50mm Lens:
* Pros:
* Versatility: A 50mm lens is incredibly versatile. It's great not only for portraits but also for street photography, landscapes, and general purpose shooting.
* Affordability: 50mm lenses, especially the f/1.8 versions, are typically very affordable, making them an excellent entry point for portrait photography.
* Wider Angle: The wider angle of view allows you to capture more of the environment in your portraits, which can be beneficial for environmental portraits that tell a story. You can work in tighter spaces more easily.
* Less Compression: Offers a more natural perspective and less subject compression compared to longer focal lengths. Faces might appear slightly more "real" in terms of proportions.
* Cons:
* Less Isolation: Because it's wider, it's harder to achieve shallow depth of field and isolate the subject without having to get very close.
* Can Distort at Close Range: When used very close to the subject, a 50mm can slightly distort facial features, making the nose appear larger and the ears smaller.
* Requires More Engagement: You often need to be closer to your subject, which can make some people feel uncomfortable or self-conscious.
85mm Lens:
* Pros:
* Flattering Perspective: The 85mm is widely considered a classic portrait lens because of its ability to compress features in a flattering way. It tends to smooth skin and provide a more pleasing facial structure.
* Excellent Subject Isolation: It creates beautiful background blur (bokeh) that effectively isolates the subject, drawing the viewer's attention to them. Shallow depth of field is easier to achieve.
* Comfortable Shooting Distance: You can maintain a comfortable distance from your subject, which can help them feel more relaxed and natural.
* Sharpness: 85mm lenses are often incredibly sharp, resolving fine details in the subject's face.
* Cons:
* Less Versatile: Less practical for wider scenes or when space is limited.
* More Expensive: High-quality 85mm lenses can be significantly more expensive than 50mm lenses.
* Requires More Space: You need more room to work, as you need to stand further back from your subject to compose the shot.
* Can Feel "Compressed": The strong compression can sometimes make the subject appear slightly flat or two-dimensional.
Here's a table summarizing the key differences:
| Feature | 50mm | 85mm |
|--------------------|---------------------------|----------------------------|
| Versatility | High | Low |
| Affordability | High | Lower |
| Perspective | More Natural | More Flattering |
| Subject Isolation | Lower | Higher |
| Compression | Less | More |
| Working Distance | Closer | Further |
| Space Required | Less | More |
| Distortion | Possible at close range | Minimal |
When to Choose Which:
* Choose 50mm if:
* You're on a budget.
* You need a versatile lens for various types of photography.
* You want to capture environmental portraits that show the subject in their surroundings.
* You're shooting in tight spaces.
* You prefer a more natural perspective.
* Choose 85mm if:
* You prioritize flattering portraits with beautiful background blur.
* You want to maintain a comfortable distance from your subject.
* You have enough space to work.
* You want to emphasize the subject and minimize distractions.
* You are looking for a classic portrait look.
Ultimately, the best way to determine which focal length is best for *you* is to try them both out. Rent them, borrow them, or try them at a camera store. Experiment with different shooting styles and environments to see which one suits your personal preferences and the type of portraits you want to create.
Don't forget that factors like aperture, lighting, and composition also play a huge role in portrait photography. These can be adjusted no matter which lens you are using. Good luck!