50mm Lens for Portraits:
Pros:
* Versatility: The 50mm is a highly versatile lens. It's great for portraits, but also for street photography, landscapes, and even some casual snapshots. You're not locked into *only* shooting portraits.
* Field of View: The wider field of view allows you to include more of the background in your shot. This is great for environmental portraits that tell a story about the subject's surroundings or location.
* Close Working Distance: You can get closer to your subject, making it easier to communicate and build a rapport, which can lead to more natural expressions.
* Often Affordable and Compact: 50mm lenses are typically more affordable and smaller than 85mm lenses, making them a good entry point for beginners and easier to carry around.
* Available in Fast Apertures (f/1.8, f/1.4): You can find fast 50mm lenses at relatively affordable prices, allowing for great low-light performance and shallow depth of field.
Cons:
* Perspective Distortion: When shooting close-ups, the 50mm can sometimes introduce a slight perspective distortion, making features like the nose appear slightly larger than they actually are. It's not usually a huge issue, but something to be aware of.
* Less Background Compression: Doesn't compress the background as much as an 85mm. This means the background might be more distracting and less blurred.
* Requires More Movement: You need to physically move closer or further away to frame your subject, which can be less convenient in tight spaces.
85mm Lens for Portraits:
Pros:
* Ideal Focal Length for Portraits: The 85mm is often considered the *ideal* focal length for portraiture by many photographers.
* Flattering Perspective: It provides a very flattering perspective, minimizing distortion and rendering facial features in a pleasing way.
* Beautiful Bokeh (Background Blur): The longer focal length and typically wider apertures (like f/1.8 or f/1.4) create stunning background blur, isolating the subject and creating a dreamy look. The background seems to melt away.
* Good Background Compression: The 85mm compresses the background, making it appear closer to the subject and helping to eliminate distractions. This emphasizes the subject and creates a cleaner composition.
* Comfortable Working Distance: You can stand a bit further away from your subject, which can make them feel more relaxed and less self-conscious, leading to more natural poses. It can also be beneficial if you're shooting shy subjects or children.
Cons:
* Less Versatile: The 85mm is primarily a portrait lens. It's less well-suited for other types of photography like landscapes or street photography.
* Tighter Field of View: The narrower field of view can be limiting, especially in small spaces. You may need to back up quite a bit to frame your subject.
* More Expensive and Larger: 85mm lenses are generally more expensive and bulkier than 50mm lenses.
* Requires More Space: The longer focal length requires more space between you and your subject, which can be a challenge in cramped environments.
Here's a table summarizing the key differences:
| Feature | 50mm | 85mm |
|-------------------|-----------------------|-----------------------|
| Versatility | High | Low |
| Perspective | Slight Distortion (Close) | Flattering |
| Bokeh | Good | Excellent |
| Compression | Less | More |
| Working Distance| Closer | Further |
| Price | Generally Lower | Generally Higher |
| Size/Weight | Smaller/Lighter | Larger/Heavier |
| Space Needed | Less | More |
Which is Right for You? Consider These Questions:
* What is your budget? If you're on a tight budget, a 50mm f/1.8 is an excellent starting point.
* What is your primary use case? If you primarily shoot portraits and want the best possible image quality and background blur, the 85mm is a great choice. If you want a lens that can handle portraits *and* other types of photography, the 50mm is more versatile.
* What kind of portraits do you shoot? Do you prefer close-ups or environmental portraits? The 85mm excels at close-ups and isolating the subject, while the 50mm is better for capturing the subject within their environment.
* What is your typical shooting environment? Do you often shoot in small spaces? If so, the 50mm might be a better choice. If you have plenty of room to move around, the 85mm can be great.
* What kind of aesthetic do you prefer? Do you like a lot of background blur? The 85mm delivers a more dramatic bokeh effect. Do you like to include more of the environment in your portraits? The 50mm is better for that.
* Do you have a full-frame or crop sensor camera? On a crop sensor camera (APS-C), a 50mm lens will have a field of view equivalent to around 75-80mm (depending on the crop factor), making it behave somewhat like an 85mm lens on a full-frame camera. An 85mm on a crop sensor will be very tight.
In Conclusion:
* Choose the 50mm if:
* You need a versatile lens for various types of photography.
* You're on a budget.
* You want to shoot environmental portraits.
* You often shoot in small spaces.
* You have a crop sensor camera and want a portrait-friendly focal length.
* Choose the 85mm if:
* You primarily shoot portraits.
* You want the best possible image quality and background blur.
* You want a flattering perspective with minimal distortion.
* You have plenty of room to work.
* You have a full-frame camera and want a dedicated portrait lens.
Ultimately, the best lens for you depends on your individual needs and preferences. It's often recommended to try out both lenses if possible before making a purchase. Consider renting them for a weekend to see which one you prefer!