50mm Lens for Portraits:
Pros:
* Versatile: The 50mm is often considered a "standard" lens, offering a field of view that's close to how the human eye sees. This makes it versatile for various types of photography, including environmental portraits, full-body shots, and even some street photography.
* Affordable: 50mm lenses, particularly the f/1.8 versions, are typically much more affordable than 85mm lenses. This makes them a great entry point into portrait photography.
* Compact and Lightweight: Generally smaller and lighter than 85mm lenses, making them easier to carry around for extended shooting sessions.
* Faster Apertures: Many 50mm lenses are available with very fast apertures (f/1.8, f/1.4, or even faster). This allows for shallow depth of field, creating beautiful background blur (bokeh) and excellent low-light performance.
* More Natural Perspective: The 50mm tends to offer a more natural perspective, capturing the subject in the context of their environment.
Cons:
* May Require You to Get Closer: To fill the frame with your subject, you'll need to get physically closer to them. This can sometimes feel invasive or make the subject uncomfortable.
* Less Background Compression: Compared to the 85mm, the 50mm offers less background compression, meaning the background will appear closer and larger relative to the subject. This can be a positive or negative, depending on what you want to emphasize in your composition.
* Can Exaggerate Perspective (Slightly): When shooting close up, a 50mm can slightly exaggerate perspective, potentially making features like the nose appear larger.
85mm Lens for Portraits:
Pros:
* Flattering Perspective: The 85mm lens is renowned for its flattering perspective. It compresses facial features, making them appear more pleasing and minimizing distortion.
* Beautiful Bokeh: The longer focal length and typically fast apertures (f/1.8, f/1.4) of 85mm lenses create creamy, beautiful background blur (bokeh) that isolates the subject effectively.
* Good Distance from Subject: You can maintain a comfortable distance from your subject while still filling the frame. This is particularly helpful for capturing candid or natural expressions.
* Excellent Subject Isolation: The compressed perspective and shallow depth of field effectively isolate the subject from the background, drawing the viewer's attention to them.
* Separation from the background: The compression from the focal length creates a nice sense of separation between the subject and the background.
Cons:
* More Expensive: 85mm lenses are typically more expensive than 50mm lenses, especially those with fast apertures.
* Larger and Heavier: Generally larger and heavier than 50mm lenses, which can be a factor for portability and comfort during long shoots.
* Requires More Space: You need more space to work with an 85mm lens, as you'll need to stand further back from your subject. This can be a limitation in smaller studios or confined locations.
* Less Versatile: Less versatile than the 50mm for general photography. It's primarily designed for portraits.
* Potential for Over-Compressed Perspective (Rare): In extremely compressed scenes, the background can become overly blurred and less informative, which may not always be desired.
Here's a table summarizing the key differences:
| Feature | 50mm Lens | 85mm Lens |
|-------------------|-----------------------------|-----------------------------|
| Perspective | Natural, slight exaggeration| Flattering, compressed |
| Bokeh | Good, but not as creamy | Excellent, creamy |
| Subject Distance | Closer | Further |
| Size/Weight | Smaller, lighter | Larger, heavier |
| Cost | More affordable | More expensive |
| Versatility | More versatile | Less versatile |
| Best For | Environmental Portraits, Full Body | Headshots, Isolating Subject |
When to Choose Which Lens:
* Choose the 50mm if:
* You're on a budget.
* You want a versatile lens for various types of photography.
* You prefer to capture your subject in the context of their environment (environmental portraits).
* You need a compact and lightweight setup.
* You're shooting in tight spaces.
* You want a more natural perspective.
* Choose the 85mm if:
* You want the most flattering portrait perspective.
* You want to maximize background blur (bokeh) for subject isolation.
* You prefer to maintain a comfortable distance from your subject.
* You're primarily focused on headshots and close-up portraits.
* You have the budget and space for a larger, heavier lens.
Beyond Focal Length:
It's important to consider factors *beyond* just the focal length:
* Aperture: The maximum aperture (e.g., f/1.8, f/1.4, f/1.2) will significantly impact the depth of field and low-light performance.
* Image Stabilization: If you're shooting handheld, image stabilization (IS/VR) can be helpful, especially in low light.
* Autofocus Performance: Consider the speed and accuracy of the autofocus system.
* Lens Quality: The build quality, sharpness, and optical characteristics of the lens will all affect the final image.
The Bottom Line:
There's no single "best" lens. Many photographers own and use both 50mm and 85mm lenses for portraiture, choosing the appropriate lens based on the specific needs of the shot. Experiment with both focal lengths to see which one aligns better with your personal style and desired aesthetic. Consider renting each lens before making a purchase to get a feel for them in real-world shooting scenarios.