50mm Lens for Portraits:
* Pros:
* Versatile: A 50mm lens is considered a "standard" focal length, meaning it offers a field of view similar to human vision. This makes it good for various shooting situations beyond portraits, including street photography, landscapes, and general photography.
* Affordable: 50mm lenses are generally less expensive than 85mm lenses, especially in their faster (lower f-stop) versions.
* Works Well in Tight Spaces: Because it's wider than an 85mm, a 50mm lets you photograph portraits in smaller rooms or environments without having to stand too far away from your subject.
* Shows More of the Environment: 50mm lenses include more of the surrounding environment in the frame, helping to tell a story and provide context for the portrait. This can be great for environmental portraits.
* Easier to Work With Groups: The wider field of view makes it more suitable for photographing small groups of people.
* Cons:
* Less Background Blur (Bokeh): At the same aperture (e.g., f/1.8), a 50mm lens will produce less background blur than an 85mm. However, a 50mm at f/1.4 or f/1.2 can still deliver beautiful bokeh.
* Can Distort Features Slightly: When shooting close-up portraits with a 50mm, there can be slight distortion that makes features (like the nose) appear larger relative to the rest of the face. This is more noticeable at close range.
* May Require You to Get Closer to Your Subject: Getting close can sometimes make the subject feel uncomfortable or self-conscious.
85mm Lens for Portraits:
* Pros:
* Excellent Background Blur (Bokeh): The longer focal length and compressed perspective create creamy, beautiful background blur, which helps to isolate the subject and draw attention to them.
* Flattering Perspective: 85mm lenses are known for providing a flattering perspective that avoids distortion and renders facial features naturally.
* Creates Separation: The compressed perspective of an 85mm helps to visually separate the subject from the background, creating a sense of depth and dimension.
* Comfortable Working Distance: You can stand a bit further away from your subject, which can make them feel more relaxed and natural.
* Generally Sharper: Often, 85mm lenses are exceptionally sharp.
* Cons:
* More Expensive: Generally, 85mm lenses are more expensive than 50mm lenses, especially those with wide apertures (e.g., f/1.4 or f/1.8).
* Requires More Space: An 85mm lens requires more space to work, making it less suitable for small studios or indoor environments. You need to stand further back.
* Less Versatile: Not as practical for everyday shooting or other genres of photography. Its primary use is portraiture.
* Can Feel Isolating: The extreme subject isolation can sometimes make portraits feel a bit disconnected from the environment.
* May Be Too Narrow for Group Photos: Unless you have a lot of space, an 85mm may be too narrow to photograph groups of people.
Here's a table summarizing the key differences:
| Feature | 50mm Lens | 85mm Lens |
|-------------------|--------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------|
| Versatility | High | Low |
| Cost | Generally lower | Generally higher |
| Space Required | Less | More |
| Background Blur | Less (but still achievable with wide aperture) | More |
| Perspective | Can distort slightly at close range | More flattering, less distortion |
| Working Distance| Closer | Further |
| Subject Isolation| Less | More |
Which Should You Choose?
* Beginners: A 50mm f/1.8 is an excellent and affordable starting point. It's versatile, sharp, and will allow you to learn the basics of portrait photography without breaking the bank.
* Environmental Portraits: 50mm is a great choice for showing the subject in their environment.
* Tight Spaces: 50mm is ideal for working in smaller rooms or studios.
* Bokeh Lovers: If you prioritize background blur and flattering perspective, and have the space and budget, an 85mm is a fantastic option.
* Professional Use: Many professional portrait photographers use both 50mm and 85mm lenses, depending on the specific needs of the shoot.
Ultimately, the best way to decide which lens is right for you is to try them both out if possible. Consider renting them from a camera store or borrowing them from a friend. Experiment with different focal lengths, apertures, and distances to see which one suits your style and the types of portraits you want to create. There is no single "best" lens – it's about finding the tool that helps you achieve your artistic vision.