camera so it multiplies the focal length by 1.5x. Because of that a 35mm lens on your camera will look like a 52mm lens. I really like the Sony 35mm F1.8 bhpho.to/2A2EDV3 which on your camera will look closer to what a 50mm lens on my video looked like or check out the Sony 50mm F1.8 which is less expensive and has image stabilization (great for portraits and details: amzn.to/2RjJSNl) and will act more like an 85mm lens so it can be more difficult to work with in tight spaces

[@mr_pewpew546]

Love this video. It was so helpful guys. My only little gripe is that the background music was just a little too loud when you speak. Hard to hear.

[@learningcameras]

Thanks!!! Will definitely keep the music levels in mind in the future

[@marcocastellano2451]

Great rundown of lens focal lengths! I tend to stick to my 50mm 1.4, but you have me convinced to use my 35mm a bit more and to look for an 85!

[@learningcameras]

Awesome!!! I used to live on the 85 but recently I've been moving to the 35 and 50 more often

[@daniellepreyar]

Went with 35mm, perfect for my small studio space.

[@Letsgogetlosts]

Danielle Lotu how you liking it?

[@one4allall4one91]

I appreciate keeping the videos short. They are full of good info and demos. Keep up the good work. As the setup goes, I use the 85mm outdoors but when moving inside I normally go to the 50mm or even the 35mm.

[@thkdec1]

I really like how this concise this video is! you guys definitely delivered your message and compared those 3 focal lengths in an interactive way with sample shots without saying "sample shot".

[@Mattyp843]

35 and 85 combo all day for portraits! 50mm for details

[@imalquanpredestin]

Great video!

[@gregcorker2193]

Have enjoyed your reviews and knowledge videos. I am a hobbyist with a Nikon Z6.

[@learningcameras]

Awesome!!! Thanks Greg. The Z6 is amazing

[@johnmesesan5331]

you guys have some of the best and high quality videos out there! I'm surprised you guys don't have a bigger audience....

[@learningcameras]

Thank you so much John! Hopefully soon :)

[@srb980]

Awesome comparison of the different focal lengths and their best uses. I really enjoy your videos and the time and thoughtfulness that goes in them.

[@learningcameras]

Thank you so much!

[@stefanhansen5882]

Thanks a lot for this. Next time, it would be great to see the same photo shot with all three focal lengths for easy comparison.

[@geribrn6453]

you guys simple have the sickest b-roll in the photography community in youtube.

[@learningcameras]

Thank you so much for saying that!

[@hammadali971]

Great cinematic video, models are also great. ❤️❤️

[@artsartemia4426]

I use all three lenses, but often switch from 35 to 85 because they tell me completely different stories. I think it's the 50 that I use the least. 35 mm is a dead fun lens, the 50 is versatile and the 85 often offers very refined and intimate shots.

[@kurtsteiner8384]

In prime lenses i use 50 mm 100mm and have just got a 24mm. These are all for 35mm film cameras. Hope it helps

[@lemon58421]

For weddings, I use my Prime Canon lens 35mm f1.4 on my Canon 5D MkIV and my Sony 85mm f1.8 on my Sony A7III...and yes 2 different brands! :-) I like both cameras! for 85mm to shoot portraits, I prefer the eye AF of the sony! :-)

[@tgchism]

Great comparison! Your video creation abilities are so impressive!

[@sgpork]

This video is amazing.. I use the A7Rii.. and my favorite lenses are the 35ZA and 85GM..

[@learningcameras]

Thanks! That 85GM is absolutely beautiful! That's an awesome collection right there

[@JaMikePhotography]

Ok that intro was really epic

[@briandives7271]

JaMike Photography name of that intro

[@BubblyBrie]

I currently own the 50 & 85 but I’m really wanting to include more of the background in my photos. After watching this, I think I’ll look into getting the 35 to do that. Thanks for the information!

