50mm Lens:
Pros:
* Versatility: The 50mm lens is incredibly versatile. It's not just for portraits; it can be used for street photography, landscapes, and general purpose shooting.
* Affordability: 50mm lenses are often more affordable than comparable 85mm lenses, especially the "nifty fifty" f/1.8 versions.
* Field of View: The wider field of view of a 50mm allows you to include more of the environment in your portrait. This can be great for environmental portraits that tell a story about the subject's surroundings.
* Closer Working Distance: You don't have to be as far away from your subject compared to an 85mm. This can make communication easier and feel more intimate.
* Easier to Shoot in Tight Spaces: If you're shooting indoors or in small rooms, the 50mm's wider field of view makes it much easier to frame your subject.
* Lightweight and Compact: Typically smaller and lighter than an 85mm, making it easier to carry around.
Cons:
* Less Subject Isolation: Because of the wider field of view, it's harder to achieve a super shallow depth of field and really blur the background. You'll need a wider aperture and to be closer to your subject.
* Can Distort Facial Features Slightly: While not extreme, a 50mm can cause a slight widening effect, especially if you're very close to the subject. This is due to perspective distortion.
* Requires More Attention to Backgrounds: Since you're including more of the environment, you need to be more mindful of what's in the background to avoid distractions.
85mm Lens:
Pros:
* Excellent Subject Isolation: The longer focal length and often wider maximum aperture (like f/1.4 or f/1.8) make it incredibly easy to achieve a beautiful, creamy background blur (bokeh). This really isolates the subject and makes them stand out.
* Flattering Perspective: 85mm lenses are known for their flattering perspective for portraits. They compress facial features slightly, which can make the subject look more attractive. This effect is generally considered more flattering than the perspective of wider lenses.
* More Natural Looking Proportions: Because of the lens compression, the subject's proportions appear more natural and less distorted.
* Creates a Sense of Intimacy (from a Distance): You can capture intimate portraits without being right in your subject's face, which can make them feel more comfortable.
* Forces You to Be Intentional: The tighter field of view forces you to think more carefully about composition and framing.
Cons:
* Less Versatile: Not as useful for general purpose photography as a 50mm.
* Higher Cost: 85mm lenses, especially those with wide apertures, are typically more expensive.
* Requires More Space: You need more space to work with an 85mm lens. It can be difficult to use indoors or in small spaces.
* Heavier and Bulkier: Usually larger and heavier than a 50mm.
* Can Feel Detached: The distance between you and your subject can sometimes feel less engaging.
Summary Table:
| Feature | 50mm | 85mm |
|-------------------|-----------------------------|------------------------------|
| Versatility | High | Low |
| Affordability | High | Lower |
| Subject Isolation | Lower | Higher |
| Perspective | Slight widening effect | Flattering compression |
| Working Distance | Closer | Further |
| Space Required | Less | More |
| Size & Weight | Smaller & Lighter | Larger & Heavier |
| Best For | Environmental portraits, Tight spaces, General use | Isolated portraits, Flattering perspective |
Which Should You Choose?
* If you're just starting out and can only afford one lens: A 50mm is a great choice. It's versatile, affordable, and will help you learn the basics of photography.
* If you primarily shoot portraits and want the best possible background blur and flattering perspective: An 85mm is the winner.
* If you shoot in tight spaces or want to include more of the environment: A 50mm is the better choice.
* If you want to be close to your subject and interact with them more easily: A 50mm might be preferable.
* If you prioritize portability and weight: A 50mm is the winner.
Ultimately, the best way to decide is to try both focal lengths (if possible) and see which one you prefer. Renting is a great option if you're not ready to commit to buying.
Consider these additional factors:
* Sensor Size: On a crop sensor (APS-C) camera, a 50mm lens has a field of view equivalent to around 75-80mm, making it a closer choice to an 85mm on a full-frame camera. Consider this "crop factor" when making your decision.
* Aperture: The maximum aperture of the lens will significantly impact the depth of field. A wider aperture (e.g., f/1.4 or f/1.8) will create a shallower depth of field and more background blur.
* Your Style: Think about the kind of portraits you want to create. Do you prefer close-up, intimate portraits, or more environmental portraits that show the subject in their surroundings?
No matter which lens you choose, remember that good lighting, composition, and posing are just as important as the focal length. Practice and experimentation are key to improving your portrait photography skills. Good luck!