Portrait Focal Lengths Explained - 35mm vs 50mm vs 85mm

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Want to take great portraits but not sure which lens to buy? Today, we'll take a look at different focal lengths and lenses for fashion portraits from 16mm to 85mm.
Music for Content Creators - share.epidemicsound.com/tHvWc
Canon 5D Mark iv - amzn.to/2WXoYly
Canon 16-35mm f4 L - amzn.to/2WYVWSq
Canon 35 f1.4 L (mk ii) - amzn.to/2D0uVqn
Canon 50mm f1.2 L - amzn.to/2I9JQ5G
Canon 85mm f1.2 L - amzn.to/2IaBDhL

[@drmiteshtrivedi]

Where he is 35mm, who he is 85mm. That was the perfect summary.

[@rolanddenes9491]

Best comment I read in the whole month!

[@zabri0n]

@@rolanddenes9491 best reply i read to a comment

[@jenniferrodriguez1351]

literally said YESSS out loud when I heard that

[@jordanjoestar8839]

50mm. Where and who he is 👌

[@broj4177]

Egg celent summary Sir!

[@redapple360]

not 10 minutes? straight to point? no bullshits!? which cult are you trying to recruite me?

[@marcd7332]

And no slow mo “CiNeMaTiC” B-roll

[@sincere3005]

Redapple LMAO!

[@boycie18]

I agree. More videos should be below 10 minutes and be more to the point...

[@allthecommonsense]

@@boycie18 then the posters wouldn't make as much ad money. Blame KZbin for enforcing certain criteria that limits monetization below certain thresholds.

[@Oneartis]

Tom Cowlishaw stop people have yo make money if you don’t wanna watch a 10 min video then read.

[@dennismcmurray436]

I'm sorry, did you just make a video explaining every practical use for multiple lenses in an accurate way that didn't waste any time and had great side-by-side examples?..... *subscribes*

[@HyunRalphJeong]

Dennis McMurray Haha glad you enjoyed it

[@networkedperson]

@@HyunRalphJeong This is very irresponsible of you to be promoting this company that fights against human rights. Please remove these links from your video description. You can do better than this.

[@KyleLi]

This is the best explanation on this yet. 35mm to set the scene, 50 to show subject in scene, and 85 to show subject

[@perfectlydiverse]

Exactly what I was thinking. That idea that wide angle features subject within their environment and telephoto features the subject themselves. And you can play with that balance in-between. That's a very good observation in the video.

[@derekuhm]

Straight to the point and every second packed with actionable info. Subbed.

[@HyunRalphJeong]

Derek Uhm Thank you!

[@lilaznkid00]

Exactly my thoughts. No dumb filler noise. Great perspective, great info, nice comedy. Learned a lot and enjoyed learning it

[@thebasarmir]

Correct , I have been already familiar with focal length but he has valuable content and the explaination.

[@joes661]

Most KZbinr would pad this out to 10mins

[@kunn8646]

Agreed, from subscriber #5338

[@bigmaxcc]

35 wide 50 center 85 up close

[@Alexander.smiith]

FANKS

[@bl4ck1911]

900, your head vs the moon 1 vs 1 haha (if you are further enough]

[@Psych2go]

Thanks Hyun, that was helpful and straight to the point.

[@nazfromqueens]

"So your face doesn't look like Jabba the Hut" quote of the day.😂😂😂

[@HyunRalphJeong]

Daniel&Naz The social media live lol

[@warchiefoomii]

I subbed because of this line :D

[@percydinozo]

This is the first video of yours that I've watched, and I'll definitely be watching more. Love the examples and your simple explanations - great teaching tool.

[@HyunRalphJeong]

Percy Dinozo Thank you and really appreciate the comment! Let me know if you have any suggestions or questions

[@benklewais]

3:45 It was really insightful to hear about the way people perceive a photo with wide or tight focal lengths!

[@KimchiAndBeansVideos]

These tips are so useful!! Really enjoyed all the insights of each focal lengths. Now, we’ll need to go out and practice what we just learned. Cool stuff!

[@thebasarmir]

This is valuable info , I loved the way you explained.

[@krane15]

Short and sweet. A lot of youtubers can learn from your style since 90% of them are way too long (and boring). With that style you could even form chapters. In fact, I look forward to the next one. 👍

[@HyunRalphJeong]

Krane Thank you and glad you enjoyed it lol I just get impatient watching me talk while editing haha

[@allthecommonsense]

Blame KZbin for enforcing certain criteria that limits monetization below certain thresholds. Content producers don't make as much ad revenue if a video is under 10 min.

[@ReyRey_89]

This is the best video ive seen so far for explaining lenses and with great examples!

[@HyunRalphJeong]

Reynold Noynay Thank you and really appreciate the comment!

