50mm Lens for Portraits:
Pros:
* Versatile: The 50mm lens is a more general-purpose lens. You can use it for a wider variety of subjects beyond just portraits, including street photography, landscapes, and even some product photography.
* Affordable: 50mm lenses, especially the "nifty fifty" f/1.8 versions, are typically much more affordable than 85mm lenses with similar apertures. This makes them a great entry point into prime lenses.
* Wider Field of View: The 50mm lens captures a wider field of view, making it better for environmental portraits where you want to show more of the surroundings and tell a story about the subject in their environment. You can easily include background elements without having to step back too far.
* Easier to Shoot in Tight Spaces: The wider field of view is also beneficial when shooting in smaller rooms or studios where you might not have much room to move around.
* Less Compression: 50mm lenses exhibit less compression than longer focal lengths. This can result in a more natural-looking facial structure and proportions, especially when you're relatively close to the subject.
* Good for Full-Body Portraits: You can more easily capture full-body portraits with a 50mm lens without having to back up significantly.
Cons:
* Can Distort Facial Features at Close Range: If you get too close to your subject with a 50mm lens, you might start to see some minor distortion of facial features, particularly the nose. You need to be mindful of your distance.
* Less Background Blur (Bokeh): While you can still achieve background blur with a 50mm lens, especially at wider apertures, it won't be as pronounced or creamy as you can achieve with an 85mm lens. This can make the background less separated from the subject.
* Less Intimate Feeling: The wider field of view can sometimes make portraits feel less intimate or focused on the subject's face.
85mm Lens for Portraits:
Pros:
* Excellent Background Blur (Bokeh): 85mm lenses are known for creating beautifully smooth and creamy background blur, which helps to isolate the subject and create a visually pleasing image.
* Flattering Perspective: 85mm lenses are considered to be very flattering for portraiture because they compress the facial features in a way that is generally considered aesthetically pleasing. It helps to smooth out features and create a more idealized look.
* Creates a Sense of Intimacy: The longer focal length allows you to stand further back from your subject while still filling the frame, which can make them feel more comfortable and relaxed, resulting in more natural expressions. It also forces focus on the subject's face.
* Reduces Distortion: The greater distance helps minimize any distortion that might occur when shooting up close.
* Great for Headshots and Upper-Body Portraits: The 85mm focal length is ideal for capturing headshots and upper-body portraits where you want to focus on the subject's face and shoulders.
Cons:
* Less Versatile: 85mm lenses are primarily designed for portraiture and may not be as useful for other types of photography.
* More Expensive: High-quality 85mm lenses with wide apertures (e.g., f/1.4 or f/1.8) tend to be more expensive than 50mm lenses.
* Requires More Space: You need more room to work with an 85mm lens, especially if you want to capture full-body portraits. This can be challenging in small studios or indoor spaces.
* May Feel Disconnected: The distance you need to maintain from your subject can sometimes make it harder to communicate and connect with them during the shoot.
Here's a quick summary table:
| Feature | 50mm Lens | 85mm Lens |
|-------------------|----------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------|
| Versatility | High | Low |
| Cost | Generally lower | Generally higher |
| Background Blur | Good, but less pronounced than 85mm | Excellent |
| Facial Distortion| Possible at close range | Minimal |
| Space Required | Less | More |
| Flattering Perspective| Less compressed | More compressed and often considered more flattering |
| Intimacy | Can feel less intimate | Creates a sense of intimacy |
| Best For | Environmental portraits, full-body portraits, street photography, general use | Headshots, upper-body portraits |
In conclusion:
* Choose a 50mm lens if: You want a versatile lens that can be used for various types of photography, including portraits, and you are on a budget. You enjoy capturing environmental portraits where the background plays a significant role. You frequently shoot in smaller spaces.
* Choose an 85mm lens if: You primarily shoot portraits and want to create beautiful background blur and a flattering perspective. You have enough space to work with and want to capture more intimate, focused shots.
Ultimately, the best way to decide is to try both focal lengths yourself. Rent them from a local camera store, borrow them from a friend, or find a way to test them out in a real-world portrait setting. Pay attention to the types of images you naturally gravitate towards and which focal length helps you achieve the aesthetic you prefer. You might even find that you like having both in your kit!