Here's a breakdown of the key differences to help you decide:
50mm Lens:
* Pros:
* Versatility: More versatile for a wider range of shots beyond just headshots. Good for environmental portraits, half-body shots, and even some full-body shots. Can be used for other genres like street photography and landscapes.
* Field of View: Wider field of view allows you to include more of the surroundings, providing context and telling a story.
* Size and Weight: Typically smaller, lighter, and more compact than 85mm lenses, making it easier to carry around.
* Price: Often more affordable than a comparable 85mm lens. Especially the "nifty fifty" f/1.8 versions.
* Easier in Tight Spaces: Better suited for shooting in smaller studios or indoor locations where you don't have much room to move back.
* Cons:
* Distortion: Can introduce slight distortion, especially when shooting close-ups. This can make facial features appear wider than they are.
* Background Compression: Less background compression than an 85mm, meaning the background will appear closer and less blurred.
* Less Subject Isolation: Harder to isolate the subject from a busy background due to less background blur (bokeh).
* May Require You to Be Closer: Can sometimes feel too close to the subject, which might make some subjects uncomfortable.
85mm Lens:
* Pros:
* Ideal for Facial Features: Considered by many to be the most flattering focal length for portraits. It minimizes distortion and renders facial features naturally.
* Beautiful Bokeh: Creates a creamy, blurred background (bokeh) that beautifully isolates the subject and makes them pop. Excellent background compression makes distracting backgrounds look smoother and further away.
* Subject Isolation: The shallow depth of field helps to separate the subject from the background, drawing the viewer's attention directly to them.
* More Comfortable Distance: Allows you to maintain a more comfortable distance from your subject, which can help them feel more relaxed and natural.
* Cons:
* Less Versatile: More specialized for portraits and not as useful for other types of photography.
* Field of View: Narrower field of view can make it difficult to shoot in tight spaces.
* Size and Weight: Generally larger and heavier than 50mm lenses.
* Price: Usually more expensive than a comparable 50mm lens.
* Needs More Space: Requires more distance between you and your subject, which can be challenging in small studios or indoor locations.
Here's a table summarizing the key differences:
| Feature | 50mm | 85mm |
|---------------------|--------------------|--------------------|
| Versatility | High | Low |
| Field of View | Wider | Narrower |
| Distortion | More | Less |
| Background Blur (Bokeh) | Less | More |
| Subject Isolation | Less | More |
| Size/Weight | Smaller/Lighter | Larger/Heavier |
| Price | Generally Lower | Generally Higher |
| Shooting Distance | Closer | Further |
| Best For | Environmental Portraits, Full/Half Body, Street Photography | Headshots, Shoulder-Up Portraits, Subject Isolation |
Which One Should You Choose?
* Choose 50mm if:
* You want a versatile lens for various types of photography.
* You shoot in tight spaces.
* You want to include more of the environment in your portraits.
* You're on a budget.
* You need a lighter, more portable lens.
* You prefer environmental portraits.
* Choose 85mm if:
* You primarily shoot portraits and want the best possible image quality for facial features.
* You want maximum subject isolation with creamy bokeh.
* You want to maintain a comfortable distance from your subject.
* You have enough space to move around while shooting.
* You prioritize image quality and background blur above all else.
Consider This:
* Crop Sensor Cameras: On a crop sensor camera (APS-C), the effective focal length changes. A 50mm lens will act more like an 75-80mm lens, and an 85mm will act more like a 127.5-136mm lens. Keep this in mind when making your decision, as the field of view will be narrower than on a full-frame camera.
* Prime vs. Zoom: Both 50mm and 85mm are typically prime lenses (fixed focal length), which generally offer better image quality and wider apertures (e.g., f/1.4, f/1.8) than zoom lenses. While there are zoom lenses that cover these focal lengths, they often compromise on image quality and aperture.
* Rent Before You Buy: If possible, rent both lenses and experiment with them in different situations to see which one you prefer.
In conclusion: There's no single "best" answer. Both the 50mm and 85mm lenses are fantastic tools for portrait photography. The ideal choice depends on your individual preferences, shooting style, and the type of portraits you want to create. If you can only choose one, consider your primary use case and what qualities you value most in a portrait lens. If you're serious about portraiture and have the budget, eventually owning both is a great option!