50mm Lens: The Versatile All-Arounder
Pros:
* Versatility: Works well in various environments, including indoors and outdoors, and can be used for more than just portraits (street photography, landscapes, etc.).
* Wider Field of View: Allows you to capture more of the background, providing context and storytelling opportunities. You can show more of the environment or the subject's surroundings.
* Less Compression: Subjects may appear more natural in terms of facial proportions.
* Closer Proximity: Requires you to be closer to your subject, which can facilitate communication and connection.
* Generally More Affordable: Nifty fifties (50mm f/1.8 lenses) are often inexpensive and excellent for beginners.
* Easier to Work in Small Spaces: Great for indoor portraits where space might be limited.
Cons:
* Less Subject Isolation (Less Background Blur/Bokeh): At similar apertures, an 85mm will generally produce more background blur.
* Can Distort at Close Range: If you get *too* close, a 50mm can introduce slight distortion, especially at the edges.
* May require more cropping: You might end up cropping the photo more often to achieve a tighter composition.
Ideal for:
* Environmental portraits: Showing the subject in their surroundings.
* Portraits in smaller spaces.
* Photographers who want a versatile lens for various types of photography.
* Beginners on a budget.
* When you want to include more of the story in the background.
85mm Lens: The Portrait Specialist
Pros:
* Excellent Subject Isolation: Creates a shallow depth of field and beautiful background blur (bokeh), which helps to isolate the subject and draw attention to them.
* Flattering Perspective: Compresses the subject's features, making faces appear slimmer and more flattering.
* Greater Working Distance: Allows you to stand further away from your subject, which can be more comfortable for them and allows for more candid shots.
* Beautiful Bokeh: Produces a creamy, smooth, and aesthetically pleasing background blur.
Cons:
* Less Versatile: Primarily designed for portraits. Not as suitable for wide-angle shots or general photography.
* Requires More Space: Can be challenging to use in small indoor spaces.
* More Expensive: Typically more expensive than a comparable 50mm lens, especially those with wide apertures (e.g., f/1.4, f/1.8).
* Can Feel Disconnected: The greater distance can sometimes make it harder to connect with your subject.
Ideal for:
* Classic portraiture: Focus on the subject's face and expression.
* Headshots.
* Portraits with blurred backgrounds.
* Photographers who prioritize subject isolation and flattering perspective.
* Outdoor portraits where you have ample space.
* Wedding photography (particularly for details and portraits during the ceremony).
Here's a Table Summarizing the Differences:
| Feature | 50mm | 85mm |
|-------------------|----------------------------|---------------------------|
| Versatility | High | Low |
| Space Needed | Less | More |
| Subject Isolation | Lower | Higher |
| Compression | Less | More |
| Background Blur| Less | More |
| Working Distance| Closer | Further |
| Affordability | Generally More Affordable | Generally More Expensive |
| Ideal For | Environmental Portraits, Versatile use | Classic Portraits, Headshots, Subject Isolation |
Which Should You Choose?
* Start with a 50mm: If you are new to portrait photography or want a versatile lens for various purposes, the 50mm is a great starting point. You can learn about composition, lighting, and subject interaction without the constraints of a more specialized lens.
* Upgrade to an 85mm: Once you've gained experience with the 50mm and are ready to specialize in portraiture, the 85mm is an excellent choice for achieving professional-looking results with beautiful background blur and flattering perspective.
* Consider Your Style: Do you prefer showing the environment around your subject, or isolating them completely? That will heavily influence your choice.
* Rent Before You Buy: The best way to decide is to rent both lenses and experiment with them in different situations. This will allow you to see which focal length best suits your style and needs.
* Consider Your Sensor Size: On a crop sensor camera (APS-C), the field of view of a 50mm lens is equivalent to approximately 75mm, and an 85mm lens is equivalent to approximately 127.5mm. Keep this in mind when considering your shooting environment and working distance. An 85mm on a crop sensor becomes very telephoto and requires a lot of space.
Ultimately, the "best" lens depends on your individual preferences and shooting style. Both 50mm and 85mm lenses are excellent choices for portrait photography, and understanding their strengths and weaknesses will help you choose the one that's right for you. Happy shooting!