50mm Lens for Portraits:
Pros:
* Versatility: 50mm lenses are very versatile. They can be used for a wider range of portrait styles, from environmental portraits that show more of the surroundings to tighter headshots.
* Field of View: The 50mm lens provides a field of view that's close to how the human eye sees the world. This can create a more natural and relatable feel in your portraits.
* Cost-Effective: High-quality 50mm lenses (especially f/1.8 or f/1.4) are generally more affordable than comparable 85mm lenses.
* Easier to Use in Tight Spaces: If you're shooting in a small studio or indoor environment, the wider field of view of a 50mm lens can be an advantage. You won't need as much space between you and your subject.
* Environmental Portraits: Great for capturing the subject within their environment, telling a story.
Cons:
* Less Background Blur (Bokeh): Compared to an 85mm lens at the same aperture, a 50mm lens will produce less background blur. This can be less desirable if you want to isolate your subject completely.
* More Distortion: Depending on the lens quality, a 50mm lens can exhibit slightly more distortion, especially around the edges of the frame. This is usually not a big problem but something to be aware of.
* Requires More Proximity: You need to be closer to your subject, which can sometimes make them feel less comfortable.
85mm Lens for Portraits:
Pros:
* Excellent Background Blur (Bokeh): 85mm lenses are known for their ability to create beautiful, creamy background blur, which helps to isolate the subject and draw the viewer's attention to them.
* Flattering Perspective: The longer focal length of an 85mm lens tends to compress features and create a more flattering perspective for portraits. It minimizes distortion and can make subjects appear more attractive.
* Good Working Distance: You can maintain a comfortable distance from your subject while still getting relatively tight shots. This can help them feel more relaxed and natural.
* Subject Isolation: Really good at isolating the subject from the background.
* Less distortion: Generally, less distortion that wider lenses.
Cons:
* Less Versatile: An 85mm lens is more specialized for portraits. It's not as well-suited for general photography or wider shots.
* Higher Cost: High-quality 85mm lenses (especially those with wide apertures) are typically more expensive than comparable 50mm lenses.
* Requires More Space: You need more distance between you and your subject to get the shot you want. This can be challenging in small spaces.
* Can Feel Isolating: While the background blur is desirable, it can sometimes feel *too* isolating, removing the subject from any sense of place.
Here's a simple table summarizing the key differences:
| Feature | 50mm Lens | 85mm Lens |
|----------------------|-----------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------|
| Versatility | High | Lower |
| Background Blur | Less | More |
| Perspective | More "natural," but potential for distortion| More flattering, compressed |
| Working Distance | Shorter | Longer |
| Cost | Lower | Higher |
| Space Requirements | Less | More |
| Best For | Environmental portraits, wider shots | Headshots, close-ups, subject isolation |
Which One Should You Choose?
* Start with a 50mm if:
* You're on a budget.
* You need a versatile lens that can be used for more than just portraits.
* You often shoot in tight spaces.
* You want to include more of the environment in your portraits.
* You're new to portrait photography and want a good starting point.
* Choose an 85mm if:
* You prioritize background blur and subject isolation.
* You want a flattering perspective that minimizes distortion.
* You have enough space to work with.
* You primarily shoot headshots or close-up portraits.
* You want a professional-looking portrait with a very shallow depth of field.
Ultimately, the best way to decide is to try both lenses and see which one you prefer. Renting lenses can be a great way to experiment before making a purchase. Also, consider what type of portraits you plan to take the most. If you're unsure, the 50mm is a solid, versatile starting point.