85mm Lens: The Classic Portrait Lens
* Pros:
* Superior Compression: The longer focal length creates more compression, making the subject's features appear more pleasingly proportional. It minimizes distortion, especially in the nose and forehead, often resulting in a more flattering portrait.
* Shallower Depth of Field: The 85mm naturally produces a shallower depth of field compared to a 50mm at the same aperture and distance. This throws the background more out of focus, creating beautiful bokeh and further isolating your subject.
* Good Distance from Subject: The 85mm requires you to stand further back from your subject, which can make them feel more relaxed and less self-conscious.
* Excellent Subject Isolation: The combination of compression and shallow depth of field results in incredible subject isolation, making them pop out of the background.
* Flattering Perspective: The longer focal length often results in a more flattering perspective, especially for headshots.
* Cons:
* Requires More Space: You need more room to shoot with an 85mm lens. This can be a problem in small studios or tight indoor spaces.
* Less Versatile for Environmental Portraits: While excellent for close-ups, the 85mm can be less ideal for environmental portraits where you want to incorporate more of the surroundings.
* Can be More Expensive: High-quality 85mm lenses are often more expensive than their 50mm counterparts, especially those with wide apertures (e.g., f/1.4).
* More Challenging to Handhold: Due to the longer focal length, camera shake can be more noticeable with an 85mm, especially in low light. Using a faster shutter speed or image stabilization is often necessary.
50mm Lens: The Versatile Choice
* Pros:
* Versatility: The 50mm is a very versatile lens, suitable for a wide range of photography styles, including portraits, street photography, and even some landscape.
* More Affordable: Generally, 50mm lenses are more affordable, especially the "nifty fifty" f/1.8 versions.
* Wider Field of View: Allows you to capture more of the scene around your subject, making it great for environmental portraits and storytelling.
* Easier to Use in Tight Spaces: The shorter focal length makes it easier to shoot in smaller rooms and confined areas.
* Lightweight and Compact: 50mm lenses are typically smaller and lighter, making them easier to carry around.
* Good in Low Light: Many 50mm lenses have wide apertures (f/1.8 or wider), making them excellent for low-light photography.
* Cons:
* Can Introduce Distortion: At close distances, a 50mm lens can introduce some distortion, particularly around the edges of the frame, and sometimes flattening of facial features (though this is often very subtle).
* Less Subject Isolation: The shallower depth of field isn't as pronounced as with an 85mm, so background separation may require more effort.
* Requires Getting Closer to Subject: You need to get closer to your subject, which might make some people feel uncomfortable.
* Less Compression: The shorter focal length results in less compression, which can make features appear less flattering in certain situations.
Here's a table summarizing the key differences:
| Feature | 50mm | 85mm |
|--------------------|---------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------|
| Compression | Less | More |
| Depth of Field | Shallower (but less so than 85mm) | Very Shallow |
| Subject Distance | Closer | Further |
| Background Blur | Good | Excellent |
| Versatility | High | Medium |
| Price | Lower | Higher |
| Space Needed | Less | More |
| Distortion | More noticeable at close distances | Less |
| Flattering Perspective | Depends on distance and features | Generally more flattering |
Which One Should You Choose?
* Choose 85mm if:
* You primarily shoot portraits with a blurred background.
* You want the most flattering compression.
* You have enough space to move around.
* You prioritize subject isolation.
* You shoot a lot of headshots.
* Choose 50mm if:
* You need a versatile lens for various types of photography.
* You shoot in small spaces.
* You're on a budget.
* You want to capture more of the environment in your portraits.
* You need a lens that performs well in low light.
In Summary:
There is no definitively "better" lens. The ideal choice depends on your specific needs and preferences. Many photographers own both lenses and use them in different situations.
Consider these points when deciding:
* Your style: Do you prefer close-up, intimate portraits, or environmental portraits that tell a story?
* Your shooting environment: Do you primarily shoot indoors or outdoors? Do you have plenty of space, or are you often working in tight quarters?
* Your budget: Can you afford a high-quality 85mm lens, or is a 50mm a more practical choice?
* Try them out! If possible, rent or borrow both lenses and experiment to see which one you prefer.
Ultimately, the best lens is the one that helps you create the images you envision. Good luck and happy shooting!