50mm Lens: The "Nifty Fifty"
* Pros:
* Versatility: It's a great all-around lens, not just for portraits. You can use it for street photography, landscapes (though wider options are generally better), and general snapshots.
* Affordability: Often the least expensive prime lens. You can get a high-quality 50mm f/1.8 for a very reasonable price.
* Availability/Compactness: Usually small and lightweight, making it easy to carry around.
* Wider Field of View: This is good for environmental portraits where you want to show more of the surroundings and tell a story. It allows you to photograph in tighter spaces.
* Faster Apertures (typically): 50mm lenses often come in very fast apertures (f/1.8, f/1.4, even f/1.2), allowing for shallow depth of field and great low-light performance.
* Easier Communication: Because you're not as far from your subject, it can be easier to communicate and direct them.
* Cons:
* Can Distort Facial Features: Shooting too close with a 50mm can slightly distort facial features, especially around the nose, making it appear larger. Requires more careful posing and awareness of distance.
* Less Background Compression: Doesn't compress the background as much as an 85mm, which can sometimes make busy backgrounds more distracting.
* Less Isolation: Doesn't isolate the subject from the background as dramatically as an 85mm.
85mm Lens: The Portrait Specialist
* Pros:
* Flattering Perspective: Provides a more flattering perspective for portraits, minimizing distortion and generally making subjects look good. Compresses facial features and proportions in a pleasing way.
* Background Compression: Compresses the background beautifully, making it appear closer and blurring it out more dramatically. This helps to isolate the subject and create a clean, uncluttered look.
* Shallow Depth of Field: When paired with a fast aperture (f/1.8, f/1.4), it creates a very shallow depth of field, further isolating the subject and creating beautiful bokeh.
* Professional Look: The compressed perspective and blurred background give portraits a professional, polished feel.
* Comfortable Distance: Allows you to stand a comfortable distance from your subject, which can be less intimidating, especially for shy or nervous subjects.
* Cons:
* Less Versatile: Primarily designed for portraits. Not as useful for other types of photography.
* More Expensive: Generally more expensive than a 50mm lens, especially for fast apertures.
* Less Flexible Shooting Environments: Requires more space to use effectively. Can be challenging to use indoors or in tight spaces.
* Larger and Heavier: Usually larger and heavier than a 50mm lens.
* More Difficult Communication: The greater distance can make it slightly harder to communicate with your subject without raising your voice.
Here's a table summarizing the key differences:
| Feature | 50mm | 85mm |
|-------------------|--------------------------------------|----------------------------------------|
| Versatility | High | Low |
| Distortion | Can cause slight distortion | Minimal distortion |
| Background Blur | Less pronounced | More pronounced |
| Space Required | Less | More |
| Price | Typically less expensive | Typically more expensive |
| Size/Weight | Smaller/Lighter | Larger/Heavier |
| Ideal For | Environmental portraits, tight spaces | Classic portraits, isolated subjects |
| Communication | Easier | Slightly more difficult |
When to Choose Each Lens:
* Choose 50mm if:
* You're on a budget.
* You need a versatile lens for various types of photography.
* You frequently shoot in tight spaces.
* You want to include more of the environment in your portraits.
* You're comfortable being closer to your subject.
* Choose 85mm if:
* You primarily shoot portraits.
* You want the most flattering perspective.
* You want maximum background blur and subject isolation.
* You have ample space to work.
* You prefer to keep a comfortable distance from your subject.
Ultimately, the best lens is the one that helps you achieve your creative vision. If possible, rent both lenses and experiment with them to see which one you prefer. Consider your shooting style, the types of portraits you want to create, and the environments in which you typically shoot. Many photographers end up owning both!