[@TheHungryBlackPanda]

You cant go wrong with a nifty fifty... Best most affordable 1.8 i ever owned.. I never tried the 35mm or 85 before but i still love the shots from it.

[@HyunRalphJeong]

The Hungry Black Panda 50 really can do everything

[@KBizzy]

I have both the 50 and 85, and I prefer the 85 for most situations only because it gives me more options and allows the background to be blurred when you’re further away. I also have the 40mm pancake, and it’s sharper than either the 50 or 85, but it doesn’t give that heavy bokeh blur. I do love it though, it’s extremely sharp and a very underrated lens.

[@EDENTGP]

is there an affordable alternative like this lens for sonys e emount?

[@bramdebock218]

try the canon 85mm 1.8 usm, its great and pretty affordable as well. great background blur as well

[@oneeyedphotographer]

It might be a bit long on my camera.

[@saulmirandaaliaga]

Truly fantastic video. Thank you very much Hyun, keep up the good work!!

[@LDPIX]

Within the first minute of the video I knew I should subscribe. Straight to the point, no fluff and confidently put across. Big up from the UK

[@HyunRalphJeong]

Chris LD Thank you!

[@MichelleCoxPhotography]

GREAT video!! Loved the comparisons!

[@johnp1]

This video answers a lot of my questions about prime lenses. I'm glad that I've found this channel.

[@FamilyonStandby]

This is a solid visual. Thanks for laying it out like this!

[@losangelesnomad]

Great video man. Appreciate the info. Straight to the point and with examples. Thanks.

[@fritzkier]

Straight to the point! Nice. Tho it'll be better if you tell the viewers that sensor sizes also affect the focal length.

[@anibalibanezrisso6248]

Thank you for this great tutorial. I was thinking of shooting some portraits with my new lenses and I think I’m ready to do it now.

[@sudarg5005]

Great video and a great explanation of the three different focal lengths!

[@yardsalePDX]

This was super helpful to understand how different focal lengths actually work and should be used. Thanks Hyun!

[@nicolekirwan8762]

Thank you so much for this! I'm just looking into buying a portrait lens so I really appreciate this comprehensive account of how they all work!

[@HyunRalphJeong]

Thank you and glad I could help :)

[@RiffsAndChugsTV]

you deserve a lot more subs. This was the best explanation I have seen. most videos don't show the different lenses with the same composition or subject placement. Thanks for that.

[@HyunRalphJeong]

Riffs And Chugs TV Thank you, really appreciate the comment!

[@LA-fh2fs]

Great video! Straight to the point. Informative. Great balance of explaining and examples. Why don't other KZbinrs understand that we want short and sweet? Subscribed.

[@ravilongia]

Mate you are amazing. Thanks for the video, I really needed this.

[@dedalnok]

Thank you! I have a 50mm 1.8 and a 105mm 2.8 macro, but bought a couple of days ago a 35mm 1.4 for "travel" kind of shots where I need more of the background in it.

[@zlatkoc7113]

Love your video. Straight to to point. Real, nice, profesional. You got a new subscriber.

[@ma76bball68]

Fantastic video! Thank you! I have a photo shoot tomorrow in Shibuya, Tokyo. Thank you for the info.

[@MetinSenler]

You are doing a really really good job my friend. Keep up the good work!

[@HyunRalphJeong]

Thank you and really appreciate the comment!

[@robertnadeau3007]

Awesome description for a new photographer of what different focal lengths portray rather than just what they are

[@raugust6786]

Found a few decent videos explaining focal lengths this evening. Yours is one of them! Thanks for sharing. I'm thinking of getting a 50 mm f/1.8 prime lens for my Nikon D3300. I do 1/6 scale photography.

[@MsNoemka]

Finally I video that’s streight to the point!! I spent hours to find something that can show me the difference between different lenses, no one was really clear.. THANK YOU FOR THIS VIDEO! You’re amazing!

[@HyunRalphJeong]

Noemi Jae Rose Thank you, glad you enjoyed it :)

[@jennym.9099]

Great video and examples! Thank you!

[@rikhistyles]

I was looking for suggestions to make final decisions on my lense search and your video made it easier for me and clear what I want.

[@andrewmckenley5355]

Had to like and comment. Rapid intuitive explanation!

[@AnthonyTSolano]

I love this my man, thank you for this!

[@rolfedg7212]

Good stuff, man. Straightforward 👍🏼.

[@TrayC94]

I love how you explained it and this was very helpful.

[@livingreality5071]

Good straight forward video... thanks man!

[@nazfromqueens]

Great video! For a novice like me this is the stuff that is really interesting. 🤓

[@HyunRalphJeong]

Daniel&Naz glad you enjoyed it!

