50mm:
Pros:
* Versatility: A 50mm lens is a versatile "standard" lens. It's useful not only for portraits but also for street photography, landscapes (to a degree), and general photography. This makes it a great lens to have in your bag.
* Affordability: 50mm lenses, particularly the f/1.8 versions, are typically much more affordable than 85mm lenses. This makes it an excellent entry point into portrait photography.
* Environmental Portraits: 50mm is well-suited for environmental portraits where you want to include more of the surroundings to tell a story or provide context about the subject.
* Closer Connection: You need to be closer to your subject, which can foster a stronger connection and more intimate interaction.
* Easier to Use in Tight Spaces: Ideal for indoor shots where space is limited.
Cons:
* Less Background Compression: Doesn't compress the background as much as an 85mm, which can make the background appear less blurred and more distracting.
* Possible Distortion (Depending on Distance): When you get very close to the subject (e.g., for a headshot), a 50mm can introduce slight distortion, especially around the edges of the face. However, good posing and perspective can largely mitigate this.
* Less Subject Isolation: The wider field of view means the subject might not stand out as much from the background as they would with an 85mm.
85mm:
Pros:
* Flattering Perspective: An 85mm lens is renowned for its flattering perspective for portraits. It minimizes distortion and provides a more natural and pleasing representation of facial features.
* Excellent Background Compression: Creates a beautiful, creamy bokeh (blurred background), effectively isolating the subject and making them stand out. This is highly desirable in portraiture.
* Subject Distance: You can stand further away from your subject, which can be less intimidating and allow for more candid shots.
* Good for Tight Headshots: Ideal focal length for capturing tight headshots without distortion.
Cons:
* Less Versatile: More specialized for portraiture. Less practical for other types of photography.
* More Expensive: 85mm lenses, especially those with wide apertures (e.g., f/1.4), are generally more expensive than 50mm lenses.
* Requires More Space: Needs more distance between you and your subject, which can be challenging in small studios or indoor spaces.
* Can Feel Distant: The distance from the subject can sometimes make it harder to establish a strong connection.
Here's a table summarizing the key differences:
| Feature | 50mm | 85mm |
|----------------------|---------------------------|----------------------------|
| Versatility | High | Low |
| Affordability | High | Low |
| Perspective | More Distortion Potential | More Flattering |
| Background Blur (Bokeh) | Less | More |
| Subject Distance | Closer | Further |
| Space Required | Less | More |
| Best For | Environmental Portraits, Tight Spaces | Headshots, Subject Isolation |
Which one should you choose?
* Choose 50mm if:
* You're on a budget.
* You need a versatile lens for various types of photography.
* You enjoy environmental portraits and want to include more of the surroundings.
* You frequently shoot in tight spaces.
* You prefer a closer connection with your subject.
* Choose 85mm if:
* You prioritize flattering portraits with beautiful background blur.
* You want to isolate your subject and minimize distractions.
* You prefer standing further away from your subject.
* You have the budget for a higher-end lens.
* You primarily focus on portrait photography.
Consider These Factors Too:
* Your Shooting Style: Do you prefer candid shots or more posed portraits? Do you like getting close and interacting with your subjects, or do you prefer to observe from a distance?
* Your Camera's Sensor Size: The equivalent focal length changes on crop sensor cameras. A 50mm on a crop sensor camera (e.g., APS-C) will have a field of view closer to an 80mm lens on a full-frame camera. An 85mm on a crop sensor will feel very zoomed in.
* Try Before You Buy: If possible, rent or borrow both lenses to experiment and see which one suits your style best.
* Prime vs. Zoom: While this discussion is focused on prime lenses, some zoom lenses offer both focal lengths (e.g., 24-70mm or 70-200mm). These can offer flexibility, but may not have the same image quality or wide apertures as dedicated prime lenses.
In conclusion, there's no definitive "best" lens. Both 50mm and 85mm lenses are excellent choices for portrait photography, each with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. The best lens for you will depend on your individual needs, preferences, and shooting style. I recommend experimenting with both focal lengths to discover which one aligns best with your vision. Good luck!