50mm Lens:
Pros:
* Versatile: Can be used for a wider range of subjects besides portraits, including street photography, landscapes, and general photography. A great "walk-around" lens.
* More Affordable: Typically less expensive than an 85mm lens, especially fast (wide aperture) versions.
* Wider Field of View: Captures more of the environment around the subject. This can be useful for environmental portraits, telling a story about the person's surroundings.
* Requires Less Distance: You don't need to be as far away from your subject to compose a portrait, which can be helpful in smaller spaces.
* Easier to Communicate: Because you're closer to your subject, it can be easier to communicate and direct them.
Cons:
* Can Distort Facial Features: A 50mm lens, being wider, can slightly distort facial features, especially the nose, if you get too close. You need to be mindful of your distance.
* Less Background Compression: Doesn't compress the background as much as an 85mm, meaning the background might appear less blurry and more distracting.
* May Require More Post-Processing: May require more work in post-processing to achieve a similar level of background blur as an 85mm.
85mm Lens:
Pros:
* Flattering Perspective: Provides a more flattering perspective for portraits, minimizing distortion and compressing facial features in a pleasing way.
* Excellent Background Compression: Creates a shallow depth of field with beautiful background blur (bokeh), isolating the subject and minimizing distractions.
* More Professional Look: Often associated with professional portrait photography due to its ability to create a creamy, dreamy look.
* Working Distance: Allows you to be further away from your subject, which can be helpful for capturing more candid moments or for subjects who are self-conscious.
Cons:
* Less Versatile: More specialized for portraits and may be less useful for other types of photography.
* More Expensive: Generally more expensive than a 50mm lens, especially high-quality, fast aperture versions.
* Requires More Distance: You need to be further away from your subject, which can be limiting in smaller spaces.
* Can Feel Isolating: The distance can make it harder to communicate and connect with your subject.
* May Need Larger Shooting Space: Not ideal for indoor portraits in smaller rooms.
Here's a table summarizing the key differences:
| Feature | 50mm | 85mm |
|-------------------|------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------|
| Versatility | High | Low |
| Price | Lower | Higher |
| Distortion | More (especially close up) | Less |
| Background Blur | Less | More |
| Working Distance | Shorter | Longer |
| Space Required | Less | More |
| Communication | Easier | Potentially harder |
| Flattering | Less naturally flattering | More naturally flattering |
Which is right for you? Consider these factors:
* Your Budget: If you're on a tight budget, a 50mm is often a better starting point.
* Your Style: Do you prefer environmental portraits that show the subject in their surroundings, or do you prefer tight shots that focus on the subject's face?
* Your Shooting Environment: Will you be shooting primarily indoors or outdoors? What kind of space will you typically have?
* Your Experience Level: Beginners might find the 50mm more forgiving and easier to learn with.
* What You Already Own: If you already have a zoom lens covering these focal lengths, experiment with those before buying a prime lens.
Recommendations:
* Beginner on a Budget: Start with a 50mm f/1.8. It's affordable, versatile, and a great way to learn the basics of portrait photography.
* Environmental Portraits: A 50mm might be a better choice to capture the environment.
* Tight Headshots and Bokeh Lovers: An 85mm is the better choice for beautiful background blur and flattering perspectives.
* Professional Results: 85mm is often preferred for its ability to create professional-looking portraits.
Ultimately, the best way to decide is to try both focal lengths and see which one you prefer. Renting lenses is a great way to test them out before committing to a purchase. You could also use a zoom lens that covers both focal lengths (like a 24-70mm or 24-105mm) and experiment with shooting at 50mm and 85mm to see which you prefer. Good luck!