50mm Lens:
* Pros:
* Versatility: It's a great all-around lens. You can use it for portraits, landscapes, street photography, and more.
* Affordability: Generally, 50mm lenses, especially the f/1.8 versions, are very affordable, making them a good entry point into prime lenses.
* Wider Perspective: The 50mm provides a wider field of view, which can be useful for environmental portraits, capturing more of the subject's surroundings, and telling a story.
* Close Proximity: You need to be closer to your subject. This can foster connection and communication.
* Easier in tight spaces: More suitable for indoor locations where space is limited.
* Cons:
* Less Background Compression: Doesn't compress the background as much as an 85mm, which can make the background feel less blurred and sometimes distracting.
* Potential for Distortion: When shooting very close-up portraits (especially with wider aperture lenses), there can be some minor distortion, like making the nose appear slightly larger. You need to be mindful of your shooting distance.
85mm Lens:
* Pros:
* Excellent Background Compression: Creates beautiful, creamy bokeh (background blur), isolating the subject and making them stand out.
* Flattering Perspective: The longer focal length helps to compress facial features, which many find more flattering for portraits. Reduces the risk of distortion.
* More Distance: Allows you to be further from your subject, which can make them feel more comfortable, especially if they're not used to being photographed.
* Great for Headshots & Close-Ups: Excels at isolating the subject and creating a professional look.
* Sharpness: Typically very sharp lenses.
* Cons:
* Less Versatile: More specialized for portraiture and may not be as useful for other types of photography.
* Higher Cost: Generally more expensive than 50mm lenses, especially those with wide apertures (e.g., f/1.4).
* Requires More Space: Requires more distance between you and your subject, which can be challenging in small spaces.
* Can feel isolating: The distance can feel less intimate, making connection more difficult.
Here's a table summarizing the key differences:
| Feature | 50mm | 85mm |
| ----------------- | ---------------------------------------- | ----------------------------------------- |
| Versatility | High | Lower |
| Cost | Generally Lower | Generally Higher |
| Background Blur | Less (unless very close to subject) | More (stronger bokeh) |
| Perspective | Wider | More Compressed/Flattering |
| Working Distance | Closer to Subject | Further from Subject |
| Distortion | Potential for slight distortion close-up | Less Distortion |
| Space Needed | Less | More |
| Ideal for | Environmental Portraits, Full Body Shots | Headshots, Close-Ups, Isolating Subject |
So, which is best for you? Consider these questions:
* What kind of portraits do you want to take? Environmental portraits with a sense of place? Or tight headshots with a blurred background?
* What's your budget?
* Where will you be shooting? Indoors in small spaces? Outdoors with plenty of room?
* What's your style? Do you like being close to your subject, or do you prefer more distance?
* Which focal length feels most natural in your hands?
In summary:
* Choose 50mm if: You want a versatile, affordable lens, like environmental portraits, and often shoot in smaller spaces.
* Choose 85mm if: You prioritize beautiful background blur, flattering perspective, headshots and have the space to use it effectively.
Ultimately, the best way to decide is to try both lenses if possible. Rent them or borrow them from a friend to see which one you prefer for your style of portrait photography.