50mm Lens
Pros:
* Versatility: The 50mm is a very versatile lens. It can be used for portraits, street photography, landscapes (to a degree), and general photography. This makes it a good choice if you want a single lens that can do a lot.
* Field of View: A 50mm lens provides a field of view that is closer to what the human eye sees, making it feel more natural and immersive. This can be beneficial for environmental portraits where you want to show more of the surroundings.
* Often More Affordable: 50mm lenses, especially the "nifty fifty" f/1.8 versions, are typically much more affordable than 85mm lenses. This makes it a great entry-level portrait lens.
* Compact and Lightweight: 50mm lenses are usually smaller and lighter than 85mm lenses, making them easier to carry around.
* Good in Tight Spaces: Due to its wider field of view, the 50mm allows you to take portraits in smaller rooms or tighter shooting environments where an 85mm would require you to be too far away from your subject.
Cons:
* Less Compression: A 50mm lens offers less compression than an 85mm. This means that the features of your subject (like the nose and ears) might appear a bit more exaggerated, especially if you're very close to them. It can also make backgrounds appear further away and less blurred.
* Requires Closer Proximity: You need to be physically closer to your subject with a 50mm lens to fill the frame, which can sometimes make them feel more self-conscious.
* May Show More Background Distractions: The wider field of view means you need to be more mindful of what's in the background, as more of it will be visible.
85mm Lens
Pros:
* Excellent Subject Isolation: The longer focal length of the 85mm lens provides excellent subject isolation. The shallow depth of field (especially with wider apertures like f/1.8 or f/1.4) blurs the background beautifully, drawing attention to the subject.
* Flattering Perspective: 85mm lenses are known for producing flattering portraits. They compress the perspective, which can make facial features appear more balanced and pleasing. They tend to soften and slim the face.
* Comfortable Shooting Distance: The 85mm allows you to be further away from your subject while still filling the frame. This can make them feel more relaxed and comfortable, resulting in more natural expressions.
* Great for Headshots and Close-Ups: The flattering compression and subject isolation make the 85mm ideal for headshots and close-up portraits.
Cons:
* Less Versatile: The 85mm is primarily a portrait lens. It's not as well-suited for other types of photography like landscapes or street photography.
* Can Be More Expensive: High-quality 85mm lenses, especially those with wider apertures, tend to be more expensive than 50mm lenses.
* Larger and Heavier: 85mm lenses are generally larger and heavier than 50mm lenses.
* Not Ideal in Tight Spaces: You need more space to work with an 85mm lens. It can be difficult to use in small rooms or crowded environments.
* Potential for Background to Appear Crowded: While the background is blurred, the compression can make elements within the background seem closer and more clustered together.
Here's a quick summary table:
| Feature | 50mm Lens | 85mm Lens |
|----------------|-----------------------------|-----------------------------|
| Versatility | High | Low |
| Compression | Low | High |
| Subject Distance | Close | Further |
| Affordability | Generally More Affordable | Generally More Expensive |
| Size/Weight | Smaller/Lighter | Larger/Heavier |
| Space Needed | Less | More |
| Best For | Environmental Portraits, General Use | Headshots, Isolated Subjects |
Which is Best for *You*? Ask Yourself These Questions:
* What type of portraits do you shoot? Do you prefer tight headshots or environmental portraits that show more of the surroundings?
* What is your budget?
* What kind of space do you typically work in? Do you shoot primarily in studios or on location in various environments?
* What look are you trying to achieve? Do you want a more natural, documentary-style look, or a more polished, flattering, and isolated look?
* What is your camera's sensor size? These focal lengths listed are on a full frame camera. If your camera is crop sensor (APS-C or Micro Four Thirds), you may want to adjust these focal lengths accordingly. (A 50mm on a crop sensor camera will behave similarly to an 85mm on a full frame. A 35mm on a crop sensor would be closer to a 50mm equivalent.)
Recommendations:
* If you're just starting out and want a versatile and affordable lens: Start with a 50mm f/1.8. It's a great way to learn about portrait photography and get a feel for different focal lengths.
* If you primarily shoot headshots and close-ups and want a more flattering perspective: An 85mm is a great choice.
* If you shoot a mix of portrait styles and want a good balance of versatility and subject isolation: Consider both! Ideally, having both is the best option.
Ultimately, the best way to decide is to try both focal lengths and see which one you prefer based on your own shooting style and preferences. Renting lenses is a great way to experiment before committing to a purchase.