50mm Lens: The Versatile All-Arounder
Pros:
* More Affordable: Typically cheaper than an 85mm, making it a great entry point.
* Lighter and More Compact: Easier to carry around and use for extended periods.
* Wider Field of View: Allows you to capture more of the environment around your subject. This can be beneficial for environmental portraits, showing context and telling a story.
* Closer Working Distance: You'll need to be physically closer to your subject, which can facilitate more intimate communication and connection (for some photographers).
* Versatile for Other Photography: Can be used for street photography, landscapes, and general shooting, making it a good all-around lens.
Cons:
* Less Background Compression: Doesn't blur the background as much as an 85mm, so backgrounds can be more distracting. Requires more attention to background composition.
* Perspective Distortion: Can slightly distort facial features, especially if you get too close (though usually not significantly). Can make noses appear slightly larger.
* Requires Careful Posing: Due to the wider field of view, you need to be more mindful of the subject's pose and the composition as a whole.
When to Use a 50mm for Portraits:
* Environmental Portraits: When you want to show the subject in their environment and tell a story about their surroundings.
* Full-Body Portraits: When you need to capture the entire subject in the frame without having to stand too far away.
* Limited Space: When you're shooting in a small studio or a cramped location.
* Budget Constraints: When you need a good portrait lens without breaking the bank.
* You prioritize versatility and want one lens for various types of photography.
85mm Lens: The Portrait Specialist
Pros:
* Beautiful Background Blur (Bokeh): Creates a shallower depth of field, isolating the subject and creating a creamy, blurred background.
* Pleasing Perspective: Offers more flattering perspective and compresses facial features, generally considered more flattering for portraits. Minimizes perspective distortion.
* Longer Working Distance: Allows you to stand further away from your subject, which can make some people feel more comfortable. It can also allow you to be more discreet when shooting.
* More Dramatic Portraits: The background blur and compressed perspective can create a more dramatic and visually appealing portrait.
Cons:
* More Expensive: Generally pricier than a 50mm lens.
* Heavier and Bulkier: Can be less convenient to carry around.
* Requires More Space: You need more room to work because you'll be standing further away.
* Less Versatile: More specialized for portraiture; less suitable for other types of photography.
* Can Feel Disconnected: The distance can sometimes make it harder to connect with the subject, especially for shy or introverted individuals.
When to Use an 85mm for Portraits:
* Close-Up Portraits (Headshots, Shoulder Portraits): Perfect for isolating the subject and creating a dreamy, blurred background.
* Formal Portraits: Ideal for creating flattering and professional-looking portraits.
* When Backgrounds Are Distracting: When you want to minimize the impact of a busy or unattractive background.
* You want to create a strong sense of depth and separation between the subject and background.
* You prioritize flattering perspective and beautiful bokeh above all else.
Here's a simple table summarizing the key differences:
| Feature | 50mm | 85mm |
|-------------------|-------------------|-------------------|
| Price | More Affordable | More Expensive |
| Size/Weight | Lighter/Smaller | Heavier/Larger |
| Field of View | Wider | Narrower |
| Background Blur| Less | More |
| Perspective | Slight Distortion | More Flattering |
| Working Distance| Closer | Further |
| Versatility | Higher | Lower |
In Conclusion:
* Choose a 50mm if: You're on a budget, want a versatile lens, like capturing environmental portraits, and need to work in tight spaces.
* Choose an 85mm if: You want the best possible background blur and flattering perspective, primarily shoot close-up portraits, and have enough space to work.
My Recommendation:
If you can only buy one, and you're new to portrait photography, a 50mm is generally the better starting point. It's more versatile, affordable, and teaches you to work on your composition and posing more effectively. As you develop your style and preferences, you can then decide if an 85mm would be a valuable addition to your kit.
Ultimately, the best way to decide is to try both lenses yourself (if possible). Rent them or borrow them from a friend to see which one feels more natural and produces the results you prefer. Experiment with different settings, subjects, and backgrounds to discover which lens best suits your artistic vision. Good luck!