50mm: The Versatile Option
* Pros:
* More Affordable: 50mm lenses are generally less expensive than 85mm lenses, especially in their faster (e.g., f/1.8) versions.
* Wider Field of View: This is useful when you're shooting in smaller spaces or want to include more of the environment in your portrait to tell a story. You can capture full-body shots more easily without having to back up as much.
* Versatile for Other Genres: Great for street photography, landscapes, and general photography. You'll get more use out of it beyond just portraits.
* Easier to Connect with Your Subject: Because you're physically closer to your subject, it can feel more natural and conversational, leading to more relaxed expressions.
* Less Compression: Images look closer to how the human eye perceives the scene.
* Cons:
* Can Distort Facial Features: When you're close to your subject (which you often are with a 50mm for a headshot), there's a slight risk of distortion, especially around the nose and forehead. This is minimized with good technique but something to be aware of.
* Less Background Blur (Boke): While you can still get decent bokeh, it won't be as creamy and pronounced as with an 85mm, especially at the same aperture. The depth of field is greater at 50mm, meaning more of the scene is in focus.
* Requires More Cropping (Sometimes): To achieve a tighter headshot, you might need to crop in post-processing, which can reduce image quality slightly.
* Not As Flattering at Close Range: Due to the slight distortion, it's often less flattering to use very close for headshots compared to 85mm.
85mm: The Portrait Specialist
* Pros:
* More Flattering Perspective: Compresses facial features, making them appear more balanced and generally more flattering. This "compression" makes the background appear closer and the face less distorted.
* Beautiful Bokeh: Creates a very shallow depth of field, blurring the background beautifully and isolating the subject. This is ideal for clean, uncluttered portraits.
* Strong Subject Isolation: The combination of compression and bokeh really draws the viewer's eye to the subject.
* Greater Working Distance: Allows you to be further away from your subject, which can make some people feel more comfortable. Also useful in situations where you can't physically get closer.
* Cons:
* More Expensive: 85mm lenses, especially the faster ones, tend to be pricier.
* Less Versatile: Not as practical for general photography or situations where you need a wider field of view. It's more specialized.
* Requires More Space: You need more space to shoot, especially for full-body portraits. It can be challenging to use in small studios or homes.
* Can Feel Disconnected: Being further away from your subject can sometimes make it harder to establish a connection and direct them effectively.
* Compression Can Be Too Much: In rare cases, too much compression can make the face look flat, although this is less of a concern.
Summary Table:
| Feature | 50mm | 85mm |
|-----------------|---------------------------------------|----------------------------------------|
| Cost | Less Expensive | More Expensive |
| Field of View| Wider | Narrower |
| Distortion | More Potential for Minor Distortion | Less Distortion, More Flattering |
| Bokeh | Less Pronounced | More Pronounced, Creamier |
| Working Space| Less Required | More Required |
| Versatility | More Versatile for Other Genres | More Specialized for Portraits |
| Subject Connection| Easier to Connect | Can Feel More Distant |
Which to Choose?
* If you're on a budget and need a versatile lens: Start with a 50mm. You can learn a lot about portrait photography with it, and it will serve you well in other areas too.
* If you want the classic portrait look with beautiful bokeh and flattering compression: The 85mm is the clear winner.
* If you shoot in small spaces: The 50mm will be easier to work with.
* If you shoot environmental portraits (showing the subject in their surroundings): The 50mm is better.
* If you want to isolate your subject completely: The 85mm is better.
* If you're unsure: Rent or borrow both lenses and experiment to see which focal length better suits your shooting style and preferences.
Important Considerations Beyond Focal Length:
* Aperture (f-stop): A wider aperture (e.g., f/1.8, f/1.4) will give you more shallow depth of field and better low-light performance with either lens.
* Lighting: Good lighting is crucial for any portrait, regardless of the focal length.
* Composition: Understanding composition techniques (rule of thirds, leading lines, etc.) will greatly improve your portraits.
* Posing: How you pose your subject is just as important as the lens you use.
Ultimately, the best focal length is the one that helps you achieve your artistic vision and create the portraits you want to create. Don't be afraid to experiment and find what works best for you!