Here's a breakdown to help you decide:
50mm Lens: The Versatile All-Arounder
* Pros:
* Wider Field of View: Allows you to include more of the environment in your portraits, telling a story about the subject's surroundings.
* More Affordable: Typically less expensive than an 85mm lens, especially when considering fast apertures (like f/1.8).
* Easier to Shoot in Tight Spaces: You don't need as much distance between you and your subject, making it suitable for indoor environments.
* Versatile for Full Body and Environmental Portraits: Excels at capturing the subject in context.
* More Familiar Perspective: Closer to human vision, which can feel more natural to some photographers.
* Cons:
* Less Background Compression: Doesn't isolate the subject from the background as much as an 85mm. The background will be more in focus.
* More Distortion: Can cause slight distortion, especially at the edges of the frame, which may not be ideal for close-up portraits (although generally minimal on good lenses).
* Requires More Engagement: You need to be closer to your subject, which might make some people feel uncomfortable.
85mm Lens: The Portrait Specialist
* Pros:
* Excellent Background Compression: Creates beautiful background blur (bokeh), isolating the subject and drawing the viewer's attention to them.
* Flattering Perspective: Minimizes distortion and produces a more natural and flattering representation of facial features.
* Ideal Working Distance: Allows for comfortable conversation with your subject while maintaining a respectful distance.
* Good for Headshots and Close-Ups: Excels at capturing detail and creating a shallow depth of field.
* Cons:
* Narrower Field of View: Limits the amount of background you can include, making environmental portraits more challenging.
* More Expensive: Generally pricier than 50mm lenses, especially those with fast apertures.
* Requires More Space: You need more distance between you and your subject, which can be restrictive in small studios or indoor environments.
* Less Versatile for Other Types of Photography: More specialized for portraiture.
Here's a table summarizing the key differences:
| Feature | 50mm | 85mm |
|------------------|---------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------|
| Field of View | Wider | Narrower |
| Background Blur | Less | More |
| Distortion | More (Slight) | Less |
| Working Distance | Shorter | Longer |
| Price | Generally Lower | Generally Higher |
| Versatility | Higher | Lower |
| Ideal For | Full body, Environmental Portraits | Headshots, Close-ups, Isolated Subjects |
| Space Required | Less | More |
Which One Should You Choose?
* Choose 50mm if:
* You're on a budget.
* You shoot in tight spaces.
* You want to include more of the environment in your portraits.
* You want a more versatile lens for other types of photography.
* You like being closer to your subjects.
* Choose 85mm if:
* You prioritize background blur and subject isolation.
* You want a flattering perspective with minimal distortion.
* You shoot primarily headshots and close-up portraits.
* You have enough space to work with.
* You value the comfortable working distance it provides.
Ultimately, the best way to decide is to try both focal lengths and see which one suits your style and preferences. Many photographers own both and use them in different situations. Consider renting both lenses for a weekend to experiment and see which one you naturally gravitate towards. Also, remember that the "best" lens is subjective and depends on your individual artistic vision.