Here's a breakdown by category, with specific recommendations and why they're good:
1. Budget-Friendly & Excellent Performers:
* Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM: (Around $125) This is a classic entry-level lens that punches way above its weight. *Why it's good:* Incredibly affordable, lightweight, decent sharpness (especially stopped down slightly), and provides good subject isolation with that f/1.8 aperture. *Downsides:* Build quality is plasticky, autofocus can be a bit noisy, and some chromatic aberration can occur (easily corrected in post-processing). Available for Canon DSLRs.
* Nikon AF-S Nikkor 50mm f/1.8G: (Around $220) The Nikon equivalent of the Canon f/1.8 STM. *Why it's good:* Similar to the Canon, it's sharp, lightweight, relatively inexpensive, and delivers nice bokeh. Has a more robust build than the older Nikon 50mm f/1.8D. *Downsides:* Not the fastest autofocus, some vignetting at wider apertures. Available for Nikon DSLRs.
* Sony FE 50mm f/1.8: (Around $250) A very compact and lightweight option for Sony mirrorless cameras. *Why it's good:* Compact, lightweight, good sharpness for the price. *Downsides:* Slower autofocus than other options, some chromatic aberration, can feel a bit cheap.
* Yongnuo 50mm f/1.8 (for Canon, Nikon, Sony, Micro Four Thirds): (Around $80-$100) An ultra-budget option. *Why it's good:* Incredibly cheap. *Downsides:* Image quality is noticeably inferior to the brand-name 50mm f/1.8 lenses, autofocus is slower and less reliable, build quality is very plasticky. Only recommended if your budget is absolutely tiny.
2. Mid-Range: Better Image Quality & Features:
* Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art: (Around $850) A superb lens offering fantastic image quality. *Why it's good:* Exceptionally sharp, even wide open, beautiful bokeh, fast and accurate autofocus, well-built. A significant step up from the f/1.8 lenses. Available for Canon, Nikon, Sony E-mount, and L-mount. *Downsides:* Larger and heavier than the f/1.8 lenses, more expensive.
* Sony FE 50mm f/1.8: (Around $300) More Expensive than the above version for Sony, but features much better build quality and fast focus.
* Nikon AF-S Nikkor 50mm f/1.4G: (Around $450) A good all-around lens with a slightly faster aperture than the f/1.8G. *Why it's good:* Good sharpness, smooth bokeh, and faster aperture for better low-light performance and shallower depth of field. *Downsides:* More expensive than the f/1.8G, can exhibit some softness wide open.
* Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM: (Around $350) A good upgrade from the f/1.8 STM. *Why it's good:* Faster aperture than the f/1.8, USM focusing is quick, good build. *Downsides:* Focus is a bit soft, can be prone to chromatic aberration.
3. High-End: Ultimate Image Quality & Performance (and Price):
* Sony FE 50mm f/1.2 GM: (Around $2000) The Sony Flagship 50mm lens. *Why it's good:* Unbelievably sharp, fast aperture, great bokeh, great build quality, reliable autofocus. *Downsides:* Very expensive.
* Canon RF 50mm f/1.2L USM: (Around $2300) For Canon's RF mount (mirrorless) cameras, this lens is exceptional. *Why it's good:* Incredible sharpness, beautiful bokeh, very fast and accurate autofocus, weather-sealed, professional-grade build quality. *Downsides:* Very expensive, large, and heavy.
* Nikon Nikkor Z 50mm f/1.2 S: (Around $2300) Nikon's premium 50mm for their Z mount (mirrorless) cameras. *Why it's good:* Extremely sharp, creamy bokeh, excellent autofocus, robust build. *Downsides:* High price, large and heavy.
* Voigtlander Nokton 50mm f/1.2 Aspherical: (Around $1100) A manual-focus only lens available for Nikon Z and Sony E mount. *Why it's good:* Excellent image quality, unique rendering, very fast aperture. *Downsides:* Only manual focus.
* Zeiss Planar T* 50mm f/1.4 ZA (Sony E-mount): (Around $1500) A high-quality lens known for its beautiful rendering. *Why it's good:* Excellent sharpness, classic Zeiss color rendition, smooth bokeh. *Downsides:* Expensive, autofocus can be a bit noisy.
* Leica Summilux-M 50mm f/1.4 ASPH: (Around $4500) If you're shooting with Leica M mount, this is a top-tier option. *Why it's good:* Exceptional image quality, beautiful bokeh, classic Leica rendering, compact size (for a Leica). *Downsides:* Very expensive, manual focus only.
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing:
* Aperture: The wider the aperture (lower f-number like f/1.4 or f/1.2), the shallower the depth of field, allowing for more subject isolation and creamier bokeh. Wider apertures also perform better in low light.
* Sharpness: All the lenses listed above are capable of producing sharp images. The more expensive lenses tend to be sharper, especially wide open.
* Bokeh: The quality of the out-of-focus areas (bokeh) is important for portraits. Look for lenses that produce smooth, creamy bokeh.
* Autofocus: If you need fast and reliable autofocus, consider lenses with ultrasonic motors (USM for Canon, HSM for Sigma, SSM/DDSSM/XD Linear Motor for Sony, AF-S for Nikon).
* Build Quality: More expensive lenses tend to have better build quality, often with weather sealing.
* Budget: Set a budget and stick to it. There are excellent options at every price point.
* Camera System: Make sure the lens is compatible with your camera's mount.
* Size and Weight: If you prioritize portability, consider smaller and lighter lenses.
* Manual Focus: Are you looking for autofocus, or are you comfortable with manual focus?
Recommendations Based on Common Scenarios:
* Beginner on a Budget: Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM, Nikon AF-S Nikkor 50mm f/1.8G, or Sony FE 50mm f/1.8.
* Wanting a Significant Upgrade: Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art.
* Professional Portrait Photographer (Canon RF): Canon RF 50mm f/1.2L USM.
* Professional Portrait Photographer (Nikon Z): Nikon Nikkor Z 50mm f/1.2 S.
* Professional Portrait Photographer (Sony FE): Sony FE 50mm f/1.2 GM.
* Enthusiast Wanting the Best Manual Focus 50mm: Voigtlander Nokton 50mm f/1.2 Aspherical.
Before you buy, I strongly recommend:
* Read reviews: Check out reputable photography websites and user reviews to get more in-depth information.
* Look at sample images: See how the lens performs in real-world portrait situations. Flickr and other photo-sharing sites are great resources.
* Rent the lens: If possible, rent the lens you're considering to try it out with your own camera and shooting style.
Good luck choosing the right 50mm lens for your portrait photography!