50mm Lens:
Pros:
* Versatile: A 50mm lens is a versatile prime lens that can be used for more than just portraits. It can also be used for street photography, landscapes, and general photography. This makes it a great choice for photographers who want a lens that they can use for a variety of different subjects.
* More affordable: Generally, 50mm lenses are more affordable than 85mm lenses, especially if you're looking at fast apertures (e.g., f/1.8, f/1.4).
* Wider field of view: Allows you to capture more of the background and environment in your portrait. This can be useful for environmental portraits that tell a story.
* Easier to shoot in tight spaces: The wider field of view makes it easier to compose shots in smaller rooms or crowded locations.
* May feel more natural: The perspective is closer to how we naturally see the world.
Cons:
* More distortion: Can introduce more distortion, particularly at the edges of the frame. While often subtle, it can sometimes require correction in post-processing. Faces can appear slightly wider or more rounded if you get too close.
* Less background compression: The background will appear less compressed than with an 85mm lens. This means the background may be more distracting, and it might require more careful composition to create a shallow depth of field.
* Requires getting closer to the subject: This can make some subjects feel uncomfortable, especially if they are shy or reserved.
* Less subject isolation: May not create as much separation between the subject and the background compared to longer focal lengths.
85mm Lens:
Pros:
* Excellent subject isolation: Creates a beautiful, shallow depth of field, blurring the background and making the subject stand out. Often referred to as "creamy bokeh."
* Flattering perspective: Compresses facial features, which can be very flattering. It minimizes distortion and often makes people look slimmer and more elegant.
* Comfortable working distance: Allows you to be far enough away from your subject that they feel comfortable, while still being close enough to communicate and direct them.
* Good for indoor and outdoor portraits: Versatile enough for both environments, especially with a fast aperture.
Cons:
* Less versatile: More specialized for portraits and may not be as useful for other types of photography.
* More expensive: Generally, 85mm lenses, especially those with wide apertures (f/1.8, f/1.4), are more expensive than 50mm lenses.
* Requires more space: Can be difficult to use in small spaces because you need more distance between you and your subject to compose the shot.
* Background compression can be distracting: While usually a pro, extreme compression can sometimes flatten the background too much and make it appear unnatural.
* Can feel isolating: The strong background blur can sometimes make the portrait feel less connected to the environment.
Here's a table summarizing the key differences:
| Feature | 50mm | 85mm |
|----------------------|------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------|
| Versatility | High | Lower |
| Price | Lower | Higher |
| Field of View | Wider | Narrower |
| Distortion | More (especially if too close) | Less |
| Background Blur | Less | More |
| Subject Isolation | Less | More |
| Space Required | Less | More |
| Flattering Effect | Less specialized | More flattering (compresses features) |
| Working Distance | Closer | Further |
Which is right for you?
* 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 often shoot in tight spaces.
* You prefer a more natural perspective.
* Choose 85mm if:
* You want to create portraits with beautiful, creamy bokeh.
* You want a flattering perspective that minimizes distortion.
* You prefer a comfortable working distance from your subject.
* You have the space to work with.
* You primarily focus on portrait photography.
Consider these factors when making your decision:
* Your camera's sensor size: The "effective" focal length changes depending on whether you have a full-frame or crop-sensor (APS-C) camera. On a crop sensor camera, a 50mm lens will have a similar field of view to an 80mm lens on a full-frame camera (approximately). This means the 50mm will act more like a portrait lens on a crop sensor camera. An 85mm on a crop sensor is quite long and requires even more space.
* Your shooting style: Do you prefer environmental portraits or close-ups?
* Your subjects: Are you photographing children, adults, or groups?
* Your budget: Lenses can range significantly in price.
Ultimately, the best way to decide is to try both focal lengths and see which one you prefer. Renting lenses is a great way to test them out before investing in a purchase. You may even find that you prefer one for certain situations and the other for others. Many professional portrait photographers own *both*!