Here's a breakdown to help you decide:
85mm Lens for Portraits:
Pros:
* Beautiful Bokeh: The 85mm lens, with its longer focal length and typically wider aperture (like f/1.8 or f/1.4), creates a very shallow depth of field, resulting in creamy, blurred backgrounds (bokeh). This isolates the subject and draws attention to their face.
* Flattering Compression: The longer focal length compresses features, minimizing distortion and creating a more flattering perspective. This can make faces appear slightly slimmer and more balanced.
* Working Distance: Allows you to stand further back from your subject, making them feel more comfortable and less self-conscious. This is great for capturing more natural expressions.
* Background Isolation: Excels at separating the subject from cluttered backgrounds, even in busy environments.
* Professional Look: The classic portrait lens for a reason, often associated with high-quality, professional portraiture.
Cons:
* Requires More Space: Needs more room to operate. Can be challenging to use in tight spaces like small studios or apartments.
* Less Versatile for Other Genres: While great for portraits, it's less versatile for wide-angle shots, landscapes, or street photography.
* Higher Cost: Generally more expensive than 50mm lenses, especially those with wider apertures.
* More Difficult to Use Handheld: The longer focal length makes it more susceptible to camera shake, especially in low light. Using a tripod is recommended for sharper images at slower shutter speeds.
50mm Lens for Portraits:
Pros:
* More Versatile: A versatile lens suitable for portraits, street photography, landscapes, and everyday shooting.
* Compact and Lightweight: Easier to carry around compared to the bulkier 85mm lens.
* Affordable: Typically much more affordable than 85mm lenses, especially the f/1.8 versions.
* Works Well in Tight Spaces: Can be used in smaller spaces where an 85mm would be too restrictive.
* Good Low Light Performance: When paired with a wide aperture (like f/1.8 or f/1.4), performs well in low-light conditions.
* More Environmental Portraits: Captures more of the subject's surroundings, which can be desirable for environmental portraits that tell a story.
Cons:
* Less Bokeh: While a 50mm with a wide aperture can create bokeh, it's not as pronounced or creamy as the bokeh produced by an 85mm lens.
* More Distortion: Can introduce slight distortion, especially when shooting up close. May require more careful posing and composition.
* Requires Closer Proximity: You need to be closer to your subject, which might make them feel more uncomfortable or self-aware.
* Backgrounds Can Be More Distracting: More of the background is in focus, which can be distracting if the background is cluttered.
Here's a quick summary table:
| Feature | 85mm Lens | 50mm Lens |
|----------------|----------------------|---------------------|
| Bokeh | Excellent, creamy | Good, but less pronounced|
| Compression | Flattering | Moderate |
| Working Distance| Longer, comfortable | Shorter, closer |
| Space Needed | More | Less |
| Versatility | Lower | Higher |
| Price | Higher | Lower |
| Size & Weight | Larger, heavier | Smaller, lighter |
| Distortion | Minimal | Slight |
Which lens is right for you? Consider these questions:
* What's your budget? 50mm lenses are generally more affordable.
* What's your shooting style? Do you prefer tighter portraits with blurred backgrounds, or wider environmental portraits?
* What kind of space do you typically shoot in? Small studios benefit from the 50mm, while larger spaces accommodate the 85mm.
* What's your experience level? Both lenses are relatively easy to use, but the 50mm's versatility can be more forgiving for beginners.
* What's your camera's sensor size? These descriptions assume you're shooting on a full-frame camera. On a crop sensor (APS-C), a 50mm will behave more like an 80mm and a 35mm may become the preferred choice.
Recommendations:
* Beginner Portrait Photographer: Start with a 50mm f/1.8. It's affordable, versatile, and a great way to learn the basics of portrait photography.
* Intermediate/Advanced Portrait Photographer: If you have the budget and space, the 85mm f/1.8 or f/1.4 is a fantastic choice for creating professional-looking portraits with beautiful bokeh and flattering compression.
* Environmental Portrait Photographer: The 50mm lens is generally better for capturing the subject within their environment.
* Limited Space: The 50mm is the better choice for smaller studios or shooting indoors.
Ultimately, the best way to decide is to try both lenses (rent or borrow them if possible) and see which one you prefer based on your own style and needs. There is no right or wrong answer, just personal preference and what works best for the specific situation.