My goto lens for the perfect portrait

In my portrait photography I always aim to capture the essence and character of a person, usually focusing on their face and expressions. IMO the choice of lens significantly impacts the quality and style of portraits and it’s a clear cut case of it’s not you it’s me when the tog uses the wrong lens for a portrait.

While there are many options available, for me the 85mm prime lens is one of the best for portrait photography, let me explain why:

1. Flattering Compression

The 85mm focal length provides a flattering compression effect that enhances facial features. Unlike wider lenses that can distort the face, making noses appear larger or ears smaller, the 85mm lens compresses the image in a way that looks more natural and pleasing. This compression helps in slimming the face and emphasizing the eyes and other key features, making it my absolute favourite for portraits.

2. Perfect Working Distance

An 85mm lens allows me to maintain an ideal distance from my subject, I’m close enough to interact and communicate easily, but far enough to avoid invading personal space, which can make subjects feel uncomfortable. This working distance is excellent for both headshots and full-body portraits, providing versatility in framing without causing distortion.

3. Beautiful Background Blur (Bokeh)

One of the standout features of an 85mm prime lens is its ability to create a stunningly smooth background blur, known as bokeh. With wide apertures, typically f/1.2 to f/1.8, the lens allows for a shallow depth of field, beautifully isolating the subject from the background. This creamy bokeh effect is not only aesthetically pleasing but also helps to focus attention on the subject, enhancing the overall impact of the portrait. Just as a side note shooting up at these wide open apertures creates more margin for error with focus so shoot more images and/or change the f stop to a higher number and shoot some back up images.

4. Exceptional Sharpness and Image Quality

Prime lenses are renowned for their optical quality, and the 85mm prime is no exception. These lenses are designed to deliver outstanding sharpness, clarity, and contrast. The 85mm prime lens captures intricate details with precision, from the texture of the skin to the sparkle in the eyes, ensuring that every portrait is crisp and clear. Obviously you don’t have the versatility a zoom lens offer you but for portraits and headshots I can forego that because I have full control over the set and the subject.

5. Versatility in Portrait Styles

While the 85mm prime lens excels in headshots and close-up portraits, it is also versatile enough for other types of portrait photography. Whether shooting indoors or outdoors, in natural light or controlled studio environments, the 85mm lens performs exceptionally well. Its focal length allows for creative framing options, making it suitable for environmental portraits and even some candid photography.

6. Natural Perspective

The 85mm lens offers a perspective that closely mimics how the human eye perceives subjects at a distance. This natural perspective contributes to the overall realism and appeal of the portraits which is important for profile pictures. It avoids the exaggerated features of wider lenses and the overly compressed look of longer telephoto lenses, striking a perfect balance that is both authentic and flattering.

7. Professional Appeal

Using an 85mm prime lens is often associated with professional portrait photography. Its consistent results and high-quality output make it a staple in many professional photographers’ kits. Clients and subjects alike can appreciate the polished and professional look that an 85mm lens helps to achieve.

Conclusion

The 85mm prime lens is a powerhouse for portrait photography. Its flattering compression, beautiful bokeh, exceptional sharpness, and natural perspective make it an ideal choice for capturing stunning portraits. Whether you are a seasoned professional or an aspiring photographer, investing in an 85mm prime lens will significantly enhance your portrait photography, delivering consistently impressive results that stand out.

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