50mm Lens:
* Pros:
* Versatile: Good for various types of portraiture, from environmental portraits to tighter headshots. It's also a great "walkaround" lens, making it useful beyond portraits.
* Affordable: Typically less expensive than an 85mm with a similar aperture.
* Compact and Lightweight: Easier to carry around for extended periods.
* Wider Angle: Captures more of the environment, putting your subject in context. Good for storytelling.
* Faster Apertures (typically): It's often easier to find a very fast (f/1.8 or even f/1.4) 50mm lens at a reasonable price, which helps with low-light performance and shallow depth of field.
* Cons:
* Potential Distortion: Can introduce some minor distortion, especially when shooting very close to the subject. This can make facial features appear slightly elongated.
* Not as flattering (sometimes): Because you need to be closer to the subject, the perspective can be less flattering than a longer lens. Features may appear slightly exaggerated.
* Requires more interaction: Being closer to the subject may require more effort on your part to direct and interact with them.
85mm Lens:
* Pros:
* Flattering Perspective: Compresses features, making them appear more balanced and pleasing. Often considered the "ideal" focal length for portraiture in terms of perspective.
* Shallower Depth of Field: Creates beautiful bokeh (blurred background) that isolates the subject effectively.
* Comfortable Working Distance: Allows you to maintain a comfortable distance from the subject, which can make them feel more relaxed.
* Excellent Image Quality: Often designed specifically for portraiture and offer exceptional sharpness and image quality.
* Cons:
* Less Versatile: More specialized for portraiture and may not be as useful for other types of photography.
* More Expensive: Typically more expensive than a 50mm with a similar aperture.
* Larger and Heavier: Can be more cumbersome to carry around.
* Requires more space: Needs more distance between photographer and subject, which can be limiting in small spaces.
Here's a table summarizing the key differences:
| Feature | 50mm | 85mm |
|----------------|---------------------------|----------------------------|
| Versatility | High | Moderate |
| Perspective | Can be less flattering | More flattering |
| Depth of Field| Shallower, but less so than 85mm | Very shallow |
| Price | More affordable | More expensive |
| Size/Weight | Smaller/Lighter | Larger/Heavier |
| Working Distance| Shorter | Longer |
| Distortion | More noticeable, potentially| Less noticeable |
When to Choose Which:
* Choose 50mm if:
* You want a versatile lens that can be used for more than just portraits.
* You're on a budget.
* You want to capture more of the environment in your portraits (environmental portraits).
* You're shooting in small spaces.
* You want a compact and lightweight option.
* You enjoy close interaction with your subjects.
* Choose 85mm if:
* You prioritize the most flattering perspective and beautiful bokeh.
* You want to maintain a comfortable distance from your subject.
* You're shooting tight headshots or upper body portraits.
* You have plenty of space to work with.
* You are willing to invest in a lens specifically designed for portraiture.
In Conclusion:
There's no definitive winner. It really depends on your individual needs and preferences. Many photographers own both and use them in different situations. Ideally, try both lenses and see which one you prefer for your style of photography. Consider renting them before buying, or borrowing from a friend.
If you can only afford one, the 50mm is probably the more practical choice due to its versatility and affordability. However, if portraiture is your primary focus and budget isn't a major concern, the 85mm is a fantastic option.