Here's a breakdown to help you decide which might be better for you:
50mm Lens:
* Pros:
* Versatile: Excellent for environmental portraits, street photography, and general use. It's a good "walk-around" lens.
* Smaller and Lighter: More portable and less intimidating than an 85mm, especially for subjects who might be nervous.
* Wider Field of View: Allows you to capture more of the background and tell a story about the subject in their surroundings. Great for showing context.
* Often More Affordable: 50mm lenses (especially f/1.8 versions) are typically cheaper than 85mm lenses.
* Slightly Easier to Focus: The wider field of view provides a bit more leeway for focus errors.
* Cons:
* Can Distort Features at Close Range: If you get too close, it can slightly distort facial features (e.g., make the nose appear larger). Requires you to be more mindful of distance.
* Less Background Compression: Doesn't compress the background as much as an 85mm, so you might have to work harder to isolate the subject.
* May Need More Space: In tight spaces, you may need to stand further back to get the composition you want.
85mm Lens:
* Pros:
* Flattering Perspective: Compresses facial features, generally considered more flattering for portraits. Minimizes distortion.
* Beautiful Bokeh: Creates a creamy, blurred background (bokeh) that effectively isolates the subject.
* Strong Subject Isolation: Excellent for isolating the subject and drawing the viewer's attention to them.
* Requires Less Post-Processing: Due to the flattering compression and bokeh, less retouching might be needed.
* Good for Headshots and Tight Crops: Perfect for focusing on the face and expression.
* Cons:
* Less Versatile: Primarily a portrait lens; less suitable for other types of photography.
* Bulkier and Heavier: Less portable and can be more tiring to carry around.
* More Expensive: Typically more expensive than a 50mm lens.
* Requires More Distance from the Subject: Can be challenging in confined spaces. You need space to move back.
* Shallower Depth of Field: The narrow depth of field makes precise focusing crucial. Can be more challenging to nail focus consistently.
Here's a table summarizing the key differences:
| Feature | 50mm | 85mm |
|-------------------|---------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------|
| Versatility | High | Lower |
| Portability | More Portable | Less Portable |
| Perspective | Can Distort at Close Range | Flattering Compression |
| Bokeh | Good, but not as creamy as 85mm | Excellent, Creamy Bokeh |
| Subject Isolation| Moderate | Strong |
| Price | Generally More Affordable | Generally More Expensive |
| Space Needed | Less Space Required | More Space Required |
| Focusing | Slightly Easier | More Challenging, Requires Precision |
| Best For | Environmental Portraits, General Use | Headshots, Isolated Portraits |
Which should you choose?
* Choose 50mm if:
* You're on a budget.
* You want a versatile lens for various types of photography.
* You enjoy shooting environmental portraits and showing the subject within their surroundings.
* You often shoot in tight spaces.
* You prefer a lighter, more portable setup.
* Choose 85mm if:
* You primarily focus on portrait photography, especially headshots.
* You want to create a beautifully blurred background (bokeh).
* You want a flattering perspective that minimizes distortion.
* You have enough space to work with.
* You don't mind a larger, heavier lens.
Recommendation:
* If you can only choose one to start with, and you're new to portraiture, the 50mm is often a better starting point due to its versatility and lower cost. It allows you to learn basic portrait techniques without a significant investment.
* Ideally, having both lenses is the best option. They complement each other and allow you to adapt to different shooting situations.
* Rent or borrow both lenses and experiment! The best way to determine which is right for you is to try them out in real-world scenarios.
Important Considerations:
* Sensor Size: These focal lengths behave differently on different sensor sizes. On an APS-C camera, a 50mm lens will have a field of view closer to an 80mm lens, making it more similar to an 85mm on a full-frame camera. Factor in the crop factor of your camera.
* Aperture: A lens with a wide aperture (e.g., f/1.4, f/1.8) is crucial for portrait photography, especially with an 85mm lens, to create shallow depth of field and beautiful bokeh.
* Personal Preference: Ultimately, the best lens is the one that helps you achieve your creative vision. Experiment and find what works best for you.
No matter which focal length you choose, remember that good portrait photography is about more than just the lens. It's about connecting with your subject, understanding lighting, and composing the shot effectively. Good luck!