50mm Lens for Portraits: Advantages
* Versatility: The 50mm is generally a more versatile lens. You can use it for a wider range of shots, including environmental portraits, full-body shots, and group photos, in addition to headshots. It's also great for street photography and everyday shooting.
* Affordability: 50mm lenses are typically more affordable than 85mm lenses, especially at wider apertures like f/1.8 or f/1.4. This makes it a good option for beginners.
* More Available Light: Often 50mm lenses come with very wide apertures (f/1.8, f/1.4, or even f/1.2) at a lower cost, allowing you to shoot in lower light conditions without needing a flash or significantly increasing your ISO.
* Closer Interaction: You'll need to be physically closer to your subject, which can foster a more intimate and connected feeling during the shoot. This can lead to more authentic expressions.
* Smaller and Lighter: 50mm lenses are usually smaller and lighter than 85mm lenses, making them easier to carry around for extended periods.
* Environmental Portraits: The wider field of view allows you to capture more of the surrounding environment, adding context and storytelling to your portraits.
50mm Lens for Portraits: Disadvantages
* Distortion (Sometimes): While generally minimal, 50mm lenses can exhibit some slight perspective distortion, especially when shooting very close to your subject. This can make facial features appear slightly exaggerated (like a larger nose).
* Less Background Compression: The background will appear less compressed compared to an 85mm lens, meaning the background might be more in focus or less separated from your subject. This can be a pro or a con depending on your vision.
* Can Feel "Generic": Some photographers find the 50mm field of view less unique or less specialized for portraiture than other focal lengths.
85mm Lens for Portraits: Advantages
* Excellent Perspective Compression: 85mm lenses create a very flattering perspective compression, which tends to make facial features appear more balanced and refined. It helps to smooth out skin and reduce the appearance of blemishes.
* Beautiful Bokeh: The longer focal length and typically wider aperture (e.g., f/1.8, f/1.4) produce a creamy, blurred background ("bokeh") that beautifully isolates the subject. This is a major reason why many photographers love it for portraits.
* More Working Distance: You can stand further away from your subject, which can make them feel more comfortable and less self-conscious. This is especially helpful for photographing children or shy individuals.
* Sharpness: Many 85mm lenses are known for their exceptional sharpness, delivering crisp and detailed images.
* "Portrait Specialist" Look: The 85mm focal length has a reputation as a go-to portrait lens, and its results often align with the classic portrait aesthetic.
85mm Lens for Portraits: Disadvantages
* Less Versatile: It's less practical for full-body shots in tight spaces or for capturing environmental portraits where you want to include more of the surrounding scene.
* More Expensive: High-quality 85mm lenses, particularly those with wide apertures (f/1.8, f/1.4), are often more expensive than comparable 50mm lenses.
* Requires More Space: The longer focal length requires more room to work, especially indoors. You'll need to be able to move further back from your subject.
* Less Available Light (Potentially): While 85mm lenses can have wide apertures, the cost of very wide apertures (e.g., f/1.2) is significantly higher than for 50mm lenses. So, you *might* end up shooting at a slightly smaller aperture (e.g., f/1.8) and needing more light.
* Less Intimate Interaction: The greater distance can sometimes make it harder to connect with your subject on a personal level.
Summary Table
| Feature | 50mm Lens | 85mm Lens |
|----------------------|-------------------------------|--------------------------------|
| Versatility | High | Lower |
| Affordability | Generally lower | Generally higher |
| Perspective | Minimal distortion | Flattering compression |
| Bokeh | Decent, but not as pronounced | Beautiful and creamy |
| Working Distance | Closer | Further |
| Space Required | Less | More |
| Image Quality | Generally good | Often exceptionally sharp |
| Intimacy | More possible | Less (requires effort) |
| Common Use Cases | Full-body, environmental, street | Headshots, close-ups, portraits |
Which is Right for You?
* Choose 50mm if:
* You're on a budget.
* You need a versatile lens for various types of photography.
* You often shoot in tight spaces.
* You want to capture more of the environment in your portraits.
* You prefer a closer, more interactive shooting experience.
* Choose 85mm if:
* You prioritize flattering perspective and beautiful bokeh.
* You have the space to work further back from your subject.
* You primarily shoot headshots or close-up portraits.
* You want to minimize distortion and smooth out skin.
* You want a classic "portrait lens" look.
Recommendation:
If you can only choose one, start with the 50mm, *especially* if you're new to portrait photography or on a tight budget. It's a versatile lens that will help you learn the fundamentals of composition, lighting, and subject interaction. As you gain experience and develop your style, you can then consider adding an 85mm lens to your kit to expand your creative options. Ideally, owning both is the best solution, giving you the flexibility to adapt to different situations and achieve a wide range of looks.
Final Tip: Rent both lenses for a day and try them out in different scenarios. This hands-on experience will be the most valuable in determining which lens best suits your needs and preferences.