50mm Lens for Portraits
Pros:
* Versatility: 50mm is a versatile lens that can be used for a wide range of subjects beyond portraits, including street photography, landscapes, and general photography. This makes it a great all-around lens.
* Affordability: 50mm lenses, especially the f/1.8 versions, are often very affordable, making them a good option for beginners or photographers on a budget.
* Wider Field of View: The wider field of view allows you to capture more of the environment around your subject, which can be useful for environmental portraits that tell a story.
* Less Compression: Compared to 85mm, 50mm offers less compression. This can result in a more natural look, with more accurate proportions.
* Easier to Use Indoors: The wider field of view makes it easier to use in smaller indoor spaces where you might not have enough room to step back with a longer lens.
Cons:
* Distortion (Slight): At closer distances, a 50mm lens can introduce slight distortion, which can make features like the nose appear larger. This is usually minimal but can be noticeable.
* Less Background Blur (Bokeh): While you can still achieve background blur with a 50mm lens, it won't be as pronounced as with an 85mm lens at the same aperture.
* Requires Getting Closer: You need to be physically closer to your subject, which can make some people feel less comfortable. It might be harder to capture candid moments without being noticed.
85mm Lens for Portraits
Pros:
* Excellent Subject Isolation: The longer focal length creates a shallower depth of field, resulting in beautiful background blur (bokeh) that isolates your subject.
* Flattering Perspective: 85mm lenses are known for their flattering perspective, which compresses features and can make your subject look more attractive.
* Comfortable Distance: You can shoot from a comfortable distance, which can help your subject feel more relaxed and natural.
* Minimizes Distortion: 85mm lenses minimize distortion, resulting in more accurate and pleasing facial proportions.
* Creamy Bokeh: Creates very pleasing, creamy, and smooth background blur.
Cons:
* Less Versatile: 85mm lenses are primarily designed for portraits and may not be as useful for other types of photography.
* Higher Cost: 85mm lenses, especially those with wide apertures (e.g., f/1.4, f/1.8), tend to be more expensive than 50mm lenses.
* Limited in Small Spaces: The longer focal length requires more space between you and your subject, which can make it difficult to use indoors or in cramped environments.
* Can Feel Isolating: The extreme focus on the subject can sometimes feel isolating and may not be ideal for environmental portraits.
* More Challenging for Full Body Shots: Requires significant distance for full-body portraits.
Here's a simple table summarizing the key differences:
| Feature | 50mm | 85mm |
|-------------------|-------------------------------------|------------------------------------------|
| Versatility | High | Low |
| Affordability | Generally lower | Generally higher |
| Distortion | Slight at close distances | Minimal |
| Background Blur | Less pronounced | More pronounced, creamier |
| Subject Distance | Closer | Further |
| Space Required | Less | More |
| Perspective | More natural | More flattering (compressed) |
| Best For | Environmental portraits, all-around | Headshots, isolating subjects, flattering |
Which Should You Choose?
* Choose 50mm If:
* You want a versatile lens that can be used for more than just portraits.
* You're on a budget.
* You need to shoot in tight spaces.
* You want to capture more of the environment around your subject.
* You prefer a more natural, less compressed look.
* Choose 85mm If:
* You primarily shoot portraits and want the best possible subject isolation and background blur.
* You have the space to work with.
* You want a flattering perspective.
* You're comfortable with a less versatile lens.
* Budget is not a major concern.
Ultimately, the best way to decide is to try both focal lengths and see which one you prefer. Renting lenses or borrowing from friends can be a great way to experiment before making a purchase. Consider the types of portraits you enjoy taking, the environments you typically shoot in, and your personal style when making your decision. Many photographers own both and use each depending on the situation.