50mm Lens (Often called a "Nifty Fifty"):
Pros:
* Versatility: A 50mm lens is incredibly versatile. It's not just good for portraits, but also for street photography, landscapes (when you need a wider field of view), and general everyday shooting.
* Affordability: 50mm lenses are often among the most affordable prime lenses, making them a great starting point for portrait photography on a budget.
* Environmental Portraits: 50mm is better suited for environmental portraits where you want to include more of the surroundings to tell a story or give context to the subject's life/location.
* Less Compression: It offers less compression compared to longer focal lengths, resulting in a more natural and less stylized look. Facial features will appear more proportionally accurate.
* Closer Working Distance: You need to be closer to your subject, which can facilitate better communication and connection.
* Smaller and Lighter: Generally more compact and lighter, making it easier to carry around all day.
Cons:
* Less Background Blur (Bokeh): Achieving a shallow depth of field and creamy bokeh can be more challenging, especially in bright light. You'll generally need to shoot at wider apertures.
* Distortion at Close Range: Can exhibit slight distortion when too close to the subject, potentially making facial features appear slightly wider. You need to be mindful of distance.
* Requires More Space: You need more space to frame your subject, which can be a problem in tight locations.
* Not as Flattering for Everyone: The lack of compression can sometimes be less flattering for certain face shapes.
85mm Lens (Classic Portrait Lens):
Pros:
* Superior Bokeh: 85mm lenses excel at creating beautiful background blur, isolating the subject and creating a dreamy look.
* Compression: Offers more compression than a 50mm, which can be very flattering for portraits. Compression visually shortens the distance between the subject and the background, making the subject appear more prominent. It can also smooth out facial features.
* Ideal Working Distance: Allows you to be far enough away from your subject to make them feel comfortable while still maintaining good communication.
* Sharpness: Generally very sharp, especially at the center of the frame.
* Flattering Perspective: The compression effect can make faces appear slimmer and more defined.
Cons:
* More Expensive: 85mm lenses are usually more expensive than 50mm lenses.
* Less Versatile: Less versatile than a 50mm. It's primarily a portrait lens and not as well-suited for other types of photography.
* Requires More Space: Requires even more space than a 50mm to frame your subject, which can be challenging in small studios or crowded locations.
* Less Environmental Context: The tighter field of view makes it harder to include much of the surroundings, focusing more on the subject's face and upper body.
* Can Feel Isolating: The greater distance can sometimes feel less intimate compared to a 50mm.
* Larger and Heavier: Typically larger and heavier, which can be a factor during long shoots.
Here's a Table Summarizing the Key Differences:
| Feature | 50mm | 85mm |
|----------------|-------------------------------|---------------------------------|
| Versatility | High | Low |
| Price | Affordable | More Expensive |
| Bokeh | Good, but requires effort | Excellent, naturally achieved |
| Compression | Low | High |
| Working Distance| Closer | Further |
| Space Required | Less | More |
| Flattering | More natural, can be less flattering to some | Generally more flattering |
| Size/Weight | Smaller/Lighter | Larger/Heavier |
| Use Case | Environmental Portraits, Street, General | Close-up Portraits, Headshots |
Which is Best for You?
* If you're on a budget and want a versatile lens that can be used for more than just portraits: Start with the 50mm.
* If you prioritize creamy bokeh and flattering compression and primarily shoot portraits: The 85mm is a better choice.
* If you shoot environmental portraits and want to include more of the surroundings: The 50mm is better.
* If you have limited space: The 50mm is easier to work with.
* If you prefer a closer connection with your subject: The 50mm allows for that.
* If you want to create a more stylized and visually striking portrait: The 85mm is often preferred.
Recommendation:
Ideally, having both lenses is the best scenario. Each has its strengths and weaknesses. If you can only choose one, consider your budget, shooting style, and the types of portraits you want to create.
Consider Renting: Before committing to a purchase, consider renting both lenses to try them out in your own shooting environment. This will give you a much better understanding of which lens suits your needs best.