[@LJones17]

very good- straight to the point video with examples. Good work

[@leilani2258]

This was short, sweet and jam packed with information. Definitely subscribing

[@RBGStudiosVlogs]

Lenses make a difference big time. As a filmmaker working on sets with different lenses add a different feel or atmosphere and helps deliver performances and actions. Great video Ralph. Miss you on my channel.

[@crazyME456]

great vid! i love the 50 the most cause of its versatility and in most cases (especially for indoor, travel and street) having the right amount of background in the portrait enhances the subject. the 35 and below has a bit too much distortion and background elements for my taste. my personal combo would be a 24 and 50 for everyday family use.

[@HyunRalphJeong]

Miggy Teotico Thank you! Yeah 50 is probably the most versatile everyday lens unless you’re a landscape photographer.

[@Lighting4aQut]

You stated facts the entire time. Nice man

[@WilmerJael]

This is incredible dude! Keep them coming

[@baalvachan]

Hey, the video is so awesome man

[@sherynaya6290]

This is so far the most helpful video! Thanks!

[@YVZSTUDIOS]

Just wanted to include that people with crop sensor cameras aka APS-C sensors have to think 2 times because when talking about a 50mm lens: It usually means a 50mm for a FULL frame (sensor) camera. That means if you have a crop sensor cam and want a 50mm equivalent that would be a 35mm actually!! That's due to the smaller sensor size. Imagine cropping the outer edges of a full frame image. The result is the Field of View (FOV) of a crop sensor :^)

[@sellera]

yep. for my fuji, the 23mm is 35mm equivalent, the 35mm is 52mm equivalent and the 52mm is 78mm equivalent. all three great lenses.

[@maxbro16]

You´re right... in fact I have a Canon T5 and a 50mm 1.8... But well you can just stand a little further away from the subject... I get really nice images out of this one!

[@princesslargo6600]

This is so important!! My friend bought 50mm and we didn't know what aps-c was and was wondering why it was so zoomed in :c

[@sellera]

well, princess, now you know why :)

[@lovish9999]

u r totally wrong.... child..... in crop sensors 50mm behaves as 75mm....and a 35mm behaves as 52mm.....u r going vice versa.... reversed! :)

[@ThePandaDen]

Excellent break down of the different focal lengths!

[@elcafardo]

Thank you for your clear and simple explanation 🙂 very helpful

[@AshAswaDigitalPortraits]

Really good and informative. What I liked most was the video wasn't too long 👌🏿

[@TheMamuchos]

I love these photos when you post them on IG Great job

[@HyunRalphJeong]

The Mamuchos thank you :)

[@11Eagle25]

This was perfect. Thank you so much!

[@Brian-ud6uj]

Very well said! Really enjoyed this video. Thanks for sharing

[@HyunRalphJeong]

Thank you!

[@chasingdreams9378]

wow. this is great content... clear and straight to the point!! subbed!!! :D

[@HyunRalphJeong]

Thank you!

[@TheAnnoor]

3:31 photo looks so good "almost looks like iPhone portrait mode", says everything about instagram-ing on expensive cameras

[@TheAnnoor]

@Tommy Harris I have both an expensive camera (gh5) and iPhone 11 pro max (well my mums), its just incredible the level of photos achievable with an iPhone

[@JustMatt01]

Thanks for this great comparison and explanation.

[@atillawantshugs5384]

Super helpful actually showing the various lenses on the same subject. Most times its different objects or clothing and I can't get a good read on what I'm wanting to see.

[@HyunRalphJeong]

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it.

[@Narsuitus]

Thanks for the video. When I shoot portraits with a full-frame camera, the focal length I use depends on the type of portrait I want to take. 35mm - large group portraits or environmental portraits 50mm - full length or ¾ length portraits 85mm or 90mm - half-length or head & shoulder portraits 105 or 135mm or 180mm - face shot

[@dougg6467]

Hyun, so glad I subscribed. Packed with information and backed up with real world photos that demonstrate what you are saying. Also a nod to what affordable lenses can do vs. top pro lenses. Would love for you to do a side by side on that subject too so we can see if it’s worth spending the money, if we have it.

[@HyunRalphJeong]

Doug G Thank you and really appreciate your comment! I’ll see what I can put together with the lens comparisons in the future.

[@cade_olson]

This vid is actually great for everyone. Extremely concise too! Well done.

[@HyunRalphJeong]

Thank you!

[@LagoonOut]

Awesome video, I'll try the 85 out for sure.

[@nodfactor8808]

Well presented. Really appreciate it!!

[@dg9158]

Omg one of the best if not the best video on this topic!👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@davemunoz9742]

I like how you go straight to the point in your videos

[@LeoWirasanto]

Great tips. Thank you

[@JoeVanWyk]

You are super talented my friend. I just subscribed and I’m looking forward to learning more from you.

