85mm vs 135mmm Lens Comparison for Portrait Photography | Which should YOU buy?

Hey Photographer! Jessica Whitaker here ;) In this lens comparison video, we will be looking at two popular prime focal lengths- 85mm and 135mm.

I teach from a simple and practical perspective. I want this video to help you choose what lens makes the most sense for you and your business, not left scratching your head. So by the end of this video, you’re empowered to choose what lens would be best for you, NOT left feeling more confused and overwhelmed.

I shoot Canon but focus on the focal length rather than the specific branded lens.

First, I will dive into the 85mm lens - often considered the ideal focal length for portrait photography. This lens excels at compressing distances, creating an incredibly shallow depth of field, and producing sharp, detailed images. However, its larger size and weight can make it more challenging to use for extended periods, and it might not be as adaptable in every shooting scenario.

The 85mm is my favorite focal length, and I recently purchased mine from KEH after borrowing it for over a year. This lens is unnecessary as a first purchase, BUT it does an incredible job for portrait photography, especially for up-close portraits. It is razor sharp and can make your subject pop out because of how shallow you can get with the depth of field + focal length combo.

I would recommend this lens to portrait photographers, especially if you do a lot of wedding photography, senior portraits, or even newborns. It is an investment into your business and will improve the quality of your portraits; use wisdom when making a move because of the focal length. It won’t be as versatile for traveling with, but it does the job of portraits beautifully. But because of the limited room, you have to move about; this lens isn’t a one-and-done like a 50mm is.

The 135mm lens is fun to have in your kit if you love a shallow depth of field. When you combine this focal length with shooting wide open, it creates very magical pairing-like photos. However, it also can create a more “commercial” look to your images. This lens is not a necessity in my kit, and it’s not one I plan to purchase because I love my 85mm. When you’re just starting your business, you do not need the 85mm and 135mm lenses in your kit.

If you’re torn between the two, let’s say you’re a wedding photographer, something that could help you choose is how far back you physically have to stand from your subject. Where do you usually shoot? Do you typically have enough room to move the appropriate amount back? For example, shooting in a studio or a coffee shop vs. shooting in a field. The first type of photographer that comes to mind for using a 135mm would be a senior graduation photographer, where you’d do those classic portraits outside during golden hour, and the client wants that shallow DOF that will put all the attention to their face rather than the environment.

Throughout this video, I’ll showcase sample images taken with both lenses, so you can see firsthand how each lens affects the final result. We'll also provide tips and advice on which lens might suit different photography styles and situations.