50mm Lens:
Pros:
* Versatility: The 50mm is a more versatile lens overall. You can use it for portraits, street photography, landscapes, and even some wider group shots.
* Affordability: 50mm lenses, especially the f/1.8 versions, are generally very affordable, making them a great entry point into prime lenses.
* Field of View: The 50mm's wider field of view allows you to incorporate more of the environment into your portraits, telling a story and providing context. You can capture "environmental portraits" more easily.
* Closer Subject Interaction: You need to be physically closer to your subject, which can foster a more intimate connection and make it easier to communicate and direct them.
* Less Distortion: Generally produces less facial distortion than wider focal lengths, although more than the 85mm.
Cons:
* Less Background Blur (Bokeh): While a fast 50mm (f/1.8 or faster) can create a shallow depth of field, it typically doesn't produce as much background blur as an 85mm at the same aperture.
* Perspective: The wider field of view can sometimes lead to a less flattering perspective, especially for close-up headshots. You might need to be careful with your angles to avoid distortion.
* Might Not Be Long Enough for Some Shots: If you want to isolate your subject from a busy background or compress the background, the 50mm might not offer enough reach.
85mm Lens:
Pros:
* Ideal Portrait Perspective: The 85mm is often considered the "classic" portrait lens. It provides a flattering perspective that is very natural-looking and minimizes distortion of facial features.
* Creamy Background Blur (Bokeh): The longer focal length and often wider maximum aperture (e.g., f/1.4 or f/1.8) create a beautiful, shallow depth of field with creamy, dreamy bokeh, isolating the subject from the background.
* Subject Isolation: The narrower field of view and compression effect of the 85mm help to isolate your subject and draw the viewer's attention to them.
* Comfortable Distance: Allows you to maintain a comfortable distance from your subject, which can be helpful for shy or introverted individuals. You can still communicate, but you have a little more space.
Cons:
* Less Versatile: The 85mm is primarily a portrait lens. While it can be used for other types of photography, its narrow field of view makes it less adaptable than the 50mm.
* Higher Cost: 85mm lenses, especially those with wide apertures, tend to be more expensive than 50mm lenses.
* Requires More Space: You need more space to work with an 85mm lens, as you need to stand further back from your subject to compose the shot. This can be challenging in small studios or crowded environments.
* Can Feel Disconnected: The distance from your subject can sometimes make it harder to build rapport and direct them.
Here's a table summarizing the key differences:
| Feature | 50mm | 85mm |
|-------------------|------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------|
| Versatility | High | Lower |
| Cost | Lower | Higher |
| Background Blur| Less | More |
| Perspective | Can be less flattering close-up | More flattering |
| Subject Distance| Closer | Further |
| Space Required| Less | More |
| Distortion | Less than wider lenses, more than 85mm | Less |
Which Lens is Right for You? Consider these factors:
* Your Style: Do you prefer environmental portraits that tell a story, or close-up portraits with creamy backgrounds?
* Your Subjects: Are you photographing shy people who might feel uncomfortable with you being close, or are you comfortable getting up close and personal?
* Your Environment: Will you be shooting in a studio, outdoors, or in cramped spaces?
* Your Budget: 50mm lenses are generally more affordable.
* Your Camera: Consider your camera's crop factor. If you have a crop sensor camera, the 50mm will act more like an 80mm, and the 85mm will be even longer.
* Your Experience: Both are relatively easy to learn to use, but the 50mm's versatility gives more room to experiment.
Ultimately, the best way to decide is to try both lenses (if possible) and see which one you prefer. Renting lenses is a great option.
General Recommendations:
* Beginners: Start with a 50mm f/1.8. It's affordable, versatile, and a great way to learn about prime lenses.
* Limited Space: 50mm.
* Focus on Headshots and Close-Ups with Blurry Backgrounds: 85mm.
* Environmental Portraits with a Story: 50mm.
* Professional Portraits: Many photographers own and use both, choosing the one that best suits the specific situation.
Don't be afraid to experiment and find what works best for *you*! Good luck!