50mm Lens:
* Pros:
* Versatile: A 50mm lens is often referred to as a "nifty fifty" because it's incredibly versatile. It's a good walkaround lens for general photography, and its field of view is close to what the human eye sees.
* More Affordable: Generally, 50mm lenses, especially the f/1.8 versions, are much more affordable than 85mm lenses with similar apertures. This makes them a great option for beginners.
* Better in Tight Spaces: The wider field of view of a 50mm lens allows you to shoot portraits in smaller rooms or environments where you can't move back as far.
* More Context: 50mm lenses include more of the background in the shot, providing more context and telling a story about the subject's environment.
* Easier to Communicate: Because you are closer to the subject with a 50mm lens, it can be easier to communicate with them and direct their posing.
* Cons:
* Less Background Blur (Bokeh): While you can still achieve a shallow depth of field, an 85mm lens, especially at wider apertures, generally produces more creamy and blurred backgrounds.
* Can Distort Facial Features (Slightly): When shooting portraits from close distances, a 50mm lens can subtly distort facial features, particularly the nose. This is less noticeable at longer distances.
* Requires Closer Proximity: You need to get physically closer to your subject, which might make some people feel uncomfortable or self-conscious.
85mm Lens:
* Pros:
* Ideal for Portraits: The 85mm focal length is often considered the *classic* portrait lens. It provides a flattering perspective, compressing facial features and creating a more pleasing look.
* Excellent Background Blur (Bokeh): An 85mm lens, especially with a wide aperture (f/1.8, f/1.4), produces beautiful, creamy background blur, isolating the subject and minimizing distractions.
* More Flattering Perspective: The compression created by the 85mm lens makes faces appear slimmer and more attractive.
* Comfortable Shooting Distance: You can shoot from a comfortable distance, which can help your subject feel more relaxed and natural.
* Better for Candid Shots: The longer focal length allows you to capture candid moments without being too close to the subject.
* Cons:
* More Expensive: High-quality 85mm lenses, especially those with fast apertures, can be significantly more expensive than 50mm lenses.
* Requires More Space: You need more room to work, as you need to stand further away from your subject. This can be challenging in small studios or confined spaces.
* Less Versatile: While great for portraits, an 85mm lens is less practical for general photography or wide-angle shots.
* Can Feel Isolated: The strong background blur can sometimes feel too isolated, removing too much context from the image.
Here's a simple table summarizing the key differences:
| Feature | 50mm | 85mm |
|-----------------|----------------------------|----------------------------|
| Perspective | More natural, wider | Compressed, flattering |
| Background Blur| Less | More |
| Shooting Distance | Closer | Further |
| Space Required | Less | More |
| Price | Generally less expensive | Generally more expensive |
| Versatility | More versatile | Less versatile |
| Best For | Environmental portraits, tight spaces | Classic portraits, beautiful bokeh |
In conclusion:
* Choose 50mm if: You need a versatile, affordable lens, are shooting in tight spaces, and want to include more of the environment in your portraits. You're on a budget.
* Choose 85mm if: You want the classic portrait look with beautiful background blur, have enough space to work, and prioritize flattering facial features and subject isolation.
Ultimately, the best way to determine which focal length is right for you is to experiment with both and see which one you prefer and which one best suits your style and shooting conditions. Consider renting each lens to try it out before committing to a purchase. Also, consider whether you're shooting on a full-frame or crop-sensor camera, as this will affect the equivalent focal length. On a crop sensor, a 35mm can approximate the field of view of a 50mm on a full-frame, and a 50mm on a crop sensor will behave more like a shorter telephoto.