High-End (Professional Quality):
* Canon RF 50mm f/1.2L USM (Canon RF Mount):
* Pros: Unmatched image quality, incredibly shallow depth of field at f/1.2, beautiful bokeh, excellent sharpness even wide open, fast and accurate autofocus, robust build.
* Cons: Very expensive, large and heavy.
* Ideal For: Professionals who demand the best possible image quality, prioritize shallow depth of field, and have the budget.
* Nikon Z 50mm f/1.2 S (Nikon Z Mount):
* Pros: Similar to the Canon RF 50mm f/1.2L USM, offering outstanding image quality, creamy bokeh, exceptional sharpness, and fast autofocus.
* Cons: Very expensive, large and heavy.
* Ideal For: Nikon Z system users who want top-tier performance and are willing to pay for it.
* Sony FE 50mm f/1.2 GM (Sony E Mount):
* Pros: Exceptional sharpness, beautiful bokeh, fast and quiet autofocus, lightweight for an f/1.2 lens, excellent for both stills and video.
* Cons: Expensive.
* Ideal For: Sony E-mount users who want a versatile and high-performing 50mm lens for portraits and other applications.
Mid-Range (Excellent Value and Performance):
* Sony FE 55mm f/1.8 ZA (Sony E Mount):
* Pros: Excellent sharpness, relatively compact and lightweight, faster autofocus than cheaper 50mm options, great value for the performance.
* Cons: Not as wide aperture as some others (f/1.8 vs f/1.4 or f/1.2), but still capable of shallow depth of field.
* Ideal For: Sony E-mount users who want a sharp, reliable, and relatively affordable 50mm lens for portraits and general photography. The 5mm difference is negligible.
* Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art (Canon EF, Nikon F, Sony E, L-Mount):
* Pros: Excellent sharpness, beautiful bokeh, well-built, available for multiple camera systems. Often considered a great value compared to the brand-name f/1.4 options.
* Cons: Can be prone to chromatic aberration in certain situations, heavier than some other 50mm lenses.
* Ideal For: Photographers who want excellent image quality and bokeh at a more reasonable price point than the high-end options.
* Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.4G (Nikon F Mount):
* Pros: Classic lens, faster aperture than the f/1.8, good sharpness, nice bokeh.
* Cons: Not as sharp as the Sigma Art or modern Z-mount options. Autofocus can be noisy and not as fast as more modern lenses.
* Ideal For: Nikon F-mount users looking for a good balance between price and performance.
* Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM (Canon EF Mount):
* Pros: Faster aperture than the f/1.8 version, smooth bokeh, relatively compact.
* Cons: Not as sharp as the Sigma Art or Canon RF 50mm f/1.2L, autofocus can be a bit noisy.
* Ideal For: Canon EF-mount users who want a faster aperture than the f/1.8 and don't mind sacrificing some sharpness.
Budget-Friendly (Excellent Value):
* Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 STM (Canon RF Mount):
* Pros: Inexpensive, lightweight, decent image quality, stepping motor (STM) provides smooth and quiet autofocus for video.
* Cons: Not as sharp as the higher-end options, bokeh not as creamy.
* Ideal For: Beginners or those on a tight budget who want a good 50mm lens for their Canon RF-mount camera.
* Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S (Nikon Z Mount):
* Pros: Excellent sharpness for the price, lightweight, weather-sealed, fast and quiet autofocus.
* Cons: Not as wide aperture as some other options.
* Ideal For: Nikon Z-mount users who want a sharp and reliable 50mm lens without breaking the bank.
* Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8G (Nikon F Mount):
* Pros: Inexpensive, lightweight, good sharpness for the price, fast autofocus.
* Cons: Bokeh can be a bit harsh, build quality not as robust as higher-end lenses.
* Ideal For: Beginners or those on a budget who want a good 50mm lens for their Nikon DSLR.
* Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM (Canon EF Mount):
* Pros: Extremely affordable, lightweight, decent image quality, stepping motor (STM) provides smooth and quiet autofocus for video.
* Cons: Not as sharp as higher-end options, build quality feels cheap.
* Ideal For: Beginners or those on a tight budget who want a 50mm lens for their Canon DSLR.
* Yongnuo 50mm f/1.8 (Canon EF, Nikon F, Sony E, etc.):
* Pros: Very inexpensive.
* Cons: Inconsistent image quality, slow and noisy autofocus, questionable build quality.
* Ideal For: Only for those on the absolute tightest budget and willing to accept significant compromises in quality.
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing:
* Aperture: Wider apertures (f/1.2, f/1.4, f/1.8) allow for shallower depth of field (blurrier backgrounds) and better low-light performance.
* Sharpness: Consider how sharp the lens is, especially wide open. Look at reviews and sample images.
* Bokeh: Bokeh refers to the quality of the out-of-focus areas. Smooth, creamy bokeh is generally desirable for portraits.
* Autofocus: Fast and accurate autofocus is important, especially when shooting portraits of moving subjects.
* Build Quality: A well-built lens will be more durable and reliable.
* Budget: Set a realistic budget and choose a lens that offers the best value for your money.
* Camera System: Make sure the lens is compatible with your camera's mount (e.g., Canon EF, Nikon F, Sony E, Micro Four Thirds).
Recommendation:
* For most people, the Sony FE 55mm f/1.8 ZA, the Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art, Nikon Z 50mm f/1.8 S, or Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 STM offer the best balance of price, performance, and features. They provide excellent image quality and bokeh without breaking the bank.
Before you buy:
* Read reviews: Check out reviews from reputable sources like DPReview, Ken Rockwell (especially for older lenses), and LensRentals.
* Look at sample images: Find sample images taken with the lens on Flickr or other photo-sharing sites to get a sense of its image quality and bokeh.
* Rent before you buy (if possible): This is the best way to test a lens and see if it's right for you.
* Consider used lenses: You can often find good deals on used lenses from reputable dealers.
Ultimately, the best 50mm lens for portraits is the one that best suits your individual needs and preferences. Consider these factors carefully and choose a lens that will help you create the kind of portraits you want to create. Good luck!