50mm Lens:
Pros:
* Versatility: The 50mm is considered a "standard" lens, meaning it mimics the human eye's field of view. This makes it useful for various types of photography beyond portraits, like street photography, landscapes, and even general everyday snapshots.
* Affordability: Often, 50mm lenses are relatively inexpensive, especially f/1.8 versions. This makes them a great entry point for beginner portrait photographers.
* Smaller and Lighter: 50mm lenses are generally more compact and lighter than 85mm lenses, making them easier to carry around for extended periods.
* Closer Connection: The wider field of view requires you to be closer to your subject, which can foster a more intimate connection during the shoot.
* Easier to Shoot in Tight Spaces: A 50mm allows you to capture a portrait in smaller rooms or environments where you don't have much room to move.
* Environmental Portraits: The wider field of view allows you to include more of the background, making it well-suited for environmental portraits that tell a story about your subject's surroundings.
Cons:
* Distortion: Can introduce slight distortion, especially when shooting close-up. This can make facial features appear slightly wider than they are. This effect is generally mild and can be corrected in post-processing.
* Less Background Blur (Bokeh): While you can still achieve a shallow depth of field, the background blur (bokeh) will be less pronounced compared to an 85mm lens at the same aperture.
* May Require More Post-Processing: Due to potentially capturing more imperfections in the subject's skin, more detailed post-processing may be needed.
85mm Lens:
Pros:
* Flattering Perspective: 85mm lenses are known for their flattering perspective, which minimizes distortion and compresses facial features in a pleasing way. This is often cited as the main reason why portrait photographers love this focal length.
* Excellent Background Blur (Bokeh): An 85mm lens excels at creating a shallow depth of field and beautiful background blur (bokeh), which helps to isolate your subject and draw attention to them.
* More Professional Look: Many believe 85mm lenses deliver a more professional and polished portrait look due to the flattering perspective and creamy bokeh.
* Comfortable Distance: Allows you to be a comfortable distance from your subject, which can help them relax and feel more natural.
* Good for Studio Work: Ideal for studio portraits where you have more control over the environment and lighting.
Cons:
* Less Versatile: More specialized for portraits and may not be as useful for other types of photography.
* More Expensive: Generally, 85mm lenses, especially those with fast apertures (e.g., f/1.4 or f/1.8), tend to be more expensive than 50mm lenses.
* Larger and Heavier: Can be bulkier and heavier than 50mm lenses, which may be a consideration for some photographers.
* Requires More Space: You need more space between you and your subject to frame the shot, which can be challenging in smaller environments.
* Less Environmental Detail: The narrower field of view means you'll capture less of the surrounding environment.
Here's a simplified table summarizing the key differences:
| Feature | 50mm | 85mm |
|----------------|----------------------|----------------------|
| Versatility | High | Low |
| Affordability | Generally lower | Generally higher |
| Size/Weight | Smaller & Lighter | Larger & Heavier |
| Distortion | Slight | Minimal |
| Background Blur | Less Pronounced | More Pronounced |
| Space Needed | Less | More |
| Perspective | More Natural | More Flattering |
| Best For | Environmental Portraits, Tight Spaces | Classic Portraits, Isolation |
When to Choose 50mm:
* You're a beginner on a budget.
* You want a versatile lens for various types of photography.
* You often shoot in tight spaces.
* You want to include more of the environment in your portraits.
* You prefer a closer, more intimate connection with your subject.
When to Choose 85mm:
* You prioritize flattering perspective and creamy bokeh.
* You primarily shoot portraits.
* You have enough space to work with.
* You want a more professional and polished look.
* You prefer a comfortable distance from your subject.
Ultimately, the best way to decide is to try both lenses (if possible) and see which one you prefer based on your personal style and shooting preferences. Consider renting each lens for a weekend to experiment before making a purchase. You might even find that having both in your kit gives you the flexibility to handle a wider range of portrait situations.