50mm:
* Pros:
* Versatile: The 50mm lens is often called a "nifty fifty" because it's versatile. It can be used for portraits, street photography, and even some landscapes.
* Affordable: 50mm lenses are typically more affordable than 85mm lenses, especially fast aperture versions (f/1.8 or f/1.4).
* Wide Field of View: Allows you to capture more of the environment around your subject. Good for environmental portraits that tell a story about the person and their surroundings.
* Closer to Natural Perspective: Approximates the way the human eye sees, making images feel natural and less compressed.
* Easier to Work in Tight Spaces: Because of the wider field of view, you don't need as much room to take photos. Great for indoor portraits or cramped locations.
* Cons:
* Less Background Blur (Bokeh): Compared to 85mm, it requires a closer distance to your subject to achieve a similar depth of field, making it harder to isolate the subject with shallow depth of field.
* More Distortion: Can introduce slight distortion if you get too close to your subject, potentially distorting facial features.
* Less Flattering Perspective at Close Range: Being very close to your subject might make them feel self-conscious or uncomfortable.
* Less Reach: Might require you to get physically closer to your subject, which can be less ideal for shy subjects or candid shots.
85mm:
* Pros:
* Excellent Subject Isolation: Creates beautiful background blur (bokeh) even at smaller apertures, effectively separating the subject from the background.
* Flattering Perspective: The slightly longer focal length compresses features, which is generally considered more flattering for portraits. It avoids the potential distortion of a 50mm.
* Comfortable Working Distance: Allows you to maintain a comfortable distance from your subject, which can help them feel more relaxed.
* Sharp Image Quality: 85mm lenses, particularly prime lenses, are often exceptionally sharp.
* Cons:
* More Expensive: Good quality 85mm lenses tend to be more expensive than 50mm lenses.
* Less Versatile: Primarily suited for portraits and some other types of photography (like events), less useful for landscapes or wide environmental shots.
* Requires More Space: Needs more distance between you and your subject, making it less ideal for shooting in small spaces.
* Compressed Perspective: The compressed perspective can feel slightly less natural than the 50mm.
* Steeper Learning Curve: Mastering focus with a shallow depth of field can be more challenging, especially when shooting moving subjects.
Here's a table summarizing the key differences:
| Feature | 50mm | 85mm |
|-------------------|--------------------------|--------------------------|
| Versatility | High | Low |
| Price | Lower | Higher |
| Background Blur| Less | More |
| Perspective | More Natural | More Flattering/Compressed |
| Working Distance| Shorter | Longer |
| Space Needed | Less | More |
| Distortion | More Potential (at close range) | Less |
Which one is right for you? Consider these questions:
* What's your budget? 50mm is generally cheaper.
* What type of portraits do you want to take? Environmental portraits? Headshots? Full body?
* Where will you be shooting? Indoors? Outdoors? Studio?
* What's your shooting style? Do you prefer to get close and personal, or do you like to keep your distance?
* Do you value versatility? The 50mm can be used for more than just portraits.
* Do you prioritize maximum background blur and flattering perspective? The 85mm excels at this.
Recommendations:
* For beginners on a budget: Start with a 50mm f/1.8. It's affordable, versatile, and a great way to learn the basics of portrait photography.
* For dedicated portrait photographers: An 85mm f/1.8 or f/1.4 is a fantastic investment for stunning portraits with beautiful background blur.
* For environmental portraits and storytelling: A 50mm can be the better choice for capturing context.
* If you can afford it and have the space: Consider owning both! Each has its strengths and can be used creatively in different situations.
Ultimately, the best way to decide is to try both lenses yourself. Rent them, borrow them, or visit a camera store to test them out with your camera. You'll quickly discover which focal length better suits your style and preferences.