* Your shooting style: Do you prefer environmental portraits that show more of the surroundings, or tighter headshots?
* The environment you're shooting in: Are you in a cramped studio or a wide-open field?
* Your personal aesthetic: Which focal length produces images that you find more visually appealing?
However, here's a breakdown to help you decide which might be a better fit for your needs:
50mm Lens
* Pros:
* Versatility: Great for a wider range of shots, including full-body portraits, environmental portraits, and even some street photography.
* Field of View: Captures more of the surroundings, which is useful for telling a story or showing context.
* Often More Affordable: 50mm lenses, especially the f/1.8 versions, are typically more budget-friendly than 85mm lenses.
* Can Work in Smaller Spaces: Easier to use indoors or in confined spaces where you can't move far from your subject.
* Less Compression: Results in a more natural look, less compression of features.
* Cons:
* More Distortion at Close Range: Can sometimes introduce slight distortion, especially when shooting close-ups. You might need to be careful about positioning your subject.
* Less Background Blur (Bokeh): At the same aperture, an 85mm will typically produce a shallower depth of field and more pleasing bokeh. A 50mm requires a lower f-stop to achieve similar background blur.
* May Require More Post-Processing: Due to the wider field of view, you might need to crop the image more in post-processing to achieve the desired composition.
85mm Lens
* Pros:
* Excellent Background Separation: Creates beautiful bokeh and isolates the subject effectively. This draws the viewer's eye directly to the person.
* Flattering Perspective: Compresses facial features in a way that is generally considered more flattering for portraits.
* Ideal for Headshots and Upper Body Portraits: Well-suited for tighter compositions that emphasize the face and shoulders.
* Comfortable Working Distance: Allows you to be a comfortable distance from your subject, which can help them feel more relaxed.
* Cons:
* Less Versatile: Not as suitable for full-body shots or environmental portraits.
* Requires More Space: Needs more distance between you and your subject, making it less ideal for small studios or crowded locations.
* Generally More Expensive: High-quality 85mm lenses, especially those with wide apertures, tend to be pricier.
* Can Be Limiting in Tight Spaces: May not be usable in very small rooms.
* Potential for Over-Compression: Can sometimes over-compress features if you're not careful about your distance.
Summary Table
| Feature | 50mm | 85mm |
|----------------|----------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------|
| Versatility | High | Low |
| Background Blur | Moderate | High |
| Compression | Low | High |
| Working Distance| Short | Longer |
| Space Required | Less | More |
| Price | Generally Lower | Generally Higher |
| Best For | Environmental Portraits, Full Body, | Headshots, Upper Body, Background Isolation |
Recommendation
* If you're just starting out or on a budget: The 50mm f/1.8 is an excellent choice. It's affordable, versatile, and will allow you to experiment with different portrait styles.
* If you prioritize beautiful background blur and flattering facial features: The 85mm is a great option. It's a classic portrait lens for a reason.
* If you want the best of both worlds (and have the budget): Consider owning both lenses! They each have their strengths and can be used effectively in different situations.
* Consider your shooting style: If you often shoot in cramped spaces, the 50mm is probably better. If you have plenty of room to move around, the 85mm might be a better fit. If you prefer wider, storytelling portraits, go for the 50mm. If you like tight, focused portraits, go for the 85mm.
Try Before You Buy: If possible, rent or borrow each lens to see which one you prefer before making a purchase. This is the best way to determine which focal length is right for you. Alternatively, if you have a zoom lens, experiment with shooting portraits at 50mm and 85mm to get a feel for the different perspectives.