50mm Lens:
Pros:
* Versatile: The 50mm is a good "walkaround" lens. It's not just for portraits; you can use it for street photography, landscapes, and even some product photography.
* Affordable: Typically more affordable than an 85mm lens of comparable quality, especially at wider apertures (f/1.8 or f/1.4).
* Wider Field of View: You get more of the environment in the frame, which can be useful for environmental portraits. This allows you to tell a story and show the subject in context.
* Easier to Shoot Indoors: Its wider field of view is beneficial in smaller spaces where you might not have enough room to back up with a longer lens.
* Less Compression: The 50mm offers less compression than the 85mm, meaning facial features are rendered more naturally, though some might perceive it as less flattering.
Cons:
* Less Background Blur (Bokeh): At the same aperture, the 50mm won't create as much background blur as the 85mm. This can make the subject less isolated from the background.
* Can Require You to Get Closer: You'll need to be physically closer to your subject, which can sometimes make them feel less comfortable and might influence their expression.
* More Distortion: While relatively minimal, a 50mm lens can exhibit a slight amount of distortion, especially at the edges of the frame.
85mm Lens:
Pros:
* Beautiful Background Blur (Bokeh): Creates a very shallow depth of field, isolating the subject and producing creamy, dreamy backgrounds. This is a major reason why it's so popular for portraits.
* Flattering Perspective: The 85mm lens compresses facial features slightly, which many find more flattering for portraits. It tends to smooth out imperfections and create a more pleasing overall look.
* Comfortable Distance: You can stand further back from your subject, which can make them feel more relaxed and natural. This is especially helpful when photographing shy or sensitive subjects.
* Minimal Distortion: Very little distortion, resulting in a more accurate representation of the subject's features.
* Excellent for Headshots: Its compression and bokeh make it ideal for headshots.
Cons:
* Less Versatile: Not as useful for general photography. Its narrower field of view limits its applications.
* More Expensive: Typically more expensive than a 50mm lens with a similar aperture.
* Challenging Indoors: The narrower field of view can be restrictive in smaller indoor spaces.
* Requires More Space: You need more room to move around, especially for full-body shots.
* Over-Compression: While generally flattering, too much compression can make the subject look "flattened" if you're not careful with composition and posing.
Here's a table summarizing the key differences:
| Feature | 50mm | 85mm |
|-------------------|---------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------|
| Versatility | High | Low |
| Price | Generally Lower | Generally Higher |
| Bokeh | Less Pronounced | More Pronounced |
| Perspective | More Natural, Less Compression | More Compression, Often More Flattering |
| Working Distance | Closer | Further |
| Indoor Use | Easier | More Challenging |
| Distortion | Slightly More | Less |
Which One is Right for You?
* Choose 50mm if:
* You want a versatile lens that you can use for more than just portraits.
* You're on a budget.
* You primarily shoot portraits in environments where you want to show context.
* You need to shoot portraits in small indoor spaces.
* You prefer a more natural, less "posed" look.
* Choose 85mm if:
* You prioritize beautiful background blur and subject isolation.
* You want the most flattering perspective for portraits.
* You frequently shoot headshots.
* You have the space to work with a longer focal length.
* You want to create a dreamy, artistic look.
Ultimately, the best way to decide is to try both focal lengths and see which one you prefer. Many photographers own both lenses and use them in different situations. Consider renting each lens for a weekend to experiment and see which one fits your style and needs the best. Don't just focus on the technical aspects; consider which focal length inspires you more creatively. Good luck!