50mm Lens: The Versatile Choice
Pros:
* Versatility: 50mm is a more versatile lens overall. It's suitable for more than just portraits, making it a good all-around lens for street photography, landscapes, and even some wider-angle shots.
* Context: It captures more of the surrounding environment, which can be great for environmental portraits that tell a story. You can show the subject in their natural setting.
* Closer Proximity (Sometimes Easier Connection): You need to be physically closer to your subject compared to an 85mm. For some photographers, this allows for easier communication and building rapport.
* Smaller and Lighter (Usually): Typically, 50mm lenses are smaller and lighter than 85mm lenses, making them easier to carry around for extended periods.
* Often More Affordable: 50mm lenses (especially the "nifty fifty" f/1.8 versions) are often much more budget-friendly than 85mm lenses with comparable aperture.
* Wider Aperture Options (Potentially): You can often find very fast 50mm lenses (f/1.4 or even f/1.2) at a lower price point than comparably fast 85mm lenses.
Cons:
* Less Background Compression: It doesn't compress the background as much as an 85mm, which can make backgrounds appear busier and less blurred.
* Can Distort Facial Features (Slightly): When shooting portraits too close with a 50mm, you *can* get some slight distortion, making facial features (like the nose) appear larger relative to the rest of the face. This is less of a problem when you step back a bit.
* Less Subject Isolation: The wider field of view means less subject isolation from the background.
85mm Lens: The Portrait Specialist
Pros:
* Excellent Background Compression: This is a major advantage. The 85mm lens compresses the background, making it appear closer and more blurred (shallow depth of field/bokeh). This isolates your subject beautifully.
* Flattering Perspective: The 85mm lens offers a more flattering perspective for portraits. It minimizes distortion and generally creates more pleasing facial proportions.
* Greater Subject Isolation: It really isolates the subject from the background, drawing the viewer's eye directly to them.
* Shooting Distance: The distance allows you to capture more natural and relaxed expressions. The subject may feel less self-conscious than if you were right in their face with a 50mm.
Cons:
* Less Versatile: It's primarily a portrait lens. It's not as well-suited for other types of photography.
* Larger and Heavier (Usually): 85mm lenses are generally larger and heavier than 50mm lenses.
* More Expensive (Typically): 85mm lenses, especially those with wide apertures, tend to be more expensive.
* Requires More Space: You need more space to use it effectively. In small studios or tight environments, an 85mm can be restrictive.
* Can Feel Disconnected: The greater distance can make it harder to connect with your subject, particularly if you're not a confident communicator.
Here's a table summarizing the differences:
| Feature | 50mm | 85mm |
|---------------------|--------------------------|--------------------------|
| Versatility | High | Low |
| Background Compression| Low | High |
| Subject Isolation | Low | High |
| Facial Distortion | Possible (if too close) | Minimal |
| Working Distance | Closer | Further |
| Size/Weight | Smaller/Lighter | Larger/Heavier |
| Price | Lower | Higher |
| Space Required | Less | More |
When to Use Which:
* Use a 50mm if:
* You want a versatile lens for more than just portraits.
* You need to shoot in tight spaces.
* You want to include more of the environment in your portraits.
* You're on a budget.
* You prefer a smaller, lighter lens.
* You want to build rapport easily by being close to your subject.
* Use an 85mm if:
* You primarily shoot portraits and want the best possible image quality and background blur.
* You have enough space to work with.
* You want to isolate your subject and minimize distractions.
* You prefer the more flattering perspective.
* You want to give your subject some space and capture more candid moments.
Ultimately, the best way to decide is to try both focal lengths yourself. Rent them, borrow them, or try them out in a camera store. Experiment with different distances, backgrounds, and lighting scenarios. See which one you prefer and which one fits your style of portrait photography.
Other Considerations:
* Sensor Size: The "effective" focal length changes based on your camera's sensor size. On an APS-C (crop sensor) camera, a 50mm lens will have a field of view similar to an 80mm lens on a full-frame camera (approximately), and an 85mm will be closer to a 135mm. Consider this when making your decision.
* Aperture: Both 50mm and 85mm lenses are often available with wide apertures (e.g., f/1.8, f/1.4, f/1.2). A wider aperture allows for shallower depth of field (more background blur) and better performance in low light. The aperture you choose will significantly impact your images.
* Personal Style: Your personal style as a photographer is the most important factor. Do you prefer more intimate portraits or portraits that show more of the environment? Do you like a lot of background blur or a more natural look?
Good luck choosing the right lens for you!