50mm Lens: The Versatile Choice
* Pros:
* Versatile Focal Length: Good for a variety of portraits, from full-body shots in environmental settings to tighter headshots.
* Wider Field of View: Captures more of the background, allowing you to tell a story and show context. Useful for environmental portraits.
* Often Affordable: High-quality 50mm lenses (f/1.8 or f/1.4) are relatively inexpensive, making them a great starting point.
* Good in Tight Spaces: Easier to use indoors or in small studios where you don't have a lot of room to move.
* Neutral Perspective: The perspective is closer to what the human eye sees, resulting in a more natural look.
* Easier to Focus: Generally easier to focus with a 50mm lens, especially in low light.
* Cons:
* Less Subject Isolation: Backgrounds are more prominent, which can be distracting if not carefully managed.
* Requires Getting Closer: You'll need to be closer to your subject for tighter shots, which some subjects might find uncomfortable.
* Less Background Blur (Bokeh): While you can still achieve a shallow depth of field, it won't be as dramatic as with an 85mm lens at the same aperture.
85mm Lens: The Portrait Specialist
* Pros:
* Ideal for Headshots and Upper Body Portraits: The focal length is flattering for facial features, avoiding distortion.
* Strong Subject Isolation: Compresses the background and creates a shallow depth of field (bokeh) that beautifully isolates the subject. This helps to draw attention to the person in the portrait.
* Comfortable Working Distance: You can maintain a comfortable distance from your subject, which can help them feel more relaxed and natural.
* Flattering Perspective: The slightly longer focal length can be more flattering to facial features, softening harsh lines.
* Cons:
* More Expensive: High-quality 85mm lenses are generally more expensive than 50mm lenses.
* Requires More Space: Can be challenging to use in small studios or tight indoor spaces.
* Less Versatile: Not as well-suited for full-body portraits or environmental shots.
* Shallower Depth of Field (Can be a Challenge): While beautiful, the very shallow depth of field can make focusing more critical and unforgiving, especially at wide apertures.
* May Require Stepping Back: Sometimes you may need to move further away from your subject, depending on the composition and your surrounding environment.
Here's a table summarizing the key differences:
| Feature | 50mm | 85mm |
|----------------------|------------------------------------|------------------------------------|
| Versatility | High | Lower |
| Subject Isolation | Moderate | High |
| Background Blur | Moderate | High |
| Working Distance | Closer | Further |
| Flattering Perspective | Good | Excellent |
| Price | Generally lower | Generally higher |
| Space Requirements | Less | More |
| Best For | Environmental, full-body, versatile | Headshots, upper body, subject isolation |
Which one is right for you? Consider these questions:
* What kind of portraits do you want to take? Headshots and upper body portraits benefit from the 85mm. Environmental and full-body portraits are easier with the 50mm.
* What is your shooting environment like? Small studios or indoor spaces favor the 50mm. Larger studios or outdoor locations allow for the 85mm.
* What is your budget? A good 50mm lens is a great entry point to portrait photography.
* What is your style? Do you prefer a more natural, candid look (50mm) or a more polished, isolated look (85mm)?
Recommendation:
* For Beginners: Start with a 50mm lens. It's versatile, affordable, and allows you to experiment with different portrait styles.
* For Headshot Specialists: An 85mm lens is often the preferred choice for its flattering perspective and beautiful background blur.
* The Ideal Scenario: If your budget allows, having both lenses is the best option. They complement each other and provide flexibility for different shooting situations.
Beyond Focal Length:
Remember that other factors also contribute to a great portrait:
* Aperture: Wide apertures (e.g., f/1.4, f/1.8, f/2.8) are essential for creating shallow depth of field and beautiful bokeh with either lens.
* Lighting: Good lighting is crucial for any portrait.
* Composition: Pay attention to framing, posing, and the overall visual balance.
* Connection with your Subject: Creating a comfortable and engaging atmosphere will result in more natural and authentic portraits.
Ultimately, the best way to decide is to try both lenses and see which one feels more natural and produces the results you prefer. Renting lenses is a good way to test them out before making a purchase. Good luck!