85mm in Inches: A Comprehensive Guide

In the realm of photography and videography, the focal length of a lens plays a pivotal role in determining the field of view and perspective of captured images. Among the most popular focal lengths is 85mm, renowned for its versatility and flattering characteristics in both portraiture and event photography. Understanding the relationship between 85mm and inches is essential for photographers and videographers to make informed decisions about lens selection.

Conversion: 85mm to Inches

The conversion between millimeters (mm) and inches (in) is a straightforward mathematical process. To convert 85mm to inches, simply divide the millimeter value by 25.4.

85mm / 25.4 = 3.3464567 inches

Therefore, 85mm is equivalent to approximately 3.346 inches.

Understanding the Focal Length of 85mm

The focal length of a lens refers to the distance between the optical center of the lens and the image sensor or film plane when the lens is focused at infinity. In the case of an 85mm lens, this distance is 85 millimeters or 3.346 inches.

Properties of an 85mm Lens

Lenses with an 85mm focal length offer several distinct characteristics that make them ideal for specific applications:

• Shallow Depth of Field: 85mm lenses produce a shallow depth of field, effectively isolating the subject from the background. This effect is particularly desirable in portrait photography, where the photographer seeks to emphasize the subject's facial features and create a sense of intimacy.

• Flattering Perspective: The focal length of 85mm is close to the human eye's natural perspective, resulting in images that appear natural and pleasing. This makes 85mm lenses well-suited for portraits, as they tend to minimize facial distortion and accentuate the subject's features.

• Versatility: While primarily associated with portraiture, 85mm lenses can also be effectively used in other genres of photography, including event photography, street photography, and photojournalism. Their ability to provide a flattering perspective and isolate the subject makes them a versatile tool for capturing a wide range of scenes.

Benefits of Using an 85mm Lens

Harnessing the unique characteristics of an 85mm lens offers numerous advantages in photography:

• Enhanced Subject Isolation: The shallow depth of field produced by 85mm lenses effectively blurs the background, directing the viewer's attention to the subject. This is particularly beneficial in situations where background elements would otherwise distract from the main focus.

• Natural Perspective: The focal length of 85mm closely mimics the human eye's perspective, resulting in images that appear natural and undistorted. This quality makes 85mm lenses ideal for capturing portraits that convey a sense of depth and authenticity.

• Flexibility: The versatility of 85mm lenses extends beyond portraiture. Their ability to produce flattering perspectives and isolate subjects makes them suitable for various applications, including event photography, street photography, and photojournalism.

Effective Strategies for Using an 85mm Lens

Maximize the potential of an 85mm lens by incorporating the following effective strategies:

• Utilize Aperture for Control: The shallow depth of field produced by 85mm lenses provides photographers with ample control over the aperture. Experimenting with different aperture settings allows for fine-tuning the level of background blur, enabling the creation of images with varying degrees of subject isolation.

• Maintain Distance from Subject: The focal length of 85mm requires photographers to maintain a specific distance from the subject to achieve optimal results. This distance is typically between 6 and 10 feet, ensuring the subject is captured with a flattering perspective and minimizing potential distortions.

• Consider Lighting Conditions: The shallow depth of field produced by 85mm lenses can be both an advantage and a challenge. When shooting in low-light conditions, it is essential to ensure sufficient lighting to avoid blurry images due to camera shake. Using a tripod or increasing the ISO may be necessary to maintain sharp focus.

Tips and Tricks for Using an 85mm Lens

Elevate your 85mm lens usage with these practical tips and tricks:

• Embrace Bokeh: The bokeh, or out-of-focus blur, produced by 85mm lenses can enhance the aesthetic appeal of images. Experiment with different backgrounds to create unique and visually pleasing bokeh effects.

• Utilize Natural Light: The flattering perspective and shallow depth of field of 85mm lenses make them ideal for capturing candid portraits in natural light. Seek out environments with ample sunlight or open shade to maximize the lens's capabilities.

• Experiment with Composition: The shallow depth of field produced by 85mm lenses emphasizes the subject. Take advantage of this feature by experimenting with different compositions and backgrounds to create visually striking images.

Why 85mm Matters in Photography

The significance of 85mm in photography stems from its unique combination of properties and versatility. It is a focal length that:

• Produces Flattering Portraits: The 85mm focal length closely mimics the human eye's perspective, resulting in images that appear natural and undistorted. This makes it an ideal choice for capturing portraits that convey a sense of depth and authenticity.

• Enhances Subject Isolation: The shallow depth of field produced by 85mm lenses effectively blurs the background, directing the viewer's attention to the subject. This is particularly beneficial in situations where background elements would otherwise distract from the main focus.

• Offers Versatility: While primarily associated with portraiture, 85mm lenses can also be effectively used in other genres of photography, including event photography, street photography, and photojournalism. Their ability to provide a flattering perspective and isolate the subject makes them a versatile tool for capturing a wide range of scenes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: What is the relationship between 85mm and inches?
A: 85mm is equivalent to approximately 3.346 inches.

Q2: What are the benefits of using an 85mm lens?
A: Benefits include enhanced subject isolation, natural perspective, and versatility in capturing various photographic genres.

Q3: How can I use an 85mm lens effectively?
A: Effective strategies include utilizing aperture for control, maintaining distance from the subject, and considering lighting conditions.

Q4: What makes 85mm lenses suitable for portrait photography?
A: The flattering perspective and shallow depth of field produced by 85mm lenses effectively isolate the subject and create a pleasing, natural appearance.

Q5: Is an 85mm lens suitable for other photographic applications besides portraits?
A: Yes, 85mm lenses can be effectively used in event photography, street photography, and photojournalism, thanks to their versatile combination of properties.

Q6: How can I minimize camera shake when using an 85mm lens?
A: Employing a tripod or increasing the ISO can help reduce camera shake and maintain sharp focus, especially in low-light conditions.

Conclusion

Understanding the relationship between 85mm and inches is essential for photographers and videographers to make informed decisions about lens selection. The unique properties of 85mm lenses, including their ability to produce a shallow depth of field, provide a flattering perspective, and offer versatility in various photographic applications, make them a valuable tool for capturing impactful and visually appealing images. By employing effective strategies and incorporating the tips and tricks outlined in this guide, photographers can harness the full potential of 85mm lenses and elevate their photographic skills to new heights.

Appendix: Useful Tables

Table 1: Focal Lengths and Corresponding Field of View (FOV)

Table 2: Aperture and Depth of Field (DOF)

Table 3: Portrait Lens Recommendations