50mm Lens: The "Nifty Fifty"
* Pros:
* Versatility: It's a general-purpose lens that can be used for a wide range of subjects beyond portraits, including street photography, landscapes, and even some macro work.
* Affordability: 50mm lenses, especially the f/1.8 versions, are often very budget-friendly, making them a great entry point for beginners.
* Wider Field of View: Allows you to capture more of the environment around your subject. Good for environmental portraits that tell a story or show the subject in context.
* Low Light Performance: Typically offers wide maximum apertures (f/1.8 or even f/1.4), allowing you to shoot in low light conditions without excessively high ISO.
* Easier to Work in Tight Spaces: The wider field of view is beneficial when you don't have much room to move around.
* Cons:
* Less Background Compression: Doesn't compress the background as much as an 85mm, so distracting elements might be more noticeable.
* May Require More Post-Processing: Since it captures more of the environment, you might need to do more work in post to isolate your subject.
* Can Distort Facial Features at Close Range: While not severe, shooting very close to your subject's face with a 50mm can create slight distortion (making the nose appear larger). This is more of a concern with very tight headshots.
* Not as Flattering for Some Subjects: The wider angle might not be as flattering for all face shapes, especially if you're not careful with posing.
85mm Lens: The Portrait Specialist
* Pros:
* Excellent Subject Isolation: Creates beautiful background blur (bokeh), effectively isolating your subject and making them stand out.
* Flattering Perspective: Offers a more flattering perspective on facial features compared to wider lenses. Compresses features in a pleasing way.
* Background Compression: Compresses the background, making it appear closer to the subject and creating a more visually appealing image. Also helps minimize distracting background elements.
* Great for Tight Headshots and Portraits: Ideal for focusing on the subject's face and expressions.
* Professional Look: Often associated with professional portrait photography due to the beautiful bokeh and flattering perspective.
* Cons:
* Less Versatile: Primarily designed for portraits and not as well-suited for other genres.
* More Expensive: Generally more expensive than 50mm lenses.
* Requires More Space: You need more distance between you and your subject to frame the shot, which can be limiting in small studios or confined spaces.
* More Challenging in Low Light (depending on aperture): While some 85mm lenses have wide apertures, they can still be more expensive to get in fast versions like f/1.4 or f/1.8.
* Can Feel Isolating: The tight framing can sometimes feel isolating and lack the environmental context that a wider lens can provide.
Here's a Table Summarizing the Differences:
| Feature | 50mm Lens | 85mm Lens |
|-------------------|-----------------------|-----------------------|
| Versatility | High | Low |
| Affordability | High | Lower |
| Field of View | Wider | Narrower |
| Background Blur | Less | More |
| Compression | Less | More |
| Distortion | More (at close range)| Less |
| Flattering | Less (requires skill)| More |
| Space Required | Less | More |
| Low Light | Excellent | Good (depending on the lens)|
Which Should You Choose?
* Choose the 50mm if:
* You're on a budget.
* You want a versatile lens for various types of photography.
* You often shoot in tight spaces.
* You like to capture the environment around your subject in portraits.
* You are a beginner and want a great starting lens.
* Choose the 85mm if:
* You're serious about portrait photography and want the best possible image quality and subject isolation.
* You have the space to work with the lens's longer focal length.
* You prioritize flattering perspectives and beautiful background blur.
* You want a more professional and polished look to your portraits.
Final Thoughts:
Ultimately, the best lens for you depends on your personal preferences, shooting style, and budget. Consider renting both lenses to try them out and see which one you prefer. Many photographers eventually own both! Don't overthink it; either lens is a great choice for portraiture.