Here's a breakdown to help you decide:
85mm Lens:
Pros:
* Superior Background Blur (Bokeh): The longer focal length and typically wider aperture (e.g., f/1.8, f/1.4) of 85mm lenses create significantly more background blur than a 50mm. This helps isolate your subject and creates a dreamy, professional look.
* More Flattering Perspective: The 85mm lens compresses features more, which many find more flattering for faces. It tends to minimize distortion, making subjects look more naturally proportioned. Think of it as a more "true-to-life" representation.
* Comfortable Working Distance: Allows you to stand further away from your subject, making them feel less self-conscious and potentially capturing more natural expressions. This distance also avoids the slight facial distortion you can get when too close to your subject.
* Greater Sense of Intimacy at a Distance: Paradoxically, while you're further away, the tight framing created by the 85mm can create a strong sense of intimacy and connection with the viewer.
* Good for Tight Headshots and Upper-Body Portraits: The 85mm is perfect for focusing on details like eyes and facial expressions while still providing a pleasing background blur.
* Better in Crowded Environments: The tighter field of view helps you isolate your subject and eliminate distractions in busy settings.
Cons:
* Requires More Space: You need more distance between you and your subject, which can be a problem in small studios or tight spaces.
* Less Versatile for Full-Body Shots: Capturing full-body portraits or environmental portraits (where the background is important) can be difficult in smaller spaces.
* Can Feel Isolating: While intimacy with the viewer is achieved, the photographer might feel slightly disconnected from the subject due to the distance.
* Generally More Expensive: Good quality 85mm lenses often come with a higher price tag than comparable 50mm lenses.
50mm Lens:
Pros:
* More Versatile: The 50mm is a true "standard" lens and can be used for a wide variety of photography, including portraits, street photography, landscapes, and even some macro work.
* Wider Field of View: Allows you to capture more of the environment around your subject, creating environmental portraits that tell a story. You can include more background elements.
* Easier to Use in Tight Spaces: You don't need as much room to work, making it ideal for indoor portraits or shooting in crowded areas.
* Closer Connection: Allows for a more intimate interaction with your subject, which can translate into more natural and engaging portraits.
* More Affordable: Generally, good quality 50mm lenses are more budget-friendly than 85mm lenses.
* Good for Full-Body and Group Portraits: Easier to capture full-body shots or include multiple people in the frame.
Cons:
* Less Background Blur (Bokeh): The background blur is less pronounced than with an 85mm, so you need to be more mindful of your background and composition. You may need to use a wider aperture (smaller f-number) to achieve a pleasing bokeh effect.
* Can Introduce Distortion: When shooting close-ups, a 50mm can sometimes introduce slight distortion, making facial features appear less flattering. This is less of a problem if you maintain a reasonable distance.
* Less Isolation of the Subject: The wider field of view means the background is more prominent, which can be distracting if it's cluttered or unappealing.
* May Require Cropping: To achieve the same tight framing as an 85mm, you may need to crop your images in post-processing, which can reduce image quality.
Here's a table summarizing the key differences:
| Feature | 85mm Lens | 50mm Lens |
|--------------------|--------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------|
| Focal Length | Longer (85mm) | Shorter (50mm) |
| Background Blur | More pronounced (better bokeh) | Less pronounced |
| Perspective | More compressed, flattering | Less compressed, can introduce distortion |
| Working Distance | Further | Closer |
| Space Required | More | Less |
| Versatility | More specialized for portraits | More versatile for various genres |
| Price | Generally more expensive | Generally more affordable |
| Best For | Headshots, upper-body portraits, isolating subject | Full-body portraits, environmental portraits, group photos |
Which Lens Should You Choose?
* If you prioritize creamy background blur and flattering perspective, and have enough space to work: Choose the 85mm.
* If you need a versatile lens that can be used in tight spaces and capture more of the environment, or are on a budget: Choose the 50mm.
* If you are new to portrait photography: The 50mm is a great starting point because of its versatility and lower cost. You can learn the fundamentals of composition and lighting without a large investment.
Beyond the Lens:
Remember that the lens is just one part of the equation. Good lighting, composition, posing, and post-processing are all essential for creating compelling portraits.
Ultimately, the best way to decide is to try both lenses yourself. Rent them, borrow them from a friend, or visit a camera store and take some test shots. See which focal length feels more natural to you and helps you achieve the look you're after. You may even find that you prefer one for specific situations (like indoor vs. outdoor portraits) and use both lenses regularly!