50mm Lens
* Pros:
* More Versatile: A 50mm lens is considered a "normal" focal length, close to how the human eye sees. This makes it more versatile for capturing environmental portraits (showing the subject within their surroundings), street photography, and general photography.
* Affordable: 50mm lenses are generally more affordable than 85mm lenses, especially if you're considering fast apertures like f/1.8 or f/1.4. This makes them a great entry point into portrait photography.
* Wider Field of View: The wider field of view of a 50mm allows you to include more of the background in your portraits, which can be beneficial for storytelling or capturing the context of the subject's environment.
* Good in Tight Spaces: If you're shooting in a small studio or indoors, a 50mm might be easier to work with since it requires less distance between you and your subject.
* Less Compression: The 50mm lens has less compression so the features of the face is not distorted.
* Cons:
* May Require More Cropping: To achieve a tighter headshot, you might need to crop the image in post-processing, which can reduce image quality.
* Less Background Blur (Bokeh): While you can still achieve background blur with a 50mm lens, especially at wider apertures, it won't be as pronounced as with an 85mm lens.
* Subject Distance: You have to get closer to your subject which some people find uncomfortable.
85mm Lens
* Pros:
* Flattering Perspective: The 85mm focal length is widely considered to be very flattering for portraits. It creates a pleasing perspective with minimal distortion and a more compressed look, making the subject's features appear more balanced.
* Beautiful Bokeh: The longer focal length and ability to use wide apertures (like f/1.8 or f/1.4) allow you to create a very shallow depth of field, resulting in creamy, blurred backgrounds that isolate the subject beautifully.
* Ideal for Headshots and Close-Ups: 85mm lenses are perfect for headshots and close-up portraits, as they allow you to fill the frame with the subject without having to stand too close.
* Good Working Distance: You can maintain a comfortable distance from your subject, which can help them feel more relaxed and natural during the shoot.
* Compression: The 85mm lens has compression, making the background appear closer to the subject.
* Cons:
* More Expensive: 85mm lenses, especially those with wide apertures, tend to be more expensive than 50mm lenses.
* Less Versatile: The narrower field of view makes 85mm less versatile for environmental portraits or situations where you need to capture a wider scene.
* Requires More Space: You need more distance between you and your subject, which can be challenging in small spaces.
* Can Flatten Features: While generally flattering, extreme compression can sometimes flatten facial features if you're not careful.
Here's a table summarizing the key differences:
| Feature | 50mm | 85mm |
|--------------------|--------------------------------------|---------------------------------------|
| Versatility | High | Moderate |
| Affordability | Generally more affordable | Generally more expensive |
| Perspective | Less compression, more natural | More compression, flattering |
| Bokeh | Good, but less pronounced | Excellent, very shallow depth of field |
| Space Needed | Less space required | More space required |
| Typical Use | Environmental portraits, general use | Headshots, close-up portraits |
Which is Best for You?
* Choose 50mm if:
* You're on a budget.
* You need a versatile lens for various types of photography.
* You often shoot in small spaces.
* You want to capture more of the environment in your portraits.
* You are just starting out.
* Choose 85mm if:
* You prioritize flattering perspective and creamy background blur.
* You primarily shoot headshots and close-up portraits.
* You have enough space to work with.
* You want to create a professional, polished look.
Ultimately, the best way to decide is to try both focal lengths and see which one you prefer. If you can only afford one, the 50mm is a great starting point and very versatile. You might even consider renting each lens for a weekend to get a feel for how they work in your style of photography. Good luck!