50mm Lens (The "Nifty Fifty")
* Pros:
* Versatility: A 50mm lens is incredibly versatile. It can be used for full-body shots, environmental portraits, and even tighter headshots (though it might be a bit too wide for extreme close-ups).
* Affordability: 50mm lenses are generally much more affordable than 85mm lenses, especially high-quality versions.
* Lightweight and Compact: Easier to carry around for longer periods.
* Wider Field of View: Allows you to include more of the environment in your portraits, telling a story about the subject's surroundings.
* Less Compression: Subjects appear more natural and less "flattened" than with longer focal lengths.
* Cons:
* Requires Getting Closer: You'll need to be physically closer to your subject, which can sometimes feel intrusive or make some subjects feel uncomfortable.
* More Distortion at Close Range: At very close distances, a 50mm lens can introduce some slight distortion, especially around the edges of the frame.
* Less Background Blur (Bokeh): While you can still achieve decent background blur, it won't be as pronounced as with an 85mm lens, especially at the same aperture.
85mm Lens (The Portrait Lens)
* Pros:
* Classic Portrait Focal Length: The 85mm is widely considered the "classic" portrait lens because it provides a flattering perspective with minimal distortion.
* Excellent Background Blur (Bokeh): Produces beautiful, creamy background blur that isolates the subject effectively.
* Flattering Perspective: Compresses the subject's features, making them appear more pleasing and natural.
* Creates Separation: Helps to separate the subject from the background, making them stand out.
* Comfortable Distance: Allows you to maintain a more comfortable distance from your subject, which can help them feel more relaxed.
* Cons:
* Higher Price: Good 85mm lenses tend to be more expensive than 50mm lenses.
* Less Versatile: Less ideal for full-body shots in smaller spaces. It is more specialized for portraits and might be less useful in other photographic genres.
* Heavier and Bulkier: Can be heavier and bulkier to carry around.
* Requires More Space: You need more space between you and your subject, especially for full-body or even waist-up shots.
* Compression: Can sometimes flatten facial features a bit *too* much.
Here's a breakdown of when each lens might be preferred:
* Choose 50mm if:
* You're on a tight budget.
* You want a versatile lens that can be used for a variety of subjects.
* You want to include more of the environment in your portraits.
* You're shooting in a small space.
* You want a more natural, less compressed look.
* Choose 85mm if:
* You primarily shoot portraits and want the classic look.
* You want maximum background blur.
* You want a flattering perspective with minimal distortion.
* You have enough space to work with.
* You want to create a strong sense of separation between your subject and the background.
Key Considerations Beyond Focal Length:
* Aperture: Both 50mm and 85mm lenses are commonly available with wide apertures (e.g., f/1.8, f/1.4, f/1.2). Wider apertures allow for shallower depth of field and better low-light performance. The specific aperture you choose will impact the amount of background blur you can achieve. An 85mm f/1.8 will blur the background more than a 50mm f/1.8, all else being equal.
* Sensor Size: The "effective" focal length changes depending on your camera's sensor size. On a crop sensor camera (APS-C), an 85mm lens will have a narrower field of view (equivalent to approximately 127.5mm on Canon and 136mm on Nikon/Sony/Fuji), making it even more suitable for close-up portraits but less suitable for full-body shots. A 50mm on a crop sensor is roughly equivalent to a 75/80mm lens, making it a nice portrait option in between.
* Personal Style: Ultimately, the best choice depends on your personal style and the look you're trying to achieve. Experiment with both focal lengths to see which one you prefer.
In conclusion:
There's no single "best" lens. The 50mm is a more versatile and affordable option that's great for environmental portraits and shooting in tight spaces. The 85mm excels at creating classic, flattering portraits with beautiful background blur, but it's more expensive and requires more space. Many portrait photographers end up owning both! Consider your budget, shooting environment, and desired aesthetic when making your decision. If you can only choose one, consider renting both and trying them out before committing to a purchase.