50mm Lens:
Pros:
* Versatility: The 50mm is a great all-around lens. It's not *just* for portraits. You can use it for street photography, landscapes, and general photography. This makes it a good investment if you're starting out and want a lens that can do a lot.
* Affordability: 50mm lenses are typically more affordable than 85mm lenses, especially the "nifty fifty" f/1.8 versions. This makes it a great entry-level lens for aspiring portrait photographers.
* Shorter Working Distance: You don't need as much space between you and your subject. This is ideal for smaller studios, indoor environments, or when you want to easily communicate with your subject.
* Good for Environmental Portraits: Because of its wider field of view, the 50mm lens includes more of the background. This is useful when you want to show the subject within their environment and tell a story.
* Easier to Use for Full-Body Shots: It's easier to frame full-body shots with a 50mm, especially in smaller spaces.
Cons:
* Less Background Blur (Bokeh): While you can still get good bokeh with a fast 50mm lens (f/1.8 or faster), it's not as pronounced as with an 85mm at the same aperture. This can make the background less distracting.
* More Distortion: 50mm lenses can exhibit more distortion, especially around the edges of the frame. This can be noticeable in portraits if you're not careful with your composition. It can slightly flatten facial features compared to longer focal lengths.
* Requires Closer Proximity: You need to be closer to your subject, which some subjects might find uncomfortable or intimidating.
85mm Lens:
Pros:
* Beautiful Background Blur (Bokeh): The longer focal length and typically wider maximum aperture (e.g., f/1.8, f/1.4) of 85mm lenses create a creamy, dreamy background blur that separates the subject from the background. This is a key reason why many portrait photographers love this lens.
* Flattering Perspective: The 85mm lens creates a flattering perspective that compresses features slightly, which can make faces appear more pleasing and natural. It avoids the slight facial distortion that can occur with wider lenses.
* Greater Working Distance: You can stand further back from your subject, which can make them feel more relaxed and less self-conscious. It's also beneficial in situations where you can't get close to your subject.
* Excellent Sharpness: Many 85mm lenses are known for their exceptional sharpness.
* Excellent for Headshots & Close-Ups: Perfect for isolating your subject and highlighting their features.
Cons:
* Less Versatile: The 85mm is primarily a portrait lens. It's less suitable for other types of photography like landscapes or street photography.
* More Expensive: 85mm lenses are generally more expensive than 50mm lenses.
* Requires More Space: You need more space to use an 85mm lens, especially indoors. It can be limiting in small studios or homes.
* Can Feel Isolating: The extreme focus on the subject can sometimes feel isolating, especially in environmental portraits. It's harder to show context and setting.
* Less Forgiving of Movement: With a shallow depth of field, even slight movements of the subject or photographer can result in out-of-focus shots. Requires careful technique and potentially faster shutter speeds.
Here's a table summarizing the key differences:
| Feature | 50mm | 85mm |
|-------------------|------------------------------------|---------------------------------------|
| Versatility | High | Low |
| Affordability | More Affordable | More Expensive |
| Working Distance | Shorter | Longer |
| Background Blur| Less pronounced | More pronounced |
| Perspective | More distortion, slightly flattened | More flattering, slight compression |
| Space Needed | Less space required | More space required |
| Use Cases | All-purpose, environmental portraits, full-body shots | Headshots, close-ups, isolating subjects |
Which one is right for you?
* Choose the 50mm if:
* You're on a budget.
* You need a versatile lens for various types of photography.
* You often shoot in small spaces.
* You want to include more of the environment in your portraits.
* You are new to portrait photography and want an easier lens to learn with.
* Choose the 85mm if:
* You prioritize creamy background blur (bokeh).
* You want a flattering perspective for your subjects.
* You primarily shoot headshots and close-ups.
* You have enough space to work with.
* You want to make your subject really "pop" from the background.
Beyond the Focal Length:
* Aperture: The maximum aperture (f-stop) of the lens is crucial. A wider aperture (e.g., f/1.8, f/1.4) allows for more light and shallower depth of field, creating more background blur.
* Image Stabilization (IS/VR): Image stabilization can be helpful, especially in low light or when shooting handheld.
* Autofocus: A fast and accurate autofocus system is essential for capturing sharp portraits.
Recommendation for Beginners:
If you're just starting out, the 50mm f/1.8 is an excellent choice. It's affordable, versatile, and a great way to learn the fundamentals of portrait photography. As you gain experience and develop your style, you can consider adding an 85mm lens to your kit for more specialized portrait work.
Ultimately, the best way to decide is to try both lenses (if possible) and see which one you prefer. Renting them for a weekend is a good way to test them out in your own shooting environment.