50mm Lens for Portraits:
Pros:
* Versatility: Excellent for full-body shots, environmental portraits (showing the subject in their surroundings), and even some group portraits. It's a great all-around focal length.
* Affordable: Generally less expensive than an 85mm lens, especially at fast apertures (like f/1.8).
* Smaller and Lighter: Easier to carry around and work with, especially for longer shoots.
* Wider Field of View: Allows you to include more of the background, telling a story about the subject's environment.
* More Natural Perspective: The 50mm approximates the human eye's field of view, resulting in a less distorted and more "real" look.
* Closer Connection: Requires you to be physically closer to your subject, fostering a more intimate interaction (which can be good or bad depending on your subject's comfort level).
Cons:
* Less Background Blur (Bokeh): While you can achieve bokeh, it won't be as creamy and pronounced as with an 85mm, especially at the same aperture. You need to work harder to isolate the subject.
* Can Distort Features Slightly: While not extreme, it can slightly distort facial features if you get *too* close, especially the nose. Avoid getting too close for headshots.
* More Background Distraction: The wider field of view captures more of the background, potentially leading to distractions that need to be carefully managed.
85mm Lens for Portraits:
Pros:
* Beautiful Bokeh: Creates a shallow depth of field and creamy background blur, effectively isolating the subject and drawing attention to them.
* Flattering Perspective: Compresses facial features, generally considered more flattering for portraits. It avoids the slight distortion that a 50mm can sometimes cause at close range.
* Greater Working Distance: Allows you to stay further away from your subject, making them feel more comfortable and less self-conscious. Good for shy or reserved subjects.
* Excellent for Headshots and Tight Portraits: Ideal for capturing detailed and impactful close-ups.
* Subject Isolation: The narrow field of view naturally isolates the subject, minimizing distractions in the background.
Cons:
* Less Versatile: Not as well-suited for full-body shots or environmental portraits, especially in tight spaces.
* More Expensive: Generally pricier than a 50mm lens, especially for fast apertures.
* Larger and Heavier: Can be cumbersome to carry around for extended periods.
* Can Feel Disconnected: The distance from your subject can sometimes make it harder to establish a strong connection.
* Requires More Space: Needs more space to work effectively, especially for full-body shots.
* Can be too narrow indoors: In smaller indoor settings, you may not have enough room to back up and get the shot you want.
Here's a table summarizing the key differences:
| Feature | 50mm Lens | 85mm Lens |
|-----------------|----------------------|----------------------|
| Versatility | High | Low |
| Bokeh | Moderate | High |
| Price | Lower | Higher |
| Size/Weight | Smaller/Lighter | Larger/Heavier |
| Working Distance| Shorter | Longer |
| Flattering | Moderate | High |
| Compression | Less | More |
| Background | More Included | Less Included |
| Space Needed | Less | More |
When to Choose Which:
* Choose 50mm if:
* You need a versatile lens for various shooting situations.
* You're on a budget.
* You want to include more of the environment in your portraits.
* You prefer a more natural perspective.
* You're shooting in tight spaces.
* You want a lens you can use for more than just portraits (e.g., street photography).
* Choose 85mm if:
* You prioritize creamy bokeh and subject isolation.
* You want to flatter your subjects with a compressed perspective.
* You prefer to keep a comfortable distance from your subject.
* You specialize in headshots and tight portraits.
* You have plenty of space to work with.
Ultimately, the best way to decide is to try both lenses if possible. Rent them, borrow them, or see if you can test them at a camera store. Pay attention to the types of portraits you enjoy taking and the results you prefer.
A Note on Crop Sensors:
If you're using a camera with a crop sensor (APS-C or Micro Four Thirds), the focal lengths will behave differently. Multiply the focal length by the crop factor (e.g., 1.5x for APS-C, 2x for Micro Four Thirds) to get the equivalent focal length on a full-frame camera.
* On an APS-C sensor, a 50mm lens becomes equivalent to 75mm (50 x 1.5), and an 85mm lens becomes equivalent to 127.5mm (85 x 1.5). This brings the 50mm closer to the 85mm in terms of field of view and compression.
Good luck and happy shooting!