Choosing the Perfect Lens for Portraits on Nikon D7200

When considering portrait photography on a Nikon D7200, which has a crop factor of 1.5x, both the 85mm and 50mm lenses can produce excellent results. However, they serve slightly different purposes. This article explores the advantages of each lens to help you make an informed decision.

50mm Lens: A Versatile Option

The 50mm lens is often considered a versatile option. Its suitability spans across various shooting scenarios, including portraits, street photography, and general use. While this lens may not provide the same level of background compression as an 85mm lens, its wider focal length of approximately 75mm (50mm x 1.5) makes it suitable for tight spaces or environmental portraits.

Background Compression: The 50mm lens offers less background compression compared to the 85mm lens. This can be beneficial for capturing scenes where background elements are not as crucial. It allows for a more nuanced portrayal of the environment, creating a sense of depth and context in your images.

Depth of Field: At wider apertures, the 50mm lens can still provide good background blur (bokeh). This is particularly true if you use a fast aperture, such as f/1.8 or f/1.4, which can be excellent for achieving a creamy, smooth background in your portraits.

85mm Lens: Ideal for Traditional Portraits

The 85mm lens is often preferred for traditional portrait photography due to its ability to create flattering compression and better subject isolation. With an effective focal length of approximately 127.5mm (85mm x 1.5), the 85mm lens provides a more intimate and close-up viewing angle, making it an excellent choice for portrait work.

Portrait Quality: The 85mm focal length excels in portrait photography by allowing for better subject isolation. This is achieved through a more pronounced background blur, creating a smooth and flattering background that enhances the subject in the foreground.

Working Distance: The 85mm lens provides a greater working distance, allowing you to maintain a comfortable distance from your subject while still achieving a close-up portrait. This is especially useful when you want to avoid invading your subject's personal space, especially in social or public settings.

Bokeh: The 85mm lens typically offers a smoother bokeh, particularly at wide apertures. This can enhance the aesthetic quality of portraits, making them more visually appealing and drawing the viewer's attention to the subject.

Conclusion: Which Lens to Choose?

Best for Portraits: In general, the 85mm lens is the better choice for traditional portrait photography on a DX body like the Nikon D7200, thanks to its ability to create flattering compression and subject isolation.

Best for Versatility: If you're looking for a more versatile lens that can handle a range of photography styles, including portraits, street photography, and general use, the 50mm lens is an excellent option.

Your Choice Depends on Your Needs: Ultimately, your choice may depend on your specific needs, shooting style, and whether you prioritize portrait quality or versatility.

A Personal Perspective

I have found that many photographers often give different answers to this question. One reason for this is that I don’t pixel peep much. I have found that in the real-world application of photos, such as large prints or when posting online, the differences between lenses like the 50mm and 85mm are often negligible. Regular customers, like senior portraits, wouldn’t be able to tell the difference.

Another reason is that I am more pragmatic. I believe that choosing a lens comes down to personal taste and practical considerations. Many people become overly religious about their opinions on which lens is best. While each lens has its unique attributes and offers a slightly different look, this does not make one better than the other; it just makes them different.

Assessing Lens Quality: My Recommendation: To decide which lens you prefer, spend time shooting with each one and see which you like best. Rent different lenses for a weekend and get a good model to test them out. Shoot a variety of portraits, including head shots, half-body shots, and full-body shots, to get a comprehensive selection.

After shooting with the lenses, you can evaluate them side by side on your computer. See if you can tell a significant difference and which you like better. Additionally, get a nice large print, such as a 23x30 inches (230 cm), and compare the images side by side to see the practical quality of the images in real-life context.

Personally, I shot the 50mm for a long time on a D7100, then moved to a Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 and a 70-200mm f/2.8 lens. I loved them all, and I got great shots with every one of them. My experience has taught me that the best lens is the one that you can consistently use and enjoy.