50mm Lens: The Versatile Choice
* Pros:
* Versatility: A 50mm lens is more versatile than an 85mm. You can use it for full-body portraits, environmental portraits, and even some landscapes in a pinch. It's a good "walk-around" lens.
* Easier to Shoot in Tight Spaces: If you're shooting indoors or in confined areas, the 50mm allows you to capture more of the subject and surrounding environment without having to back up too far.
* More Affordable: 50mm lenses (especially "nifty fifties" with f/1.8 apertures) are generally more affordable than 85mm lenses, making them a great entry point for portrait photography.
* Closer to Natural Perspective: The 50mm focal length is often said to mimic the human eye's perspective, resulting in images that feel natural and less distorted.
* Good for Environmental Portraits: It includes more of the background, making it suitable for showing the subject in their environment, which can add context and storytelling to the portrait.
* Cons:
* More Distortion: At closer distances, a 50mm can introduce slight distortion, particularly at the edges of the frame. This is most noticeable when shooting very close to the subject's face.
* Requires Getting Closer: You need to get closer to your subject, which can sometimes feel intrusive or make them feel self-conscious.
* Less Background Blur (Bokeh): While you can still achieve a shallow depth of field with a 50mm, it generally won't be as pronounced as with an 85mm, especially at the same aperture.
85mm Lens: The Portrait Specialist
* Pros:
* Flattering Perspective: The longer focal length of the 85mm creates a more flattering perspective for faces, minimizing distortion and compressing features. This is often cited as the main reason it's a preferred portrait lens.
* Beautiful Bokeh: The 85mm is known for producing a creamy, smooth background blur (bokeh) that isolates the subject and creates a more professional look.
* Comfortable Working Distance: You can stand further away from your subject, which can make them feel more relaxed and natural. This allows you to capture more candid moments.
* Strong Subject Isolation: The combination of compression and shallow depth of field effectively isolates the subject from the background, drawing the viewer's attention.
* Excellent for Headshots and Tight Portraits: It excels at capturing close-up headshots and tighter portraits, focusing on the subject's face and expression.
* Cons:
* Less Versatile: The 85mm is more specialized and less versatile than a 50mm. It's less suitable for full-body shots in small spaces or for capturing wide environmental scenes.
* Requires More Space: You need more space to use an 85mm, especially for full-body or even waist-up shots. It's less ideal for shooting indoors or in cramped locations.
* Can Feel Isolating: Sometimes, the extreme background blur can feel isolating and detach the subject too much from their environment.
* More Expensive: 85mm lenses, especially those with fast apertures (f/1.8 or wider), are typically more expensive than 50mm lenses.
Here's a table summarizing the key differences:
| Feature | 50mm Lens | 85mm Lens |
|------------------|---------------------------|-------------------------------|
| Versatility | High | Low |
| Perspective | Natural, slight distortion| Flattering, compressed |
| Background Blur| Moderate | High (Beautiful Bokeh) |
| Working Distance| Closer | Further |
| Space Required | Less | More |
| Cost | Lower | Higher |
| Best For | Environmental Portraits, full-body, versatility | Headshots, close-ups, subject isolation |
Which One Should You Choose?
* If you're a beginner or on a budget: Start with a 50mm f/1.8. It's affordable, versatile, and a great learning tool. You can use it for a variety of portraits and other types of photography.
* If you primarily shoot headshots and tight portraits and have the space: The 85mm is an excellent choice. Its flattering perspective and beautiful bokeh will elevate your portraits.
* If you shoot a mix of portraits and want versatility: The 50mm might be a better choice.
* If you do environmental portraits and want to show the subject in their surroundings: The 50mm will be more suitable.
* If you have the budget and want both: Consider eventually owning both lenses. They complement each other and offer different creative options.
Ultimately, the best way to decide is to try both focal lengths yourself. Rent a lens or borrow one from a friend and experiment. See which one feels more comfortable and produces the results you prefer. Also, consider your shooting style and the type of portraits you typically take. Good luck!