50mm Lens: The Versatile Choice
* Pros:
* Versatility: Good for full-body, environmental portraits, and even some tighter headshots. Its wider field of view allows you to capture more of the surrounding environment.
* Affordability: Typically more affordable than an 85mm lens, especially fast (large aperture) versions.
* Availability: Widely available from most lens manufacturers, often in a "nifty fifty" kit lens option.
* Good in Tight Spaces: Works well in smaller studios or homes where you don't have much room to move back.
* Faster Focus: Generally faster and more reliable autofocus compared to older 85mm lenses.
* Cons:
* Less Background Compression: Doesn't isolate the subject from the background as dramatically as an 85mm.
* Potential for Distortion: Can introduce slight distortion, particularly when shooting close-ups. You need to be mindful of posing to avoid unflattering results.
* More Environmental Context: While a pro for environmental portraits, it can be a con if you want a blurry background.
85mm Lens: The Portrait Specialist
* Pros:
* Excellent Background Compression: Creates a beautiful, blurred background (bokeh) that isolates the subject. This makes the subject pop and minimizes distractions.
* Flattering Perspective: Considered by many to provide the most flattering perspective for faces, minimizing distortion and rounding features.
* Comfortable Working Distance: Allows you to maintain a comfortable distance from your subject, which can help them feel more relaxed.
* Excellent for Tight Headshots: The focal length is perfect for capturing details and expressions in close-up headshots.
* Cons:
* Less Versatile: More specialized for portraiture and not ideal for wider shots.
* More Expensive: Generally more expensive than a 50mm lens, especially fast versions.
* Needs More Space: Requires more space between you and your subject, which can be limiting in small spaces.
* Slower Focus (Potentially): Older 85mm lenses may have slower and less accurate autofocus than newer 50mm lenses. However, many modern 85mm lenses have very fast autofocus.
Here's a table summarizing the key differences:
| Feature | 50mm | 85mm |
|------------------|---------------------------------------|----------------------------------------|
| Versatility | High | Low |
| Background Blur | Moderate | High |
| Perspective | More neutral/slight distortion | Flattering, less distortion |
| Working Distance | Shorter | Longer |
| Price | Generally more affordable | Generally more expensive |
| Space Required | Less | More |
| Use Cases | All types of portraits, environmental | Headshots, isolating the subject |
Which Should You Choose?
* Choose the 50mm if:
* You're on a budget.
* You need a versatile lens for various types of photography beyond just portraits.
* You often shoot in tight spaces.
* You want to capture environmental portraits showing the subject in their surroundings.
* You're new to portrait photography and want a forgiving lens to learn with.
* Choose the 85mm if:
* You prioritize subject isolation and beautiful background blur.
* You mainly shoot headshots or close-up portraits.
* You have plenty of space to move around.
* You want the most flattering perspective for faces.
* You're willing to invest in a more specialized lens.
Ultimately, the best way to decide is to try both lenses if possible. Rent them, borrow them from a friend, or visit a camera store to test them out. See which one you prefer and which one better suits your style and needs.
Don't forget to consider the aperture (f-stop) of the lens! A wider aperture (e.g., f/1.4, f/1.8) will create a shallower depth of field, resulting in more background blur. Faster lenses are generally more expensive, but they offer greater control over depth of field and perform better in low light.