50mm Lens for Portraits:
Pros:
* More Versatile: The 50mm is a "standard" focal length, making it useful for more than just portraits. You can shoot landscapes, street photography, and even some macro shots.
* More Affordable: Generally, 50mm lenses are more affordable than 85mm lenses, especially fast aperture versions (e.g., f/1.8).
* Wider Field of View: Allows you to incorporate more of the environment into your portraits, telling a story and providing context.
* Good in Tight Spaces: Better suited for shooting in smaller rooms or crowded locations where you might not have room to move back with an 85mm.
* Less Compression: The 50mm lens produces less compression than an 85mm, meaning the subject's features will appear more realistically proportioned.
Cons:
* Requires More Engagement: You need to be closer to your subject, which can be uncomfortable for some photographers and subjects.
* Less Background Blur (Bokeh): While you can still achieve decent bokeh, it's not as dramatic or pronounced as with an 85mm, especially at wider apertures.
* Less Flattering Perspective (Potentially): Being closer to the subject can slightly distort features, especially the nose, if you're not careful with posing and angles.
85mm Lens for Portraits:
Pros:
* More Flattering Perspective: The longer focal length creates a more flattering perspective, compressing features and making the subject's face appear more pleasing.
* Excellent Background Blur (Bokeh): Produces beautiful, creamy background blur that isolates the subject and creates a professional look.
* Greater Subject Isolation: The narrow field of view emphasizes the subject and minimizes distractions.
* Comfortable Shooting Distance: Allows you to work from a comfortable distance, making the subject feel more relaxed.
* Good for Natural Light: Easier to shoot with wide apertures in bright conditions, maintaining shallow depth of field.
Cons:
* More Expensive: Typically more expensive than 50mm lenses, especially fast aperture versions.
* Less Versatile: Primarily designed for portraits, less useful for other types of photography.
* Needs More Space: Requires more room to move around and position yourself, making it less suitable for small spaces.
* Can Feel Isolating: The tight field of view and blurred background can sometimes make the subject feel detached from their surroundings.
* More Challenging to Learn: Getting the perfect framing can be tricky at first.
Here's a table summarizing the key differences:
| Feature | 50mm | 85mm |
|-------------------|-----------------------|-----------------------|
| Price | More Affordable | More Expensive |
| Versatility | More Versatile | Less Versatile |
| Space Needed | Less | More |
| Perspective | More Natural | More Flattering |
| Background Blur | Less | More |
| Engagement | Requires More | Requires Less |
| Learning Curve | Easier | More Challenging |
| Subject Distance | Closer | Further |
When to Choose Which Lens:
* Choose 50mm if:
* You're on a budget.
* You need a versatile lens for various photography styles.
* You're shooting in tight spaces.
* You want to capture more of the environment.
* You prefer a more natural, less "compressed" look.
* You enjoy interacting closely with your subject.
* Choose 85mm if:
* You prioritize flattering portraits with beautiful background blur.
* You have ample space to move around.
* You want to isolate your subject and minimize distractions.
* You prefer to work from a comfortable distance.
* You're willing to invest in a more specialized lens.
Ultimately, the best way to decide is to try both lenses (if possible) and see which one suits your personal style and preferences. Renting lenses can be a great way to experiment before committing to a purchase.
Consider these additional factors:
* Crop Sensor vs. Full Frame: The crop factor of your camera will affect the effective focal length. On a crop sensor camera, a 50mm lens will behave more like an 80mm lens, and an 85mm lens will be even longer. Keep this in mind when making your decision.
* Aperture: The maximum aperture (e.g., f/1.8, f/1.4) is crucial for controlling depth of field and low-light performance. Faster apertures (smaller f-number) allow for more background blur.
* Image Stabilization: If you frequently shoot in low light or without a tripod, consider a lens with image stabilization (IS or VR) to help reduce camera shake.
No matter which lens you choose, practice and experimentation are key to mastering portrait photography. Good luck!