50mm Lens: The Versatile Option
* Pros:
* Versatility: A 50mm lens is incredibly versatile. It's often called a "standard" lens because it roughly approximates human vision. You can shoot portraits, landscapes, street photography, and more with it.
* Price: 50mm lenses are typically much more affordable than 85mm lenses, especially faster aperture versions (like f/1.8).
* Low Light Performance: Fast 50mm lenses (f/1.8, f/1.4) are excellent in low-light situations, allowing you to shoot without a flash in many indoor environments.
* Environmental Portraits: Good for capturing more of the environment surrounding your subject, telling a story about them in their surroundings.
* Closer Working Distance: Requires you to be physically closer to your subject, which can be good for building rapport and directing them.
* Smaller and Lighter: Typically smaller and lighter than an 85mm, making it easier to carry around.
* Cons:
* Less Background Compression: The background won't be as blurred (bokeh) as with an 85mm, especially at longer distances.
* Can Distort Features at Close Range: If you get too close to your subject, a 50mm can cause slight distortion, making features like the nose appear larger. This is less noticeable with good technique and posing.
* Not as Isolating: Doesn't isolate the subject from the background as effectively as an 85mm.
85mm Lens: The Portrait Specialist
* Pros:
* Excellent Background Compression: Creates beautiful bokeh (blurred background) that isolates the subject and draws attention to them.
* Flattering Perspective: The 85mm focal length is known for its flattering perspective. It minimizes distortion and renders facial features in a pleasing way.
* Greater Subject Isolation: Separates the subject from the background more effectively than a 50mm.
* Comfortable Working Distance: Allows you to be a bit further away from your subject, which can be helpful for capturing candid moments or if your subject is shy.
* Cons:
* Less Versatile: Not as well-suited for other types of photography, like landscapes or wide-angle shots.
* More Expensive: Generally more expensive than 50mm lenses, especially fast aperture versions.
* Larger and Heavier: Usually larger and heavier than a 50mm.
* Requires More Space: You need more space to work with an 85mm, as you'll need to stand further back from your subject. Can be challenging in small indoor spaces.
* Can Feel Distant: The greater distance can make it harder to communicate directly with your subject, especially in noisy environments.
Here's a table summarizing the key differences:
| Feature | 50mm | 85mm |
|--------------------|-----------------------|---------------------------|
| Versatility | High | Low |
| Price | Lower | Higher |
| Background Blur | Less | More |
| Distortion | Possible at close range| Minimal |
| Subject Isolation | Less | More |
| Working Distance | Closer | Further |
| Size & Weight | Smaller & Lighter | Larger & Heavier |
| Space Required | Less | More |
| Low Light Performance | Excellent (fast lenses) | Excellent (fast lenses) |
Which Lens Should *You* Choose?
Consider these questions to help make your decision:
* What type of portraits do you want to shoot? If you want environmental portraits that show the subject in context, a 50mm might be better. If you want close-ups with a blurred background, an 85mm is a good choice.
* Where will you be shooting? If you're often shooting in tight spaces indoors, a 50mm might be more practical. If you have plenty of room to move around, an 85mm can be great.
* What's your budget? 50mm lenses are significantly more affordable.
* What's your personal style? Do you prefer to be close to your subject, or do you prefer to maintain a greater distance?
* Are you just starting out? A 50mm is often recommended for beginners due to its versatility and lower cost.
Recommendations:
* Beginner/Budget-Conscious: Start with a fast 50mm f/1.8. It's a versatile and affordable lens that will teach you a lot about photography.
* Studio Portrait Specialist: The 85mm is a classic choice for studio portraits due to its flattering perspective and background compression.
* Outdoor Portraits: Both can work well, but the 85mm excels at isolating the subject in busy environments. Consider the space available.
* Travel Photography: The 50mm is more compact and versatile for travel.
* If you can only have one: A 50mm offers more flexibility for various photography genres.
Final Thoughts:
Ultimately, the best way to decide is to try both lenses if possible. Rent them or borrow them from a friend to see which one you prefer and which one fits your style and needs best. You might even find that you want both! Don't get caught up in the "best" label; focus on which lens helps you create the images you envision.