50mm Lens for Portrait Photography:
Pros:
* Versatility: The 50mm is a "standard" focal length, meaning it offers a field of view that's close to how the human eye sees. This makes it versatile for more than just portraits; you can use it for street photography, landscapes, and general everyday shooting.
* Affordability: 50mm lenses are generally more affordable than 85mm lenses, especially if you're looking at a fast aperture (e.g., f/1.8 or f/1.4). This makes it a great starting point for photographers on a budget.
* Smaller and Lighter: 50mm lenses tend to be more compact and lightweight, making them easier to carry around for extended periods.
* Wider Field of View: Allows you to include more of the environment in your portraits, helping to tell a story or provide context. Good for environmental portraits.
* Better for Shooting in Tight Spaces: If you're shooting indoors or in confined areas, the wider field of view of the 50mm can be essential. You'll have more room to compose your shots.
Cons:
* Less Background Compression: Doesn't compress the background as much as the 85mm, which can make the background appear less blurry and less separated from the subject.
* Requires You to Get Closer: You need to be physically closer to your subject, which can sometimes feel intrusive or make the subject feel self-conscious.
* Can Introduce Distortion: When shooting close-ups, the 50mm can introduce slight distortion, making features like the nose appear larger. This is more pronounced the closer you get.
85mm Lens for Portrait Photography:
Pros:
* Beautiful Background Blur (Bokeh): The longer focal length and typically wider maximum aperture of 85mm lenses create a shallow depth of field, resulting in creamy, blurred backgrounds that isolate the subject. This is often considered very aesthetically pleasing for portraits.
* Flattering Perspective: The 85mm lens produces a more flattering perspective than the 50mm, minimizing distortion and making facial features appear more natural and proportional.
* Comfortable Distance: Allows you to maintain a more comfortable distance from your subject, making them feel more relaxed and natural. Good for candid shots as well.
* Excellent Compression: Compresses the background, making distant objects appear closer and creating a sense of depth and separation between the subject and the background.
Cons:
* More Expensive: 85mm lenses, especially those with fast apertures, tend to be more expensive than 50mm lenses.
* Larger and Heavier: 85mm lenses are generally larger and heavier, which can make them less convenient for carrying around.
* Less Versatile: The narrower field of view makes the 85mm less versatile for other types of photography, such as landscapes or street photography.
* Requires More Space: You need more space to work with an 85mm lens, especially indoors. It can be challenging to use in tight spaces.
Here's a table summarizing the key differences:
| Feature | 50mm | 85mm |
|----------------|----------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------|
| Versatility | High | Low-Medium |
| Affordability| High | Low-Medium |
| Size/Weight | Small/Light | Large/Heavy |
| Background Blur| Moderate | High (Excellent Bokeh) |
| Perspective | Can introduce slight distortion | Flattering |
| Working Distance| Requires getting closer | More comfortable distance |
| Space Needed| Less | More |
| Compression | Less | More |
Which Lens Should You Choose?
Consider these factors:
* Your Subject: If you're shooting formal portraits where you want to flatter the subject, the 85mm is often the better choice. If you're shooting more candid or environmental portraits, the 50mm can be a good option.
* Your Shooting Environment: If you frequently shoot indoors or in tight spaces, the 50mm is likely more practical. If you have plenty of space to move around, the 85mm can shine.
* Your Budget: If you're on a budget, the 50mm is the more affordable option.
* Your Personal Style: Experiment with both focal lengths to see which one you prefer. Some photographers love the wider perspective of the 50mm, while others prefer the compressed look and background blur of the 85mm.
* Full Frame vs. Crop Sensor: On a crop sensor camera, the field of view is effectively narrower. A 35mm lens on a crop sensor is close to a 50mm on a full frame, and a 50mm lens is close to an 85mm on a full frame. This affects how much space you need and how close you have to be. Consider this when making your decision.
In Conclusion:
Ultimately, the "best" lens for portrait photography is the one that helps you achieve your creative vision and works best for your individual needs and preferences. Many photographers own both lenses and use them in different situations. If you can only choose one, consider what you value most (budget, space, background blur, versatility) and make your decision accordingly. Don't be afraid to rent both lenses for a weekend and see which one you naturally gravitate toward. Good luck and happy shooting!