50mm: The Versatile All-Arounder
* Pros:
* Wider Perspective: Offers a more natural field of view, closer to how the human eye sees. This allows you to include more of the environment in your portraits, telling a story and creating a sense of place.
* More Affordable: 50mm lenses, especially the f/1.8 versions, are generally much more affordable than 85mm lenses, making them a great entry point to portrait photography.
* Compact and Lightweight: Easier to carry around for longer periods.
* Good in Tight Spaces: The wider field of view allows you to take portraits even when space is limited.
* Faster Autofocus (Often): Depending on the specific lens, 50mm lenses often have faster autofocus than 85mm lenses, useful for capturing candid or moving subjects.
* Cons:
* Less Background Compression: Doesn't isolate the subject as much. The background will be more visible and less blurred.
* May Require Getting Closer: To fill the frame with your subject, you'll need to get physically closer, which can sometimes feel invasive or less comfortable for the subject.
* More Distortion at Close Range: While minimal, distortion can become more noticeable when shooting close-up portraits with a 50mm, particularly if the subject is positioned near the edges of the frame.
85mm: The Portrait Specialist
* Pros:
* Beautiful Background Blur (Bokeh): Provides excellent background compression, blurring the background beautifully and isolating the subject. This helps draw the viewer's eye to the person in the portrait.
* Flattering Perspective: Generally considered more flattering for facial features than a 50mm. The compression tends to smooth features and reduce the appearance of facial distortion.
* Comfortable Shooting Distance: Allows you to maintain a comfortable distance from your subject, which can lead to more natural and relaxed expressions.
* Creamy Smooth Images: The compression and shallow depth of field contribute to a creamy, smooth look that's highly desirable for portraiture.
* Cons:
* More Expensive: 85mm lenses, especially those with fast apertures (f/1.8 or wider), are typically more expensive than 50mm lenses.
* Larger and Heavier: Less convenient to carry around, especially for extended periods.
* Not Ideal in Tight Spaces: The narrower field of view makes it difficult to use in small rooms or crowded environments.
* Slower Autofocus (Often): Depending on the specific lens, autofocus can be slower compared to some 50mm lenses. More demanding on autofocus accuracy at wider apertures.
Here's a simple table summarizing the key differences:
| Feature | 50mm | 85mm |
|--------------------|-------------------------|-------------------------|
| Perspective | Wider, more natural | Compressed, flattering |
| Background Blur | Less, more background visible | More, subject isolated |
| Price | More affordable | More expensive |
| Size/Weight | Smaller, lighter | Larger, heavier |
| Shooting Distance | Closer | Further |
| Use in Tight Spaces| Easier | More difficult |
When to Use Each:
* Use a 50mm when:
* You want to include more of the environment.
* You are on a budget.
* You are shooting in tight spaces.
* You want a versatile lens for various types of photography, not just portraits.
* You prioritize fast autofocus.
* Use an 85mm when:
* You want to isolate the subject and create a blurry background.
* You want a flattering perspective for facial features.
* You have enough space to work with.
* You are primarily focused on portrait photography.
* You prioritize maximum background blur.
Beyond Focal Length: Other Important Factors
* Aperture: The aperture (f-number) is crucial for portraits, especially for achieving shallow depth of field (blurred background). Lower f-numbers (e.g., f/1.8, f/1.4) allow more light to enter the lens and create more background blur. Both 50mm and 85mm lenses are available in various apertures.
* Sensor Size: The focal length's equivalent field of view changes depending on your camera's sensor size. On a crop sensor camera (APS-C), a 50mm lens will have a field of view similar to an 80mm lens on a full-frame camera, and an 85mm lens will be like a 136mm lens. This is something to consider when choosing your lens.
* Your Personal Style: Ultimately, the best focal length depends on your individual style and what you want to achieve in your portraits. Experiment with both and see which one you prefer.
Recommendation:
If you are starting out with portrait photography and can only afford one lens, a 50mm f/1.8 is a great choice. It's affordable, versatile, and will allow you to learn the fundamentals of portraiture. As you gain experience, you can then consider adding an 85mm lens to your kit for more specialized portrait work. Renting both lenses to try before you buy is always a good idea if possible.