50mm Lens:
Pros:
* Versatile: Can be used for a wider range of shots, including full-body portraits, environmental portraits (showing the subject within their surroundings), and even some street photography.
* More Affordable: Typically less expensive than an 85mm with the same aperture.
* Faster Aperture (Usually): 50mm lenses often come in very fast apertures like f/1.8 or even f/1.4, allowing for shallower depth of field and better low-light performance.
* Easier to Work in Tight Spaces: Less compression means you can shoot portraits in smaller rooms without having to back up too far.
* More Natural Perspective: The perspective is closer to how we see the world, which can result in portraits that feel more natural and less stylized.
* Good for Storytelling: Allows you to include more context in the background, helping to tell a story about your subject and their environment.
Cons:
* Less Background Blur (at the Same Distance): While you can still achieve shallow depth of field, it won't be as pronounced as with an 85mm lens at the same distance and aperture.
* More Distortion (Potential): Depending on the quality of the lens, there may be some slight distortion, especially noticeable at the edges of the frame. This is less of an issue with higher-quality 50mm lenses.
* Might Need to Get Closer: You'll need to get physically closer to your subject for headshots, which can sometimes feel intrusive or make the subject feel self-conscious.
* Not as Flattering for Some Faces: While "natural," the lack of compression can sometimes exaggerate certain facial features, which may not be desired.
85mm Lens:
Pros:
* Excellent Background Blur (Bokeh): Provides beautiful, creamy background blur, isolating the subject and creating a professional, polished look.
* Flattering Perspective: The compression of an 85mm lens tends to be very flattering, smoothing out facial features and making the subject look more appealing.
* Creates a Sense of Intimacy: Allows you to capture close-up portraits without having to get too physically close to the subject, making them feel more comfortable.
* Easier to Fill the Frame: Requires less cropping in post-processing, resulting in higher image quality.
* Ideal for Headshots and Close-Up Portraits: Shines when you want to focus solely on the subject's face and expression.
Cons:
* Less Versatile: Less suited for full-body or environmental portraits, as you'll need a lot of space to back up.
* More Expensive: Generally more expensive than a comparable 50mm lens.
* May Require More Space: Not ideal for shooting in small studios or rooms. You'll need to back up quite a bit to get anything other than a head and shoulders shot.
* Can Feel Disconnected from the Environment: The strong background blur can isolate the subject too much, making them feel disconnected from their surroundings.
* Requires More Careful Composing: Because of the compression, it's important to be mindful of the background, as it can easily become distracting.
Here's a table summarizing the key differences:
| Feature | 50mm | 85mm |
|-------------------|--------------------------------------|------------------------------------------|
| Versatility | High | Low |
| Cost | Lower | Higher |
| Aperture | Often Faster (e.g., f/1.8, f/1.4) | Can be fast, but often slower/pricier at the same aperture |
| Background Blur | Less Pronounced | More Pronounced, Creamier |
| Perspective | More Natural | More Flattering (Compression) |
| Space Required | Less | More |
| Best For | Environmental, Full-Body Portraits | Headshots, Close-Up Portraits |
| Storytelling | Excellent | Good, but requires careful background consideration |
Which Should You Choose?
* If you're on a budget and want a versatile lens that can be used for a variety of purposes, the 50mm is a great choice. It's a classic for a reason.
* If you prioritize beautiful background blur and a flattering perspective, and you mostly shoot headshots or close-up portraits in controlled environments, the 85mm is the better option.
* If you can afford it, having both lenses is ideal! This gives you the flexibility to choose the best lens for each specific situation.
* Consider your shooting style. Do you prefer to include more of the environment in your portraits? Or do you prefer to isolate the subject with a blurred background?
* Rent both lenses before buying. This is the best way to see which focal length you prefer and which one best suits your style.
In conclusion, there's no single "best" lens. The ideal choice depends on your individual preferences and the specific requirements of your portrait photography. Experiment with both focal lengths to find what works best for you.