50mm Lens - The "Normal" Perspective
* Pros:
* Versatility: The 50mm is arguably the most versatile lens. You can use it for portraits, street photography, landscapes, and even some close-up work.
* Affordability: 50mm lenses are typically much more affordable than 85mm lenses, especially the f/1.8 versions.
* Smaller and Lighter: More compact and easier to carry around for extended periods.
* Wider Field of View: Allows you to include more of the environment in your portraits, telling more of a story about the subject in their surroundings. Good for environmental portraits.
* Indoor Shooting: Easier to work with in smaller spaces because you don't need as much distance between you and your subject.
* Cons:
* Less Background Compression: Doesn't blur the background as much as an 85mm, making it harder to isolate the subject.
* Can Distort Facial Features at Close Range: If you get too close, a 50mm can slightly distort facial features (e.g., making the nose appear larger). Requires more careful framing.
* May Not Be as "Flattering" for Some Subjects: The perspective can be less forgiving than an 85mm, especially for headshots.
85mm Lens - The Portrait Specialist
* Pros:
* Excellent Background Blur (Bokeh): Creates beautiful, creamy background blur, isolating the subject and making them pop.
* Flattering Perspective: Compresses perspective, which is generally considered more flattering for facial features and body proportions. Tends to slim faces slightly.
* Ideal for Headshots and Close-Ups: Provides a natural and flattering look for close-up portraits without distortion.
* Creates a Sense of Intimacy: Allows you to stand further back while still filling the frame with the subject, which can make the subject feel more comfortable.
* Cons:
* Higher Cost: 85mm lenses, especially fast aperture (e.g., f/1.4, f/1.8) versions, are generally more expensive.
* Larger and Heavier: Can be more cumbersome to carry around.
* Limited Versatility: Less suitable for other types of photography compared to a 50mm.
* Requires More Space: You need more distance between you and your subject, which can be challenging in small studios or indoors.
* Can Feel Isolating: The extreme background blur can sometimes detach the subject too much from their environment.
Here's a Table Summarizing the Differences:
| Feature | 50mm | 85mm |
|----------------------|----------------------|----------------------|
| Price | Lower | Higher |
| Size/Weight | Smaller/Lighter | Larger/Heavier |
| Versatility | More Versatile | Less Versatile |
| Background Blur | Less | More |
| Perspective | Wider | More Compressed |
| Distortion | More at Close Range | Less at Close Range |
| Space Needed | Less | More |
| Best For | Environmental Portraits, Indoor Shooting, General Photography | Headshots, Close-Ups, Studio Portraits |
When to Choose Which:
* Choose 50mm if:
* You're on a budget.
* You need a versatile lens for various types of photography.
* You frequently shoot indoors in tight spaces.
* You want to include more of the environment in your portraits.
* You're comfortable controlling distortion through framing and distance.
* Choose 85mm if:
* You prioritize beautiful background blur and subject isolation.
* You frequently shoot headshots and close-up portraits.
* You have enough space to work with.
* You want a lens specifically designed for flattering portraits.
* You're willing to invest in a more specialized lens.
Important Considerations:
* Aperture: Both 50mm and 85mm lenses are available with wide apertures (e.g., f/1.4, f/1.8). A wider aperture allows for more light and shallower depth of field (more background blur).
* Crop Sensor vs. Full Frame: If you have a crop sensor camera, a 35mm lens can be a good alternative to a 50mm, as it provides a similar field of view. An 85mm on a crop sensor becomes closer to a 135mm field of view.
* Personal Preference: Ultimately, the best lens is the one that you enjoy using and that helps you achieve the look you're going for. Renting both lenses and trying them out is highly recommended before making a purchase.
In conclusion, there is no definitive "best" lens. Consider your budget, shooting environment, preferred style, and the type of portraits you want to create to make the best choice for *you*. Many portrait photographers own and use both!