50mm Lens:
Pros:
* Versatility: The 50mm is considered a "standard" focal length, offering a more natural perspective that closely resembles human vision. This makes it more versatile than the 85mm for various types of photography, including street, documentary, and environmental portraits.
* Wider Angle: The wider field of view allows you to include more of the environment in your portrait. This is great for telling a story or showing the subject in their natural habitat.
* Affordability: Good quality 50mm lenses (especially f/1.8 versions) are generally more affordable than 85mm lenses, making it a great starting point for portrait photography.
* Smaller and Lighter: 50mm lenses tend to be more compact and lightweight, making them easier to carry around for extended periods.
* Good in Tight Spaces: The wider angle makes it more usable in smaller rooms or confined spaces where you might not have enough room to back up with an 85mm.
Cons:
* Less Background Compression: The 50mm lens doesn't compress the background as much as an 85mm, which can make the background appear less blurred and more distracting.
* More Distortion (Potentially): While less noticeable than wider angles, a 50mm can still introduce slight distortion, especially at the edges of the frame. You'll need to be mindful of posing and composition to minimize this, especially if shooting headshots. It's more flattering to get a bit further away and crop in than to get too close.
* Less Subject Isolation: Because of the wider field of view, it can be more challenging to isolate your subject from a busy background.
85mm Lens:
Pros:
* Beautiful Background Blur (Bokeh): The longer focal length and often wider aperture (e.g., f/1.4 or f/1.8) create a shallow depth of field, resulting in creamy, dreamy background blur that isolates the subject beautifully.
* Flattering Compression: The 85mm lens compresses the background, making it appear closer and more blurred. It also tends to be very flattering to facial features, minimizing distortion and smoothing out features.
* Greater Subject Isolation: The narrower field of view makes it easier to isolate your subject from distracting elements in the background.
* Comfortable Distance: Allows you to maintain a comfortable distance from your subject, which can help them feel more relaxed and natural, especially when photographing people you don't know well.
Cons:
* Less Versatile: The 85mm is more specialized for portraiture and may not be as useful for other types of photography.
* More Expensive: Good quality 85mm lenses, especially those with wider apertures, tend to be more expensive than 50mm lenses.
* Larger and Heavier: 85mm lenses are typically larger and heavier, which can make them less convenient to carry around.
* Requires More Space: You'll need more room to work with an 85mm lens, especially for full-body shots. This can be challenging in smaller studios or indoor spaces.
Summary Table:
| Feature | 50mm | 85mm |
|---------------------|---------------------------------------|---------------------------------------|
| Perspective | Natural, closer to human vision | Compresses background, flattering |
| Background Blur | Less pronounced | More pronounced, creamy bokeh |
| Distortion | Slight, needs attention to avoid | Minimal |
| Versatility | High | Lower, specialized for portraits |
| Price | Generally more affordable | Generally more expensive |
| Size/Weight | Smaller and lighter | Larger and heavier |
| Space Needed | Less space required | More space required |
| Subject Distance | Can be closer to the subject | Requires more distance from subject |
Which is Best for You?
* Choose 50mm if:
* You want a more versatile lens for various types of photography.
* You want to capture more of the environment in your portraits.
* You're on a budget.
* You're working in tight spaces.
* You prefer a more natural and less stylized look.
* Choose 85mm if:
* You prioritize background blur and subject isolation.
* You want flattering compression and minimal distortion.
* You primarily focus on portrait photography.
* You have enough space to work with.
* You prefer a more "professional" or polished look with shallow depth of field.
Ultimately, the best way to decide is to try both focal lengths and see which one you prefer. Rent a lens or borrow from a friend to experiment and see which one aligns better with your vision. You might even find that you like having both in your bag for different situations! Consider the type of portraits you want to take (headshots, full-body, environmental), the location, and your personal aesthetic.