[@learningcameras]

Awesome! Yeah, I used to shoot almost exclusively with a 50 or 85 but the more I shoot and comfortable I get with subjects, the more I'm pulling out the 35

[@produceahit123]

Totally enjoyed the vid! Keep those shoots coming!

[@emmanuelchacon8900]

I LOVE your Good Taste! Exquisite shots(1:58 and 2:21) I know art/expressing is free, but nowdays most people lack composition skills and just compensate cranking colors on post pretending to be pros.

[@emonymph6911]

Good video thank you. Wish you covered a few more like 20mm. I'm thinking of buying a compact fujifilm just for selfies and bodyshots the short lenses seem to be 20 to 35mm.

[@flaviopresutti]

Waiting for those videos guys! I like your vibe!

[@srgrohn]

awesome presentation, I always struggled when and where to use what lenses for portraits.

[@saada7871]

85mm are always my lens to go for all portrait and the other option 50mm it’s super nice if you want to engage the environment more but never tried the 35mm I guess it’s my next lens to buy 👌🏼

[@CarinaCardenas]

Learned a lot of great things from this video! Thank you for making this very straightforward and to the point. Thank you again for making this great video!☺️📸

[@WyvernApalis]

Would not recommend the cheapest Sony 50mm 1.8, spend a bit more and get the Zeiss 55mm F1.8 instead. Way faster focus with way better sharpness and better build quality. The Sony 50mm 1.8 is so slow at focusing (and loud) and the sharpness is pretty subpar. Although, on a tight budget, it doesn't have any flaws to make it a bad lens

[@Traveljournalist]

My favorite lens is the Leica Noctilux 50mmf/0.95

[@Imgdotspace]

Fantastic vedio ❤️

[@soundpark_]

I’m in love with the first model

[@Dan____]

that inside location looks amazing.

[@Tdyrensborg]

This was such an amazing video!! Thank you so much!

[@jblanc_]

I love this! You guys are so straightforward and informative and I appreciate that. Also, fellow Sony shooters!

[@dudeiusmannigast1543]

My favorite is my Sony 55mm zeiss. If I want to go 85mm? I just put that 55mm on my a6300, and bang! 55*1,5 crop = 85mm-ich

[@oranethompson]

I love the 50 mm because it’s very versatile and easy to carry around.

[@earlpeters2260]

Awesome video and photography you guys! Great advice as well!

[@stephenharte2566]

Hi and thanks for this. I'm hugely interested in photography yet I am still very much learning so found this really helpful. I am thinking through how best to manage my switch from Canon to Sony and how to increase my stock in lenses. I know my style of photography is key to that decision, but debates about 35/50/85 are the areas of most debate in my head, so this has helped. Thanks!

[@adden2242]

I love the 50 and 85mm :-)

[@RoyLovejoy1982]

You’re awesome! Thanks

[@khengteoh4318]

At the moment my fave is my 85mm F1.8g on full frame

[@ivonned32]

Very much enjoyed it. Thanks so much!

[@alexandalycepiazza4562]

Just found you guys!!! I love seeing behind the scenes of your weddings!!

[@JenniferChuCovers]

So well done! Love it! Love you guys

[@learningcameras]

Thank you so much Jennifer!!!

[@nelsonkskim]

I own all three. Is it worth it? Do you use all of them? Could you give some examples of situations each lens you use for? Thanks in advance!

[@MattLeeMorgan]

Tamron 28-75, Zeiss 35 and 55. I can’t decide what I love most.

[@learningcameras]

I always go zoom first & primes second. What I would do is get the Tamron : bhpho.to/2klEbf5 (especially because it's usually in backorder for long periods) then look at what focal lengths your favorite images are shot at with that lens. Then later when you save up more, pick the prime that best works for that. If you find yourself zooming the 28-75 past 50 for most of your shots, go with the 55. If you find yourself going wider than 50, get the Zeiss 35! That's my advice.

[@jaredbeals585]

@@learningcameras Just stumbled upon this comment and it helped me make a decision I have been on the fence about. Thanks!

