50mm:
* Advantages:
* Versatility: 50mm is a very versatile lens, usable for more than just portraits. You can shoot street photography, landscapes, and even some wider environmental portraits.
* Affordability: 50mm lenses are generally cheaper than 85mm lenses, especially those with fast apertures (like f/1.8).
* Environmental Portraits: 50mm is excellent for showing the subject within their environment. It captures more of the surroundings, providing context and telling a story.
* Closer Connection: Because you need to be closer to your subject, it can foster a more intimate and personal connection during the photoshoot.
* Sharpness: Usually very sharp, even at wide apertures.
* Disadvantages:
* Distortion (Minor): Can exhibit minor distortion, especially when shooting too close, which can affect facial features (making the nose appear slightly larger).
* Less Background Blur (Bokeh): The background blur (bokeh) is less pronounced than with an 85mm lens, especially at the same aperture.
* Requires Closer Proximity: Needing to be closer might make some subjects feel less comfortable.
85mm:
* Advantages:
* Ideal for Flattering Portraits: Considered by many to be the "classic" portrait focal length. It minimizes distortion, rendering facial features beautifully and naturally.
* Excellent Background Blur (Bokeh): Creates a shallow depth of field, isolating the subject and producing a dreamy, blurred background that eliminates distractions.
* Comfortable Distance: Allows you to work from a more comfortable distance, which can make your subject feel more relaxed. Great for candid or documentary style portraiture.
* Compresses Perspective: Slightly compresses the perspective, which can be flattering.
* Disadvantages:
* Less Versatile: Primarily designed for portraits, making it less useful for other types of photography.
* More Expensive: Generally more expensive than 50mm lenses, especially high-quality ones with fast apertures.
* Requires More Space: Needs more distance between you and your subject, which can be challenging in tight spaces.
* Less Environmental Context: Captures less of the surrounding environment, focusing more on the subject themselves.
Here's a table summarizing the key differences:
| Feature | 50mm | 85mm |
|-------------------|-----------------------|------------------------|
| Versatility | High | Low |
| Affordability | High | Low |
| Distortion | Minor (can be present) | Minimal |
| Background Blur | Less pronounced | More pronounced |
| Subject Distance | Closer | Further |
| Compression | Less | More |
| Best For | Environmental Portraits, Full Body Shots | Headshots, Upper Body Shots |
| Space Requirements | Less | More |
Which one should you choose?
* Choose 50mm if:
* You're on a budget.
* You want a versatile lens you can use for more than just portraits.
* You enjoy showing the subject within their environment.
* You're comfortable working closer to your subject.
* You often shoot in tight spaces.
* Choose 85mm if:
* You prioritize flattering and isolating your subject.
* You love creamy, blurred backgrounds.
* You prefer working from a more comfortable distance.
* You have the budget.
* You have enough space to move around.
Ultimately, the best way to decide is to try both focal lengths! Rent a lens or borrow one from a friend and experiment with different scenarios and subjects. Pay attention to the rendering of facial features, the background blur, and the distance you need to maintain from your subject.
Consider these factors too:
* Your style: Do you prefer candid, environmental portraits, or more posed, isolated headshots?
* Your subjects: How comfortable are they being photographed up close?
* Your shooting environment: Do you often shoot indoors or outdoors?
* Your camera's sensor size: If you are using a crop sensor camera, the field of view of both these lenses will change. A 50mm on a crop sensor will be similar to 75mm (50mm * 1.5 crop factor) , and a 85mm will be similar to a 127.5mm (85mm * 1.5 crop factor). This changes the lens and makes the 50mm more suited to portrait photography on a crop sensor.
By carefully considering these factors and experimenting with both focal lengths, you can determine which one best suits your needs and helps you create the portrait photographs you envision. Good luck!