Here's a breakdown to help you decide:
50mm Lens for Portraits:
* Pros:
* Versatility: A 50mm is a great "walk-around" lens. It's useful for more than just portraits, making it a good investment if you're looking for a general-purpose lens. You can shoot landscapes, street photography, and even some close-ups.
* Affordability: 50mm lenses, especially the "nifty fifty" f/1.8 versions, are often very affordable. This makes it an excellent entry point for portrait photography.
* Wider Field of View: The 50mm lens captures more of the surrounding environment. This can be advantageous when you want to include context in your portraits or show the subject interacting with their surroundings. It's great for environmental portraits.
* Good in Tight Spaces: Because of the wider field of view, you don't need as much space between you and your subject. This makes it suitable for indoor or confined shooting locations.
* Flattering Perspective: It tends to mimic the human eye's natural perspective, providing a realistic representation.
* Cons:
* Can Show Distortion: If you get too close to the subject, a 50mm lens can sometimes introduce slight distortion, particularly around the edges of the frame. This is more noticeable at wider apertures and with subjects very close to the lens.
* Less Background Compression: Compared to an 85mm, the background will appear less compressed, meaning it will seem further away from your subject. This can make it harder to isolate the subject and create a blurred background (bokeh).
* Requires Getting Closer: You'll need to be physically closer to your subject, which might make some people feel more self-conscious or uncomfortable.
* Good For:
* Environmental portraits (showing the subject in their environment)
* Full-body shots
* Portraits in tight spaces
* Candid portraits
* Photographers who want a versatile lens for various types of photography
85mm Lens for Portraits:
* Pros:
* More Flattering Perspective: The 85mm lens is often considered the ideal focal length for portraits because it provides a flattering perspective that minimizes distortion. It avoids the "nose gets bigger" effect that can sometimes occur with wider lenses when you get close.
* Excellent Background Compression: The telephoto nature of the 85mm lens compresses the background, making it appear closer to the subject. This helps to isolate the subject and create a beautiful, shallow depth of field (blurred background or "bokeh").
* Good Working Distance: Allows you to maintain a comfortable distance from your subject, making them feel less self-conscious and allowing for more natural expressions.
* Excellent Bokeh: Generally, 85mm lenses, especially fast ones (f/1.8 or faster), produce creamy, beautiful bokeh.
* Cons:
* Less Versatile: An 85mm lens is primarily for portraits and headshots. It's not as useful for other types of photography like landscapes or wide-angle shots.
* More Expensive: Generally, 85mm lenses are more expensive than 50mm lenses, especially those with wide apertures.
* Requires More Space: You need more distance between you and your subject, which can be a problem in small rooms or crowded environments.
* Can Feel Isolating: The extreme background blur can sometimes feel isolating, removing the subject from any context.
* Good For:
* Headshots and close-up portraits
* Creating a shallow depth of field and creamy bokeh
* Portrait photography where background compression is desired
* Working in spacious environments
* Photographers who specialize in portraiture and want the best possible image quality
Here's a simple table summarizing the differences:
| Feature | 50mm Lens | 85mm Lens |
|-----------------|-----------------------|------------------------|
| Focal Length | Wider | More Telephoto |
| Versatility | More versatile | Less versatile |
| Affordability | More affordable | More expensive |
| Space Needed | Less space needed | More space needed |
| Distortion | More potential | Less potential |
| Compression | Less compression | More compression |
| Bokeh | Can be good, but not as creamy | Excellent |
| Perspective | Realistic | Flattering |
| Best For | Environmental portraits, full-body shots, tight spaces | Headshots, shallow depth of field, isolating the subject |
In Conclusion:
* If you're on a budget, new to portraiture, or want a versatile lens, the 50mm is a great starting point. You can still create beautiful portraits with it, especially with good lighting and composition.
* If you're serious about portrait photography and want the most flattering perspective, best background blur, and have the budget and space, the 85mm is an excellent choice.
Ultimately, the best lens for you depends on your individual needs and preferences. If possible, try renting both lenses to see which one you prefer before making a purchase. Consider the types of portraits you like to take, the environments you typically shoot in, and your budget. Happy shooting!