50mm Headshots

jamiebonline

TPF Noob!
Joined
Aug 14, 2013
Messages
122
Reaction score
21
Location
Ireland
Can others edit my Photos
Photos OK to edit
Hi all,

Today I bought a 50mm 1.8 G for my Nikon D7000. I want to mostly take portrait photos. Prior to that I had a kit lens. 55-200. I would have got 85mm but it was out of budget for me and I don't have a 50.

It seems there are mixed opinions online for 50mm being good for portraits.

My question: Is there distortion on the cropped DX sensor I have for headshots with a 50mm? If so, how best to overcome.

Thanks a lot!
 
your 50mm on a crop sensor is close to 80mm.
 
Distortion shouldn't be an issue with the 50 mm f/1.8G.

Your 50 mm on a DX body is still 50 mm.
 
your 50mm on a crop sensor is close to 80mm.

The FOV is equivalent to 75mm, but the perspective is still 50mm. The idea that 50mm replaces 75mm because of the magnification
is wrong.
 
your 50mm on a crop sensor is close to 80mm.

The FOV is equivalent to 75mm, but the perspective is still 50mm. The idea that 50mm replaces 75mm because of the magnification
is wrong.

Gotcha. I've done some impromptu headshots before and would have preferred the 50mm over the 35mm 1.8 I used. But I think the 85mm 1.8 is the next to buy for me.

9533740714_678013392e.jpg
9533740958_a8a3b9df49.jpg
9530962531_68680c6008.jpg
 
By distortion I mean, is the face of the subject distorted in a headshot (with 50mm on D7000)
 
By distortion I mean, is the face of the subject distorted in a headshot (with 50mm on D7000)

Yes, there will be distortion, albeit minimal amounts. However, the distortion will be minimized at certain angles, and depending on the angle is also minimized with distance from the subject if the subject is cropped out of the shot. Those chest-up shots won't show a ton of distortion, for example... but again, it's still going to be there. The 50mm 1.8G is still a great lens. For portraiture, the 85mm 1.8G is your go-to prime lens.
 

Most reactions

Back
Top