50mm: The Versatile Workhorse
* Pros:
* Versatility: A 50mm lens is considered a "standard" focal length, providing a field of view that closely resembles human vision. This makes it useful for various types of photography beyond portraits, like street photography, documentary, and even landscapes in a pinch.
* Wider Field of View: Allows you to capture more of the surrounding environment in your portraits, telling a story beyond just the subject's face. This is great for environmental portraits.
* Closer Working Distance: You don't need as much space between you and your subject. Ideal for smaller studios or when shooting in tight spaces.
* Often More Affordable: 50mm lenses, especially "nifty fifties" with fast apertures (f/1.8 or f/1.4), are generally more budget-friendly than comparable 85mm lenses.
* Lightweight and Compact: 50mm lenses are usually smaller and lighter, making them easier to carry around for extended periods.
* Cons:
* Can Distort Facial Features (Slightly): When shooting close-up portraits with a 50mm, you may notice a slight widening or distortion of the subject's features, particularly the nose. This is less noticeable at longer distances.
* Less Background Compression: Doesn't compress the background as much as an 85mm, making it more difficult to isolate your subject with a shallow depth of field in some situations (though a fast aperture helps).
* Less Subject Isolation: Because you're closer to your subject, it can sometimes feel less intimate and more like you're "in their space."
85mm: The Portrait Specialist
* Pros:
* Flattering Perspective: Compresses facial features beautifully, often considered the "ideal" focal length for portraiture because it minimizes distortion and creates a more pleasing representation of the subject.
* Excellent Background Compression: The longer focal length creates a shallower depth of field, blurring the background more effectively and isolating your subject. This helps to eliminate distractions and draw the viewer's eye to the person. Bokeh (the aesthetic quality of the blur) is often very smooth and pleasing.
* Greater Working Distance: Allows you to maintain a more comfortable distance from your subject, which can help them feel more relaxed and natural.
* Stronger Subject Isolation: More effectively isolates the subject from the background, leading to a cleaner and more focused image.
* Intimacy: The longer focal length can allow for a more intimate and less intrusive shooting experience, particularly when combined with a relaxed shooting style.
* Cons:
* Requires More Space: You'll need more room between you and your subject, which can be challenging in small studios or crowded environments.
* Less Versatile: Not as well-suited for general photography as a 50mm.
* Generally More Expensive: 85mm lenses, especially those with wide apertures, tend to be pricier than 50mm lenses.
* Heavier and Bulkier: Typically larger and heavier than 50mm lenses, which can be a factor if you prioritize portability.
Here's a table summarizing the key differences:
| Feature | 50mm | 85mm |
|----------------------|-----------------------------|-----------------------------|
| Versatility | High | Low |
| Working Distance | Closer | Further |
| Background Compression| Less | More |
| Facial Distortion | Slight (close up) | Minimal |
| Subject Isolation | Less | More |
| Affordability | Generally More Affordable | Generally More Expensive |
| Size & Weight | Smaller & Lighter | Larger & Heavier |
| Space Requirements | Less | More |
| Ideal Portrait Type | Environmental, Full Body | Headshots, Close-ups |
Which Should You Choose?
* Choose 50mm if:
* You want a versatile lens for various types of photography.
* You're on a budget.
* You shoot in small spaces.
* You like to include more of the environment in your portraits.
* You need a lightweight and compact lens.
* Choose 85mm if:
* You primarily shoot portraits and want the most flattering perspective.
* You want to isolate your subject from the background effectively.
* You have enough space to work with.
* You prioritize image quality and background blur (bokeh).
Ultimately, the best way to decide is to try both focal lengths yourself. Rent a lens or borrow from a friend to see which one suits your shooting style and aesthetic preferences. There's no right or wrong answer – it's all about what works best for *you*! Consider also if you have a full-frame or crop sensor camera, as that will affect the equivalent field of view. On a crop sensor, a 50mm will feel more like an 80mm, and an 85mm will feel significantly longer.