When it comes to photography, choosing the right lens can make all the difference. Among the plethora of lens options available, Canon’s 50mm and 85mm prime lenses stand out as popular choices for many photographers. In this article, we will delve deep into the differences between these two lenses to help you make an informed decision for your photography needs.
Focal Length and Perspective
The most fundamental difference between the Canon 50mm and 85mm prime lenses lies in their focal lengths. The 50mm lens is often referred to as a “standard” lens, as it closely mimics the perspective of the human eye. This makes it incredibly versatile and suitable for a wide range of photography genres, from street photography to environmental portraits.
On the other hand, the 85mm lens is considered a “portrait” lens. Its longer focal length compresses the perspective, making it ideal for capturing headshots and portraits. The 85mm lens allows you to get closer to your subject without physically moving too close, which can be especially useful in situations where you want to maintain a certain distance from your subject, such as photographing wildlife or celebrities.
Field of View
The focal length of a lens also determines its field of view. The 50mm lens has a wider field of view compared to the 85mm lens. This means that the 50mm lens can capture more of the scene in front of you, making it perfect for landscape photography, group shots, and street photography where you want to include the surrounding environment.
In contrast, the 85mm lens has a narrower field of view, which allows you to isolate your subject and create a more intimate and focused composition. This is why the 85mm lens is so popular for portrait photography, as it helps to draw the viewer’s attention directly to the subject’s face.
Depth of Field
Another significant difference between the Canon 50mm and 85mm prime lenses is their depth of field. Depth of field refers to the range of distance in a photograph that appears sharp and in focus. A shallow depth of field means that only the subject is in focus, while the background is blurred, creating a beautiful bokeh effect.
The 85mm lens, with its longer focal length, naturally has a shallower depth of field compared to the 50mm lens. This makes it easier to achieve a more pronounced bokeh effect, which is highly desirable in portrait photography as it helps to isolate the subject and make them stand out from the background.
However, the 50mm lens also offers a relatively shallow depth of field, especially when used at wide apertures. This makes it suitable for portrait photography as well, although the bokeh effect may not be as pronounced as that of the 85mm lens.
Aperture Options
Both the Canon 50mm and 85mm prime lenses are available in a variety of aperture options. The aperture of a lens controls the amount of light that enters the camera, as well as the depth of field. A wider aperture (smaller f-number) allows more light to enter the camera and creates a shallower depth of field, while a narrower aperture (larger f-number) allows less light to enter the camera and creates a deeper depth of field.
The Canon 50mm prime lens is available in apertures ranging from f/1.2 to f/2.8, while the Canon 85mm prime lens is available in apertures ranging from f/1.2 to f/1.8. The wider aperture options of these lenses make them ideal for low-light photography and for creating a shallow depth of field.
Image Quality
When it comes to image quality, both the Canon 50mm and 85mm prime lenses are known for their excellent performance. These lenses are built with high-quality optics and are designed to deliver sharp, detailed images with minimal distortion.
The 50mm lens, being a standard lens, is often praised for its versatility and its ability to produce natural-looking images. The 85mm lens, on the other hand, is known for its ability to produce beautiful, creamy bokeh and for its excellent performance in portrait photography.
Weight and Size
The weight and size of a lens can also be an important consideration, especially if you are planning to carry your camera and lens around with you for extended periods of time. The Canon 50mm prime lens is generally smaller and lighter compared to the Canon 85mm prime lens, making it more portable and easier to carry around.
However, the difference in weight and size between these two lenses is not significant, and both lenses are relatively compact and lightweight compared to some of the other lenses in Canon’s lineup.
Price
Finally, the price of a lens is always an important consideration. The Canon 50mm prime lens is generally more affordable compared to the Canon 85mm prime lens. This makes the 50mm lens a great option for beginners or for photographers on a budget who are looking for a versatile and high-quality lens.
However, the 85mm lens, with its specialized performance in portrait photography, is often considered a must-have for professional portrait photographers. The higher price of the 85mm lens reflects its superior build quality, optics, and performance.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Canon 50mm and 85mm prime lenses are both excellent choices for photographers, but they are designed for different purposes. The 50mm lens is a versatile all-rounder that is suitable for a wide range of photography genres, while the 85mm lens is a specialized portrait lens that is ideal for capturing headshots and portraits.
When choosing between these two lenses, it is important to consider your specific photography needs and preferences. If you are looking for a lens that can do it all, the 50mm lens may be the better choice for you. However, if you are primarily interested in portrait photography and want to achieve a more pronounced bokeh effect, the 85mm lens may be the better option.
Ultimately, the best way to determine which lens is right for you is to try them out for yourself. Visit a local camera store and test both lenses to see which one feels more comfortable in your hands and which one produces the results that you are looking for. With the right lens in your hands, you can take your photography to the next level and capture stunning images that will last a lifetime.