Here's a breakdown of 50mm vs. 85mm for portraiture:
50mm Lens:
* Pros:
* Versatile: Can be used for a wider range of shots, including environmental portraits that show more of the subject's surroundings.
* Affordable: Typically more affordable than an 85mm lens, especially with a fast aperture (e.g., f/1.8 or f/1.4).
* Lightweight and Compact: Easier to carry and handle for longer periods.
* Good in Tight Spaces: Allows you to capture portraits in smaller rooms or crowded locations.
* Natural Perspective: Closely mimics human vision, giving a more realistic feel.
* Cons:
* Less Background Compression: Doesn't blur the background as much as an 85mm.
* Requires Closer Proximity: You'll need to be closer to your subject, which can sometimes feel intrusive or less comfortable for them.
* More Prone to Distortion: When shooting very close, you might encounter slight facial distortion.
85mm Lens:
* Pros:
* Excellent Background Compression: Creates a beautiful, creamy background blur (bokeh) that isolates the subject.
* Flattering Perspective: Compresses facial features slightly, often resulting in a more flattering portrait.
* Comfortable Distance: Allows you to maintain a more comfortable distance from your subject, making them feel less self-conscious.
* Sharpness: Often very sharp, especially when paired with a good quality lens.
* Cons:
* More Expensive: Typically more expensive than a 50mm lens, especially with a fast aperture.
* Larger and Heavier: Can be bulky and tiring to carry for extended periods.
* Requires More Space: Needs more room to work with, making it less suitable for tight spaces.
* Less Versatile: Not as well-suited for environmental portraits or wider shots.
Here's a table summarizing the key differences:
| Feature | 50mm | 85mm |
| ----------------- | ------------------------------ | ------------------------------ |
| Versatility | High | Low |
| Background Blur | Less | More |
| Distance to Subject | Closer | Further |
| Perspective | More Natural | More Flattering |
| Size/Weight | Smaller/Lighter | Larger/Heavier |
| Price | Generally Less Expensive | Generally More Expensive |
| Space Required| Less | More |
| Facial Distortion| More prone when shooting close | Less prone |
When to Use Which Lens:
* Use a 50mm lens if:
* You want to capture environmental portraits.
* You're on a budget.
* You need a lightweight and versatile lens.
* You're shooting in tight spaces.
* You prefer a more natural perspective.
* Use an 85mm lens if:
* You want to isolate your subject with a blurred background.
* You prefer a flattering perspective.
* You want to maintain a comfortable distance from your subject.
* You have enough space to work with.
* Background blur (bokeh) is a high priority
Other Considerations:
* Crop Sensor vs. Full Frame: On a crop sensor camera, a 50mm lens will have a field of view similar to an 80mm lens on a full-frame camera. An 85mm lens on a crop sensor will feel like a very tight telephoto lens. Keep this in mind when choosing your lens.
* Aperture: The aperture of the lens (e.g., f/1.8, f/1.4) will significantly impact the background blur. A wider aperture (smaller f-number) will create a shallower depth of field and more blur.
* Personal Style: Ultimately, the best focal length for you depends on your personal style and the look you're trying to achieve. Experiment with both to see which one you prefer.
Conclusion:
There is no definitive "best" focal length between 50mm and 85mm for portrait photography. Both are excellent choices with their own advantages and disadvantages. Consider your shooting style, the environment, and your budget when making your decision. Many photographers own and use both lenses for different situations. If you can only choose one to start with, consider your space constraints and whether you value versatility (50mm) or background compression (85mm) more.