50mm Lens: Pros
* Versatility: A 50mm is a versatile "normal" lens. It's great for full-body shots, environmental portraits, and tighter headshots. It's also generally more usable in various shooting situations, including indoor settings with limited space.
* More Affordable: 50mm lenses are typically significantly cheaper than 85mm lenses, especially fast (e.g., f/1.8) versions.
* Lighter and More Compact: Easier to carry around and use for extended periods, especially for street portraits or event photography.
* Easier to Work with in Tight Spaces: Requires less distance between you and the subject, making it ideal for smaller studios or indoor environments.
* More Natural Perspective: A 50mm approximates the human eye's field of view, resulting in a more natural-looking perspective.
* Better for Environmental Portraits: Allows you to capture more of the surrounding environment to tell a story or provide context.
50mm Lens: Cons
* Less Background Compression: Doesn't compress the background as much as an 85mm, so backgrounds can sometimes appear less blurred and more distracting.
* Can Require You to Get Closer: For tighter shots, you need to get physically closer to your subject, which can sometimes make them feel less comfortable.
* Potential for Distortion at Close Range: Can introduce slight distortion if you get *too* close, especially with wider apertures.
85mm Lens: Pros
* Excellent Background Compression: Compresses the background beautifully, creating a shallow depth of field and isolating the subject. This results in creamy bokeh and a more professional look.
* Flattering Perspective: Often considered more flattering for facial features than a 50mm, minimizing distortion and creating a more balanced look.
* Comfortable Shooting Distance: Allows you to maintain a comfortable distance from your subject, helping them feel more relaxed and natural.
* Better for Headshots and Upper Body Portraits: Shines when focusing on tighter compositions like headshots and upper body portraits.
* Subject Isolation: Great at isolating your subject from the background, drawing the viewer's attention directly to them.
85mm Lens: Cons
* Less Versatile: Less suitable for full-body shots in tight spaces. Requires more distance from the subject, which can be limiting.
* More Expensive: Generally more expensive than 50mm lenses, especially fast (e.g., f/1.4 or f/1.8) versions.
* Heavier and Bulkier: Can be more cumbersome to carry and use for extended periods.
* Requires More Space: Not ideal for small studios or indoor environments where you can't move far enough away from your subject.
* Can Feel Restrictive: The tighter field of view can feel restrictive if you prefer environmental portraits or a wider perspective.
Here's a quick summary table:
| Feature | 50mm | 85mm |
|-------------------|----------------|----------------|
| Versatility | High | Low |
| Price | Lower | Higher |
| Size/Weight | Lighter/Smaller| Heavier/Larger |
| Space Needed | Less | More |
| Compression | Less | More |
| Perspective | More Natural | More Flattering|
| Best For | Env. Portraits, Full Body | Headshots, Upper Body |
Which Should *You* Choose?
* Start with 50mm If:
* You're on a budget.
* You need a versatile lens for various types of photography.
* You frequently shoot in small spaces.
* You prefer environmental portraits that include more of the surroundings.
* Consider 85mm If:
* You primarily shoot headshots and upper body portraits.
* You prioritize background compression and subject isolation.
* You have ample space to work with.
* You want a more flattering perspective for facial features.
Ultimately, the best way to decide is to try both lenses if possible. Rent them or borrow them from a friend to see which one better suits your style and needs. You might even find that you prefer having both in your kit for different situations.
Beyond the Lens: Other Important Factors
Regardless of which lens you choose, remember that a great portrait is about more than just the focal length. Consider these factors:
* Lighting: Good lighting is essential for any portrait.
* Composition: Pay attention to the placement of your subject within the frame.
* Posing: Guide your subject into flattering poses.
* Connection with Your Subject: Building rapport with your subject will help them feel relaxed and natural, resulting in more authentic portraits.
* Aperture: Using a wide aperture (e.g., f/1.8, f/2.8) will create a shallow depth of field, blurring the background and drawing attention to the subject.
Good luck and happy shooting!