50mm Lens - The Versatile All-Arounder
* Pros:
* Versatile Focal Length: Closer to a natural human perspective. Can be used for a wider range of shots, from environmental portraits to tighter headshots.
* More Affordable: Typically cheaper than 85mm lenses, especially at comparable aperture speeds (e.g., f/1.8 versions are readily available and budget-friendly).
* Wider Angle of View: Allows you to include more of the background, creating context and telling a story about the subject's environment. Good for showing the subject within their surroundings.
* Less Compression: Flatter perspective compared to 85mm, which some prefer for a more realistic look.
* Easier to Use in Tight Spaces: Doesn't require as much distance from the subject, making it suitable for indoor shoots or smaller studios.
* Faster Focusing (Potentially): Some 50mm lenses, especially prime lenses, can focus faster than 85mm lenses.
* Cons:
* May Require Closer Proximity: You need to get physically closer to your subject for tighter headshots, which can sometimes feel intrusive or less comfortable for the subject.
* Less Background Blur (Bokeh): At the same aperture, the 50mm lens will generally produce less background blur than the 85mm lens. This can be mitigated by using a wider aperture (e.g., f/1.4 or f/1.2).
* Can Show More Distortions: Depending on the lens and how close you are to the subject, there can be minor distortions, particularly around the edges of the frame.
85mm Lens - The Portrait Specialist
* Pros:
* Ideal Focal Length for Portraits: Considered by many to be the "classic" portrait lens. Provides a flattering perspective and natural compression.
* Superior Background Blur (Bokeh): Creates beautiful, creamy background blur (bokeh) that isolates the subject and draws attention to them. Great for distracting or unappealing backgrounds.
* More Comfortable Distance: Allows you to maintain a more comfortable distance from your subject while still achieving a tight portrait.
* Flattering Compression: Compresses facial features slightly, often considered more flattering than the 50mm's perspective.
* Reduced Distortions: Generally produces less distortion in portraits compared to the 50mm, especially on full-frame cameras.
* Cons:
* More Expensive: Generally more expensive than comparable 50mm lenses.
* Requires More Space: Needs more distance between you and your subject, which can be challenging in small studios or indoor settings.
* Less Versatile: Not as well-suited for wider shots or environmental portraits. Can feel restrictive in some situations.
* Can Feel Isolating: The strong background blur can isolate the subject *too* much, losing context.
Here's a simple table summarizing the key differences:
| Feature | 50mm | 85mm |
|-------------------|------------------------------------|------------------------------------|
| Focal Length | More versatile | Optimized for portraits |
| Price | Generally less expensive | Generally more expensive |
| Background Blur | Less | More |
| Distance to Subject | Closer | Further |
| Versatility | Higher | Lower |
| Distortion | Potentially more | Potentially less |
| Space Required | Less | More |
| Compression | Less | More |
Which One is Right for You? Consider These Questions:
* What kind of portraits do you shoot? (Headshots, environmental portraits, full body, etc.)
* Where do you primarily shoot? (Studio, outdoors, indoors, etc.)
* What is your budget?
* What is your personal style? (Do you prefer a more natural look, or a more dramatic, blurred background?)
* Do you have the space to use an 85mm comfortably?
* How important is background blur to you?
* Are you shooting full-frame or crop-sensor? On a crop sensor camera, a 50mm lens will behave more like an 80mm lens, closing the gap between the two. You might even consider a 35mm on a crop sensor to achieve a similar look to a 50mm on full frame.
Recommendations:
* Beginner/Budget-Conscious: Start with a 50mm f/1.8. It's affordable, versatile, and will teach you the fundamentals of portrait photography.
* Primarily Studio/Controlled Lighting: An 85mm is a great choice for its flattering perspective and background blur.
* Environmental Portraits/Shooting in Tight Spaces: A 50mm offers more flexibility in these situations.
* Craving Maximum Background Blur: An 85mm f/1.4 or f/1.2 will give you that creamy bokeh.
* If you can only choose one: The 50mm is often considered the more versatile and practical choice for all-around photography. However, if portraits are your primary focus and you have the budget and space, the 85mm might be a better fit.
* The Best Advice: If possible, try both lenses out before making a decision. Rent them for a weekend and see which one you prefer.
Ultimately, the best lens is the one that helps you achieve the look you're going for and that you enjoy using. Don't be afraid to experiment and find what works best for your style!