50mm Lens:
Pros:
* Versatile: Great for a wider range of photography, including street, landscapes, and environmental portraits. You get more of the background in your shots.
* Affordable: Often the most affordable prime lens. A "nifty fifty" is a common recommendation for beginners.
* Smaller and Lighter: Easier to carry and handle for longer shoots.
* Environmental Portraits: Excels at showing the subject in their surroundings, telling a story about their context.
* Closer Minimum Focusing Distance: Can often focus closer than an 85mm, allowing for tighter crops if needed.
Cons:
* More Distortion: Can introduce slight distortion, especially around the edges, which might be noticeable in very close-up portraits.
* Less Background Blur (Bokeh): Doesn't isolate the subject from the background as much as an 85mm, especially at the same aperture.
* Requires You to Get Closer: Can make some subjects feel uncomfortable if you're right in their personal space.
* Less Flattering Perspective: At closer distances, features can appear slightly exaggerated.
85mm Lens:
Pros:
* Flattering Perspective: Compresses features, making subjects look more naturally proportioned and generally more aesthetically pleasing.
* Excellent Background Blur (Bokeh): Creates a beautiful, creamy background that isolates the subject and draws the viewer's eye. Great for creating dreamy, artistic portraits.
* Greater Working Distance: Allows you to maintain a comfortable distance from your subject, which can help them feel more relaxed.
* Sharp Images: Typically very sharp, especially at wider apertures.
* Isolates the Subject: Excellent at drawing the viewer's eye to the subject and minimizing distractions in the background.
Cons:
* More Expensive: Generally more expensive than 50mm lenses.
* Larger and Heavier: Can be more cumbersome to carry, especially for extended shoots.
* Less Versatile: Not as well-suited for wider shots like landscapes or street photography.
* Requires More Space: You need more room to move back to frame your subject properly. Can be challenging in small studios or crowded environments.
* Shallower Depth of Field: The shallow depth of field can be challenging to master, as getting focus perfectly right is crucial.
Here's a table summarizing the key differences:
| Feature | 50mm | 85mm |
|-------------------|-----------------------------------------|------------------------------------------|
| Versatility | High | Low |
| Price | Low | High |
| Size/Weight | Small/Light | Large/Heavy |
| Distortion | More noticeable, especially at close range | Less noticeable |
| Bokeh | Less pronounced | More pronounced |
| Perspective | Less flattering at close range | More flattering |
| Working Distance| Requires closer proximity | Allows for more comfortable distance |
| Ideal For | Environmental portraits, street photography | Close-up portraits, headshots, beautiful bokeh |
When to Choose Which:
* Choose 50mm if:
* You need a versatile lens for various types of photography.
* You're on a budget.
* You want to capture your subject in their environment.
* You're shooting in tight spaces.
* Choose 85mm if:
* You primarily shoot portraits and want the most flattering perspective and beautiful bokeh.
* You have the space to move around.
* You want to isolate your subject from the background.
* You want a more comfortable distance from your subject.
Ultimately, the best way to decide is to try both focal lengths and see which one you prefer. Renting lenses is a great option before making a purchase. Also, consider what kind of portraits you want to create and the environment you'll be shooting in. If you could only have one, a 50mm might be the more practical starting point due to its versatility. However, many photographers find the 85mm to be their go-to for professional-looking portraiture.