[@alamba78]

Really digging your brooklyn hat. Where can you buy that?

[@learningcameras]

Thanks! H&M

[@abdelrahmanalnajjar815]

Hi guys thanks for the video, what camera sitting did you use to achieve thieve sweet backlit photos?

[@learningcameras]

Hey! Pretty much everything was shot on the Sony A7III back then

[@pinkfiffty3094]

I think that was a good video that gives beginners a great good guide help them choose a lens, the only thing I feel like you left out is whether you're referring to full frame or a crop sensor which really changes things, I thought you guys were referring to full frame so I Google the camera listed to confirm you were talking about full frame, but would be good information to list and description or for future video that way it doesn't confuse beginners, especially since a lot of beginners will start with a crop sensor camera. Thanks for the great video :-)

[@emmanuelmorales4121]

This was a fun video! Made my moring

[@ademola5803]

Favourite lens is 35mm

[@alirashid2269]

You guys are just awesome!

[@learningcameras]

Thanks Ali!

[@cuptainj05]

thanks. now i know how to choose prime lens

[@allanmenard1651]

Ah? Surprised you did not mention the fact that shooting a 35mm and even the 50mm will cause distortion if you get in to close in comparison to the 85mm? Lengthening the focal length will prevent that...

[@johnp515]

Allan Menard Even an 85mm will have distortion on a tight head shot

[@ktelecominc]

Use the distortion correction in PS?!

[@kingweddingmedia]

The 35mm shot on the beach is awesome! Was there any flash used or just good dynamic range on the camera?

[@learningcameras]

Thanks! Just the dynamic range of the camera...no lights or reflectors in any of these shots

[@kingweddingmedia]

Dan Watson thanks Dan! Loved the shot, fantastic! Hope you and the wife are keeping well in these challenging times.

[@eddjhoe]

dude, your video color grade is on point.. how did you do that?

[@learningcameras]

Thanks! Just use the built-in color editor in Premiere. Works similarly to Lightroom so I feel more comfortable with it

[@6gwilliams]

Thanks so much Dan. Cheers

[@learningcameras]

You got it! Thanks for your support

[@karim1485]

Hey Dan, i went through all your videos and couldn't find a single review on one of them. All these are flagship Sony lenses and I'd love to see a review from you! Thxx

[@CapturedByKen]

I already have a 35mm (possibly my fave lens) ...but my problem is that everytime I'm about to get the 50 ...I see the 85mm and I'm like ughhhh, decisionsss!

[@learningcameras]

hahaha, I'm with you

[@CapturedByKen]

@@learningcameras I went ahead and picked up a 50 this morning lol ... Figured I'd get the 85 somewhere down the line but I'm liking the combo of 35 & 50 I have now!

[@bxg190879]

How 24mm F1.4 GM? Good for portrait? Would love to see a 24mm portrait review from you guys. Cheers!

[@EDCGadgets]

For my portrait photography, I use exactly these 3 primes. When I shoot models, I usually grab the 35+50 combo, and for my other clients, I prefer the 85-50, or if the location is nice enough, then 35-85. I never bring 3 lenses, because they are 1.4 primes and it's just too much weight for whole day of shoots.

[@avnerbenzvi8757]

my is Nikon Z 6 Z 50 F/1.8 for portrait, waiting to Z 70 - 200 to be in market

[@MegaLeonidovich]

Best 35mm 50mm and 85mm lens for my Canon 80D is Sigma 85mm f1.4 Art series in my opinion. Canon L series are really good but so expensive :(

[@joanmedina2886]

Been waiting for the 24 GM, to add to the 50mm 1.4 and 85mm... that 35mm looks like the better choice.

[@videogamesare1]

This video quality is crispay

[@hanshans7406]

Great Video... 👏 what Lens is the Best for Video ?

