50mm Lens:
Pros:
* Versatility: The 50mm is a versatile focal length, suitable for a wider range of shots beyond just portraits. You can use it for street photography, landscapes, and general photography.
* Wider Field of View: It captures more of the surrounding environment, allowing you to include context and tell a story within your portraits. This is great for environmental portraits.
* Closer Working Distance: You can get closer to your subject, which can be beneficial for building rapport and directing them more easily.
* Smaller and Lighter: Generally, 50mm lenses are more compact and lightweight, making them easier to carry and handle for extended periods.
* Affordable: High-quality 50mm lenses are generally more affordable than comparable 85mm lenses.
Cons:
* Less Background Compression: The wider field of view results in less background compression, meaning the background appears relatively larger and more in focus. This can be distracting if you want a very blurred background.
* Perspective Distortion: When shooting close-ups, a 50mm lens can sometimes exhibit slight perspective distortion, which can make facial features appear slightly exaggerated (e.g., nose might appear larger).
* Requires More Subject Distance Control: Because you're closer, you need to be more mindful of your position relative to the subject to avoid unflattering angles.
85mm Lens:
Pros:
* Excellent Background Compression: The longer focal length creates significant background compression, blurring the background beautifully and isolating your subject. This is highly desirable for creating a shallow depth of field and a dreamy, professional look.
* Flattering Perspective: The 85mm lens offers a more flattering perspective for portraits. It tends to compress facial features, making them appear more proportionate and pleasing.
* Greater Working Distance: You can stand further away from your subject, which can make them feel more comfortable and relaxed, leading to more natural expressions.
* Excellent Sharpness: 85mm lenses are often exceptionally sharp, delivering crisp and detailed images.
Cons:
* Less Versatile: Not as useful for other types of photography compared to a 50mm.
* Requires More Space: You need more space to work with because you're standing further away from your subject. This can be challenging in small studios or cramped locations.
* Less Environmental Context: Captures less of the surrounding environment, focusing more on the subject's face and upper body.
* Larger and Heavier: Typically larger and heavier than 50mm lenses, potentially making them less comfortable to carry around.
* More Expensive: Generally more expensive than comparable 50mm lenses.
Here's a quick summary table:
| Feature | 50mm | 85mm |
|-------------------|------------------------------------|------------------------------------|
| Versatility | High | Low |
| Background Blur | Less | More |
| Perspective | Can be slightly distorted | More flattering |
| Working Distance | Closer | Further |
| Space Required | Less | More |
| Size/Weight | Smaller/Lighter | Larger/Heavier |
| Price | Generally more affordable | Generally more expensive |
Which Lens Should You Choose?
* Choose 50mm if:
* You need a versatile lens for various types of photography.
* You want to capture environmental portraits that include context.
* You prefer a closer working distance and want to easily interact with your subject.
* You're on a budget.
* You need a lightweight and compact lens.
* You shoot in smaller spaces.
* Choose 85mm if:
* You primarily shoot portraits and want the best possible image quality and background blur.
* You want a flattering perspective that enhances facial features.
* You prefer a greater working distance to make your subject feel more comfortable.
* You have plenty of space to work with.
* Budget is not a major concern.
Consider these points in addition:
* Crop Sensor Cameras: If you're using a crop sensor camera (APS-C), the 50mm lens will behave more like an 80mm lens (due to the crop factor), making it a good alternative to an 85mm. An ideal portrait lens on a crop sensor might be a 35mm, which behaves like a roughly 50mm lens.
* Experiment: If possible, try renting both lenses to see which one you prefer. This hands-on experience will be invaluable in making your decision.
* Start with One: If you can only afford one lens to start, the 50mm is often a great choice due to its versatility. You can always add an 85mm later as your portrait photography develops.
Ultimately, the best lens for you depends on your personal preferences and the types of portraits you want to create. There is no right or wrong answer! Experimentation and practice with both focal lengths will help you determine which one suits your style and needs best.