Here's a breakdown to help you decide:
50mm:
* Pros:
* Versatility: 50mm is a general-purpose lens. You can use it for various types of photography beyond portraits, like street, documentary, and even some landscapes.
* Wider Field of View: Allows you to include more of the environment in your portraits, telling a story and providing context.
* Easier to Shoot in Tight Spaces: More forgiving when shooting indoors or in cramped locations. You won't have to back up as far to frame your subject.
* Often More Affordable: 50mm lenses, especially the f/1.8 versions, are typically cheaper than 85mm lenses.
* Great for Environmental Portraits: When you want to show the subject in their surroundings, the 50mm captures more of the scene.
* Cons:
* May Not Be as Flattering: Can sometimes distort facial features slightly, especially if you get too close to the subject. Might widen the nose a bit.
* Less Background Compression: Doesn't blur the background as much as an 85mm, so you need to be more mindful of distracting elements.
* Requires Getting Closer: To fill the frame, you often need to get physically closer to your subject, which might make some people feel uncomfortable, especially initially.
85mm:
* Pros:
* Flattering Perspective: Considered by many to be the ideal focal length for portraits. It compresses facial features in a pleasing way, avoiding distortion.
* Beautiful Bokeh: Creates a shallow depth of field with creamy, blurred backgrounds, isolating the subject effectively. This helps to eliminate distractions and draw the viewer's eye.
* Comfortable Shooting Distance: Allows you to keep a reasonable distance from your subject, making them feel more relaxed and natural.
* Good for Headshots and Upper Body Portraits: Perfect for capturing detailed images of the face and upper torso.
* Cons:
* Less Versatile: Primarily suited for portraits. Less useful for other types of photography.
* More Expensive: Typically pricier than comparable 50mm lenses.
* Requires More Space: Needs more room to work, especially for full-body shots. Not ideal for small studios or indoor spaces.
* Can Feel Isolating for the Subject: If shooting from a significant distance, it can create a sense of disconnect.
* Strong Compression Can Hide Context: The heavy background blur can remove important contextual information.
Here's a table summarizing the key differences:
| Feature | 50mm | 85mm |
|-------------------|---------------------------|--------------------------|
| Versatility | High | Low |
| Perspective | Can Distort if Too Close | Flattering |
| Background Blur | Less | More |
| Shooting Distance | Closer | Further |
| Space Required | Less | More |
| Price | Lower | Higher |
| Best For | Environmental Portraits, Street, General Use | Headshots, Upper Body Portraits, Creamy Bokeh |
Which one should you choose?
* If you're on a budget and want a versatile lens for various types of photography, the 50mm is a great choice. It's also better if you frequently shoot in tight spaces or prefer to include more of the environment in your portraits.
* If you prioritize flattering portraits with beautiful background blur and have enough space to work with, the 85mm is the better option. It's ideal for headshots, upper body portraits, and creating a sense of intimacy.
* The best solution? If possible, get both! They complement each other and offer different creative possibilities.
Consider these questions when making your decision:
* What kind of portraits do you want to shoot? (Headshots, full body, environmental, etc.)
* Where will you be shooting? (Indoors, outdoors, studio, etc.)
* What is your budget?
* What is your personal style?
Finally, the best way to decide is to try both lenses if you can. Rent them, borrow them, or visit a camera store to test them out with your own camera and see which one you prefer. You might find that one feels more natural to you or helps you achieve the look you're going for. Good luck!