50mm Lens:
Pros:
* Versatility: The 50mm is a very versatile lens, suitable for more than just portraits. It's a great all-around lens for street photography, landscapes, and general shooting.
* Wider Field of View: It captures more of the environment around your subject. This allows you to incorporate surroundings into your portraits to tell a story or provide context. Good for environmental portraits.
* Affordable: 50mm lenses are generally much more affordable than 85mm lenses, especially when comparing similar aperture values (like f/1.8). A good starting point for new photographers.
* Smaller and Lighter: More compact and easier to carry around for longer periods.
* Easier to shoot in tighter spaces: Since it has a wider field of view, you can get a portrait in smaller rooms.
Cons:
* Less Background Blur (Bokeh): While you can still achieve background blur with a 50mm, it's not as pronounced as with an 85mm, especially at similar apertures and distances.
* Can Distort Facial Features at Close Range: When shooting close-ups with a 50mm, you might notice slight distortion, particularly around the nose and eyes. This is less noticeable than with wider angle lenses but still present.
* May Require You to Get Closer to Your Subject: This can sometimes make the subject feel less comfortable, especially with shy individuals.
85mm Lens:
Pros:
* Beautiful Background Blur (Bokeh): The longer focal length creates a much shallower depth of field, resulting in a significantly more blurred background, isolating the subject and creating a dreamy look. This is a major draw for many portrait photographers.
* Flattering Compression: The 85mm lens compresses features, creating a more pleasing and flattering perspective for facial features.
* More Working Distance: You can stand further away from your subject, which can make them feel more relaxed and natural, leading to more authentic expressions.
* Excellent for Headshots and Tight Portraits: Its compression and background blur are perfect for highlighting the subject's face.
Cons:
* Less Versatile: Primarily designed for portraits. Less useful for general photography.
* More Expensive: 85mm lenses, especially those with fast apertures, are generally more expensive than 50mm lenses.
* Larger and Heavier: Can be bulky and less convenient to carry.
* Requires More Space: You need a larger shooting area to use an 85mm effectively, which can be limiting in smaller studios or locations.
* More Difficult to Use Indoors: The longer focal length requires more space, which can make it challenging to shoot portraits indoors in smaller rooms.
Here's a table summarizing the key differences:
| Feature | 50mm | 85mm |
|-------------------|--------------------|--------------------|
| Versatility | High | Low |
| Bokeh | Moderate | High |
| Perspective | More natural | More compressed |
| Working Distance | Closer | Further |
| Size/Weight | Smaller/Lighter | Larger/Heavier |
| Price | More Affordable | More Expensive |
| Distortion | Some (close-up) | Minimal |
| Space Needed | Less | More |
Which lens is right for you? Consider these factors:
* Budget: If you're on a tight budget, the 50mm is the clear winner.
* Shooting Style: Do you prefer environmental portraits that incorporate the surroundings, or do you prefer tight portraits with a blurred background?
* Shooting Environment: Will you be shooting mostly indoors in small spaces, or outdoors with plenty of room?
* Subject Comfort: Some subjects might feel more comfortable with more distance between you and them.
* Desired Aesthetic: Do you want a natural look, or a more stylized, dreamy look?
* Your current lens collection: If you already own a zoom lens that covers the 50-85mm range, consider where it lacks. Perhaps a fast prime in one of those focal lengths will fill a gap in your arsenal.
Recommendation:
* Beginner: Start with a 50mm f/1.8. It's affordable, versatile, and a great way to learn the basics of portrait photography.
* Intermediate/Advanced: If you primarily shoot portraits and want that beautiful background blur and flattering compression, the 85mm is a great investment.
* Both? Ideally, owning both lenses gives you the most flexibility and allows you to adapt to different shooting situations and creative visions.
Ultimately, the best way to decide is to try both lenses (renting is a good option) and see which one best suits your style and preferences. Happy shooting!