50mm Lens (Advantages):
* Versatility: The 50mm is incredibly versatile. You can use it for full-body shots, environmental portraits (showing the subject in their surroundings), and tighter headshots. It's a good "walk-around" lens as well.
* Environment: Easier to incorporate the background. This is key for environmental portraits.
* Cost: Typically more affordable than an 85mm, especially in faster apertures (like f/1.8 or f/1.4).
* Availability: Very widely available from many different manufacturers.
* Low Light Performance: Good low-light performance, especially with faster aperture versions.
* Size and Weight: Generally smaller and lighter than an 85mm, making it easier to carry around.
* Working Distance: Allows you to work closer to your subject, facilitating communication and creating a more intimate feel.
* Less Compression: Provides a more natural perspective, less compression of facial features.
50mm Lens (Disadvantages):
* Perspective Distortion: Can exhibit some perspective distortion if you get too close to the subject, especially for close-up headshots. The nose might appear slightly larger relative to the rest of the face.
* Less Background Blur (Bokeh): While you can still achieve a shallow depth of field with a wide aperture, the background blur won't be as pronounced as with an 85mm, especially when shooting further away. You often need to get relatively close to the subject to achieve significant background blur.
* Not as Flattering for Some Subjects: Because of the perspective, it might not be as flattering for all facial structures, depending on how close you are.
85mm Lens (Advantages):
* Flattering Perspective: The 85mm is renowned for its flattering perspective. It compresses facial features slightly, often resulting in a more aesthetically pleasing look. This can make subjects feel more confident and look better in portraits.
* Excellent Background Blur (Bokeh): Creates beautiful, creamy background blur, which isolates the subject and draws attention to them. This is a major advantage for creating professional-looking portraits.
* Subject Isolation: Excellent for isolating the subject from distracting backgrounds.
* Working Distance: Allows you to work at a comfortable distance from your subject, which can be beneficial for both the photographer and the model. You aren't crowding them and they may be more relaxed.
* Sharpness: Many 85mm lenses are incredibly sharp.
85mm Lens (Disadvantages):
* Less Versatile: Less versatile than a 50mm. It's primarily a portrait lens and less suitable for wide-angle shots or environmental portraits (unless you have a lot of space).
* Price: Typically more expensive than a comparable 50mm lens.
* Space Requirements: Requires more space to work effectively. You need to be further away from your subject, which can be challenging in small studios or cramped locations.
* Size and Weight: Usually larger and heavier than a 50mm.
* Communication: Can make communication slightly more challenging due to the greater distance.
* Can Feel Impersonal: The distance can sometimes create a less intimate feel in portraits if you're not careful.
Here's a table summarizing the key differences:
| Feature | 50mm | 85mm |
|--------------------|----------------------------|----------------------------|
| Versatility | High | Low |
| Perspective | More Natural/Neutral | More Compressed (Flattering) |
| Background Blur | Moderate | High |
| Cost | Lower | Higher |
| Size/Weight | Smaller/Lighter | Larger/Heavier |
| Working Distance | Closer | Further |
| Space Required | Less | More |
| Ideal For | Environmental Portraits, Full-Body Shots, General Photography | Headshots, Isolating Subjects |
Which to Choose?
* Beginners: The 50mm is often recommended for beginners due to its versatility and lower cost. It's a great lens to learn the fundamentals of photography.
* Limited Space: If you're shooting in small spaces (apartments, small studios), the 50mm might be a better choice.
* Environmental Portraits: If you want to showcase your subject within their environment, the 50mm is often preferred.
* Classic Portraits: If you prioritize beautiful background blur and flattering perspective for headshots and close-up portraits, the 85mm is an excellent choice.
* Professional Work: Many professional portrait photographers use both lenses, switching between them depending on the specific shot they're trying to achieve.
In conclusion:
There's no definitive "best" lens. Consider your shooting style, the types of portraits you want to create, your budget, and the space you have available. Ideally, having both lenses is the best solution, but if you can only choose one, weigh the pros and cons carefully based on your individual needs. If in doubt, renting both lenses for a weekend to experiment can be a great way to make an informed decision.