85mm Lens: Strengths
* Compression: This is the hallmark of the 85mm lens. It compresses the background, making it appear closer to the subject and blurring it more intensely. This creates a more isolated and flattering look.
* Bokeh: 85mm lenses often produce a creamier, more pleasing bokeh (the out-of-focus areas of the image). This is due to the longer focal length and often wider maximum apertures (e.g., f/1.4, f/1.8).
* Working Distance: You need to stand further back from your subject with an 85mm lens. This can make some subjects feel more comfortable and less intimidated, leading to more natural expressions.
* Sharpness: Generally, 85mm lenses are renowned for their sharpness, especially when paired with good optics.
* Flattering Perspective: The 85mm's compression and distance tend to be very flattering to facial features, avoiding distortion.
85mm Lens: Weaknesses
* Space Requirements: You need more space to use an 85mm lens. Indoor portraits can be challenging in smaller rooms. You might find yourself backing up against walls.
* Communication Distance: Standing further away can make communication with your subject more difficult, especially in noisy environments.
* Price: High-quality 85mm lenses, especially those with very wide apertures, can be more expensive than comparable 50mm lenses.
* Less Versatile: The 85mm is more specialized for portraits. It's not as suitable for wider shots or general photography.
50mm Lens: Strengths
* Versatility: A 50mm lens is a very versatile focal length. It's great for portraits, but also works well for street photography, landscapes, and general photography. It's often called the "nifty fifty."
* Affordability: 50mm lenses are typically more affordable than 85mm lenses, especially if you're looking at lenses with similar maximum apertures.
* Space Efficiency: You can work in smaller spaces with a 50mm lens. It's more practical for indoor portraits in typical home environments.
* Environmental Portraits: A 50mm allows you to include more of the environment in your portraits, telling a story about the subject's surroundings.
* Lightweight and Compact: 50mm lenses are generally smaller and lighter than 85mm lenses, making them easier to carry around.
50mm Lens: Weaknesses
* Less Compression: 50mm lenses don't compress the background as much as 85mm lenses, so the background may be more distracting.
* Bokeh: While you can still get bokeh with a 50mm, it won't be as creamy or pronounced as with an 85mm, especially at smaller apertures.
* Working Distance: Being closer to the subject can make some people feel uncomfortable.
* Potential Distortion: If you get too close to your subject, a 50mm can introduce some slight distortion, especially around the edges of the frame.
* Less Isolation: Subjects aren't as isolated from the background.
Here's a Quick Cheat Sheet:
| Feature | 85mm | 50mm |
|-----------------|--------------------|--------------------|
| Background Blur | More | Less |
| Compression | More | Less |
| Working Distance | Longer | Shorter |
| Space Required | More | Less |
| Versatility | Less | More |
| Price | Generally Higher | Generally Lower |
| Flattering | Typically More | Can be, but needs care |
When to Choose 85mm:
* You prioritize subject isolation and creamy bokeh.
* You have plenty of space to work with.
* You want to create very flattering portraits with minimal distortion.
* You shoot primarily portraits and want a specialized lens.
* You want to minimize distractions from the background.
When to Choose 50mm:
* You need a versatile lens for various types of photography.
* You're on a budget.
* You often shoot in smaller spaces.
* You want to include more of the environment in your portraits.
* You prefer a lighter and more compact setup.
* You like the look of environmental portraits.
Ultimately, the best way to decide is to try both lenses out (if possible). Rent them for a weekend, or borrow them from a friend. Experiment with different scenarios and see which focal length you prefer for your style of portrait photography. Also, consider your camera sensor size (full-frame vs. crop sensor) as this affects the effective focal length. Good luck!