Introduction
When selecting a prime lens for a crop sensor DSLR, deciding between a 50mm f/1.8 and an 85mm f/1.8 is a common question. Both lenses offer unique advantages and cater to different photography needs. This article provides an in-depth comparison, helping you to make an informed decision based on your specific requirements.
50mm f/1.8 Prime Lens
Effective Focal Length
For a crop sensor, such as an APS-C, a 50mm lens effectively behaves like a 75mm lens, thanks to the 1.5x crop factor. This increase in focal length makes it more suitable for general photography and portraits, providing a tighter framing compared to a 50mm full-frame equivalent.
Versatility
The 50mm f/1.8 is highly versatile, capable of handling a wide range of photography genres, including street photography, portraits, and everyday photography. Its compact size and lightweight design make it user-friendly and convenient to carry around throughout the day.
Depth of Field
The f/1.8 aperture is fantastic for achieving a shallow depth of field, allowing for a pronounced background blur. This feature is particularly useful for low-light situations and creating aesthetic bokeh, enhancing the compositional appeal of your photos.
Size and Weight
One of the significant advantages of the 50mm f/1.8 is its lightweight and compact build. Users can carry it with ease, making it ideal for spontaneous photography and travel.
85mm f/1.8 Prime Lens
Effective Focal Length
An 85mm lens on a crop sensor translates to approximately 128mm, which is slightly longer than the ideal focal length for portrait photography. This increase in focal length can be both a boon and a drawback.
Portraiture
The 85mm f/1.8 excels in portrait photography, thanks to its longer focal length. It helps to flatter facial features and provides a nice compression effect, making it ideal for creating flattering, natural-looking portraits. The deeper blur behind the subject (bokeh) is just as exquisite as the 50mm f/1.8, but the extra compression effect makes it visually compelling.
Working Distance
The longer focal length of the 85mm f/1.8 requires more space between the photographer and the subject. This is particularly relevant in confined spaces such as small studios or tight indoor settings where the photographer must maintain a certain distance.
Conclusion
Choosing between the 50mm f/1.8 and the 85mm f/1.8 comes down to your specific photography needs and style. If you are looking for a versatile lens that can handle a variety of shooting situations, including portraits and everyday photography, the 50mm f/1.8 is an excellent choice. On the other hand, if your primary focus is on professional portrait photography and you have the space to work with, the 85mm f/1.8 offers exceptional results.
Both lenses are fantastic options, and the decision should be guided by your specific photography goals and requirements. Consider what type of photography you are most passionate about and what kind of subjects you plan to shoot, and from there, you can make the best choice for your needs.
strongKeywords:/strong prime lens, crop sensor DSLR, 50mm f/1.8, 85mm f/1.8, portrait photography