[@learningcameras]

Thanks! What camera are you shooting with? A 50mm or 35mm is my favorite for video typically

[@hanshans7406]

Dan Watson i was not sure but it will be the Sony a7III 👍🔥the xh1 is Great too but the Sony is Fantastic... thanx for the answer ✌

[@toprockphotography8669]

Depends on the PERSPECTIVE you want, and the FRAMING you desire. Once you figure that out, it has to be paired with the SENSOR SIZE, you have. There is NO ONE-SIZE-FITS-ALL! Stop asking the wrong question, people!

[@learningcameras]

Again, I technically agree with you @TRP. However, most people here are in the beginning to intermediate stages of their photography journey, just purchased a camera, and are picking out there first prime lens. Sure, if this was a shoot for a marketing campaign you should be figuring out the perspective and look of the image first and selecting your lens next. But the reality is people are picking out there 1st lens upgrade from the kit zoom lens and need are seeking quality and flexibility. I know that an 85mm lens is tough to pan with, difficult for gimbal use, and limited with tight spaces so I'm going to suggest a 35 or 50 based on the question and audience.

[@toprockphotography8669]

@Dan, yes. …And you did the correct thing in asking with what he was shooting. What I mean is, he is asking for the best lens for video, but not stating what camera he is using, nor what sort of shooting he is doing. I no longer shoot videos much anymore. I shoot stills and outsource video to a colleague. But when I shot video, (ignoring my VHS days, :-) ), I was not shooting on an F-type sensor. My current video camera is not even as large as MFT. If he had been more specific, perhaps that he was shooting KZbin tutorials, or short films, or documentaries, perhaps with an ɑ7R II, an OM-D E-M1 II, or an Arri Alexa, we probably could give some general direction for him to start with that equipment for that genre. As it is, “What lens is best for video,” is not a good general question about general equipment for unspecified use. That is what I meant.

[@shcook3711]

Thank u! Just thank you.

[@rvboondocker2559]

I love my 85 1.2: even more than my 50 1.2

[@twmUX]

I have the 35 1.4, is sooooo amazing

[@nakreb_]

50MM 1.8 ?? IS GOOD ?

[@omarnour9986]

hey man great video, im actually selling my canon gear to go with sony,and i wanna buy one premium prime lens,im torn between buying the sony planar 50mm f1.4 or the sony 85mm f1.4, i actually always tend to shoot a bit environmental portraits and prefer wider angel lens for my weddings ,ingeneral which one u think is a beter quality or value for the money lens? thanks in advance

[@ian4109]

I'm in the same boat, I would say the 50mm 1.4 based on what you mentioned.

[@omarnour9986]

i actually am never in this like obssesive decision making about which lense to buy , i use the canon 24 70mm for 90 percent of my work ,but i miss also having a great prime,and since im jumping to sony and unwilling to buy the gmaster 24 70mm then thats why it feels like a hard desicion. Cheers man

[@infocusphotog]

I love the 50mm, But would love a 24-70mm, and 85mm. Where do you buy those posing blocks?

[@christopherlance5143]

Great video ! I need an 85 mm! 😫.

[@Ibrahk5]

Great video guys

[@Mr.B.man.]

What’s a good lens for a6000 in tight spaces to get full body pics and great bokeh

[@learningcameras]

This is definitely the best option on a budget: bhpho.to/3tA7Eos

[@BienRecio1]

Which one if those lens would you recommend for videos?

[@learningcameras]

If your camera has a crop mode which many do, star with the 35mm or 50mm but probably 35. What camera do you have?

[@BienRecio1]

Dan Watson Nothing special.D3200 for now....

[@learningcameras]

So definitely a 35mm like this would be best amzn.to/2KzpWDf

[@cjsolomon1]

I have the Canon 6D MII, I am looking to add 5D mark IV for a primary, but im still having a hard time deciding lens, I have the 50mm 1.8, 70-200 f4 and a kit lens, i been doing a lot of events, 5k, birthday parties, a few portraits, and a video/sound production for a church. I would love you opinion on my decision, i'm thinking 70-200 2.8 and 24-70 2.8 or should i go all prime...i do such a variety...?

