Here's a breakdown of the pros and cons of each to help you decide which might be better suited for your needs:
50mm Lens:
Pros:
* Versatility: A 50mm lens is highly versatile. It's great not just for portraits but also for street photography, landscapes, and general photography. It's a good lens to have in your kit for all-around use.
* Affordability: 50mm lenses are generally much more affordable than 85mm lenses, especially at comparable apertures (e.g., f/1.8 vs. f/1.8).
* Wider Field of View: The wider field of view allows you to include more of the environment in your portraits, which can be useful for environmental portraits that tell a story about your subject's location or surroundings.
* Good for Full Body and Group Shots: Because of the wider field of view, it's easier to capture full-body portraits and smaller group shots without having to back up too far.
* Low-Light Performance (with Fast Aperture): 50mm lenses often come in very fast apertures (like f/1.8 or f/1.4), making them excellent in low-light situations.
Cons:
* Less Compression: The wider focal length results in less compression, meaning features might appear slightly distorted (e.g., the nose might appear larger).
* Backgrounds Can Be More Distracting: The wider field of view means more of the background is in the frame, which can be distracting if you're not careful about your composition. Requires more skill to isolate the subject effectively.
* Might Feel Too Close for Comfort: Some people feel they have to get too close to their subject to get the framing they want, which can make the subject feel uncomfortable.
85mm Lens:
Pros:
* Excellent Compression: 85mm lenses excel at compressing features, creating a flattering look for portrait subjects. This can make the subject's face appear more balanced and attractive.
* Beautiful Background Blur (Bokeh): The longer focal length and typically fast apertures create a shallow depth of field and beautiful bokeh, helping to isolate your subject from the background.
* Subject Isolation: The narrower field of view helps to isolate the subject and draw attention to them.
* Comfortable Working Distance: You can maintain a comfortable distance from your subject, which can help them feel more relaxed and natural.
* Flattering Perspective: The longer focal length tends to be more flattering to facial features than a wider focal length.
Cons:
* Less Versatile: 85mm lenses are more specialized for portraiture and might not be as useful for other types of photography.
* More Expensive: 85mm lenses, especially those with wide apertures, are typically more expensive than 50mm lenses.
* Narrower Field of View: The narrower field of view can make it difficult to capture full-body portraits or group shots in tight spaces.
* Can Be Challenging in Small Spaces: Requires more room to maneuver and may be impractical in small studios or indoor settings.
* Low-Light Performance (Aperture Dependent): While 85mm lenses *can* have fast apertures, they tend to be more expensive than 50mm lenses with similar low-light capabilities. You may end up paying more for the equivalent low-light performance.
Summary Table:
| Feature | 50mm | 85mm |
|----------------|---------------------------|---------------------------|
| Versatility | High | Low |
| Cost | Lower | Higher |
| Compression | Low | High |
| Bokeh | Less Pronounced | More Pronounced |
| Field of View | Wider | Narrower |
| Subject Distance | Closer | More Distant |
| Best For | Environmental Portraits, Full-Body, Groups, General Use | Headshots, Bust-Up Portraits, Subject Isolation |
Which Should You Choose?
* Choose 50mm If:
* You want a versatile lens that can be used for more than just portraits.
* You're on a budget.
* You want to capture environmental portraits.
* You frequently shoot in tight spaces.
* You need a lens for full-body shots or small groups.
* Choose 85mm If:
* You primarily shoot headshots or bust-up portraits.
* You want maximum subject isolation and beautiful bokeh.
* You want a flattering perspective with good compression.
* You have enough space to work with your subject.
* You're willing to invest in a specialized lens.
Ultimately, the best way to decide is to try both focal lengths and see which one you prefer for your personal style and needs. If possible, rent or borrow each lens for a weekend to experiment and see which one resonates with you. Consider the types of portraits you want to take, the environments you'll be shooting in, and your budget.
Final Thoughts:
Many professional portrait photographers own *both* a 50mm and an 85mm lens (or other similar focal lengths). They use the 50mm for wider shots and environmental portraits, and the 85mm for tighter compositions and more flattering perspectives. They are different tools for different purposes. If you have to choose only one, carefully consider the points above and prioritize the characteristics that are most important for *your* portrait photography.