The differences between 85mm and 135mm for portrait photography
If you do portrait photography, you're probably us an 85mm and a 135mm. The focal lengths of these two lenses make them ideal for portrait photography.
However, there are inherent (and significant) differences between them, so let's take a closer look at both to help you decide which to use.
85mm Primes
If you're just starting out with portrait photography, the 85mm can be a great starting lens because of its focal length. If you like to work indoors and physically closer to your subject, the 85mm's focal length is excellent.
The 85mm is also an extremely versatile lens that gives terrific image separation when you're shooting ¾ and full-length portraits. This is thanks to its fast apertures (usually from f1.8 to f1.2).
The focal length allows you to get close enough for great headshots, too.
It's best used indoors but will be fine outdoors as well.
It can produce professional-looking bokeh.
The only downside to working with a wide-open telephoto is focus and camera shake.
85mm primes are small, lightweight, and are easier to handle than a 135mm. With the 85mm, you will not need to use a tripod.
Ultimately, the 85mm gives you the critical flexibility you need as a portrait photographer, including the ability to shoot full, 3/4, half body, head and shoulder, and headshots. It offers critical flexibility that most portrait photographers need during photo sessions. Its small, light body makes it highly portable when you're shooting or traveling, although this is a lens best used indoors.
135mm Primes
The 135mm prime lenses are also excellent lenses for portraits. They are more specialized than the 85mm but are more challenging to work with than the 85mm. Overall, it's hard to go wrong with the 135mm.
Here are some points to consider:
For fine art portraits, 135mm primes are excellent.
You'll be able to create gorgeous pictures with a 135mm lens.
Its focal length offers even more compression giving subjects more flattering facial features and excellent bokeh.
For full-body or ¾ length portraits, however, you'll have to back away from the subject - significantly - which makes communication between photographer and subject all the more difficult.
The need for distance means the 135mm is better outdoors than in a studio with limited space.
It's a heavier and bulkier lens than the 85mm, so you might need a tripod.
The main disparity between the 135mm and the 85mm is undoubtedly the size and price differences. The 135mm is larger and typically more expensive than the 85mm.
Ultimately, a 135mm prime lens is right for you if you are shooting outdoors, don't mind a bigger, heavier lens, the more significant price tag, and if you're only shooting headshots or shoulder and up portraits. If this is the case, then the 135mm will do right by you.
