50mm Lens: Advantages
* Versatility: A 50mm lens is more versatile than an 85mm. It's good for more than just portraits. You can use it for street photography, landscapes, and even some general-purpose photography.
* Wider Angle of View: The wider angle allows you to include more of the environment in your shot. This can be useful for environmental portraits, telling a story, and capturing the subject in context.
* Easier to Use in Tight Spaces: If you're shooting indoors or in cramped locations, the 50mm is often easier to work with because you don't need as much distance between you and your subject.
* Typically More Affordable: 50mm lenses, especially "nifty fifties" with fast apertures (like f/1.8), are often very affordable, making them a great entry point for portrait photography.
50mm Lens: Disadvantages
* Can Distort Facial Features (Slightly): When used too close, a 50mm lens can introduce a slight distortion to facial features, making the nose appear a little larger or the face a bit wider.
* Requires Getting Closer to the Subject: You need to be physically closer to your subject, which can sometimes feel intrusive and less comfortable for the subject.
* Less Background Compression: Background elements appear less compressed compared to longer focal lengths, which can make it harder to isolate the subject.
85mm Lens: Advantages
* Flattering Perspective: The 85mm is widely considered to be one of the most flattering focal lengths for portraits. It provides a natural perspective and minimizes distortion.
* Beautiful Bokeh: Longer focal lengths create shallower depth of field and more blurred backgrounds (bokeh), effectively isolating the subject and creating a dreamy, artistic effect. The 85mm excels at this.
* More Comfortable Distance: You can maintain a comfortable distance from your subject while still getting a close-up shot. This can help them feel more relaxed and natural.
* Excellent for Headshots and Close-ups: The 85mm is ideal for headshots and close-up portraits where you want to emphasize the subject's features.
* Better Subject Isolation: The compressed perspective of an 85mm visually separates the subject from the background, making them stand out.
85mm Lens: Disadvantages
* Less Versatile: The 85mm is more specialized for portraits and may not be as useful for other types of photography.
* Needs More Space: Requires more distance between you and the subject, making it difficult to use in small spaces.
* Typically More Expensive: 85mm lenses, especially those with fast apertures (f/1.8, f/1.4), tend to be more expensive than 50mm lenses.
* Can Be More Challenging to Handhold: Longer focal lengths require faster shutter speeds to avoid camera shake, especially when shooting handheld.
Here's a Quick Summary Table:
| Feature | 50mm | 85mm |
|-----------------|----------------------------|----------------------------|
| Versatility | High | Low |
| Perspective | Neutral (can distort close) | Flattering |
| Bokeh | Good | Excellent |
| Subject Distance| Closer | Further |
| Space Required | Less | More |
| Affordability | High | Lower |
| Distortion | Possible (close) | Minimal |
| Subject Isolation| Moderate | High |
Key Questions to Ask Yourself:
* What's my style of portraiture? Do I like environmental portraits or tightly cropped headshots?
* Where will I be shooting? Mostly indoors or outdoors? How much space will I have?
* What's my budget? This is a major factor.
* Do I need a lens that can do more than just portraits?
Recommendations:
* Beginner or Limited Budget: Start with a 50mm f/1.8. It's affordable, versatile, and a great way to learn.
* Primarily Headshots/Close-ups, and/or Space is Available: 85mm is the winner for flattering perspectives and beautiful bokeh.
* Environmental Portraits, Storytelling, and/or Limited Space: 50mm will likely be a better choice.
* If possible, try both lenses! Renting or borrowing them is the best way to see which one feels right for you and suits your style.
Ultimately, the best lens is the one that helps you achieve your creative vision and produces the results you're looking for. Don't be afraid to experiment and find what works best for *you*. Good luck!