Here's a breakdown to help you decide which might be better for *you*:
50mm Lens:
Pros:
* Versatility: A 50mm lens is often considered a "nifty fifty" because it's useful for a wide range of subjects beyond portraits. You can use it for landscapes, street photography, and general snapshots.
* Closer to Human Vision: 50mm is said to approximate the field of view of human vision. This can make your images feel natural and relatable.
* Smaller and Lighter: Generally, 50mm lenses are more compact and lightweight than 85mm lenses, making them easier to carry around.
* More Affordable: You can often find good quality 50mm lenses at a lower price point than comparable 85mm lenses.
* Good in Tight Spaces: The wider field of view allows you to work in smaller rooms or environments where you can't move back as far. This is crucial for indoor portraiture or crowded locations.
* Environmental Portraits: A 50mm lens is great for showing more of the environment around your subject, telling a story through context.
Cons:
* Less Background Blur (Bokeh): While you can still achieve shallow depth of field, the background blur is generally less pronounced than with an 85mm lens, especially at the same aperture.
* Can Distort Facial Features Slightly: Being closer to your subject increases the potential for slight distortion, especially around the edges of the frame. You might need to be mindful of posing and composition to minimize this.
* Less Isolation of the Subject: Because it shows more of the surroundings, it may not isolate your subject as effectively as an 85mm.
85mm Lens:
Pros:
* Excellent Background Blur (Bokeh): One of the main reasons portrait photographers love 85mm is the beautiful, creamy background blur it produces. This helps isolate the subject and draws the viewer's attention to them.
* Flattering Perspective: The longer focal length is known for compressing facial features, which many find more flattering for portraiture. It minimizes distortion and creates a more pleasing look.
* Greater Subject Isolation: The narrower field of view naturally isolates the subject from the background and foreground.
* Comfortable Shooting Distance: You can maintain a comfortable distance from your subject while still filling the frame, which can help them feel more relaxed.
Cons:
* Less Versatile: 85mm is more specialized for portraits and may not be as useful for other types of photography.
* More Expensive: Generally, 85mm lenses are pricier than 50mm lenses, especially for faster apertures.
* Larger and Heavier: An 85mm lens can be bulkier and heavier, making it less convenient to carry around for extended periods.
* Requires More Space: You'll need more room to work with an 85mm lens, making it less ideal for small studios or indoor settings. You may find yourself backing up quite a bit.
Here's a table summarizing the key differences:
| Feature | 50mm | 85mm |
|-----------------|--------------------------|--------------------------|
| Versatility | High | Low |
| Bokeh | Moderate | Excellent |
| Distortion | More potential | Less potential |
| Subject Isolation| Less | More |
| Shooting Distance| Closer | Further |
| Size/Weight | Smaller/Lighter | Larger/Heavier |
| Cost | More Affordable | More Expensive |
| Space Required | Less | More |
Which one is right for you? Consider these questions:
* What kind of portraits do you shoot? (Headshots, full-body, environmental?) An 85mm is great for tight portraits with beautiful bokeh. A 50mm is better for environmental portraits that tell a story.
* Where do you shoot? (Studio, outdoors, in homes?) If you shoot in small spaces, a 50mm might be necessary. If you have plenty of room, an 85mm can shine.
* What is your budget? 50mm lenses are typically more budget-friendly.
* What is your personal style? Do you prefer a more natural, environmental feel, or do you like a blurred-out background?
In Conclusion:
* Choose 50mm if: You need a versatile, affordable lens that works well in tight spaces and for environmental portraits.
* Choose 85mm if: You prioritize beautiful background blur, flattering facial features, and excellent subject isolation, and you have enough space to work with.
Many photographers own and use both lenses, choosing the best tool for the specific job. If you're just starting out, a 50mm lens is an excellent, budget-friendly option to learn the basics of portrait photography. As you develop your style and preferences, you can then consider adding an 85mm lens to your kit. Renting each lens before purchasing is a great way to test them out and see which one suits your needs best.