50mm Lens:
Pros:
* Versatility: 50mm is a "standard" focal length, meaning it's close to human vision. This makes it versatile for more than just portraits, suitable for street photography, landscapes, and general use.
* Smaller and Lighter: Typically more compact and lighter than an 85mm, making it easier to carry around.
* Wider Field of View: Allows you to capture more of the background, which can be useful for environmental portraits that tell a story.
* Often More Affordable: 50mm lenses, especially the "nifty fifty" f/1.8 versions, are generally much cheaper than comparable 85mm lenses.
* Closer Subject Distance: Forces you to interact more with your subject, which can lead to more natural and engaging portraits.
Cons:
* More Distortion: Can introduce some slight distortion, especially when shooting very close to the subject. This can make features like the nose appear larger.
* Less Background Blur (Bokeh): At the same aperture (e.g., f/2.8), an 85mm will generally produce more background blur than a 50mm.
* Less Compression: Doesn't compress features as much as an 85mm, potentially leading to a less flattering look for some subjects.
When to Use a 50mm:
* Environmental Portraits: When you want to show the subject in their environment and tell a story about their surroundings.
* Full-Body Shots: Good for capturing full-body portraits without being too far away.
* Tight Spaces: Useful when you don't have much room to move around.
* General Photography: When you want a versatile lens that can be used for a variety of subjects.
* Budget Constraints: If you're on a tight budget, a 50mm f/1.8 is an excellent starting point.
85mm Lens:
Pros:
* Flattering Compression: Compresses features, making faces appear more balanced and flattering.
* Greater Background Blur (Bokeh): Creates a beautiful, shallow depth of field that isolates the subject and blurs the background. This makes your subject really "pop."
* Comfortable Subject Distance: Allows you to be a bit further from your subject, which can make them feel more comfortable, especially if they are shy.
* Less Distortion: Generally produces less distortion than a 50mm, resulting in a more natural-looking portrait.
Cons:
* Less Versatile: Primarily designed for portraits, not as useful for other types of photography.
* Larger and Heavier: Bulkier and heavier than a 50mm, making it less convenient to carry around.
* More Expensive: Typically more expensive than a comparable 50mm lens.
* Requires More Space: You need more space to shoot with an 85mm, as you'll be further away from your subject.
When to Use an 85mm:
* Classic Portrait Look: When you want a flattering portrait with a blurred background.
* Headshots and Close-Ups: Ideal for headshots and close-up portraits where you want to isolate the subject.
* Comfortable Distance: When you want to maintain a comfortable distance from your subject, especially if they are shy or you are shooting in a sensitive situation.
* Maximizing Bokeh: When you prioritize a creamy, blurred background.
Here's a table summarizing the key differences:
| Feature | 50mm | 85mm |
|-----------------|--------------------------------------|--------------------------------------|
| Versatility | High | Low |
| Size/Weight | Smaller/Lighter | Larger/Heavier |
| Distortion | More (at close distances) | Less |
| Background Blur | Less | More |
| Compression | Less | More |
| Subject Distance | Closer | Further |
| Price | Typically Lower | Typically Higher |
| Best For | Environmental Portraits, Full Body | Headshots, Close-ups, Classic Look |
Ultimately, the best lens for you depends on your personal preferences and the type of portraits you want to create. Here's my advice:
* If you're just starting out: Begin with a 50mm f/1.8. It's affordable, versatile, and a great way to learn the basics of portrait photography.
* If you have the budget and want a dedicated portrait lens: Consider an 85mm. You'll love the compression and bokeh it produces.
* Ideally: Try both lenses! Rent them, borrow them, or visit a camera store and try them out yourself. See which one feels more comfortable and produces the results you prefer.
Consider also the crop factor of your camera. If you have a crop sensor (APS-C) camera, a 50mm lens will behave more like an 80mm lens, and a 35mm lens might be a better "standard" choice for environmental portraits. An 85mm on a crop sensor is going to be very telephoto, and you'll need a lot of space.