50mm Lens for Portrait Photography:
Pros:
* Versatility: The 50mm is a fantastic all-around lens. It's useful for more than just portraits, including street photography, landscapes, and even some detail work.
* "Normal" Perspective: It offers a field of view relatively close to how the human eye sees, resulting in a more natural and less distorted perspective.
* Environmental Portraits: It allows you to include more of the subject's surroundings, telling a story and providing context. You can show the environment they live in, the context of their life, or a beautiful location.
* More Forgiving for Full Body Shots: It's easier to compose full body or half-body portraits without having to step too far back.
* Typically More Affordable: 50mm lenses are often less expensive than 85mm lenses, especially fast primes.
* Smaller and Lighter: Easier to carry and travel with, especially compared to larger 85mm options.
* Wider Apertures Often More Affordable: Fast 50mm lenses (f/1.8, f/1.4) tend to be more readily available and affordable than similarly fast 85mm options.
Cons:
* Less Background Compression: Background elements might appear larger and closer to the subject, potentially distracting from the portrait.
* Perspective Distortion (Slightly): If you get too close to your subject, a 50mm can introduce slight perspective distortion, particularly in facial features (making the nose appear larger).
* Less Subject Isolation: While you can achieve shallow depth of field with a fast aperture, it won't be as pronounced as with an 85mm lens.
* Requires More Communication: You need to be closer to your subject, so effective communication and rapport are essential.
85mm Lens for Portrait Photography:
Pros:
* Excellent Subject Isolation: The longer focal length and typically wider apertures (like f/1.8 or f/1.4) create a very shallow depth of field, blurring the background beautifully and isolating the subject. This is often called "bokeh."
* Flattering Perspective: The 85mm lens compresses features and creates a flattering portrait perspective. It tends to smooth skin and can make the face appear more slender.
* More Working Distance: You can maintain a comfortable distance from your subject, which can be helpful for shy subjects or in situations where you want to be less intrusive.
* Stronger Bokeh: The longer focal length and wider apertures generally produce more aesthetically pleasing bokeh.
* Ideal for Headshots and Close-Ups: Perfect for tight compositions that focus on the subject's face and expression.
Cons:
* Less Versatile: More specialized for portraits. Less useful for wide-angle shots or situations where you need to capture a larger scene.
* More Expensive: High-quality 85mm lenses, especially those with fast apertures (f/1.8 or wider), can be more expensive.
* Heavier and Bulkier: Can be more challenging to carry around for extended periods.
* Requires More Space: You need more room to move back and compose your shot, especially for full-body portraits. May not be ideal in small studio spaces.
* Strong Compression Can Be Unnatural: While generally flattering, extreme compression can sometimes look unnatural.
* Can Feel Isolating: The distance can sometimes make it harder to build a strong connection with your subject.
Here's a table summarizing the key differences:
| Feature | 50mm | 85mm |
|-------------------|--------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------|
| Versatility | High | Lower |
| Perspective | More natural, slightly wider | More compressed, flattering |
| Background Blur | Less pronounced | More pronounced (shallower depth of field) |
| Working Distance | Closer | Further |
| Price | Generally more affordable | Generally more expensive |
| Size/Weight | Smaller and lighter | Larger and heavier |
| Best For | Environmental Portraits, Full Body Shots | Headshots, Close-Ups, Subject Isolation |
In Conclusion:
* Choose the 50mm if: You want a versatile lens that can handle a variety of situations, including environmental portraits, and if budget and size are important considerations. You are good at communicating with your subject.
* Choose the 85mm if: You prioritize subject isolation, flattering perspective, and beautiful bokeh, and if you're willing to invest in a specialized lens for portraits. You have the space to move around and work from a distance.
Recommendations:
* Beginner: If you're just starting out with portrait photography, a 50mm f/1.8 lens is an excellent and affordable option to learn the basics.
* Indoor/Studio Work: Both can work, but the 85mm may require a larger studio space. The 50mm can be more practical in smaller environments.
* Outdoor Portraits: Both are great, but the 85mm shines in situations where you can separate the subject from a busy background.
* Consider Your Camera's Sensor Size: The field of view is affected by the sensor size. On a crop sensor camera (APS-C), a 50mm lens will have a field of view similar to an 80mm lens on a full-frame camera, effectively narrowing its field of view. An 85mm lens on a crop sensor becomes quite long (equivalent to around 136mm), making it very specialized.
The best advice is to try both lenses, if possible, and see which one suits your style and preferences better. Rent them, borrow them from a friend, or visit a camera store to experiment. You might even find that you prefer one for certain types of portraits and the other for different situations. Good luck!