50mm Lens:
Pros:
* Versatility: A 50mm lens is generally considered a "standard" focal length, making it suitable for various photography styles beyond portraits. You can use it for street photography, landscapes, and even some wide-angle shots in tight spaces.
* Affordability: 50mm lenses are often more affordable than 85mm lenses, especially the faster aperture versions (like f/1.8).
* Environment: Captures more of the surrounding environment, making it great for environmental portraits that tell a story. Shows the subject in context.
* Easier to Use in Tight Spaces: You need less space to work with a 50mm lens, making it suitable for indoor or crowded settings.
* Can be more approachable: Some photographers find it easier to interact with their subject when they're not physically so far away.
Cons:
* Less Background Blur (Bokeh): At the same aperture, an 85mm lens will generally produce more background blur than a 50mm lens, isolating the subject more effectively.
* Can Distort Features Slightly: While not as pronounced as with wider lenses, a 50mm can introduce a slight distortion to facial features if you get too close to the subject. Can make the nose appear slightly larger.
* Requires Getting Closer: To fill the frame, you need to get closer to your subject, which might make some people feel uncomfortable.
85mm Lens:
Pros:
* Excellent Background Blur (Bokeh): An 85mm lens excels at creating a shallow depth of field, blurring the background and isolating the subject for a more professional and artistic look.
* Flattering Perspective: 85mm lenses are known for their ability to compress perspective, which can be very flattering for facial features. Reduces the apparent size of the nose and generally produces a more pleasing facial shape in portraits.
* Good Working Distance: Allows you to keep a comfortable distance from your subject, which can help them feel more relaxed and natural.
* Separation: Helps separate the subject from the background even in less ideal shooting situations.
Cons:
* Less Versatile: Primarily designed for portraiture; less suitable for wider scenes or general photography.
* More Expensive: Generally more expensive than 50mm lenses, especially fast-aperture versions.
* Requires More Space: You need more space to work with an 85mm lens, which can be challenging in small studios or indoor settings.
* Can Feel Distant: Some subjects might feel disconnected or less engaged if you're too far away.
Here's a quick table summary:
| Feature | 50mm | 85mm |
|-------------------|----------------------------|----------------------------|
| Versatility | High | Low |
| Background Blur | Less | More |
| Perspective | More Distortion | More Compression |
| Working Distance | Shorter | Longer |
| Cost | Generally Lower | Generally Higher |
| Space Required | Less | More |
| Environmental Portraits | Excellent | Good |
In conclusion:
* Choose 50mm if: You need a versatile lens for various photography styles, are on a budget, often shoot in tight spaces, or want to capture more of the environment in your portraits. You prefer a more natural, less-isolated look.
* Choose 85mm if: You prioritize creating a shallow depth of field, want to flatter facial features, have enough space to work with, and are primarily focused on portrait photography. You desire a professional, polished look with strong subject isolation.
Ultimately, the best way to decide is to try both lenses yourself and see which one suits your style and preferences best. Renting lenses can be a great way to experiment before making a purchase. Also, consider what you like to shoot most. Do you prefer headshots with blurry backgrounds or environmental portraits that tell a story? Your answer to that question will help guide your decision.