85mm: The Classic Portrait Lens
Pros:
* Flattering Perspective: The 85mm lens offers a more compressed perspective compared to the 50mm. This compression slightly flattens facial features, which many photographers find more flattering. It helps to avoid any potential distortion, especially around the nose.
* Better Background Blur (Bokeh): The longer focal length, combined with a wider aperture (like f/1.8 or f/1.4), creates a shallower depth of field and more dramatic background blur (bokeh). This helps to isolate the subject and draw the viewer's eye to them. This effect is further amplified with the wider aperture often found on 85mm lenses.
* Working Distance: Allows you to maintain a comfortable distance from your subject. This can make them feel more relaxed and natural, leading to better expressions. It allows you to give them more space, especially if they are shy or uncomfortable in front of the camera.
* More Professional Look (Generally): Often associated with professional portraiture due to the pleasing perspective and background isolation.
Cons:
* Requires More Space: You need more distance between you and your subject, which can be challenging in smaller studios or indoor environments.
* Less Versatile: While excellent for portraits, it's less suitable for wider shots, street photography, or situations where you need a wider field of view.
* Can Be More Expensive: High-quality 85mm lenses, especially those with very wide apertures, can be significantly more expensive than comparable 50mm lenses.
* Communication Barrier: The distance can sometimes hinder communication with your subject if you don't have a clear voice.
50mm: The Versatile All-Rounder
Pros:
* Versatility: The 50mm is often called the "nifty fifty" for a reason. It's a versatile focal length that can be used for various types of photography, including portraits, street, landscapes, and everyday snapshots. It approximates the human eye's field of view.
* Affordable: High-quality 50mm lenses are generally much more affordable than 85mm lenses, making them a great entry point for portrait photography.
* Works Well in Tight Spaces: Its wider field of view allows you to take portraits in smaller rooms or crowded locations where you can't step back very far.
* Environmental Portraits: It allows you to capture more of the subject's surroundings, telling a story about them and their environment. It can be great for capturing context and adding narrative.
* Easier Communication: Closer proximity facilitates easier communication with the subject, leading to potentially more genuine expressions.
Cons:
* Less Background Blur: The shallower depth of field is not as pronounced as with an 85mm, so you may need to work harder to achieve a blurred background.
* Perspective Distortion (Potentially): If you get too close to your subject, especially with a 50mm on a full-frame camera, it can create some perspective distortion, particularly around the nose.
* Less Flattering (Potentially): Some people find the 50mm less flattering for portraits, as it captures facial features more realistically, without the compression of the 85mm. However, this can be overcome with proper posing and lighting.
* Requires More Attention to Background: Because more of the background is in the frame, you have to pay more attention to ensuring it's not distracting.
Here's a simple guide to help you decide:
* Choose 85mm if:
* You primarily shoot portraits.
* You want maximum background blur and subject isolation.
* You have plenty of space to work with.
* You prioritize a flattering perspective.
* Choose 50mm if:
* You need a versatile lens that can be used for more than just portraits.
* You are on a budget.
* You often shoot in tight spaces.
* You want to include more of the environment in your portraits.
Important Considerations:
* Crop Sensor vs. Full Frame: If you're using a crop sensor camera, the effective focal length of your lenses will be different. For example, a 50mm lens on a camera with a 1.5x crop factor will behave more like a 75mm lens (50mm * 1.5 = 75mm). Therefore, a 35mm might become the "nifty fifty." Take this into account when making your decision.
* Aperture: Both lenses are often available with wide maximum apertures (f/1.8, f/1.4, or even wider). A wider aperture allows for more light, shallower depth of field, and better low-light performance.
* Personal Style: Ultimately, the best lens is the one that helps you achieve your desired look and matches your shooting style. Experiment with both focal lengths to see which you prefer.
In conclusion, there's no single "best" focal length. Both 50mm and 85mm are excellent choices for portrait photography, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. Consider your shooting style, budget, and the type of portraits you want to create when making your decision. You might even consider owning both eventually! Good luck!