High-End/Professional:
* Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art: This is widely considered one of the best 50mm lenses, regardless of price. It's known for its incredible sharpness, pleasing bokeh (background blur), and excellent build quality. Its main downside is its size and weight, being noticeably larger and heavier than many other 50mm lenses. It's available for Canon EF, Nikon F, Sony E, L-Mount (Sigma/Panasonic/Leica).
* Sony FE 50mm f/1.2 GM (Sony E-mount only): This is a flagship lens, offering incredible image quality, a super-wide f/1.2 aperture for extreme shallow depth of field and low-light performance, and excellent autofocus. It's very expensive but delivers top-tier performance for professional portraiture.
* Canon RF 50mm f/1.2L USM (Canon RF-mount only): Canon's equivalent to the Sony above, also a flagship lens for their mirrorless system. Known for very smooth bokeh and sharp details. Very Expensive.
Mid-Range/Enthusiast:
* Sony FE 50mm f/1.8 (Sony E-mount only): An excellent upgrade over the kit lens, offering a wider aperture for better low-light performance and shallower depth of field. Compact, lightweight, and relatively affordable. Good value.
* Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S (Nikon Z-mount only): A sharp and well-performing lens for Nikon's mirrorless system. It's a significant step up from older Nikon 50mm lenses in terms of sharpness and overall image quality. Good all around choice.
Budget-Friendly/Entry-Level:
* Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM (Canon EF-mount only): A fantastic value for the money. It's lightweight, compact, and offers a wide aperture for shallow depth of field and good low-light performance. The "nifty fifty" is a classic first lens. The STM motor is quiet for video.
* Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8G (Nikon F-mount only): Similar to the Canon above, it's an affordable and capable lens. Good for beginners wanting to explore portraiture.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a 50mm for Portraits:
* Aperture (f-stop): A wider aperture (e.g., f/1.8, f/1.4, f/1.2) allows for shallower depth of field, creating a blurred background (bokeh) that isolates the subject. It also helps in low-light situations.
* Sharpness: Most modern 50mm lenses are reasonably sharp, but higher-end lenses typically offer better sharpness, especially at wider apertures.
* Bokeh Quality: Bokeh refers to the quality of the out-of-focus areas. Some lenses produce smooth and creamy bokeh, while others can be harsher or have distracting patterns. Rounded aperture blades generally contribute to better bokeh.
* Autofocus Performance: Fast and accurate autofocus is important, especially when shooting portraits of moving subjects. Modern lenses often have advanced autofocus systems.
* Build Quality: A well-built lens can withstand more wear and tear. Higher-end lenses often have weather sealing.
* Price: 50mm lenses range widely in price, so consider your budget and how much you're willing to invest.
* Camera System: Make sure the lens you choose is compatible with your camera's mount.
* Size and Weight: If you plan to carry the lens around frequently, consider its size and weight.
General Recommendations:
* Budget-Conscious: If you're on a tight budget, the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM or Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8G are excellent choices to get started.
* Best Overall Value (Mid-Range): The Sony FE 50mm f/1.8 offers a great balance of performance and price for Sony users. The Nikon Z 50mm f/1.8 S is a great choice for Nikon mirrorless users.
* No Budget Constraints (High-End): The Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art is a top performer for most systems, but the Sony FE 50mm f/1.2 GM and Canon RF 50mm f/1.2L USM offer the ultimate in shallow depth of field and image quality for their respective systems.
In conclusion,
* Consider your budget
* Consider your camera brand and mount
* Decide how important shallow depth of field is to you.
* Read reviews and compare images online
Before making a final decision, I highly recommend reading reviews and looking at sample images taken with each lens. This will help you get a better sense of their performance and image quality. Good luck!