50mm Lens:
Pros:
* Versatile: Great for environmental portraits. You can capture more of the surrounding scene, telling a story about the subject and their environment.
* Wider Field of View: Allows for more movement and flexibility, especially in smaller spaces. You don't need as much space to back away from your subject.
* Affordable: Generally cheaper than comparable 85mm lenses, especially fast prime lenses (f/1.8 or wider).
* Lightweight and Compact: Easier to carry and use for extended periods.
* Good in Low Light: Fast 50mm lenses (f/1.8, f/1.4, f/1.2) gather a lot of light, making them suitable for indoor or low-light situations.
* Sharpness: Many 50mm lenses are incredibly sharp, even at wide apertures.
Cons:
* Less Background Compression: Doesn't blur the background as much as an 85mm, meaning distracting elements are more likely to be visible.
* May Require You to Get Closer: Can sometimes feel too close for comfortable portraits, especially if you prefer a more candid or relaxed atmosphere.
* Potential for Distortion: At very close distances, a 50mm can introduce some minor distortion, particularly around the edges of the frame, making features like the nose appear slightly larger.
85mm Lens:
Pros:
* Excellent Background Compression: Creates beautiful bokeh (blurred background), isolating the subject and making them "pop." This is often considered a key aesthetic element of portraiture.
* Flattering Perspective: Provides a more flattering perspective for faces, compressing features and minimizing distortion. Often cited as being the ideal focal length for portraits.
* Comfortable Shooting Distance: Allows you to maintain a comfortable distance from your subject, which can help them feel more relaxed. Great for candid shots.
* Excellent for Headshots and Close-Ups: Perfect for capturing detailed portraits, highlighting facial features and expressions.
* Separation from Distractions: Isolates your subject more effectively, minimizing distractions in the background.
Cons:
* Less Versatile: Not as good for environmental portraits or shooting in tight spaces. Requires more space to back away.
* More Expensive: Typically more expensive than comparable 50mm lenses, especially for fast apertures.
* Heavier and Larger: Can be bulkier and more tiring to carry around.
* May Not Be Ideal for Group Shots: The narrower field of view can make it difficult to capture group portraits, especially in smaller settings.
* Requires More Light: While fast 85mm lenses exist (f/1.4, f/1.2), they are significantly more expensive. Slower apertures can be more challenging in low light.
Here's a table summarizing the key differences:
| Feature | 50mm | 85mm |
|-------------------|----------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------|
| Versatility | High (Environmental Portraits, Street) | Lower (More Specialized for Portraits) |
| Background Blur (Bokeh) | Less | More |
| Perspective | Neutral to Slightly Distorting | Flattering (More Compression) |
| Shooting Distance | Closer | Further |
| Price | Generally More Affordable | Generally More Expensive |
| Size/Weight | Lighter/Smaller | Heavier/Larger |
| Space Needed | Less | More |
| Ideal For | Environmental portraits, Low light, Tight spaces | Headshots, Close-ups, Background Isolation |
When to choose a 50mm:
* You want to capture more of the surrounding environment in your portraits.
* You often shoot in tight spaces or indoors.
* You're on a budget.
* You need a lightweight and versatile lens.
* You're comfortable getting close to your subjects.
* You want to photograph families in their home environment.
When to choose an 85mm:
* You prioritize creamy background blur and isolation of the subject.
* You want a more flattering perspective for portraits.
* You prefer to maintain a comfortable distance from your subjects.
* You frequently shoot headshots or close-up portraits.
* You have plenty of space to work with.
* You value professional-looking portraits with excellent subject separation.
Ultimately, the best way to decide is to try both lenses if possible. Rent them for a weekend or borrow from a friend. Shoot the same subjects in the same environments and see which focal length you prefer. Consider your personal style, the type of portraits you enjoy creating, and the environments where you typically shoot.
Consider this: Many portrait photographers eventually own both a 50mm and an 85mm lens, using each for different purposes. If you can only choose one to start with, consider your current needs and budget. A 50mm f/1.8 is an excellent and affordable starting point, while an 85mm f/1.8 or f/1.4 will give you that classic portrait look with beautiful background blur.