50mm Lens for Portraits:
Pros:
* Versatility: The 50mm is often called the "nifty fifty" for a reason. It's versatile and can be used for a wider range of shots beyond just portraits, including street photography, landscapes, and general snapshots.
* Wider Field of View: Easier to include more of the environment in your shot, which can be great for environmental portraits or capturing a sense of place.
* Affordable: 50mm lenses are generally more affordable, especially the f/1.8 versions, making them a great starting point.
* Lightweight and Compact: Easier to carry around and handle for longer periods.
* More Intimate Feel: Requires you to get closer to your subject, which can create a more intimate connection.
Cons:
* Can Distort Facial Features: When too close, a 50mm can create slight distortion, especially at the edges of the frame, making noses appear larger or other features exaggerated. This is less noticeable if you maintain a proper distance.
* Less Background Compression: Doesn't compress the background as much as an 85mm, making it harder to achieve a strong separation between the subject and the background.
* Requires Closer Proximity: You need to be closer to your subject, which might make some people feel uncomfortable.
85mm Lens for Portraits:
Pros:
* Flattering Perspective: Considered by many to be the ideal focal length for portraits because it produces a very flattering perspective. Compresses facial features, creating a more balanced and pleasing look.
* Great Background Separation: Excellent background compression, blurring the background beautifully (bokeh) and making the subject stand out.
* Comfortable Distance: Allows you to maintain a comfortable distance from your subject while still getting a close-up shot.
* More Professional Look: The compressed perspective and shallow depth of field often give portraits a more professional, polished look.
Cons:
* Less Versatile: Less useful for other types of photography compared to a 50mm.
* More Expensive: Generally more expensive than 50mm lenses, especially those with fast apertures (e.g., f/1.4 or f/1.8).
* Heavier and Bulkier: Larger and heavier, which can be tiring during long shoots.
* Requires More Space: Requires more space to work, especially in smaller studios or indoor environments. You need to stand further back from your subject.
Here's a table summarizing the key differences:
| Feature | 50mm | 85mm |
|------------------|-------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------|
| Versatility | High | Low |
| Perspective | Can distort at close range | Flattering and compresses features |
| Background Blur | Moderate | High, excellent bokeh |
| Working Distance | Closer | Further |
| Price | Generally more affordable | Generally more expensive |
| Size/Weight | Lighter and more compact | Heavier and bulkier |
| Space Required | Less | More |
Which one should you choose?
* Choose 50mm if:
* You're on a budget.
* You need a versatile lens for various types of photography.
* You want to capture environmental portraits with more context.
* You're shooting in tight spaces.
* You want a lens that's easy to carry around.
* You're comfortable getting close to your subject.
* Choose 85mm if:
* You want the most flattering perspective for portraiture.
* You want excellent background separation and creamy bokeh.
* You prioritize professional-looking portraits above all else.
* You have enough space to work with.
* You don't mind the higher price and larger size.
* You prefer a more comfortable distance from your subject.
Ultimately, the best way to decide is to try both lenses (if possible) and see which one you prefer. Many photographers own both and use them for different purposes. Consider renting each to help you make a decision before purchasing.
Good luck!