50mm Lens:
Pros:
* Versatile: A 50mm lens is a standard focal length, making it highly versatile. It's great not only for portraits but also for street photography, landscapes, and general everyday shooting.
* Affordable: Generally, 50mm lenses (especially the f/1.8 versions) are relatively inexpensive, making them an excellent entry point into prime lenses.
* Smaller and Lighter: 50mm lenses are typically smaller and lighter than 85mm lenses, making them more comfortable to carry around for extended periods.
* Wider Field of View: The wider field of view allows you to capture more of the surrounding environment in your portrait. This can be useful for environmental portraits that tell a story.
* Closer Connection: You need to be closer to your subject than with an 85mm lens, which can foster a more intimate connection during the shoot.
Cons:
* Less Background Compression: The wider field of view means less background compression. Distant objects don't appear as close to the subject as they would with an 85mm. This can be a positive if you want more background, but a negative if you want to isolate your subject more.
* Potential for Distortion: When shooting close-ups, a 50mm can introduce slight distortion, particularly at the edges of the frame, which can be less flattering for facial features. You need to be mindful of your framing and subject placement.
* May Require More Post-Processing: Because it captures more of the scene, you might need to spend more time in post-processing cleaning up backgrounds.
85mm Lens:
Pros:
* Excellent Subject Isolation: The narrower field of view provides significant background compression, blurring the background and isolating the subject beautifully. This creates a more professional and polished look.
* Flattering Perspective: 85mm lenses are known for producing a very flattering perspective for portraits. They minimize distortion and create a more natural-looking rendering of facial features.
* Pleasing Bokeh: The longer focal length and wider apertures (common in 85mm lenses) create a shallow depth of field and beautiful bokeh (the blurred background effect).
* Comfortable Distance: You can maintain a comfortable distance from your subject, which can be less intimidating for them and allow for more candid shots.
Cons:
* More Expensive: 85mm lenses are typically more expensive than 50mm lenses.
* Larger and Heavier: They are larger and heavier, which can be a drawback if you prioritize portability.
* Less Versatile: Less versatile than a 50mm. It is primarily a portrait lens and less suitable for other types of photography (e.g., landscapes, wide-angle street photography).
* Requires More Space: You need more space to work with an 85mm lens, especially indoors. You'll need to be further away from your subject to frame the shot.
* Less Environmental Context: Captures less of the surrounding environment, which may not be ideal if you want to create environmental portraits.
Here's a table summarizing the key differences:
| Feature | 50mm | 85mm |
|----------------|--------------------|--------------------|
| Versatility | High | Low |
| Price | Low | High |
| Size/Weight | Small/Light | Large/Heavy |
| Background Blur| Less | More |
| Perspective | Can distort slightly | Flattering |
| Subject Distance | Closer | Further |
| Field of View | Wider | Narrower |
| Best For | Environmental Portraits, General Use | Classic Portraits, Isolating Subject |
Which is right for you?
* Choose 50mm if:
* You're on a budget.
* You want a versatile lens for various types of photography.
* You want to capture more of the environment in your portraits.
* You prefer a closer connection with your subject.
* You want a smaller and lighter lens.
* Choose 85mm if:
* You prioritize background blur and subject isolation.
* You want a flattering perspective for portraits.
* You don't mind a larger, heavier, and more expensive lens.
* You want a comfortable distance from your subject.
* You primarily shoot portraits.
Ultimately, the best way to decide is to try both lenses if possible. Rent them, borrow them from a friend, or go to a camera store and test them out with your camera. Pay attention to how the lenses feel in your hands, how they render the images, and which focal length aligns better with your vision.
Consider these additional factors:
* Your Camera's Sensor Size: On a crop sensor (APS-C) camera, the effective focal length of a 50mm lens is closer to 75mm (approximately), making it a good option if you want something closer to an 85mm without the cost. An 85mm on a crop sensor becomes more like a 135mm, which is even more specialized.
* Your Style: Do you prefer candid, natural shots or more posed, stylized portraits? This can influence your choice.
* Your Subjects: Are you photographing individuals, couples, or groups? An 85mm might be ideal for single-subject portraits, while a 50mm could be better for capturing groups or couples with their surroundings.
In conclusion, there's no definitive "best" focal length. Both 50mm and 85mm lenses are capable of producing stunning portrait photography. The ideal choice depends on your individual preferences, budget, and the specific circumstances of your shoot.