50mm Lens:
Pros:
* Versatility: The 50mm is a versatile lens, often referred to as a "nifty fifty." It can be used for a wider range of shots beyond portraits, including street photography, landscapes, and even some product photography.
* Affordability: 50mm lenses, especially the f/1.8 versions, are generally much more affordable than 85mm lenses. This makes them a great entry point for photographers on a budget.
* Wider Field of View: The 50mm allows you to capture more of the surrounding environment in your portraits. This can be useful for environmental portraits where you want to tell a story about the subject's location or lifestyle.
* Closer Connection: Because you need to be closer to your subject with a 50mm lens, it can foster a more intimate connection and easier communication during the shoot.
* Faster Apertures: While both focal lengths can have fast apertures (f/1.8, f/1.4), the 50mm is often available in faster and more affordable versions.
Cons:
* Perspective Distortion: At closer distances, the 50mm can introduce some perspective distortion, making facial features (like the nose) appear slightly larger than they actually are. This is more pronounced the closer you get.
* Less Background Compression: The 50mm doesn't compress the background as much as the 85mm, meaning the background will appear closer to the subject and potentially more distracting.
* May Require More Cropping: To achieve a tighter portrait, you might need to crop the image more in post-processing, potentially losing some resolution.
85mm Lens:
Pros:
* Flattering Perspective: The 85mm lens offers a more flattering perspective for portraits. It minimizes distortion and renders facial features more naturally.
* Beautiful Bokeh (Background Blur): The longer focal length and typically wider aperture of 85mm lenses create a shallower depth of field, resulting in a creamy, blurred background (bokeh) that helps isolate the subject.
* Greater Background Compression: The 85mm compresses the background, making it appear closer and more abstract. This can eliminate distractions and draw more attention to the subject.
* Comfortable Shooting Distance: You can stand further away from your subject with an 85mm, which can make them feel more comfortable and relaxed.
* Professional Look: Many professional portrait photographers prefer the 85mm for its flattering perspective and beautiful bokeh, giving images a polished and professional look.
Cons:
* Less Versatile: The 85mm is primarily a portrait lens and not as versatile for other types of photography.
* More Expensive: 85mm lenses, especially those with fast apertures (f/1.8 or faster), are generally more expensive than 50mm lenses.
* Requires More Space: You need more space to work with an 85mm lens, especially indoors. This can be challenging in smaller studios or locations.
* Less Intimate: The greater distance between you and your subject can sometimes make it harder to establish a close connection and communicate effectively.
* Can Be Too Isolating: In some cases, the extreme background blur can be too isolating, removing the subject from any context.
Here's a table summarizing the key differences:
| Feature | 50mm | 85mm |
|-------------------|-----------------------|-----------------------|
| Versatility | High | Low |
| Affordability | High | Low |
| Perspective | Slightly Distorted | Flattering |
| Background Blur | Moderate | High |
| Background Compression| Lower | Higher |
| Shooting Distance | Closer | Further |
| Space Required | Less | More |
| Price | Lower | Higher |
When to Choose Which:
* Choose 50mm if:
* You're on a budget.
* You need a versatile lens for various types of photography.
* You want to capture more of the environment in your portraits.
* You enjoy working closely with your subject.
* You're shooting in a tight space.
* Choose 85mm if:
* You want the most flattering perspective for portraits.
* You want a beautiful, blurred background.
* You want to isolate your subject from distractions.
* You have the space to work further away from your subject.
* You're aiming for a professional, polished look.
Ultimately, the best way to determine which focal length is right for you is to try both and see which one you prefer. Renting a lens for a weekend is a great way to experiment without committing to a purchase. Consider the types of portraits you want to shoot, your shooting style, and your budget when making your decision. Many photographers even own both and use them in different situations.