Here's a breakdown of the pros and cons of each:
50mm Lens:
Pros:
* Affordable: Generally, 50mm lenses are more affordable than 85mm lenses, especially high-quality prime versions. This makes them a great entry point into portrait photography.
* Versatile: 50mm is considered a "normal" focal length, closely mimicking human vision. It's good for full-body, half-body, and environmental portraits, as well as general photography.
* Smaller and Lighter: Easier to carry around and use for extended periods.
* Wider Angle: Allows you to capture more of the environment and tell a story beyond just the subject's face. Better for environmental portraits and showing the subject in context.
* Easier to Shoot in Tight Spaces: Requires less distance between you and your subject, making it more suitable for indoor shoots or crowded locations.
Cons:
* Less Background Compression: Doesn't isolate the subject as much as an 85mm lens. Backgrounds can appear more distracting if not carefully considered.
* More Distortion (Potentially): Can exhibit slight distortion, especially when shooting close-ups, which might slightly alter facial features.
* Requires You to Get Closer: You'll need to be physically closer to your subject to achieve a headshot, which some subjects might find uncomfortable.
85mm Lens:
Pros:
* Excellent Background Compression: Creates beautiful, blurred backgrounds (bokeh), isolating the subject and drawing attention to them.
* Flattering Perspective: Reduces distortion and provides a more flattering perspective for facial features, making it ideal for close-up portraits.
* Good Working Distance: Allows you to maintain a comfortable distance from your subject, which can help them feel more relaxed and natural.
* Professional Look: Often associated with professional portraiture due to its ability to create a shallow depth of field and pleasing bokeh.
Cons:
* More Expensive: Typically more expensive than 50mm lenses, especially fast, high-quality versions.
* Less Versatile: Primarily suited for portraits and tighter shots. Less useful for full-body shots or environmental portraits in tight spaces.
* Larger and Heavier: Can be less comfortable to carry around and use for extended periods.
* Needs More Space: Requires more distance between you and your subject, which can be challenging in small studios or crowded locations.
* Can Feel Isolating: The extreme subject isolation can sometimes feel detached if you're aiming for a more natural, environmental look.
Here's a table summarizing the key differences:
| Feature | 50mm | 85mm |
|---------------------|---------------------------------------|---------------------------------------|
| Price | Generally Less Expensive | Generally More Expensive |
| Versatility | High | Moderate |
| Size/Weight | Smaller/Lighter | Larger/Heavier |
| Background Compression| Lower | Higher |
| Subject Isolation | Less | More |
| Perspective/Distortion | Can have slight distortion | More flattering, less distortion |
| Working Distance | Shorter | Longer |
| Ideal For | Environmental portraits, full-body, versatile shooting | Headshots, close-ups, isolating subjects |
Which One Should You Choose?
Consider these factors when making your decision:
* Your Budget: If you're on a tight budget, the 50mm is a great starting point.
* Your Shooting Style: Do you prefer environmental portraits that tell a story, or close-up portraits with blurred backgrounds?
* Your Subject Preferences: Are you photographing individuals or groups? Do you want to capture more of the background context?
* Your Shooting Environment: Will you be shooting indoors or outdoors? Do you have enough space to work with an 85mm lens?
* Your Personal Preference: Some photographers simply prefer the look and feel of one lens over the other. Experiment if you can!
General Recommendations:
* Beginner Portrait Photographer: Start with a 50mm. It's more affordable, versatile, and easier to learn with.
* Shooting Primarily Headshots: 85mm is often preferred for its flattering perspective and background compression.
* Environmental Portraits: 50mm is a better choice for capturing the subject in their environment.
* Limited Space: 50mm is more practical for shooting indoors or in crowded locations.
* Professional Work: Many professional portrait photographers own both and use them in different situations.
Ultimately, the best way to decide is to try both lenses (if possible) and see which one you prefer. Renting lenses can be a good option before making a purchase. Both 50mm and 85mm lenses are excellent tools for portrait photography, and each can produce stunning results in the right hands.