Here's a breakdown of the pros and cons of each focal length for portrait photography:
50mm Lens (The "Nifty Fifty")
Pros:
* Versatility: It's a versatile focal length suitable for various types of portraits, from environmental portraits that show more of the surroundings to tighter headshots.
* Affordability: 50mm lenses, especially f/1.8 versions, are often very affordable, making them a great entry point into portrait photography.
* Good in Tight Spaces: If you're shooting indoors or in smaller spaces, the 50mm gives you more room to work and compose your shots without feeling cramped.
* Near Natural Perspective: The 50mm lens is considered to be close to the human eye's perspective, leading to images that feel more natural and less distorted.
* Can tell a story: Because you capture more of the environment, you have the opportunity to tell more of a story with your portrait.
Cons:
* May Require Getting Closer: You'll need to get physically closer to your subject for headshots, which can sometimes feel intrusive or make some subjects feel self-conscious.
* Less Background Compression: Compared to the 85mm, the 50mm lens provides less background compression, which can sometimes make backgrounds appear less blurred and more distracting (although this can be mitigated with a wide aperture).
* Potential for Distortion (Slight): While generally close to the human eye's perspective, shooting too close with a 50mm can introduce a slight bit of distortion, especially noticeable around the edges of the frame. This can make features closer to the camera appear larger.
85mm Lens (The Portrait Specialist)
Pros:
* Excellent Background Compression: The 85mm excels at compressing the background, creating a beautiful, smooth bokeh that isolates your subject and makes them stand out.
* Flattering Perspective: It provides a more flattering perspective for faces, minimizing distortion and creating more pleasing proportions.
* Comfortable Shooting Distance: You can maintain a more comfortable distance from your subject, allowing them to feel more relaxed and natural.
* Subject Isolation: The shallow depth of field makes your subject pop, and it hides background distractions.
* Great for Headshots & Close-Ups: The 85mm is ideal for headshots and close-up portraits due to its flattering compression and ability to blur the background.
Cons:
* Can Feel Limiting in Tight Spaces: It can be challenging to use an 85mm in confined areas, as you'll need a lot of space to back up and frame your subject.
* Less Versatile Than 50mm: It's not as versatile as the 50mm for capturing wider scenes or environmental portraits.
* Generally More Expensive: 85mm lenses, especially those with wide apertures (like f/1.4 or f/1.8), tend to be more expensive than 50mm lenses.
* Can Feel Disconnected: Since you're further from the subject and the background is so blurred, it can feel a little disconnected.
Here's a table summarizing the key differences:
| Feature | 50mm | 85mm |
|-------------------|-----------------------------------------|------------------------------------------|
| Versatility | High | Medium |
| Affordability | High | Medium to High |
| Space Required | Low | High |
| Background Blur | Moderate (depends on aperture) | High (due to compression and aperture) |
| Perspective | Near Natural | Flattering, Compressing |
| Best For | Environmental Portraits, General Use | Headshots, Close-Ups, Subject Isolation |
When to Choose 50mm:
* You're on a budget.
* You need a versatile lens that can be used for various types of photography.
* You shoot in tight spaces or indoors frequently.
* You want to capture more of the environment around your subject.
* You prefer a more natural-looking perspective.
When to Choose 85mm:
* You prioritize subject isolation and creamy background blur.
* You want a flattering perspective for portraits, especially headshots.
* You have enough space to move around freely.
* You want to minimize distortion.
* You prefer to maintain a comfortable distance from your subject.
In Conclusion:
Ultimately, the best choice depends on your individual needs and preferences. Many photographers own both a 50mm and an 85mm lens to cover different situations.
Recommendation:
* If you're just starting out: The 50mm f/1.8 ("nifty fifty") is an excellent, affordable option that will teach you the basics of portrait photography.
* If you're looking to upgrade and specialize: The 85mm is a fantastic choice for taking your portraiture to the next level.
* Consider renting both: If you're still unsure, consider renting both lenses for a weekend to see which one you prefer in practice.
Think about the types of portraits you want to create and the environments you'll be shooting in, and that will help you make the right decision! Good luck!