Why an 85mm F/1.4 Lens is Ideal for Portrait Photography
When it comes to upgrading from a 30mm F/1.4 Art lens to an 85mm F/1.4 lens, especially if you are considering a full frame camera, there are a variety of considerations. This guide will discuss the benefits and purposes of each lens type, as well as why an 85mm F/1.4 lens is particularly suited for portrait photography.
Understanding Lens Focal Lengths and Their Uses
Both the 30mm F/1.4 and the 85mm F/1.4 lenses serve distinct purposes in photography. The 30mm F/1.4 is an angle of view (AOV) of approximately 45mm on an APS-C (crop) sensor camera, making it well-suited for landscape photography, architecture, and close-up shots where you can move closer to the subject.
The 85mm F/1.4, on the other hand, is designed for full-frame cameras but is also compatible with crop sensor cameras like the Sony D7100. On a full frame camera, this lens provides a shallow depth of field with a flattering blur (bokeh), ideal for portrait photography. On an APS-C sensor, it effectively becomes a 128mm lens, making it a short telephoto lens that can be used for portraits and other close-up subjects.
Preference for Portrait Photography
Many portrait photographers favor the 85mm focal length over shorter focal lengths for several reasons:
Subject Isolation: The 85mm F/1.4 lens allows for a longer depth of field, which can create a striking background blur, highlighting the subject. Subject Distance: Professional portrait photographers typically prefer a lens with a focal length of 70mm or more. This is because a longer focal length allows the photographer to work at a greater distance from the subject while still achieving the desired image quality. Subject Interpretation: For APS-C sensor cameras, the 35mm lens is considered a "normal" lens, which may not provide the depth of field ideal for portrait photography. Photographers often prefer to capture portraits from a distance to provide a more flattering perspective of the subject. Talent Recognition: A telephoto lens like the 85mm F/1.4 is more common for portrait work because it provides a flattering angle and sufficient depth of field for isolating the subject.Using Both Lenses for Versatility
The key point to remember is that both lenses serve different purposes, and having both can enhance your photographic versatility. Much like a carpenter needs a hammer and a saw, a photographer needs a variety of lens tools. If you are limited to one lens, it's crucial to choose one that can serve a wide range of purposes:
APS-C Crop Sensor Cameras: For the Sony D7100 with an APS-C sensor, the 30mm F/1.4 is a good all-round lens providing a "normal" field of view. However, if you want to enhance your portrait photography, an 85mm F/1.4 lens is highly recommended.
Full Frame Cameras: On a full frame camera, the 85mm F/1.4 is even more versatile, offering excellent depth of field for portraits and a fantastic field of view for close-up subjects.
Other Recommendations
For my own D7000 camera, I use the 28mm/2.8 AF Nikkor for an all-round lens and the 85mm/1.8 AF for portrait focuses. These lenses are fast enough and only 3/4 of a stop slower than the options you have, working in perfect harmony.
Conclusion
While the 30mm F/1.4 and 85mm F/1.4 lenses serve different purposes, both can be valuable additions to a photographer's arsenal. Investing in an 85mm F/1.4 lens can significantly enhance your portrait photography, providing the depth of field and perspective that are essential for this type of work. Whether you are a professional or an enthusiast, having a versatile kit can open up new creative possibilities.