50mm Lens for Portrait Photography
Pros:
* Versatility: 50mm lenses are incredibly versatile. They can be used for a wide range of shots, from full-body portraits to environmental portraits (showing the subject in their surroundings). You can use it for street photography, landscapes, and even some close-up details.
* Affordability: 50mm lenses, particularly the f/1.8 versions, are often the most affordable prime lenses available. This makes them a great entry point into portrait photography.
* Smaller and Lighter: Generally, 50mm lenses are smaller and lighter than 85mm lenses, making them easier to carry around and handle for longer periods.
* Good in Low Light: Many 50mm lenses have wide apertures (f/1.8, f/1.4) which lets in a lot of light, making them great for shooting in low-light conditions without needing a flash.
* Environmental Portraits: The wider field of view allows you to capture more of the subject's surroundings, creating a sense of place and telling a story about the person in their environment.
Cons:
* Distortion: While generally not significant, a 50mm can exhibit slight distortion when shooting close-ups. The nose and forehead can sometimes appear slightly larger relative to the rest of the face if you get too close.
* Background Compression: 50mm lenses don't compress the background as much as longer focal lengths. This means the background may appear more in focus, and may not be as blurred or "creamy" as with an 85mm.
* Less "Flattering" for Some: Some people feel that the perspective of a 50mm isn't as flattering for portraits as longer focal lengths. This is subjective and depends on the subject's features.
* Requires Closer Proximity: You need to be physically closer to your subject to get a tighter shot, which can sometimes make some subjects feel uncomfortable.
85mm Lens for Portrait Photography
Pros:
* Flattering Perspective: The 85mm focal length is widely considered one of the most flattering for portraits. It produces a more natural perspective with less distortion, rendering facial features in a pleasing way.
* Excellent Background Compression: 85mm lenses excel at compressing the background, creating a shallow depth of field and a beautiful, blurred bokeh that separates the subject from the background. This helps to isolate the subject and draw the viewer's attention to them.
* Working Distance: The longer focal length allows you to work at a comfortable distance from your subject, which can make them feel more relaxed and natural.
* Beautiful Bokeh: Designed for portrait work, most 85mm lenses are known for great Bokeh and smooth transitions from in-focus areas to out of focus areas.
Cons:
* Less Versatile: 85mm lenses are primarily suited for portrait photography. They are less useful for wider shots, landscapes, or general photography.
* More Expensive: 85mm lenses are typically more expensive than 50mm lenses, especially those with wide apertures.
* Larger and Heavier: 85mm lenses are generally larger and heavier than 50mm lenses, which can be a factor if you're shooting for extended periods or traveling.
* Requires More Space: You need more space to work with an 85mm lens, especially indoors. It might not be ideal for small studios or cramped locations.
* Low Light Performance (Aperture Dependent): While many 85mm lenses have wide apertures, they might be pricier. Cheaper or older 85mm options with smaller apertures may struggle more in low-light situations.
Here's a quick table summarizing the key differences:
| Feature | 50mm | 85mm |
|---------------------|-------------------------|--------------------------|
| Versatility | High | Low |
| Affordability | High | Lower |
| Size/Weight | Smaller/Lighter | Larger/Heavier |
| Distortion | More Distortion | Less Distortion |
| Background Blur | Less Blur | More Blur |
| Working Distance | Closer | Further |
| Flattering Perspective | Less Flattering (Subjective) | More Flattering (Subjective) |
| Ideal for | Environmental Portraits, General Use | Tight Portraits, Isolation |
Which One Should You Choose?
* Choose 50mm if:
* You're on a budget.
* You want a versatile lens for various types of photography.
* You want to include more of the environment in your portraits.
* You shoot in low light frequently.
* You need a smaller and lighter lens.
* Choose 85mm if:
* You primarily focus on portrait photography.
* You want a flattering perspective with beautiful background blur.
* You want to work at a comfortable distance from your subject.
* You have the budget for a more specialized lens.
Consider This:
* Crop Sensor Cameras: If you're shooting with a crop sensor camera (APS-C), the effective focal length changes. A 50mm lens will behave more like an 80mm lens (depending on the crop factor), and an 85mm lens will behave more like a 136mm lens. This can influence your decision.
* Try Before You Buy: If possible, rent or borrow both lenses to see which one you prefer. Experiment with different shots and see which focal length suits your style best.
In conclusion, there's no definitive "best" lens. It depends on your specific needs, preferences, and shooting style. Both 50mm and 85mm lenses are excellent choices for portrait photography, but they offer different strengths and weaknesses. Understanding these differences will help you make the right choice for your photography.