85mm Lens: The Classic Portrait Lens
* Pros:
* Excellent Background Blur (Bokeh): The longer focal length and typically wider aperture (e.g., f/1.8, f/1.4) create beautiful, creamy background blur that isolates the subject. This is a primary reason why the 85mm is so loved for portraits.
* Flattering Perspective: 85mm lenses provide a more compressed perspective, which can be more flattering to facial features. It minimizes distortion and makes faces appear slimmer and more proportional.
* Working Distance: Allows you to stand further back from your subject, making them feel more comfortable, especially if they're camera-shy. This also gives you more room to compose your shots.
* Separation from Background: The longer focal length and shallower depth of field make it easy to separate the subject from a busy or distracting background.
* Ideal for Headshots and Upper Body Portraits: Excels at capturing detailed close-ups and focusing attention on the subject's eyes.
* Cons:
* Requires More Space: You need more room to work with an 85mm lens. It's not ideal for tight indoor spaces or situations where you can't move back.
* Less Versatile: Not as well-suited for environmental portraits or wider shots where you want to show more of the surroundings.
* Can Feel Isolating: The strong subject isolation can sometimes feel isolating, depending on your desired aesthetic.
* More Expensive: Typically more expensive than a comparable 50mm lens, especially fast aperture versions (f/1.4 or f/1.2).
50mm Lens: The Versatile Option
* Pros:
* Versatility: A "standard" focal length that's great for a wide range of photography, including portraits, street photography, landscapes, and general use.
* More Environmental Portraits: Easier to include more of the background and surroundings in your portraits, providing context and telling a story.
* Works Well in Tight Spaces: Suitable for indoor portraits and situations where you don't have much room to move around.
* More Affordable: Usually less expensive than an 85mm lens, especially fast aperture versions.
* Lightweight and Compact: Generally smaller and lighter than 85mm lenses, making them easier to carry.
* More "True to Life" Perspective: Closely mimics the human eye's field of view, resulting in a more natural-looking perspective.
* Cons:
* Less Background Blur: While you can still achieve bokeh, it won't be as dramatic as with an 85mm lens, especially at similar apertures.
* Perspective Distortion: Can introduce some distortion, especially when shooting close-ups. Facial features might appear slightly wider.
* Requires Closer Proximity: You need to be closer to your subject, which can sometimes make them feel uncomfortable.
* Less Subject Isolation: More challenging to isolate your subject from a busy or distracting background.
Here's a Table Summarizing the Key Differences:
| Feature | 85mm Lens | 50mm Lens |
|--------------------|----------------------|----------------------|
| Background Blur | Excellent | Good |
| Perspective | Compressed, Flattering | More Natural, Slight Distortion |
| Working Distance | Longer | Shorter |
| Versatility | Lower | Higher |
| Space Requirements | More | Less |
| Price | Higher | Lower |
| Subject Isolation | High | Moderate |
Which Should You Choose?
* Choose an 85mm if:
* You prioritize beautiful background blur and subject isolation.
* You primarily shoot headshots and upper body portraits.
* You have enough space to work with.
* You want a flattering perspective that minimizes distortion.
* Choose a 50mm if:
* You need a versatile lens for various types of photography.
* You often shoot in tight spaces.
* You want to include more of the environment in your portraits.
* You're on a budget.
* You prefer a more natural-looking perspective.
Consider These Factors Too:
* Your Style: Do you prefer close-up, intimate portraits, or wider environmental portraits?
* Your Camera: The crop factor of your camera sensor affects the effective focal length. On an APS-C sensor, a 50mm lens acts more like an 85mm lens, and an 85mm lens acts like a 135mm lens.
* Your Budget: Fast aperture lenses (f/1.8, f/1.4) are generally more expensive, but they provide better background blur and low-light performance.
Ultimately, the best way to decide is to try both lenses if possible. Rent them or borrow them from a friend and see which one better suits your needs and style. Many photographers end up owning both lenses and using them for different purposes. Good luck!