50mm Lens:
Pros:
* Versatility: The 50mm is a fantastic all-around lens. You can use it for full-body portraits, environmental portraits, street photography, and even some landscape shots. It’s a good option if you want one lens for multiple purposes.
* Affordability: Generally, 50mm lenses (especially the f/1.8 versions) are very affordable, making them a great entry point for portrait photography.
* Lighter and More Compact: Easier to carry and handle for long shoots.
* Wider Field of View: Allows you to capture more of the background, creating environmental portraits that tell a story and show the subject in their context.
* Better in Tight Spaces: If you're shooting indoors or in crowded areas, the wider field of view can be a lifesaver. You don’t need to be as far away from your subject.
Cons:
* Less Compression: The 50mm lens doesn't compress features as much as an 85mm. This can make the subject appear more as they do in real life, which isn't always flattering depending on the subject.
* May Require You to Get Closer: Getting closer to your subject can sometimes feel intrusive or less natural for candid shots.
* Background Separation Less Pronounced: While you can still achieve a shallow depth of field, the background blur (bokeh) isn't as dramatic as with an 85mm.
85mm Lens:
Pros:
* Excellent Subject Isolation: The longer focal length creates a beautiful, shallow depth of field, blurring the background and making your subject pop. This helps to eliminate distractions and draw the viewer's eye to the person in the photo.
* Flattering Perspective: The 85mm lens compresses features, which can be very flattering for portraits. It tends to make faces look more slender and smooth.
* Comfortable Working Distance: You can stand further away from your subject, making them feel more relaxed and comfortable, which can lead to more natural expressions.
* Beautiful Bokeh: Produces creamy, smooth, and aesthetically pleasing background blur.
Cons:
* Less Versatile: Primarily a portrait lens. Not ideal for wide shots, landscapes, or shooting in tight spaces.
* More Expensive: Generally more expensive than 50mm lenses, especially those with wider apertures.
* Heavier and Bulkier: Can be tiring to carry and use for extended periods.
* Requires More Space: Needs more distance between you and your subject, which can be a problem in small studios or crowded locations.
* More Difficult for Beginners: Can be challenging to master proper focus and composition, especially with shallow depth of field.
Here's a quick table summarizing the key differences:
| Feature | 50mm Lens | 85mm Lens |
|-------------------|------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------|
| Versatility | High | Low |
| Affordability | Generally lower | Generally higher |
| Weight/Size | Lighter and smaller | Heavier and larger |
| Field of View | Wider | Narrower |
| Compression | Less | More |
| Working Distance | Closer | Further |
| Background Blur (Bokeh) | Less pronounced | More pronounced |
| Best For | Environmental portraits, full-body portraits | Headshots, tighter portraits |
To help you decide, consider these questions:
* What type of portraits do you shoot most often? Full-body, environmental portraits, or close-up headshots?
* Where do you shoot? Indoors, outdoors, in a studio, or on location?
* What is your budget?
* How important is versatility to you? Do you want a lens that can do more than just portraits?
* What kind of look are you going for? Natural and realistic, or more stylized and dramatic?
Recommendations:
* Beginner/Budget-Conscious: Start with a 50mm f/1.8. It's a great way to learn the basics of portrait photography without breaking the bank. You can always add an 85mm later.
* Environmental Portraits: 50mm is often a better choice.
* Headshots and Close-Ups: 85mm is generally preferred.
* Shooting in Tight Spaces: 50mm is the more practical choice.
* Prioritizing Subject Isolation and Flattering Perspective: 85mm is the winner.
* If you can only choose one, and you prefer headshots and more professional looking photos: 85mm is usually the choice, provided you have the space to use it.
* If you shoot many different things and sometimes do portraits: 50mm lens is the lens to have.
Ultimately, the best way to decide is to try both lenses, if possible. Rent them or borrow them from a friend and see which one you prefer for your style of photography. Don't be afraid to experiment and find what works best for you. You might even find that you like both lenses for different situations!