Here's a breakdown to help you decide which might be better for *you*:
50mm Lens Advantages:
* Versatility: The 50mm is incredibly versatile. It's great for portraits, but also for street photography, landscapes, and even product photography. It's a "do-it-all" lens.
* Wider Field of View: The wider field of view allows you to capture more of the environment around your subject. This can be beneficial for environmental portraits, where you want to tell a story about the subject's surroundings. It also makes it easier to shoot in smaller spaces.
* Affordability: 50mm lenses are generally more affordable than 85mm lenses, especially when it comes to fast apertures (like f/1.8 or f/1.4).
* Weight and Size: 50mm lenses are typically smaller and lighter, making them easier to carry around for extended periods.
* Easier Communication: Because you need to be closer to your subject, it can often make it easier to communicate and direct them.
50mm Lens Disadvantages:
* Less Subject Isolation: Due to the wider field of view, it can be harder to isolate your subject from a busy background, especially at narrower apertures.
* Perspective Distortion (if too close): If you get too close to your subject (especially for headshots), a 50mm can introduce slight distortion, making features like the nose appear larger. You need to maintain a reasonable distance.
* Requires More Movement: To frame your subject perfectly, you'll likely need to move around more than you would with an 85mm.
85mm Lens Advantages:
* Flattering Perspective: The 85mm lens provides a more flattering perspective for portraits, compressing features and creating a more pleasing overall look. It avoids the potential distortion of a 50mm when shooting close-ups.
* Stronger Subject Isolation: The telephoto reach of the 85mm allows you to create a shallower depth of field, blurring the background more effectively and isolating your subject. This is great for achieving a creamy bokeh.
* Comfortable Working Distance: You can maintain a comfortable distance from your subject, which can be helpful if they are shy or you are shooting in a crowded environment. It can also be useful for capturing candid moments without being too intrusive.
85mm Lens Disadvantages:
* Limited Versatility: Less versatile than a 50mm. It's primarily a portrait lens.
* Narrower Field of View: The narrower field of view can make it challenging to shoot in small spaces. You'll need more room to back up.
* Higher Price: Generally more expensive than 50mm lenses, especially fast aperture versions.
* Weight and Size: Typically larger and heavier than 50mm lenses.
* More Difficult Communication: Because of the longer focal length, you'll need to be louder or use gestures to communicate effectively with your subject.
Here's a simple table summarizing the key differences:
| Feature | 50mm Lens | 85mm Lens |
|-----------------|----------------------|----------------------|
| Versatility | High | Low |
| Perspective | More neutral, can distort if too close | More flattering compression |
| Subject Isolation | Less | More |
| Background Blur | Less | More |
| Working Distance| Closer | Further |
| Price | Lower | Higher |
| Size/Weight | Smaller/Lighter | Larger/Heavier |
| Space Required | Less | More |
Here's when you might choose each lens:
* Choose a 50mm if:
* You need a versatile lens that can be used for a variety of subjects.
* You are on a budget.
* You often shoot in small spaces.
* You want to capture environmental portraits.
* You prefer a lighter, more compact lens.
* You like being closer to your subject and interacting more directly.
* Choose an 85mm if:
* Your primary focus is portrait photography.
* You want to achieve a strong subject isolation with a blurred background.
* You prefer a more flattering perspective.
* You want to maintain a comfortable distance from your subject.
* You have the budget for a more specialized lens.
* You have enough space to move around.
Ultimately, the best way to decide which lens is right for you is to try them both out! Rent them if possible and see which focal length you prefer and which one better suits your style and needs. Some photographers even own both and use them in different situations.