[@learningcameras]

For what you are shooting, I would go with the 70-200 and 24-70. Prime lenses are great when you you know in advance the look and perspective of the image you are going for in advance or if you want the wide aperture for blurring more of the background or shooting in low light. But with events, you are typically limited by space and time thus a zoom lens is always my first purchase. After that I start adding prime lenses for the occasions where I can control my shoot a bit more.

[@cjsolomon1]

Thanks for the quick reply, I was thinking of adding the 85 1.4 later on just for an all around portrait but 6k upfront is prob my limit for now until i can pick up more events and justify the cost

[@moonysu6108]

Pretty useful and thanks for the explanation!

[@pandoraefretum]

I like all 3 focal lengths

[@crazyblondy1890]

I am using nikon d3300 and thinking to take sigma art 35mm 1.4 is that good idea ? Please help

[@learningcameras]

Yep, solid choice. It will act like a 50mm when you use it with that combo which I think makes it better

[@crazyblondy1890]

Thank you so much your answer , i will think about your advice .Have a nice day 🙂

[@GoodTravelChannel]

good explained

[@Lesterandsons]

I love my 100mm f2.0 I'd like a 200 300 for portraits...

[@DiviPhotos]

Great video nice job

[@dolsgrg1850]

Which is the best camera and lens to shoot the picture like model pictures??? Is there anyone recommend ???? I don’t have any idea for this ...

[@learningcameras]

There are tons of amazing options so it really depends on your budget

[@vincebaldwin2829]

What Sony camera are you shooting with?

[@learningcameras]

A7RIII but we have all our gear in a link in the description

[@doablefilms9380]

Wait, Adele knows about taking photos as well??? Cool

[@danielc1078]

I was wondering how far you have to stand to shoot full-body with an 85 lens. I already feel like I need to stand too far away with a 50 one.

[@edenlim5542]

i used to own 85mm prime from canon, and i hardly use, mostly with 35mm for most of the times, hope it helps =D

[@refugioflores2226]

i think 30 or 35mm its the best focal length for crop sensor .

[@swaggynlex5390]

Where do people get those white block looking props ?!

[@doros9.2]

Would you suggest 24mm 1.4 or 35mm 1.4 on crop sensor cameras? I can not decide between them. Then again, there's the Sigma 18-35mm 1.8.

[@slangdoll]

dorosG9 On the crop get the 24mm if you like to capture family gatherings and travel/vlog more or get the 35 if you like to shoot individuals more or events where you stand back a bit further... it's like choosing between a 35mm and a 50mm on full-frame. When your watching this video, just image the 24 is like the 35 and the 50 is like the 35 for you... sorta :)

[@doros9.2]

Norman Weichel Thank you for your reply. That is what I did using tbe focal lengths of this video! I usually take stills of individuals, and, while the 35mm gives a slightly more subject-orientated perspective (and for me a great one), the 24mm includes some more of the backround, which I often like. Plus, I think the 24mm might be a more reasonable choice since I have a 50mm prime already.

[@slangdoll]

dorosG9 Classic paring is 24 & 50 or 35 and 85... I like 24 & 50 but I am in it more for video work... anyway, if you already have the 50mm I would recommend getting a 24 or 25 or 28 somewhere around there :)

[@doros9.2]

Norman Weichel thanks again! My favorite non-telephoto focal length is 28mm actually, it is just perfect. Unfortunately Canon only has the oldie 28mm 1.8 and the not so fast 28 2.8 IS USM.

[@slangdoll]

dorosG9 I'm on Sony Fullframe and my first lens was a 1.8 55mm, after that I got a 2.0 28mm, then I got a 2.8 90mm. These lenses are not good for video work so I ended up getting a full range of manual cine lenses. 25mm, 35mm, 50mm, 75mm. I usually only take 2 with me at a time, the 25mm & 50mm or the 35mm and 75mm depending on the shoot.