Here's a breakdown of the pros and cons of each to help you decide:
50mm Lens:
Pros:
* Versatility: 50mm is considered a "normal" focal length, meaning it approximates the human field of view. This makes it useful for a wider range of photography beyond just portraits, including street photography, landscapes (cropped), and general everyday shooting.
* Cost: Generally, 50mm lenses are much more affordable than 85mm lenses, especially fast (wide aperture) versions. A great 50mm f/1.8 can be very budget-friendly.
* Space: Requires less space between you and your subject. This is ideal for shooting in smaller studios, indoors, or in crowded locations.
* Environmental Portraits: The wider angle allows you to include more of the surrounding environment, which can be useful for telling a story about the subject in their context. Good for showing the location.
* Lightweight and Compact: Easier to carry around.
Cons:
* Distortion (close-up): Can introduce slight distortion if you get too close to your subject, especially at the edges of the frame. This can make features appear less flattering (e.g., nose appears larger).
* Less Background Compression: Doesn't compress the background as much as an 85mm, meaning the background may appear closer and more distracting.
* Less Bokeh (blur): While you can achieve good bokeh with a fast 50mm, it generally won't be as creamy and dreamy as with an 85mm, especially at the same aperture. Backgrounds can sometimes look busier.
* Requires getting closer: May feel less comfortable for shy subjects.
85mm Lens:
Pros:
* Flattering Perspective: The longer focal length compresses features, leading to a more flattering and natural-looking portrait. It avoids the distortion that can occur with wider lenses.
* Excellent Background Compression: Compresses the background significantly, making it appear closer and blurring it out beautifully (bokeh). This helps isolate the subject and creates a shallow depth of field.
* Strong Bokeh: Known for its beautiful, creamy bokeh, which helps to isolate the subject and create a dreamy, artistic look.
* Comfortable Distance: Allows you to shoot from a comfortable distance, which can make your subject feel more relaxed.
* Isolates the Subject: The combination of compression and bokeh makes it excellent for focusing attention solely on the subject's face and expression.
Cons:
* Cost: Generally more expensive than 50mm lenses, especially fast ones.
* Space: Requires more space between you and your subject. This can be challenging in small studios or tight locations.
* Less Versatile: Less useful for other types of photography besides portraits.
* Heavier and Larger: Less convenient to carry around.
* Environmental Portraits are more challenging: Difficult to capture the subject within a broader scene. Focuses on the subject's face more than the environment.
Here's a table summarizing the key differences:
| Feature | 50mm Lens | 85mm Lens |
|-----------------|-----------------------------------|------------------------------------|
| Versatility | High | Low |
| Cost | Lower | Higher |
| Space Needed | Less | More |
| Distortion | Possible (close-up) | Minimal |
| Compression | Less | More |
| Bokeh | Good (but less creamy) | Excellent (creamy) |
| Flattering? | Can be, but requires care | More inherently flattering |
| Weight | Lighter | Heavier |
| Environmental Portraits | Easier to achieve | More difficult |
When to Choose Which:
* Choose 50mm if:
* You're on a budget.
* You need a versatile lens for various types of photography.
* You often shoot in small spaces.
* You want to capture environmental portraits.
* You want a lightweight and easy-to-carry lens.
* Choose 85mm if:
* You prioritize flattering portraits with beautiful bokeh.
* You have enough space to work.
* You want to isolate your subject from the background.
* You want a more comfortable shooting distance.
* You're willing to invest more for specialized portrait performance.
Ultimately, the best way to decide is to try both lenses out. Rent them, borrow them, or see if a friend will let you test them. Experiment with different settings and subjects to see which focal length you prefer and which one best suits your style. You might even find that you love both and want them in your kit!