50mm Lens:
* Pros:
* Versatility: The 50mm is a highly versatile lens that can be used in a wider range of shooting situations. It's great for full-body portraits, environmental portraits, and even some street photography.
* Affordability: Generally, a good quality 50mm lens (like a f/1.8) is much more affordable than an 85mm lens of comparable quality. This makes it a great entry-level portrait lens.
* Smaller and Lighter: Easier to carry around and use for extended periods.
* Wider Field of View: Allows you to include more of the background in your shot, helping to tell a story or provide context. You don't have to stand as far away from your subject as with an 85mm lens, which can improve communication.
* Cons:
* Less Background Compression: The background won't be as blurred or "compressed" as with an 85mm, so you need to be more mindful of the background elements and choose them carefully.
* Can Distort Facial Features (Slightly): When shooting close-up portraits, a 50mm can slightly distort facial features, making noses appear a bit larger. This is most noticeable at very close distances.
85mm Lens:
* Pros:
* Excellent Background Compression: Creates a beautiful, creamy bokeh (background blur) that isolates the subject and minimizes distractions.
* Flattering Perspective: Provides a more flattering perspective for portraits, as it minimizes distortion and renders facial features more naturally.
* Good Working Distance: Allows you to maintain a comfortable distance from your subject, which can help them feel more relaxed and natural.
* Cons:
* Less Versatile: Not as well-suited for full-body portraits or environmental portraits where you want to include more of the scene.
* More Expensive: 85mm lenses, especially those with wide apertures (like f/1.4 or f/1.8), are generally more expensive than 50mm lenses.
* Larger and Heavier: Can be more cumbersome to carry around and use, especially for long periods.
* Requires More Space: You need more space to shoot with an 85mm lens, as you need to stand further away from your subject. This can be a challenge in small studios or crowded environments.
Here's a table summarizing the key differences:
| Feature | 50mm | 85mm |
|-------------------|----------------------------------------|----------------------------------------|
| Versatility | High | Lower |
| Background Blur | Less | More |
| Perspective | Can slightly distort close-up features | More flattering |
| Price | More Affordable | More Expensive |
| Size & Weight | Smaller & Lighter | Larger & Heavier |
| Working Distance | Shorter | Longer |
| Best For | Full-body, environmental portraits, versatility | Headshots, close-ups, background blur |
Which Lens is Right for You?
* Choose the 50mm if:
* You're on a budget.
* You need a versatile lens for various shooting situations.
* You want to include more of the environment in your portraits.
* You often shoot in smaller spaces.
* Choose the 85mm if:
* You prioritize background blur and subject isolation.
* You want a more flattering perspective for close-up portraits.
* You have the budget and space to use it effectively.
* You primarily shoot headshots or waist-up portraits.
Ultimately, the best way to decide is to try both lenses out (if possible) and see which one you prefer based on your own personal style and shooting needs. Consider renting each lens for a weekend and experimenting in different lighting and settings.
Additional Considerations:
* Aperture: Both 50mm and 85mm lenses are often available with wide apertures (e.g., f/1.8, f/1.4). A wider aperture allows for shallower depth of field (more background blur) and better low-light performance. The wider the aperture, generally the more expensive the lens will be.
* Crop Sensor vs. Full Frame: If you're shooting with a crop sensor camera, the effective focal length of your lens will be different. For example, a 50mm lens on a camera with a 1.5x crop factor will have a similar field of view to a 75mm lens on a full-frame camera. Keep this in mind when choosing your lens. A 35mm on a crop sensor is often a great alternative to a 50mm on a full frame as it provides a similar field of view.
* Zoom Lenses: While prime lenses (fixed focal length) often offer better image quality and wider apertures, a zoom lens like a 24-70mm or 70-200mm can also be used for portraits, giving you flexibility in focal length.
Don't be afraid to experiment and find what works best for you!