50mm Lens: The "Nifty Fifty" - Versatile and Affordable
Pros:
* Versatility: A 50mm lens is very versatile. It's suitable for full-body shots, environmental portraits, and tighter headshots (although not ideal for super tight ones). It's also a good general-purpose lens.
* Affordability: 50mm lenses are often very affordable, especially the f/1.8 versions. This makes it an excellent entry point into portrait photography.
* Wider Field of View: The wider field of view allows you to capture more of the background and environment. This is great for environmental portraits that tell a story or show the subject in context.
* Good in Tight Spaces: Works well in smaller studios or rooms where you can't get far away from your subject.
* More Natural Perspective: Mimics the way the human eye sees, leading to a more natural-looking perspective.
* Faster Shutter Speeds (Generally): At wider apertures (especially f/1.8 or faster), you can achieve faster shutter speeds in low light, which helps prevent motion blur.
Cons:
* Less Background Compression: Doesn't compress the background as much as an 85mm, which can make the background appear closer and potentially more distracting.
* Potential Distortion at Close Range: Can introduce slight distortion if you get too close for tight headshots, potentially making facial features look wider than they are. Requires careful posing and distance.
* May Require More Post-Processing: You might need to do more retouching to smooth skin because you're closer to the subject and see more detail.
85mm Lens: The Classic Portrait Lens - Compression and Bokeh King
Pros:
* Excellent Background Compression: 85mm lenses offer significant background compression, making the subject stand out and creating a beautiful, blurred background (bokeh).
* Flattering Perspective: Compresses facial features, generally considered to be more flattering for portraits. It minimizes perspective distortion.
* Ideal for Headshots and Close-Ups: Perfect for isolating the subject and drawing attention to their eyes and expression.
* Creates Beautiful Bokeh: The longer focal length and often wider apertures create creamy, dreamy bokeh.
* More Working Distance: Allows you to stand further back from your subject, which can make them feel more comfortable and natural.
* Less Skin Detail Visible: The distance helps smooth out skin and minimize blemishes, often requiring less post-processing.
Cons:
* Less Versatile: Less versatile than a 50mm lens. Not ideal for full-body shots in small spaces.
* More Expensive: Typically more expensive than 50mm lenses, especially the fast aperture versions.
* Requires More Space: Needs more space to work in. Can be challenging in small studios or rooms.
* Can Feel Isolating: Standing further away can sometimes feel isolating for both the photographer and the subject.
* Less Environmental Context: Captures less of the surrounding environment, making it less suitable for environmental portraits.
* More camera shake: Because you are zoomed in further, any camera shake is magnified so a tripod or fast shutter speed may be needed
Here's a quick table summarizing the key differences:
| Feature | 50mm | 85mm |
|----------------------|------------------------------------|------------------------------------|
| Versatility | High | Lower |
| Background Compression| Less | More |
| Perspective Distortion| More (at close range) | Less |
| Bokeh | Good, but not as creamy | Excellent |
| Affordability | Generally lower | Generally higher |
| Space Required | Less | More |
| Best For | Full-body, environmental portraits | Headshots, close-ups, flattering |
Which One Should You Choose?
* If you're on a budget and starting out: The 50mm f/1.8 is an excellent choice. It's versatile, affordable, and a great way to learn the fundamentals of portrait photography.
* If you prioritize flattering portraits and beautiful bokeh: The 85mm is a classic choice for a reason. It delivers stunning results, especially for headshots and close-ups.
* If you shoot primarily in small spaces: The 50mm might be a better choice.
* If you want to tell a story with your portraits and show the environment: The 50mm is a good option.
* If you want to minimize retouching: The 85mm's compression and distance can help smooth skin and reduce the need for extensive editing.
* Consider your shooting style: Do you prefer to be closer to your subject or stand further back?
Ultimately, the best way to decide is to try both lenses (if possible). Rent them, borrow them, or see if a friend will let you try theirs. Experiment and see which one you prefer and which one best suits your style and the type of portraits you want to create.
Beyond Focal Length:
Remember that the aperture (f-stop) of the lens also plays a crucial role in portrait photography. A wider aperture (e.g., f/1.8, f/2.8) creates a shallow depth of field, blurring the background and further isolating the subject. Consider a lens with a wide maximum aperture in either focal length for optimal portrait results.