[@HyunRalphJeong]

Joe Van Wyk Thank you for the kind words Joe!

[@sednasix6608]

All my portraits are with a 35mm - if you know how to shoot scope it’s the most perfect lens for making grandeur portraits. Combined with a wide open aperture it’s wide enough to capture the background as well as isolate your subject from it in a cinematic manner. Also consistency... across the board you create a look instead of shifting from focal length to focal length. Pick one or two max and stick with them as other great photographers have done.

[@Geodessiaable]

This was very helpful, thank you!

[@reneyoo6111]

Awesome video u explained it very well, ordered my 50mm 1.8 to my m50 as beginner 😄

[@sandolasnapsphotography2326]

This was straight to the point love it

[@whereismymind2047]

no bull shit, no excessive video effect, no exaggerated facial expression, all are practical and useful information, thats all we need, thanks and sub immediately!

[@MarkHolidayTrendsetter]

Very helpful brother! Subscribed!

[@HyunRalphJeong]

Thank you!

[@cristti10]

Very useful ! Love your video

[@loganmarshall5414]

Thank you for making this video. I am a beginner photographor and I found this video very helpful.

[@_DigitalCam]

Great video! Sweet and simple!

[@jamiecoop6809]

Im new and this video was great. Easy to understand with clear examples.

[@WorklifeGains]

Dude this is great! I like you how say how we need to pay attention to this person or more to the background

[@VivaLaReverend]

I FINALLY understand this concept. Subscribed and thank you

[@HyunRalphJeong]

Commenting because KZbin algorithm sucks Glad you enjoyed it

[@lefantome2568]

Just straight to the point.... Perfect video...no bla bla bla... love it 👌

[@awaereck3246]

Thanks so much for the knowledge please , on crop camera, which is preferable for fashion and wedding photography

[@HyunRalphJeong]

Thank you for watching! It all depends, but I think maybe something around 24 to cover the wide end, and 50 for close up portraits?

[@nchia]

First video I watched on this channel. Probably would’ve been good to reference focal lengths for full frame vs what maybe most beginners might be using as equivalents. Very useful with good tips.

[@HyunRalphJeong]

nchia Thank you and very good point

[@soruhoru]

Nice info! Personally, I love to use 24mm and 127mm for portraiture.

[@alundra009]

I don't usually drop comments but man! This is the most precise explanation that I wanted. THanks more power.

[@MrBB117]

I wish every photography video was as clear and concise as this one!

[@HyunRalphJeong]

Glad you enjoyed it :)

[@pussgato9660]

Amazing video thank you for sharing!

[@vdtnghia]

Your explanation is very easy to understand for beginners like me. Pls do more tutorials like this

[@HyunRalphJeong]

Thank you and really appreciate the comment!

[@baalvachan]

how one can fit 85mm lens full body photos on instagram 1:1 or 4:5 sizes, without getting any white borders, any trick or ideas to share?

[@HyunRalphJeong]

If you shoot vertically, you just have to leave some room so you can crop them at 4:5. Or you can shoot horizontally so you can control hiw much to crop on the sides without cropping top and bottom

[@baalvachan]

@@HyunRalphJeong Yes, horizontal is one way to deal with it!, but I have seen many creators like to shoot vertical and still upload full body shots on insta for 85mm, must be some trick!

[@gaurijgauthankar1621]

Add white background only on sides for vertical u can do it in lighroom >aspect ratio than crop top parts and leave white background for side only and you good to go

[@neneodonkor]

@@baalvachan like he said, if you are shooting vertical make some room to crop the photo later to Instagram's size.

[@keia6481]

@@HyunRalphJeong if you are shooting horizontally will it reduce the photo quality a bit?

[@Funkopopohana]

Hey my friend another great video 😃 great photos I like all the results 🙂 thanks for sharing my friend

[@HyunRalphJeong]

Funko pop ohana thank you :)

[@kurtozan251]

Great stuff! Very educational

[@paololevy]

Yo Ralph those are some cool lenses and very expensive one’s nice.😊 i would be so happy just to own one L series lense lol. Like all those focal lenth’s. But yeah fifty is perfect for fashion photography. But the boke from the 85mm is also so good. 😊👍

[@eclipseotik]

Try the 100mm macro L lens, in my opinion it’s very versatile and it’s the cheapest L lens I believe

[@adamn3917]

Great video. Excellent explanation.

[@andremartinyt]

Nice one dude !

[@isaacjames9371]

Great video! It's weird how you can tell if someone's stood far away and close in a photo of you get what I mean. It's hard to get your head around it at first.

[@user-un8yc2xq3j]

Sharpen cut on explanation as a Katana. Excellent! Thanks, Mr. Jeong!