Here's a breakdown:
50mm Lens:
Pros:
* Versatility: The 50mm is often called a "nifty fifty" for a reason. It's a very versatile focal length that works well for a variety of portrait styles, from environmental portraits to headshots (though it might be a bit tight for headshots on a crop sensor). It can also be used for street photography, landscapes, and more.
* Affordability: 50mm lenses are typically much more affordable than 85mm lenses, especially at fast apertures like f/1.8 or f/1.4.
* Lightweight and Compact: They're usually smaller and lighter, making them easier to carry around for extended shoots.
* Closer to Human Perspective: The 50mm field of view is closer to what the human eye sees, making images feel natural and relatable.
* Environmental Portraits: Great for capturing the subject in their environment, telling a story with more context.
* Wider Aperture Options (Often): You can often find very affordable 50mm lenses with extremely wide apertures like f/1.8 or even f/1.4, which is great for low-light shooting and achieving shallow depth of field.
Cons:
* Distortion (Slight): Can exhibit slight distortion, especially when shooting close-ups. This can sometimes slightly exaggerate features like the nose.
* Requires Getting Closer: You need to be physically closer to your subject, which might make some people feel uncomfortable.
* Less Background Compression: Doesn't compress the background as much as an 85mm, potentially making backgrounds appear less blurred.
* May Not be as Flattering for Some Faces: The slight distortion, combined with getting closer, can sometimes make certain face shapes look less flattering than with an 85mm.
85mm Lens:
Pros:
* Excellent Subject Isolation: Creates beautiful background blur (bokeh) thanks to its longer focal length and typically wide apertures. This helps isolate the subject and make them pop.
* Flattering Perspective: Compresses features, often considered more flattering for faces, especially in close-up portraits. Minimizes distortion.
* Comfortable Distance: Allows you to maintain a comfortable distance from your subject, which can help them feel more relaxed.
* Professional Look: Often associated with professional portrait photography due to its ability to create creamy backgrounds and sharp subjects.
* Compression: The longer focal length compresses the background, making distant objects appear closer and contributing to a more pleasing aesthetic.
Cons:
* Higher Cost: 85mm lenses, especially those with fast apertures, are generally more expensive than 50mm lenses.
* Larger and Heavier: Bulkier and heavier, which can be tiring on long shoots.
* Less Versatile: Not as well-suited for wide shots or environmental portraits. More specialized for portraits and close-ups.
* Requires More Space: Need more space to work, especially indoors. You might find yourself backing up a lot.
* Can Feel Isolating: The extreme focus on the subject can sometimes feel isolating, especially if the background is heavily blurred.
Here's a table summarizing the key differences:
| Feature | 50mm | 85mm |
|-------------------|------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------|
| Versatility | High | Low |
| Affordability | High | Low |
| Size/Weight | Small/Light | Large/Heavy |
| Perspective | Closer to human eye, slight distortion | Flattering, compressed features, less distortion |
| Background Blur | Moderate | High |
| Working Distance | Closer | Further |
| Best For | Environmental portraits, general use | Headshots, close-ups, subject isolation |
Which One Should You Choose?
* Beginner: If you're just starting out with portrait photography, the 50mm is a great first lens. It's affordable, versatile, and will help you learn the fundamentals of composition and lighting.
* Budget-Conscious: The 50mm is the clear winner here. You can get excellent image quality for a very reasonable price.
* Limited Space: The 50mm is better if you often shoot in smaller spaces.
* Focus on Environmental Portraits: The 50mm excels at capturing your subject in their environment, telling a story beyond just their face.
* Prioritize Flattering Portraits and Bokeh: The 85mm is the way to go if you want creamy backgrounds and a flattering perspective.
* Comfortable Distance: The 85mm allows you to maintain a more comfortable distance from your subject.
* Serious About Portrait Photography: If you're serious about portrait photography and are willing to invest in a higher-quality lens, the 85mm can take your images to the next level.
Ultimately, the best way to decide is to try both lenses out if possible! Rent them, borrow them from a friend, or visit a camera store to see which one feels better in your hands and produces the results you're looking for.
Crop Sensor Considerations:
Keep in mind that if you're using a camera with a crop sensor (APS-C or similar), the effective focal length of both lenses will be multiplied by the crop factor (typically 1.5x or 1.6x).
* 50mm on a crop sensor: Becomes equivalent to approximately 75mm or 80mm, making it closer to the classic portrait focal length.
* 85mm on a crop sensor: Becomes equivalent to approximately 127.5mm or 136mm, which can be quite tight, especially indoors. You might need a lot of space to work with.
In this case, on a crop sensor, the 50mm becomes a more "normal" portrait lens, while the 85mm becomes a more specialized telephoto portrait lens. Some people might even consider a 35mm lens on a crop sensor to mimic the 50mm on a full frame.
In conclusion, there's no single "best" lens. The choice depends on your shooting style, budget, and desired aesthetic. Consider the pros and cons of each lens, and experiment to find what works best for you! Good luck!