50mm Lens for Portraits:
Pros:
* Versatility: The 50mm is a very versatile lens. It can be used for more than just portraits, including street photography, landscapes, and general photography.
* Wider Field of View: Allows you to include more of the environment around your subject, telling more of a story. You can capture environmental portraits more easily.
* Closer Connection to the Subject: You need to be closer to your subject, which can foster a more intimate connection and interaction.
* Affordability: Generally, a good 50mm prime lens is more affordable than a comparable 85mm.
* Smaller and Lighter: Easier to carry and travel with, especially for longer shoots.
Cons:
* Less Background Compression: Doesn't compress the background as much as an 85mm, meaning the background will appear relatively closer to your subject. This can be good or bad, depending on your desired look.
* Potential for Distortion: If you get too close to your subject, especially for headshots, a 50mm can introduce slight distortion, making features like the nose appear larger. Careful positioning is key.
* Requires More Movement: You need to move around more to frame your shots, which can be tiring on longer shoots.
* Background Clutter: Because of the wider field of view, you need to be more mindful of distracting elements in the background.
85mm Lens for Portraits:
Pros:
* Beautiful Background Blur (Bokeh): The longer focal length and typically wider aperture (e.g., f/1.8 or wider) create a shallow depth of field, isolating your subject and producing a creamy, blurred background.
* Flattering Perspective: 85mm is widely considered to be a very flattering focal length for portraits. It minimizes distortion and produces natural-looking proportions.
* Background Compression: Compresses the background, making it appear closer to the subject and creating a more visually appealing separation. This also helps to eliminate distracting elements.
* Comfortable Distance: Allows you to maintain a comfortable distance from your subject, which can be beneficial for shy or self-conscious individuals.
* Isolates the Subject: Makes the subject the clear focus of the image.
Cons:
* Less Versatile: Primarily a portrait lens. Less useful for other types of photography.
* More Expensive: Generally more expensive than a comparable 50mm.
* Larger and Heavier: Can be bulky and cumbersome to carry around.
* Requires More Space: You need more space to work with, both indoors and outdoors. Can be limiting in small studios or tight spaces.
* Can Feel Distant: The distance can make it harder to communicate and connect with your subject.
Here's a quick table summarizing the key differences:
| Feature | 50mm | 85mm |
|-------------------|-------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------|
| Versatility | High | Low |
| Field of View | Wider | Narrower |
| Background Blur| Less (depends on aperture) | More (easier to achieve shallow DOF) |
| Distortion | Potential if too close | Minimal |
| Perspective | Can be less flattering up close | More flattering |
| Compression | Less | More |
| Distance | Closer to subject | Further from subject |
| Price | Generally more affordable | Generally more expensive |
| Size/Weight | Smaller and lighter | Larger and heavier |
| Space Required | Less | More |
Which is right for you? Consider these questions:
* What kind of portraits do you want to take? Environmental portraits where the surroundings are important? Close-up headshots? Full-body shots?
* What is your budget? Can you afford a good quality 85mm lens?
* What kind of shooting environment do you typically work in? Do you have plenty of space, or are you often shooting in tight quarters?
* What is your personal style? Do you prefer to be close and interactive with your subjects, or do you prefer to observe from a distance?
* Do you need a lens that can be used for other types of photography besides portraits?
In conclusion:
* Choose the 50mm if: You want a versatile and affordable lens that can be used for various purposes, including environmental portraits, and you're comfortable getting close to your subjects.
* Choose the 85mm if: You primarily shoot portraits, value beautiful background blur and flattering perspective, and have the space and budget for it.
Ultimately, the best way to decide is to try both lenses and see which one you prefer! Renting lenses is a great way to test them out before committing to a purchase. Consider renting both and spending a weekend shooting portraits with each. This hands-on experience will give you the best understanding of which focal length is best suited to your needs and preferences. Good luck!