50mm Lens:
Pros:
* Versatile: The 50mm lens is considered a "standard" lens, meaning it offers a field of view that's close to what the human eye sees. This makes it useful for a wide range of photography, not just portraits. You can easily use it for street photography, landscapes, and even general snapshots.
* Wider field of view: Allows you to capture more of the surrounding environment in your portraits, telling a story and providing context. Good for environmental portraits where the location is important.
* More forgiving of distance: You don't need as much space between you and your subject compared to an 85mm. This is particularly useful in smaller studios or indoor locations.
* Usually more affordable: Typically, a good quality 50mm lens (especially f/1.8 or f/1.4) is less expensive than a comparable 85mm lens.
* Easier to handhold: Often lighter and more compact than an 85mm, making it easier to handhold for longer periods.
Cons:
* Less subject isolation: The wider field of view means less background blur (bokeh) at the same aperture compared to the 85mm. While you can still achieve a shallow depth of field, it requires getting closer or using a wider aperture.
* Perspective distortion: When shooting close-up portraits, a 50mm can introduce some perspective distortion, making facial features (like the nose) appear slightly larger.
* Requires getting closer: To fill the frame with your subject's face, you'll need to be closer, which can sometimes make subjects feel self-conscious.
85mm Lens:
Pros:
* Excellent subject isolation: The longer focal length creates a shallower depth of field, resulting in beautiful, creamy background blur (bokeh) that isolates the subject and draws the viewer's attention.
* Flattering perspective: The 85mm lens compresses perspective, which generally makes facial features appear more balanced and flattering. It avoids the distortion you might see with a 50mm.
* Comfortable distance: Allows you to maintain a more comfortable distance from your subject, making them feel more relaxed and natural. Good for capturing candid or documentary-style portraits.
* Sharp images: High-quality 85mm lenses are known for their sharpness.
Cons:
* Less versatile: Primarily a portrait lens. Less suitable for wide-angle shots or environmental portraits.
* Requires more space: You need more distance between you and your subject, which can be limiting in smaller studios or indoor locations.
* More expensive: Generally, high-quality 85mm lenses (especially with fast apertures like f/1.4 or f/1.8) are more expensive than 50mm lenses.
* Can be harder to handhold: Often heavier and larger than a 50mm, making it more challenging to handhold for extended periods, especially in low light.
Here's a table summarizing the key differences:
| Feature | 50mm | 85mm |
|-------------------|---------------------------|---------------------------|
| Versatility | High | Low |
| Subject Isolation | Lower | Higher |
| Perspective | More Distortion | Less Distortion |
| Subject Distance | Closer | Further |
| Price | Generally Less Expensive | Generally More Expensive |
| Space Needed | Less | More |
| Weight | Generally Lighter | Generally Heavier |
Which is right for you?
* Choose 50mm if:
* You're on a budget.
* You shoot in tight spaces.
* You want a versatile lens for various types of photography.
* You want to include more of the environment in your portraits.
* You want a lighter lens.
* Choose 85mm if:
* You want maximum subject isolation and beautiful bokeh.
* You have enough space to work with.
* You prioritize flattering perspective and natural-looking portraits.
* You want to capture candid portraits from a comfortable distance.
* You can afford the higher price tag.
Important Considerations:
* Aperture: The aperture of the lens (e.g., f/1.4, f/1.8, f/2.8) plays a significant role in depth of field and low-light performance. A wider aperture (lower f-number) creates a shallower depth of field.
* Crop Sensor vs. Full Frame: The sensor size of your camera affects the effective focal length. On a crop sensor camera, an 85mm lens will have an even narrower field of view, effectively acting more like a 135mm lens (depending on the crop factor). Similarly, a 50mm on a crop sensor will act more like a 75mm.
* Personal Style: Ultimately, the best lens for portrait photography is the one that helps you achieve your desired look and suits your shooting style. Experiment with both lenses if possible to see which one you prefer.
Recommendation:
If you're just starting out in portrait photography, a 50mm f/1.8 is an excellent and affordable option to learn the basics. As you gain experience and develop your style, you can then consider adding an 85mm to your kit for more specialized portrait work. Many photographers ultimately own and use both lenses, choosing the best one for each specific situation.