50mm:
Pros:
* More Versatile: Wider field of view makes it more suitable for environmental portraits, capturing more of the surroundings and telling a story about the subject's context. Good for indoor shots in smaller spaces.
* More Affordable: Generally cheaper than an 85mm with a similar aperture.
* Lightweight and Compact: Easier to carry and handle, especially for extended shoots.
* Good for Full-Body or Group Portraits: Can capture more of the subject and their surroundings.
* Less Compressed Look: Offers a more natural perspective closer to how the human eye sees.
Cons:
* Less Background Blur (Bokeh): Requires a wider aperture to achieve significant background blur compared to an 85mm.
* Requires Closer Proximity: You need to be physically closer to your subject, which might make some people feel self-conscious or less comfortable.
* More Distortion at the Edges: Can exhibit slight distortion, especially at the edges of the frame, though it's usually minimal.
85mm:
Pros:
* Excellent Background Blur (Bokeh): Creates a shallow depth of field with creamy, blurred backgrounds, isolating the subject beautifully.
* Flattering Perspective: Compresses features slightly, which is generally considered more flattering for portraits. Minimizes perceived distortions.
* More Working Distance: Allows you to be further away from your subject, which can make them feel more relaxed and natural.
* Sharp Image Quality: Often known for excellent sharpness and detail.
* Better at Isolating the Subject: The narrow field of view naturally draws focus to the subject.
Cons:
* Less Versatile: Narrower field of view is less suitable for environmental portraits or shooting in tight spaces.
* More Expensive: Generally more expensive than a 50mm with a similar aperture.
* Heavier and Larger: Can be more cumbersome to carry and handle.
* Not Ideal for Full-Body Shots in Tight Spaces: May not be able to capture the entire subject in smaller rooms.
* Can Feel Disconnected from the Subject: The distance can sometimes create a feeling of detachment.
Here's a table summarizing the key differences:
| Feature | 50mm | 85mm |
|----------------------|----------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------|
| Versatility | High (environmental, full-body, groups) | Lower (tight focus, headshots) |
| Background Blur | Less (requires wider aperture) | More (creamy, subject isolation) |
| Perspective | More natural | More compressed (flattering) |
| Working Distance | Shorter | Longer |
| Price | Generally lower | Generally higher |
| Size & Weight | Lighter & more compact | Heavier & larger |
| Best For | Environmental portraits, versatility, indoor shots | Headshots, shallow depth of field, flattering portraits |
Which should you choose?
* Choose 50mm if:
* You want a versatile lens that can be used for various types of photography, including environmental portraits.
* You often shoot in tight spaces or want to capture full-body portraits indoors.
* You're on a budget.
* You prefer a more natural perspective.
* Choose 85mm if:
* You primarily shoot headshots and portraits with blurred backgrounds.
* You want a flattering perspective and good subject isolation.
* You have the space to work and want to keep a comfortable distance from your subject.
* You prioritize maximum bokeh and subject isolation.
Ultimately, the best way to decide is to try both lenses and see which one suits your style and needs better. You can rent lenses or borrow them from friends to test them out before making a purchase. You might even find that you prefer having both! Consider what kind of portraits you want to create and what your shooting environment will be like. Good luck!