Here's a breakdown to help you decide which is better for you:
50mm Lens:
Pros:
* Versatility: The 50mm is a more versatile lens than the 85mm. It can be used for a wider range of shots, including environmental portraits (showing the subject in their surroundings), full-body shots, and even street photography.
* Affordability: Generally, 50mm lenses (especially the f/1.8 versions) are significantly more affordable than comparable 85mm lenses. This makes it a great starting point for portrait photography.
* Brighter Apertures: 50mm lenses often come with very wide maximum apertures (f/1.8, f/1.4), allowing for excellent low-light performance and shallow depth of field.
* Lighter and More Compact: The 50mm is usually lighter and more compact than an 85mm, making it easier to carry around for extended shoots.
* Forces Interaction: You need to be closer to your subject, encouraging more interaction and connection.
Cons:
* May Distort Features Slightly: At closer distances, the 50mm can introduce slight distortion, especially on the edges of the frame. This can make features like the nose appear larger than they are. This is less noticeable with higher-quality lenses.
* Less Background Compression: The 50mm doesn't compress the background as much as the 85mm, meaning the background will appear larger and more prominent. This can be a disadvantage if you want to isolate your subject.
* Requires Closer Proximity: You need to get physically closer to your subject, which might make some subjects feel uncomfortable.
85mm Lens:
Pros:
* Excellent Portrait Perspective: The 85mm is widely considered the ideal focal length for portraits due to its flattering perspective. It compresses facial features, making them appear more proportionate and pleasing.
* Beautiful Bokeh: The longer focal length creates a shallower depth of field, resulting in beautifully blurred backgrounds (bokeh) that isolate the subject and draw the viewer's eye.
* Subject Comfort: You can stand further away from your subject, which can make them feel more relaxed and natural during the photoshoot.
* Strong Background Compression: The 85mm compresses the background, making it appear closer to the subject and simplifying the composition.
* Less Facial Distortion: Compared to the 50mm, the 85mm minimizes facial distortion, resulting in more natural-looking portraits.
Cons:
* Less Versatile: The 85mm is less versatile than the 50mm. It's primarily suited for portraits and close-up shots, and it can be challenging to use in tight spaces.
* More Expensive: Good quality 85mm lenses are generally more expensive than 50mm lenses.
* Heavier and Bulkier: The 85mm is typically heavier and bulkier than the 50mm, making it less convenient to carry around.
* Requires More Space: You need more space to work with an 85mm lens, especially for full-body shots.
* Can Feel Disconnected: The distance can sometimes make you feel less connected to your subject, requiring extra effort in communication.
Here's a table summarizing the key differences:
| Feature | 50mm | 85mm |
|-------------------|-------------------------|-------------------------|
| Versatility | High | Low |
| Affordability | More Affordable | More Expensive |
| Size/Weight | Lighter/More Compact | Heavier/Bulkier |
| Perspective | Can Distort Slightly | More Flattering |
| Bokeh | Good, But Less Pronounced| Excellent, More Pronounced|
| Background Compression| Less Compression | More Compression |
| Working Distance| Closer | Further |
| Ideal for | Environmental Portraits, Full Body, Street | Headshots, Upper Body, Isolating Subject|
| Cost | Lower | Higher |
When to Choose a 50mm:
* Budget-conscious: You're on a tighter budget.
* Need versatility: You want a lens that can be used for more than just portraits.
* Limited space: You're shooting in a small studio or room.
* Environmental portraits: You want to show the subject in their environment.
* Like to interact closely with your subject.
When to Choose an 85mm:
* Prioritize flattering perspective: You want the most flattering portrait perspective.
* Want beautiful bokeh: You want to create a shallow depth of field and blurred background.
* Want to isolate your subject: You want to draw attention to your subject and minimize distractions.
* Shooting in a studio or have ample space: You have enough space to work with the longer focal length.
* Want to keep a comfortable distance from your subject.
Ultimately, the best way to decide is to try both lenses if possible. Rent them, borrow them, or visit a camera store to test them out. Consider your shooting style, the types of portraits you want to create, and your budget to make the best decision for your needs. You might even find that you prefer having both!