50mm:
Pros:
* Versatile: 50mm is a very versatile lens, useful for a wide range of photography beyond just portraits. You can use it for street photography, landscapes, and general snapshots.
* Often Affordable: 50mm lenses (especially f/1.8 versions) are often the most affordable prime lenses, making them a great entry point for portrait photography.
* Good in Tight Spaces: Its wider field of view makes it easier to shoot portraits in smaller rooms or environments where you can't move back too far. Allows for more environmental context.
* More Environmental Portraits: Because it captures a wider scene, it's well-suited for environmental portraits that tell a story about the subject's surroundings and lifestyle.
* Easier to Focus: Depending on the specific lens, a wider aperture on a 50mm lens can often be easier to focus quickly than an 85mm with the same aperture.
* More forgiving of movement: In general, the wider focal length is slightly less prone to motion blur due to camera shake.
Cons:
* Can Distort Facial Features (Slightly): While not as pronounced as wider-angle lenses, a 50mm can introduce slight perspective distortion if you get too close to your subject. Faces can look a little wider.
* Less Background Compression: The background will appear further away and less blurred compared to an 85mm lens at the same aperture and subject distance.
* Requires You to Get Closer: You need to be closer to your subject, which can sometimes make them feel less comfortable and can influence their expression.
85mm:
Pros:
* Ideal for Portraits: Many photographers consider 85mm to be the quintessential portrait lens.
* Excellent Perspective: It creates a flattering perspective that minimizes distortion and renders facial features beautifully. Faces look natural and proportional.
* Beautiful Background Blur (Bokeh): 85mm lenses (especially those with wide apertures like f/1.4 or f/1.8) excel at creating a shallow depth of field, blurring the background and isolating the subject.
* More Reach: You can stand further away from your subject, which can make them feel more relaxed and lead to more natural expressions. Good for candid shots.
* Background Compression: Compresses the background, making it appear closer and more blurred, which draws even more attention to the subject.
Cons:
* More Expensive: 85mm lenses tend to be more expensive than 50mm lenses, particularly those with fast apertures.
* Less Versatile: While still usable for other types of photography, 85mm is more specialized for portraits.
* Not Ideal for Tight Spaces: Requires more space to work with. Can be difficult to use indoors or in cramped environments.
* Shallower Depth of Field: While a pro for background blur, the very shallow depth of field can also make it more challenging to get sharp focus, especially with fast apertures and moving subjects.
* Can be less forgiving of movement: Small movements can be amplified, leading to motion blur if shutter speed is not fast enough.
Summary Table:
| Feature | 50mm | 85mm |
|---------------------|-------------------|-------------------|
| Perspective | Slightly distorted | Flattering |
| Background Blur | Less | More |
| Working Distance | Closer | Further |
| Space Required | Less | More |
| Versatility | Higher | Lower |
| Cost | Generally Lower | Generally Higher |
| Ideal For | Environmental portraits, portraits in tight spaces, general photography | Classic portraits, headshots, isolating the subject |
Which Should You Choose?
* If you're on a budget: Start with a 50mm f/1.8. It's affordable and a great way to learn the fundamentals of portrait photography.
* If you have more space to work with and want beautiful background blur: The 85mm is a fantastic choice.
* If you want a more versatile lens: The 50mm is the better option.
* If you prioritize flattering facial features: The 85mm is generally preferred.
* If you shoot primarily environmental portraits: The 50mm might be a better fit.
* If you're unsure: Consider renting both lenses to see which one you prefer and which one suits your style of photography better.
Ultimately, the best lens for you depends on your personal style, your budget, and the type of portraits you want to create. There's no right or wrong answer. Many professional portrait photographers own both lenses and use them in different situations.