Here's a breakdown to help you decide:
50mm Lens:
Pros:
* Versatility: The 50mm is a more versatile lens. It can be used for portraits, but also for street photography, landscapes, and general everyday shooting.
* Affordability: Generally more affordable than an 85mm lens, especially if you're starting out.
* Wider Field of View: Allows you to capture more of the environment around your subject. Good for environmental portraits that tell a story.
* Works in Smaller Spaces: You don't need as much distance between you and your subject, making it suitable for indoor shoots and tighter spaces.
* More Natural Perspective: Mimics the human eye's field of view more closely, resulting in a more natural-looking perspective.
Cons:
* Less Background Compression: Doesn't compress the background as much as an 85mm, so backgrounds can be more distracting.
* Can Distort Facial Features at Close Range: If you get too close, a 50mm can sometimes slightly distort facial features, particularly the nose.
* Requires Closer Proximity: You need to be closer to your subject, which some subjects might find intrusive.
85mm Lens:
Pros:
* Excellent Background Blur (Bokeh): Creates beautiful, creamy background blur, isolating your subject effectively and minimizing distractions. This is a key reason many photographers prefer it for portraits.
* Flattering Perspective: The longer focal length compresses facial features, leading to a more flattering and often more professional-looking portrait. It minimizes distortion.
* More Comfortable Distance: Allows you to maintain a more comfortable distance from your subject, making them feel more relaxed.
* More Professional Look: Often associated with professional portrait photography due to its compression and bokeh.
Cons:
* Less Versatile: More specialized for portraiture. Less useful for other types of photography.
* More Expensive: Typically more expensive than a 50mm lens.
* Requires More Space: You need more distance between you and your subject, making it challenging to use in small studios or indoor spaces.
* Steeper Learning Curve: Mastering composition and posing with the narrower field of view can take more practice.
Here's a table summarizing the key differences:
| Feature | 50mm | 85mm |
|-------------------|------------------------|------------------------|
| Versatility | High | Low |
| Affordability | High | Low |
| Background Blur | Moderate | High |
| Perspective | More natural | More flattering |
| Working Distance | Closer | Further |
| Space Needed | Less | More |
| Distortion | More potential | Less potential |
When to Choose Which:
* Choose 50mm if:
* You need a versatile lens for various types of photography.
* You're on a budget.
* You often shoot in smaller spaces.
* You prefer environmental portraits that show the subject in their surroundings.
* You want a more natural perspective.
* Choose 85mm if:
* Portrait photography is your primary focus.
* You want maximum background blur.
* You want the most flattering perspective.
* You have enough space to work.
* You prefer a more comfortable distance from your subject.
Ultimately, the best way to decide is to try both lenses if possible. Rent them or borrow them from a friend. Experiment with different subjects and lighting conditions to see which focal length better suits your personal style and the type of portraits you want to create. Many photographers eventually own both, using them for different purposes and effects. Don't be afraid to experiment and find what works best for *you*.