50mm Lens (The "Standard" Portrait Lens)
Pros:
* Versatility: A 50mm lens is incredibly versatile. You can use it for portraits, street photography, landscapes, and even some close-ups. It's a great all-around lens to have in your bag.
* Affordability: High-quality 50mm lenses (especially f/1.8 versions) are relatively inexpensive, making them a fantastic entry point into portrait photography.
* Wider Angle: This wider field of view allows you to include more of the environment in your shot. This can be great for environmental portraits that tell a story. You can show the subject in their context, interacting with their surroundings.
* More Forgiving in Tight Spaces: If you're shooting indoors in a small room, the 50mm can be easier to work with because you won't need as much space to get the framing you want.
* Good in Low Light: Fast 50mm lenses (f/1.8, f/1.4) perform very well in low-light situations, allowing you to shoot without a flash in many circumstances.
* More Natural Perspective: It more closely mimics how the human eye perceives perspective, so portraits can feel more natural and less compressed.
Cons:
* Less Background Compression: Compared to an 85mm, a 50mm lens doesn't compress the background as much, so it might not isolate your subject as effectively.
* Potential for Distortion: If you get too close to your subject with a 50mm, you can introduce slight distortion, especially around the edges of the frame. This isn't usually a major issue but something to be aware of.
* May Need to Get Closer: To achieve a similar head-and-shoulders composition as an 85mm, you'll need to get physically closer to your subject. This might not be ideal for shy or uncomfortable subjects.
85mm Lens (The "Classic" Portrait Lens)
Pros:
* Excellent Subject Isolation: The longer focal length creates a shallower depth of field, blurring the background beautifully and isolating your subject, making them really pop. This is the key to that "creamy bokeh" look.
* Flattering Compression: 85mm lenses compress features slightly, which many find more flattering for portraits. This can help to smooth out features and minimize perceived imperfections.
* Comfortable Working Distance: You can maintain a comfortable distance from your subject while still achieving a close-up composition. This can make the subject feel more at ease and less self-conscious.
* Minimizes Distortion: An 85mm lens is less prone to distortion than a 50mm, resulting in more natural-looking facial features.
* Bokeh King/Queen: Provides stunning bokeh (background blur), further isolating your subject.
Cons:
* Less Versatile: Less versatile than a 50mm. It's primarily a portrait lens and not as useful for other types of photography.
* More Expensive: Generally, good 85mm lenses are more expensive than equivalent 50mm lenses.
* Requires More Space: You need more space to work with an 85mm, especially indoors. It might not be suitable for small studios or confined locations.
* Can Feel "Distant": The distance required can sometimes feel less engaging for the photographer and subject.
* Not as Good in Tight Spaces: Can be difficult to use indoors in smaller homes or studios.
Here's a Table Summarizing the Key Differences:
| Feature | 50mm | 85mm |
|------------------|---------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------|
| Versatility | High | Low (Primarily for portraits) |
| Price | Lower | Higher |
| Background Blur | Less | More (Creates creamy bokeh) |
| Compression | Less | More (Flattering to facial features) |
| Working Distance | Closer | Further |
| Distortion | Potentially more, if very close | Less |
| Space Required | Less | More |
| Best For | Environmental Portraits, All-Around Use | Headshots, Isolated Subjects, Dreamy Bokeh |
| Perspective | More Natural | Slightly Compressed |
Which is Right for You?
* Choose a 50mm if:
* You want a versatile lens that can be used for various types of photography.
* You're on a budget.
* You often shoot in tight spaces.
* You prefer environmental portraits that show the subject in their surroundings.
* You want a more natural, less compressed look.
* Choose an 85mm if:
* You primarily shoot portraits and want the best possible subject isolation and background blur.
* You want a flattering lens that compresses features slightly.
* You prefer a comfortable working distance from your subject.
* You have enough space to work with.
* You love that creamy bokeh!
Ultimately, the best way to decide is to try both lenses if possible. Rent them or borrow them from a friend. Experiment with different compositions and lighting situations to see which one you prefer and which one best suits your style. There's no "right" answer - it's all about your personal preference and the look you're trying to achieve. Many professional portrait photographers use both regularly, choosing the best lens for each specific situation.