50mm Lens for Portrait Photography:
Pros:
* Versatile: It's a "standard" focal length, meaning it provides a field of view closest to what the human eye sees. This makes it good for environmental portraits (showing the subject in their surroundings) and general photography beyond just portraits.
* More Affordable: Generally, a good 50mm lens is less expensive than a comparable 85mm lens, especially if you're looking at a lens with a fast aperture (e.g., f/1.8 or f/1.4).
* Wider Field of View: Allows you to include more of the environment in your shot. Good for telling a story or showing context. Can also be useful in tighter spaces where you can't physically move back as far.
* Lightweight & Compact: 50mm lenses are typically smaller and lighter, making them easier to carry around for extended periods.
* Easier to Focus (Sometimes): While modern 85mm lenses are excellent at autofocus, some photographers find a 50mm is slightly faster to acquire focus, especially on older camera bodies.
Cons:
* Less Background Blur (Bokeh): At the same aperture, an 85mm will produce more background blur than a 50mm. You'll need to get closer to your subject to achieve a similar level of shallow depth of field with a 50mm.
* Perspective Distortion: When shooting close-up portraits with a 50mm, there can be some perspective distortion. Features like the nose might appear larger in proportion to the rest of the face. This is less pronounced than with wider-angle lenses but still present. Requires you to be closer to the subject.
* Less Isolating: Since the background is more visible, it's harder to isolate the subject completely, especially in busy environments. Requires more careful composition to avoid distractions.
85mm Lens for Portrait Photography:
Pros:
* Flattering Perspective: The 85mm focal length is often praised for its flattering perspective, compressing facial features and minimizing perspective distortion. This is generally considered more aesthetically pleasing for portraits.
* Beautiful Bokeh: The longer focal length and typically wider maximum aperture (like f/1.8 or f/1.4) create a creamy, blurred background that beautifully isolates the subject and draws attention to them. Creates a more professional look.
* Greater Subject Isolation: The narrow field of view helps to isolate the subject from distracting backgrounds, even in busy environments.
* Comfortable Working Distance: You can stand further away from your subject, which can make them feel more comfortable and natural, especially when photographing people you don't know well.
* Good for Headshots: The flattering compression makes it ideal for headshots, where you want to showcase the subject's features.
Cons:
* More Expensive: Good 85mm lenses tend to be more expensive than comparable 50mm lenses.
* Less Versatile: The narrower field of view makes it less suitable for environmental portraits or general photography. It's more specialized for portraits.
* Larger and Heavier: 85mm lenses are generally larger and heavier, which can be tiring to carry around for extended periods.
* Requires More Space: You need more space to work with an 85mm lens, as you'll need to stand further back from your subject. This can be a limitation in small studios or crowded environments.
Summary Table:
| Feature | 50mm Lens | 85mm Lens |
|--------------------|---------------------------------|---------------------------------|
| Perspective | Some Distortion (close-up) | Flattering Compression |
| Bokeh | Less Background Blur | More Background Blur |
| Field of View | Wider | Narrower |
| Versatility | More Versatile | Less Versatile |
| Price | Generally Less Expensive | Generally More Expensive |
| Size & Weight | Smaller & Lighter | Larger & Heavier |
| Working Distance| Closer | Further |
| Best For | Environmental Portraits, Tight Spaces | Headshots, Isolated Portraits |
Which One Should You Choose?
* If you're on a budget: Start with a 50mm f/1.8. It's an excellent value and will allow you to experiment with portrait photography.
* If you want versatility: A 50mm lens is a better choice if you want a lens that can be used for various types of photography, not just portraits.
* If you prioritize flattering portraits and beautiful bokeh: An 85mm lens is the better choice.
* If you frequently shoot in tight spaces: The 50mm will be easier to work with.
* If you primarily shoot headshots: The 85mm is likely the better choice.
* If you want to include the environment: The 50mm is the better choice.
Ultimately, the best way to decide is to try both focal lengths yourself. Rent a lens or borrow one from a friend to see which focal length you prefer and which one best suits your shooting style and the types of portraits you want to create. You might even find that you like both for different situations!