50mm Lens:
Pros:
* Versatility: More versatile in general photography. You can use it for street photography, landscapes, and even some product photography.
* Closer to "Normal" Perspective: Offers a field of view that is closer to human vision, resulting in a more natural-looking perspective.
* Wider Field of View: Allows you to include more of the background in your portraits, placing your subject in their environment. This is great for environmental portraits.
* Often More Affordable: Typically less expensive than an 85mm lens, especially at fast apertures.
* Can Work in Tight Spaces: Easier to use in smaller studios or indoor locations where you don't have a lot of room to move back.
Cons:
* More Distortion (Potentially): Can introduce slight distortion, especially around the edges of the frame, if you get too close to your subject. This can make features like the nose appear larger. However, this is less of a problem with high-quality 50mm lenses.
* Less Background Compression: Doesn't compress the background as much as an 85mm lens, so the background may appear less blurred and more distracting.
* Requires Getting Closer: You need to be closer to your subject to fill the frame, which can sometimes make them feel self-conscious.
85mm Lens:
Pros:
* More Flattering Perspective: Creates a more flattering perspective for portraits. It compresses facial features, minimizing distortion and making the subject look more attractive.
* Beautiful Background Blur (Bokeh): Offers shallower depth of field and more pleasing background blur (bokeh) due to its longer focal length and often wider aperture. This helps isolate the subject and creates a dreamy look.
* Greater Subject Isolation: The longer focal length allows you to create more separation between the subject and the background, drawing attention to the person.
* More Comfortable Distance: You can stand further away from your subject, which can make them feel more comfortable and relaxed during the shoot.
Cons:
* Less Versatile: More specialized for portraits and less suitable for other types of photography.
* Can Feel Limiting in Tight Spaces: Difficult to use in small studios or confined spaces. You need plenty of room to move back and get the shot you want.
* Generally More Expensive: Typically more expensive than a 50mm lens, especially at fast apertures.
* Less Environmental Context: Because it isolates the subject more, it includes less of the surrounding environment.
Here's a table summarizing the key differences:
| Feature | 50mm | 85mm |
|----------------|---------------------------------------|---------------------------------------|
| Versatility | High | Low |
| Perspective | Near "Normal" | More Flattering |
| Background Blur | Less | More |
| Subject Isolation| Less | More |
| Space Required | Less | More |
| Price | Generally Lower | Generally Higher |
| Distortion | Potentially More (Close-up) | Less |
| Comfort Distance | Closer to Subject | Further from Subject |
Which One Should You Choose?
* Choose a 50mm if:
* You want a versatile lens for various types of photography.
* You want to include more of the background in your portraits (environmental portraits).
* You are on a budget.
* You often shoot in tight spaces.
* You prefer a more natural, less stylized look.
* Choose an 85mm if:
* You primarily shoot portraits and want the most flattering perspective.
* You want to achieve beautiful background blur (bokeh).
* You have plenty of space to work with.
* You prefer to stand further away from your subject.
* You're looking for maximum subject isolation and a dreamy, professional look.
Ultimately, the best way to decide is to try both lenses if possible. Rent them, borrow them, or visit a camera store and experiment. Consider your shooting style, the types of portraits you like to take, and your budget. Some photographers own both and switch between them depending on the specific needs of the shoot. There's no *wrong* answer, and mastering either lens will yield stunning results.