50mm Lens:
Pros:
* Versatility: The 50mm is a general-purpose lens that's not just great for portraits. It's a fantastic walkaround lens for street photography, landscapes, and even some indoor shots. It's considered a "standard" focal length, meaning it closely approximates human vision.
* Environmental Portraits: Excellent for capturing your subject within their surroundings, telling a story about their environment.
* Affordable: Typically, a fast 50mm lens (f/1.8 or f/1.4) is much more affordable than a comparable 85mm lens.
* Lighter and Smaller: Easier to carry around and handle, especially for longer shoots.
* Wider Field of View: Helpful in tighter spaces where you might not have room to move back and use a longer lens.
* Easier to Communicate: Because you're physically closer to your subject, you can communicate more easily and direct them more effectively.
Cons:
* Less Background Blur (Bokeh): While you can still achieve background blur, it's not as pronounced as with an 85mm lens, especially at wider apertures.
* Less Subject Isolation: The wider field of view means less subject isolation from the background, which can be good or bad depending on your artistic goals.
* Can Distort Facial Features (Slightly): When shooting close-ups, there can be a slight amount of distortion, making features appear a bit wider or more rounded. This is generally minimal with a high-quality lens, but noticeable at close ranges.
* Requires You to Be Closer: If you prefer shooting from a distance, the 50mm might not be ideal.
85mm Lens:
Pros:
* Excellent Subject Isolation: The telephoto compression of the 85mm beautifully isolates your subject from the background, creating a creamy, smooth bokeh.
* Flattering Perspective: The longer focal length tends to compress facial features, which is generally considered more flattering in portraits. It can slim the face and minimize perspective distortion.
* Creates Beautiful Bokeh: The longer focal length and typically wider apertures (f/1.8, f/1.4, or even f/1.2) produce a gorgeous, shallow depth of field that makes your subject pop.
* Shooting from a Comfortable Distance: Allows you to maintain a good distance from your subject, which can be more comfortable for them and allows you to capture more candid expressions.
* Less Distorted Images: The longer focal length prevents distortion of facial features.
Cons:
* Less Versatile: More specialized for portraits and may not be as useful for other types of photography.
* More Expensive: Typically more expensive than a comparable 50mm lens, especially if you're looking for a fast aperture.
* Heavier and Bulkier: Can be less comfortable to carry around for extended periods.
* Requires More Space: Needs more distance between you and your subject, which can be challenging in smaller studios or indoor spaces.
* More Difficult to Communicate: The greater distance can make communication with your subject more difficult.
Here's a table summarizing the key differences:
| Feature | 50mm | 85mm |
|-------------------|-------------------------------------|----------------------------------------|
| Versatility | High | Low |
| Price | Affordable | More expensive |
| Size/Weight | Lighter/Smaller | Heavier/Bulkier |
| Background Blur | Moderate | Strong |
| Subject Isolation | Less | More |
| Facial Distortion | Slight (at close range) | Minimal |
| Working Distance | Closer | Further |
| Space Needed | Less | More |
| Communication | Easier | More Challenging |
| Best for | Environmental Portraits, General Use | Headshots, Close-Up Portraits, Bokeh |
Which One Should You Choose?
* Choose the 50mm if:
* You're on a budget.
* You need a versatile lens for various types of photography.
* You like to capture your subject within their environment.
* You often shoot in tight spaces.
* You're new to portrait photography and want an affordable, versatile option to learn with.
* Choose the 85mm if:
* You want to specialize in portrait photography.
* You prioritize subject isolation and beautiful bokeh.
* You want a flattering perspective for your subjects.
* You prefer shooting from a comfortable distance.
* You have the budget and space for a dedicated portrait lens.
Ultimately, the best way to decide is to try both lenses if possible. Rent them, borrow them, or visit a camera store and test them out. Pay attention to the results you get, the shooting experience, and how the lenses fit your style and preferences.
Other Considerations:
* Crop Sensor Cameras: If you're shooting with a crop sensor camera, a 35mm lens is often considered the equivalent of a 50mm on a full-frame camera, and a 50mm is often considered the equivalent of an 85mm. Adjust your focal length choice accordingly.
* Aperture: Both lenses are most effective for portraits when used with a wide aperture (f/2.8 or wider). This creates a shallow depth of field, blurring the background and drawing attention to your subject.
No matter which lens you choose, practice is key to mastering portrait photography. Experiment with different angles, lighting, and poses to find your own unique style. Good luck!