Here's a breakdown to help you decide which might be better for you:
85mm Lens: The Classic Portrait Choice
Pros:
* Compression: The 85mm lens offers greater compression, making the subject's features appear more flattering. It tends to minimize perspective distortion, reducing the prominence of noses and bringing the background closer. This leads to a more aesthetically pleasing representation of the face.
* Background Blur (Bokeh): The longer focal length and typically wider apertures (e.g., f/1.4, f/1.8) create a shallower depth of field, resulting in beautiful, creamy bokeh. This helps to isolate the subject and minimize distractions in the background.
* Subject Distance: You can stand further away from your subject. This can make some subjects feel more comfortable and less intimidated, leading to more natural expressions. It also allows you to shoot in situations where you physically can't get too close (e.g., candid shots).
* Good for Headshots and 3/4 Portraits: The focal length is well-suited for tighter compositions where you focus on the subject's face and upper body.
* Separation: The compressed perspective and shallow depth of field naturally separate the subject from the background.
Cons:
* Space Requirements: The 85mm requires more space between you and your subject. This can be a problem in small studios or tight indoor environments. You may find yourself backing up into walls.
* Communication: While the distance can be comforting for some subjects, it can also make communication slightly more challenging. You might need to speak louder or use more gestures.
* Less Versatile (than 50mm): While great for portraits, it's less versatile for wider shots or environmental portraits.
50mm Lens: The Versatile Option
Pros:
* More Versatile: The 50mm is a more versatile lens, suitable for a wider range of photography styles, including street photography, landscapes, and environmental portraits.
* Environmental Portraits: It captures more of the surroundings, making it ideal for environmental portraits where the background contributes to the story.
* Closer Connection: Being closer to your subject can help you build a stronger connection and direct them more easily.
* Easier to Use in Small Spaces: It requires less space than an 85mm lens, making it better for indoor or cramped environments.
* Generally More Affordable: 50mm lenses, especially the f/1.8 versions, are often more affordable than 85mm lenses.
* More Natural Perspective: The 50mm focal length approximates how the human eye sees the world.
Cons:
* Less Compression: It offers less compression than the 85mm, potentially leading to slight perspective distortion, especially if you get too close to your subject. Noses can appear more prominent.
* Less Background Blur: While you can still achieve good bokeh, it won't be as pronounced as with an 85mm. You'll need to use a wider aperture and/or get closer to your subject.
* More Distracting Backgrounds: Because it captures more of the environment, you need to be more mindful of the background and ensure it doesn't distract from the subject.
* Can be too Wide at Times: For very tight headshots, a 50mm might feel too wide, making the subject appear small in the frame.
Here's a table summarizing the key differences:
| Feature | 85mm Lens | 50mm Lens |
|-------------------|------------------------------------|------------------------------------|
| Compression | More | Less |
| Background Blur | More | Less |
| Subject Distance | Further | Closer |
| Space Required | More | Less |
| Versatility | Less | More |
| Perspective | More flattering for faces | Can distort if too close |
| Affordability | Generally more expensive | Generally more affordable |
| Best for | Headshots, 3/4 portraits | Environmental portraits, full body |
Recommendations:
* Beginners: A 50mm f/1.8 is a great starting point due to its versatility and affordability. It allows you to experiment with portraits and other types of photography.
* Primarily Headshots/Upper Body Portraits: The 85mm is often the preferred choice due to its flattering compression and beautiful bokeh.
* Environmental Portraits: The 50mm excels at capturing the subject within their environment, telling a story.
* Limited Space: The 50mm is the better choice for small studios or indoor environments.
* Budget Conscious: The 50mm f/1.8 is significantly more affordable than an 85mm with a similar aperture.
Ultimately, the best way to decide is to try both! Rent or borrow each lens and experiment with different portrait styles. Pay attention to:
* How comfortable you feel at different shooting distances.
* The type of background blur you prefer.
* The overall look and feel of the portraits you create.
Consider your personal preferences and the type of portraits you want to specialize in. You might even find that having both lenses in your kit is the ideal solution!