Choosing the Best Outdoor Portrait Lens for Nikon D7000: 85mm f/1.8G vs 50mm f/1.8G
When it comes to outdoor portrait photography with a Nikon D7000, two popular choices for prime lenses are the 85mm f/1.8G and the 50mm f/1.8G. Both lenses excel in their own ways, but which one is right for your needs? In this article, we will compare these two lenses to help you decide which will serve you best for outdoor portrait photography.
Overview of the Lenses
Both the 85mm f/1.8G and the 50mm f/1.8G offer distinct advantages for outdoor portrait photography. While 85mm f/1.8G is ideal for head-and-shoulder portraits, 50mm f/1.8G is more versatile, capable of handling a variety of shots.
85mm f/1.8G
Focal Length
The 85mm lens is a popular choice for portraits, especially for head-and-shoulders shots. Its focal length offers a natural compression of facial features, making the subject appear slightly closer than they are in reality. This can create a more flattering perspective for portraits.
Depth of Field
One of the key benefits of the 85mm f/1.8G lens is its shallow depth of field, allowing you to achieve a crisp subject with a background that is softly blurred. This is perfect for isolating your subject and drawing the viewer's attention to the face.
Working Distance
With a longer focal length, the 85mm lens provides a greater working distance between the photographer and the subject. This can be particularly beneficial in outdoor settings, where maintaining a comfortable distance can help you capture more natural expressions from your subjects.
Background Blur (Bokeh)
The bokeh produced by the 85mm f/1.8G lens is smooth and aesthetically pleasing. This makes it an excellent choice for portrait photography, where a soft background can enhance the overall aesthetic of the image.
50mm f/1.8G
Focal Length
The 50mm f/1.8G is a versatile lens that can handle a wide range of portraits, from full-body shots to environmental portraits where the context is important. Its focal length provides a balanced view that is neither too wide nor too narrow.
Depth of Field
Like the 85mm f/1.8G, the 50mm f/1.8G can achieve a shallow depth of field at f/1.8. However, it may not isolate the subject as effectively, especially in tighter framing. The background blur may not be as pronounced as with the 85mm, but it can still create an aesthetically pleasing effect.
Working Distance
Since the 50mm lens is a shorter focal length, you need to be closer to your subject. While this can sometimes make subjects feel less comfortable, it also allows you to capture more intimate expressions and candid moments.
Background
The background blur with the 50mm f/1.8G lens is good, but it may not be as prominent as with the 85mm. This can be a minor downside when you want to emphasize the environment or add context to your portraits.
Conclusion
For Traditional Portraits: If your primary focus is on classic portrait photography, the 85mm f/1.8G is generally the better choice due to its flattering perspective and ability to create beautiful bokeh, which can help isolate your subject more effectively.
For Versatility: If you want a more versatile lens that can handle a variety of situations, including wider shots, the 50mm f/1.8G is an excellent option. It offers a balance of portraiture and environmental photography, making it a good choice for photographers who want to do it all.
Ultimately, both lenses can produce excellent portraits, and your choice may depend on your shooting style, specific needs, and personal preference. Whether you lean towards traditional head-and-shoulder portraits or prefer a more versatile lens, the 85mm f/1.8G and 50mm f/1.8G are both high-quality options that can enhance your outdoor portrait photography.