50mm Lens (The "Nifty Fifty")
Pros:
* Versatility: The 50mm is a versatile lens, suitable for a wider range of subjects beyond portraits. You can use it for street photography, landscapes, and even some product photography.
* Affordability: 50mm lenses, especially the f/1.8 versions, are generally very affordable, making them a great entry point for aspiring portrait photographers.
* Available Light: Typically, 50mm lenses are faster (lower f-stop like f/1.8 or f/1.4) allowing more light to enter the camera. This is great for shooting in low-light situations without increasing ISO or slowing down the shutter speed.
* Context and Environment: Captures more of the background and surroundings. This is useful for environmental portraits, where the subject's context is important.
* Less Distance: Requires you to be closer to your subject, which can facilitate better communication and interaction.
Cons:
* Distortion: Can exhibit some perspective distortion, especially when shooting close-ups. Faces might appear slightly wider than they actually are, particularly at the edges of the frame.
* Less Background Blur (Bokeh): While you can achieve shallow depth of field, it's not as pronounced as with an 85mm lens at the same aperture. Backgrounds may appear busier.
* Not as flattering for all subjects: Because of the slight distortion, it can be less flattering on some faces.
85mm Lens (The "Portrait King")
Pros:
* Flattering Perspective: Compresses facial features, making them appear more balanced and flattering. Minimizes distortion, especially on the nose and cheeks.
* Beautiful Bokeh (Background Blur): Creates a creamy, smooth background blur that isolates the subject effectively. This is ideal for drawing attention solely to the person.
* More Isolation: Excellent at isolating the subject from a distracting background.
* Professional Look: Often associated with professional portrait photography due to the beautiful background blur and flattering perspective.
* Comfortable Distance: Allows you to maintain a comfortable distance from your subject, which can be helpful for shy or sensitive individuals.
Cons:
* Less Versatile: Primarily a portrait lens; less useful for other types of photography.
* More Expensive: Generally more expensive than 50mm lenses, especially faster (lower f-stop) versions.
* Requires More Space: Needs more space to work, as you need to stand further back from your subject to frame them properly. This can be a limitation in smaller studios or indoor environments.
* Less Available Light - Potentially: While many 85mm lenses have wide apertures (f/1.8, f/1.4), some can be slower and require more light or a higher ISO.
* Can Feel Isolating: The greater distance can sometimes feel less intimate than working with a 50mm.
Here's a table summarizing the key differences:
| Feature | 50mm Lens | 85mm Lens |
|----------------------|------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------|
| Versatility | High | Low |
| Cost | Lower | Higher |
| Distortion | More noticeable, slight widening effect | Less noticeable, more flattering perspective |
| Background Blur (Bokeh)| Less pronounced | More pronounced, creamier |
| Subject Isolation | Less isolated | More isolated |
| Working Distance | Closer | Further |
| Environment | Captures more environment | Isolates subject from environment |
| Best For | Environmental portraits, full-body shots | Headshots, close-ups, isolating the subject |
Which Lens Should You Choose?
* For Beginners on a Budget: Start with a 50mm f/1.8. It's affordable, versatile, and a great way to learn the basics of portrait photography.
* For Tight Spaces: The 50mm is often more practical in smaller studios or indoor locations.
* For Environmental Portraits: The 50mm shines when you want to capture your subject in their environment, telling a story through the background.
* For Classic, Flattering Portraits: If you prioritize flattering perspectives and beautiful background blur, the 85mm is the way to go.
* For Comfort and Distance: If you want to maintain a comfortable distance from your subject, especially with shy individuals, the 85mm is a good choice.
Ultimately, the best way to decide is to try both lenses out if possible. Rent them, borrow them, or visit a camera store to see how they feel and the types of images they produce.
Other Considerations:
* Your Camera's Sensor Size: On a crop sensor camera (APS-C), a 50mm lens will have a field of view equivalent to around 75-80mm, making it a good alternative to an 85mm. A 35mm lens will behave more like a 50mm on a full frame camera.
* Your Shooting Style: Do you prefer to interact closely with your subjects, or do you prefer to observe from a distance?
* The Look You're Going For: Do you want a clean, isolated look, or do you want to incorporate more of the environment into your portraits?
By considering these factors, you can make an informed decision and choose the lens that best suits your needs and creative vision. Good luck!