Here's a breakdown to help you decide which might be better for *you*:
50mm Lens: Strengths
* Versatility: A 50mm is a very versatile lens, suitable for a wider range of shooting situations beyond just portraits. You can shoot environmental portraits, wider family shots, and even some street photography with it.
* Field of View: The 50mm has a wider field of view compared to the 85mm. This is great for including more of the background and context in your portraits. This is useful for environmental portraits where you want to show your subject in their surroundings.
* Affordability: 50mm lenses, especially the "nifty fifty" f/1.8 versions, are often very affordable, making them a great starting point for portrait photography.
* Easier to shoot in tight spaces: A 50mm lens allows you to shoot portraits in smaller rooms, while an 85mm lens can make it more challenging.
* Less Compression: Less compression makes the subjects seem more natural
50mm Lens: Weaknesses
* Perspective Distortion: With a 50mm, you often need to be closer to your subject. This can create slight perspective distortion, potentially making features like the nose appear larger.
* Less Background Blur (Bokeh): While you can still achieve background blur with a 50mm, it's generally less pronounced than with an 85mm, especially at similar apertures.
* Less Isolation: Because of the wider field of view, it can be harder to isolate your subject from a busy background.
85mm Lens: Strengths
* Flattering Perspective: The 85mm lens is known for its flattering perspective. It compresses features slightly, which can be more aesthetically pleasing for portraits.
* Excellent Background Blur (Bokeh): The longer focal length creates a shallower depth of field and more dramatic background blur, helping to isolate your subject and create a professional, dreamy look.
* Subject Isolation: The narrower field of view helps to isolate your subject from distracting backgrounds.
* Working Distance: You can maintain a comfortable distance from your subject, which can make them feel more relaxed and natural.
85mm Lens: Weaknesses
* Less Versatile: The 85mm is more specialized for portrait work. It's not as well-suited for general photography or situations where you need a wider view.
* Cost: 85mm lenses tend to be more expensive than 50mm lenses.
* Space Requirements: You need more space to use an 85mm lens effectively. It can be challenging to shoot in small studios or cramped environments.
* Can feel restricting: Some photographers find the field of view of an 85mm lens too narrow to work with
Here's a Table Summarizing the Key Differences:
| Feature | 50mm | 85mm |
|-------------------|------------------------|--------------------------|
| Versatility | High | Lower |
| Affordability | More Affordable | More Expensive |
| Perspective | Can distort slightly | More flattering |
| Background Blur| Less pronounced | More pronounced |
| Space Needed | Less | More |
| Subject Isolation| More difficult | Easier |
| Typical Usage | Environmental portraits, general photography | Headshots, isolating subjects |
Which should you choose? Consider these questions:
* What kind of portraits do you shoot? If you prefer environmental portraits that show your subject in their surroundings, the 50mm might be better. If you focus on headshots or portraits where you want a blurred background, the 85mm is often preferred.
* Where do you usually shoot? If you shoot in tight spaces, the 50mm is more practical. If you have plenty of room to move around, the 85mm can shine.
* What is your budget? If you're on a tight budget, a 50mm f/1.8 is a great starting point.
* What is your personal preference? Some photographers simply prefer the look of one lens over the other.
Recommendation:
* If you're just starting out: Get a 50mm f/1.8. It's affordable, versatile, and will teach you the basics of portrait photography.
* If you already have a 50mm and want to upgrade your portrait game: The 85mm is a fantastic choice for its flattering perspective and beautiful bokeh.
* If you can afford it and want the ultimate flexibility: Consider owning both. They each have their strengths and can be used in different situations.
Try Before You Buy:
Ideally, rent or borrow both lenses to try them out in your own shooting environment and see which one you prefer. Many camera stores or rental services offer lens rentals. This is the best way to determine which lens truly suits your needs and style.