50mm Lens:
Pros:
* Versatility: 50mm is often considered a "standard" focal length, making it useful for various types of photography, not just portraits. You can shoot landscapes, street photography, and even some close-up shots with it.
* Affordability: 50mm lenses, especially f/1.8 versions, are often very affordable, making them a great starting point for aspiring photographers.
* Wider Field of View: The wider field of view allows you to include more of the environment in your portraits. This can be useful for environmental portraits that tell a story. You can also shoot in tighter spaces.
* Less Compression: 50mm lenses offer less compression than longer lenses. This can be desirable for a more natural-looking representation of the subject's features.
* Closer Connection: Shooting with a 50mm often requires you to be physically closer to your subject, which can sometimes create a more intimate connection.
Cons:
* More Distortion (Potentially): While not as extreme as wider lenses, a 50mm can exhibit some distortion, especially near the edges of the frame. You might need to be more mindful of your subject's pose to avoid unflattering distortions of facial features.
* Less Background Blur (Potentially): Compared to an 85mm, achieving a shallow depth of field and significant background blur (bokeh) can be slightly more challenging, especially if you're not shooting at a wide aperture.
* More Subject Awareness: Being closer to your subject can sometimes make them feel more self-conscious or aware of the camera.
85mm Lens:
Pros:
* Flattering Perspective: 85mm lenses are renowned for their ability to create flattering portraits. They offer a good balance of compression without being overly exaggerated. The perspective tends to be more forgiving on facial features.
* Excellent Background Blur (Bokeh): 85mm lenses, especially those with wide apertures, excel at creating creamy, beautiful background blur that isolates the subject and draws attention to them.
* Comfortable Shooting Distance: You can maintain a comfortable distance from your subject, which can make them feel more relaxed and natural. This is especially helpful with shy or nervous subjects.
* Reduced Distortion: 85mm lenses generally exhibit very little distortion, resulting in more accurate and pleasing representations of facial features.
Cons:
* Less Versatile: The narrower field of view makes 85mm lenses less versatile for general photography compared to 50mm. They are primarily designed for portraiture.
* Can be More Expensive: High-quality 85mm lenses, especially those with wide apertures (e.g., f/1.4 or f/1.8), can be more expensive than comparable 50mm lenses.
* Requires More Space: The longer focal length requires more space between you and your subject, which can be a limitation in tight indoor spaces.
* More Compression: The compression effect, while generally flattering, can sometimes make the background appear closer to the subject than it actually is.
Summary Table:
| Feature | 50mm | 85mm |
|--------------------|--------------------------|--------------------------|
| Versatility | High | Low |
| Affordability | Generally lower | Generally higher |
| Perspective | More natural, less compressed | More flattering, compressed |
| Background Blur| Can be achieved, requires effort | Excellent, easily achieved |
| Working Distance| Closer | More distant |
| Distortion | Some, manageable | Minimal |
| Space Required| Less | More |
| Subject Comfort | Can be intrusive | More comfortable |
Which is Best for You?
* Choose 50mm if:
* You want a more versatile lens for various types of photography.
* You are on a budget.
* You want to include more of the environment in your portraits.
* You prefer a more natural-looking perspective with less compression.
* You often shoot in tight spaces.
* Choose 85mm if:
* You primarily shoot portraits.
* You prioritize flattering perspective and beautiful background blur.
* You want to maintain a comfortable distance from your subject.
* Space isn't a constraint in your shooting environment.
* You're willing to invest more for specialized portrait performance.
Final Recommendation:
* Beginner: If you are just starting out, a 50mm f/1.8 lens is an excellent and affordable option to learn the basics of portrait photography. It will help you understand composition, lighting, and depth of field without breaking the bank.
* Serious Portrait Photographer: An 85mm lens is a worthwhile investment for serious portrait photographers who want to consistently achieve professional-looking results with beautiful bokeh and flattering perspective.
* Best of Both Worlds: Ideally, having both a 50mm and an 85mm lens gives you the flexibility to adapt to different shooting situations and achieve different creative visions.
Ultimately, the best way to decide is to try both focal lengths and see which one you prefer. Rent them if you can before buying. Consider your style and budget. Happy shooting!