Here's a breakdown to help you decide:
50mm Lens (Pros):
* Versatility: 50mm is a very versatile focal length. It can be used for a wider variety of shots beyond just portraits, including environmental portraits, street photography, and even some landscape work.
* Wider Perspective: A 50mm lens captures more of the surrounding environment, allowing you to include more of the scene in your portraits. This is great for environmental portraits that tell a story.
* Cost and Size: 50mm lenses (especially the "nifty fifty" f/1.8 versions) are often very affordable and compact, making them a great entry point into prime lenses and easy to carry around.
* Less Compression: Less compression than an 85mm lens, which can make faces appear more natural.
* Closer Working Distance: You can be closer to your subject, which can help build rapport and make them feel more comfortable.
50mm Lens (Cons):
* Distortion: Can introduce slight distortion, particularly if you're too close to the subject. This can sometimes flatten facial features or make noses appear larger.
* Background Blur (Bokeh): While you can still achieve background blur with a 50mm lens, it typically won't be as pronounced or creamy as with an 85mm lens, especially at wider apertures.
* May Need More Editing: Due to less compression and potentially catching more of the scene, 50mm shots might require more post-processing to achieve the desired aesthetic for certain portrait styles.
85mm Lens (Pros):
* Beautiful Compression: The 85mm lens offers excellent compression, which can make backgrounds appear closer and more impactful. It also creates a flattering effect on facial features, minimizing perspective distortion and creating a more pleasing silhouette.
* Creamy Bokeh: Known for its ability to produce a smooth and creamy background blur (bokeh), which helps isolate the subject and create a professional look.
* Subject Isolation: Naturally isolates the subject from the background, drawing the viewer's attention directly to them.
* More Flattering Portraits: The compression and flattering perspective make 85mm a favorite among portrait photographers.
85mm Lens (Cons):
* Less Versatile: Less versatile than a 50mm. It's primarily suited for portraits and headshots.
* Longer Working Distance: Requires more distance between you and your subject, which can make communication and interaction more challenging, especially in tight spaces.
* More Expensive: 85mm lenses, especially those with wide apertures (f/1.8, f/1.4), tend to be more expensive than 50mm lenses.
* Larger and Heavier: Typically larger and heavier than 50mm lenses.
* Not Ideal for Tight Spaces: Can be difficult to use in smaller studios or indoor locations due to the longer focal length.
Here's a table summarizing the key differences:
| Feature | 50mm | 85mm |
|----------------|-------------------|-------------------|
| Versatility | High | Lower |
| Perspective | Wider | More Compressed |
| Background Blur| Less Pronounced | More Pronounced |
| Distortion | More Potential | Less Potential |
| Working Distance| Closer | Further |
| Cost | Generally Lower | Generally Higher |
| Size/Weight | Smaller/Lighter | Larger/Heavier |
When to Choose 50mm:
* Environmental Portraits: You want to include more of the environment and tell a story about the subject in their surroundings.
* Budget Constraints: You're on a tight budget and want a versatile lens.
* Tight Spaces: You're shooting in a small room or studio.
* Street Photography Style Portraits: You want a more candid, documentary-style feel.
* You prefer a closer connection with your subject.
When to Choose 85mm:
* Classic Portrait Look: You want a classic, flattering portrait with a blurred background.
* Isolating the Subject: You want to isolate the subject from a busy background.
* Studio Portraits: You have enough space in your studio to work with the longer focal length.
* You want maximum background blur (bokeh).
* You prefer a more compressed perspective.
In Conclusion:
There's no single "best" focal length. Both 50mm and 85mm lenses are excellent choices for portrait photography. The ideal choice depends on your specific needs, budget, and artistic vision.
* If you want a versatile lens that can handle a variety of situations and you're on a budget, the 50mm is a great starting point.
* If you prioritize flattering portraits with beautiful background blur and have more space to work with, the 85mm is an excellent option.
Ultimately, the best way to decide is to try both focal lengths and see which one you prefer. Consider renting each lens for a weekend and experimenting with different portrait styles. You might even find that you like both and use them for different purposes!