50mm Lens:
* Pros:
* More Versatile: The 50mm is wider, making it easier to shoot in smaller spaces. You don't need as much distance between you and your subject.
* Contextual Portraits: It captures more of the surrounding environment, allowing you to tell a story and provide context to the portrait.
* Natural Perspective: The 50mm lens renders perspective closer to how the human eye sees, resulting in a more natural and less distorted look.
* Affordable: Typically, 50mm lenses are more affordable than 85mm lenses, especially fast aperture versions (f/1.8 or f/1.4).
* Good for Full-Body Shots: Easier to capture full-body portraits without having to move far back.
* Cons:
* Potential for Distortion: While generally natural, if you get too close to your subject, especially for headshots, a 50mm can introduce slight distortion (e.g., making the nose appear larger).
* Less Background Blur (Bokeh): While you can still achieve background blur, it's not as pronounced as with an 85mm lens at the same aperture.
* Requires More Interaction: You need to be closer to your subject, which might make some people feel uncomfortable.
85mm Lens:
* Pros:
* Flattering Perspective: The 85mm lens provides a more compressed perspective, which is generally considered more flattering for portraits. It minimizes distortion and makes facial features appear more balanced.
* Beautiful Bokeh: It excels at creating shallow depth of field and creamy background blur (bokeh), helping to isolate the subject and create a professional look.
* More Working Distance: The increased distance allows you to be less intrusive and potentially capture more natural expressions.
* Good for Headshots and Close-Ups: Ideal for tight portraits where the focus is solely on the subject's face.
* Cons:
* Requires More Space: You need a larger shooting area, making it challenging to use in small studios or tight spaces.
* Less Versatile: Less suitable for capturing wide scenes or full-body shots in confined areas.
* More Expensive: Typically, 85mm lenses, especially those with wide apertures, are more expensive than 50mm lenses.
* Less Context: It captures less of the surrounding environment, focusing primarily on the subject.
Here's a table summarizing the key differences:
| Feature | 50mm | 85mm |
|-------------------|-------------------------|-------------------------|
| Focal Length | Wider | Longer |
| Perspective | Natural | Compressed |
| Distortion | More likely, but minimal | Less likely |
| Background Blur | Less Pronounced | More Pronounced |
| Working Distance | Shorter | Longer |
| Versatility | More | Less |
| Space Required | Less | More |
| Price | Generally Lower | Generally Higher |
| Ideal For | Full-body, Environmental Portraits | Headshots, Bokeh-rich Portraits |
Which One Should You Choose?
* Beginners: A 50mm lens is often recommended for beginners due to its versatility and affordability. It allows you to experiment with different types of portraits and shooting situations.
* Limited Space: If you primarily shoot in small spaces, a 50mm lens is the better option.
* Focus on Context: If you want to include more of the environment and tell a story with your portraits, a 50mm lens is a good choice.
* Focus on Subject Isolation: If you want to create stunning background blur and focus solely on your subject's face, an 85mm lens is ideal.
* Flattering Portraits: If you prioritize flattering perspectives and minimal distortion, an 85mm lens is often preferred.
Ultimately, the best way to decide is to try both focal lengths and see which one suits your style and preferences best. Renting lenses before buying is a great way to test them out.
Beyond Focal Length - Other Important Considerations:
* Aperture: A wide aperture (e.g., f/1.8, f/1.4) allows for more light and shallower depth of field, both of which are important for portrait photography.
* Image Stabilization: While not essential, image stabilization can be helpful, especially in low-light situations or when shooting handheld.
* Lens Quality: Invest in a good quality lens, as it will significantly impact the sharpness, contrast, and overall image quality.
Don't get too caught up in the technical details. Experiment and find what works best for you and the type of portraits you want to create. Happy shooting!