50mm Lens - The Versatile Option
* Pros:
* Wider Field of View: Allows for more environmental context. You can capture more of the background, telling a story or including interesting surroundings.
* More Forgiving for Composition: Easier to compose a shot in tight spaces. You don't need as much room to move around.
* More Affordable: Generally less expensive than a comparable 85mm lens.
* Versatile: Can be used for a wider range of subjects beyond portraits, such as street photography, landscape, and general photography.
* Good for Full Body Portraits: Easier to capture the entire subject in frame.
* Cons:
* More Distortion: Can introduce some distortion, especially at the edges of the frame, particularly with wide-angle compositions.
* Less Background Compression: Doesn't compress the background as much as an 85mm, which can lead to a busier and less-isolated background.
* May Require More Post-Processing: To correct distortion or enhance subject isolation.
* Less Subject Isolation (Generally): Can be harder to achieve shallow depth of field (blurry background) depending on the maximum aperture.
85mm Lens - The Portrait Specialist
* Pros:
* Excellent Subject Isolation: Creates a beautiful shallow depth of field (bokeh), blurring the background and making the subject stand out.
* Flattering Perspective: Compresses facial features, making subjects look more slender and generally more flattering. Avoids potential distortion from a wider lens.
* Beautiful Bokeh: Often produces smooth, creamy background blur due to the combination of focal length and aperture.
* Comfortable Working Distance: Allows you to be a bit further away from your subject, which can make them feel more relaxed and natural.
* Sharp Image Quality: Often known for exceptional sharpness, especially at wider apertures.
* Cons:
* Tighter Field of View: Requires more space to work. Can be restrictive in small studios or crowded environments.
* Less Versatile: More specialized for portraits and may not be ideal for other types of photography.
* More Expensive: Generally more expensive than a comparable 50mm lens.
* More Difficult to Get Full Body Shots: Requires a significant amount of distance to capture the entire subject.
* Can Feel Disconnected: Being further from the subject may make communication slightly less personal.
Here's a table summarizing the key differences:
| Feature | 50mm | 85mm |
| ------------------- | ------------------------- | ------------------------- |
| Field of View | Wider | Narrower |
| Subject Isolation | Less | More |
| Background Blur | Less | More |
| Perspective | More Distortion Potential | More Flattering |
| Working Distance | Closer | Further |
| Price | Generally Lower | Generally Higher |
| Versatility | Higher | Lower |
| Space Requirements | Less | More |
Which one is right for you? Consider these questions:
* What is your budget? 50mm lenses are typically more affordable.
* What kind of portraits do you shoot? Full-body, environmental, headshots?
* Where do you typically shoot? Studio, outdoors, cramped spaces?
* What is your personal style? Do you prefer a lot of background context or a blurry, isolated subject?
* How important is background blur to you? 85mm excels here.
* How much space do you have to work with? 50mm is better in tight spaces.
Recommendation:
* For beginners or photographers on a budget: The 50mm f/1.8 ("nifty fifty") is an excellent starting point. It's affordable, versatile, and can produce beautiful portraits.
* For photographers who want a dedicated portrait lens and prioritize subject isolation and flattering perspective: The 85mm is the better choice.
* For photographers who want a mix of versatility and portrait capabilities: Consider owning both! They complement each other well and provide different options for different situations.
Ultimately, the best way to decide is to try both focal lengths and see which one you prefer. Renting lenses is a great way to experiment before making a purchase. You might find you prefer one over the other, or that you like using both for different types of portraits. Good luck!