Answer
What focal length is best for portraits?
85mm on full frame (or 56mm on APS-C) is the classic portrait length: flattering compression, comfortable working distance, beautiful background blur. 50mm is a great budget alternative.
Why 85mm
- Slight compression flatters facial features
- 6-10 ft working distance is comfortable for both photographer and subject
- Wide apertures (f/1.4-f/1.8) deliver creamy backgrounds
- Wide enough not to feel claustrophobic indoors with space
Other strong portrait lengths
- 50mm — more environmental, cheaper, smaller (the "nifty fifty")
- 35mm — environmental portraits with context
- 105mm-135mm — tighter compression, more isolation; needs more space
- 70-200mm zoom — pro standard for working photographers
On APS-C / Micro Four Thirds
Multiply by the crop factor: 50mm on APS-C ≈ 75mm full-frame equivalent — already in portrait territory. A 56mm APS-C prime hits the 85mm-equivalent sweet spot.
More answers
- What is the best portrait lens focal length on a crop sensor?
- 85mm vs 50mm for portraits: which should you buy first?
- What is lens compression, and do long lenses really flatten faces?
- Is an f/1.2 lens worth it over f/1.8 for portraits?
- Why does bokeh look different between lenses at the same aperture?
- Pancake vs Fresnel lenses in VR headsets: what is the real difference?
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