Let’s cut to the chase—you probably came to this post because you’ve been trying to find the best lens for portraits that is still budget friendly. Or maybe you’re just wondering, “What lens should I get next?” You have probably started to feel the limitations of your kit lens and are itching to level up. Well, let me just go ahead and make your life a whole lot easier…
Say hello to your new best friend: the 50mm lens.
A 50mm lens, also known as the good ol’ nifty fifty. This humble little lens is the next step up for photographers who are ready to explore the magic of prime lenses and take their photography to the next level—with better sharpness, beautiful depth of field and bokeh, and a whole lotta “wow in a compact little package.
Let me break down why the 50mm lens is the best lens (especially when you’re first stepping away from your kit lens).
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The 50mm lens is CRAZY Sharp (Like, Ridiculously)
Your kit lens is probably a zoom lens. Likely something like an 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6. This lens—or some version of it—comes with almost every entry level camera. And zooms are great for versatility, but they also compromise on image quality.
The 50mm? Sharp. Fast. Clear. You’ll immediately notice the difference in detail and contrast, even at a glance.
Using the 50mm equivalent on a zoom lens will not give you the same sharpness of the 50mm. Plus you’ll get the added bonus of a lower f-stop, easier for shooting in lower light and gives that beautiful background blur.
Hello, Bokeh of my dreams
You know that dreamy background blur (aka bokeh) that makes portraits look so professional? The 50mm gives you that, and then some.
That wide f/1.8 aperture creates gorgeous separation between your subject and the background. This is the effect you are looking for, I swear. And once you start using it, people will think you’re using a lens three times the price. I promise.
It’s Incredibly Affordable
This is the question I get most often about a new lens. Yes, lenses are expensive. Some lenses are way more expensive than you think they need to be, but that is because lenses will always outlast your camera.
But this lens doesn’t really break the bank. Most camera brands have an f/1.8 version of the 50mm that’s under $200 (sometimes even under $100 if you snag a sale or go for a used lens). For that price, it’s basically a photography superpower in your bag.
My 50mm cost closer to $500, but that is still an amazing deal for how often I use it. And that was only because I wanted the special f/1.4 version and not the regular f/1.8 version. Call me fancy.
A few favorites for each camera brand are:
It Teaches You to “See” Like a Photographer
Here’s one of my favorite parts: shooting with a 50mm forces you to move your feet, change your angles, and really think about your composition. It’s what I call a “teacher lens”—you actually get better because of it.
It’s not about zooming in or out. It’s about intentionally choosing your framing to better tell your story. It allows way more interaction with your clients (if you’re photographing people) and if not it still makes you more intentional just by keeping you interactive with your creative vision.
I wrote a whole blog post on how switching to prime lenses literally changed my photography business, and this tiny change to prime lenses was a BIG reason why.
The 50mm lens is know for Versatility
Portraits? Covered. Street photography? Absolutely. Food, pets, travel, candids? The 50mm really can do it all.
Here’s one of the biggest reasons that the 50mm is the best lens—it’s the closest match to what the human eye naturally sees. This focal length is basically the same “length” as we see when walking around, and that means your images feel real and relatable, but with just enough “extra” to make them pop.
On top of that, it’s light, fast, and won’t weigh you down. The weight of a lens might not seem much for a quick 45 minutes of shooting, but a whole day of wearing it around your neck. That takes a toll.
The 50mm is light, compact, and fast—making it the perfect everyday carry lens.
So Is It Time Ditch Your Kit Lens?
Not necessarily! Your kit lens still has its place and should stay close by in case you need to use it. But if you’re ready to start getting more intentional with your photography, investing in a 50mm lens is the best bang for your buck you can make.
It is the very first lens I recommend my students get when they want to get more serious. It’s simple, it’s powerful, and it will instantly elevate your photos. And once you do get the 50mm, you might start to see a huge change in what you can accomplish with your photography. And that, my friend, is priceless.
If you’re wondering where to go next in your photography journey, the 50mm is the best lens choice. She’s like that chill, reliable friend who always shows up, never complains, and makes you look good. So go ahead—add it to your bag, head out for a shoot, and fall in love with photography all over again.
Let me know when you take your first 50mm portrait—I’ll be over here cheering you on!
