Understanding the Conversion: 85mm in Inches

Understanding the relationship between millimeters (mm) and inches (in) is crucial for various applications, including photography, construction, and design. In photography, the focal length of lenses is commonly measured in millimeters, while the size of film and digital sensors is often expressed in inches. This article delves into the conversion of 85mm to inches, providing valuable information and practical examples.

Converting 85mm to Inches: The Formula

The conversion from millimeters to inches involves a simple multiplication by a conversion factor. The conversion factor for millimeters to inches is 0.03937.

Formula:

Inches = Millimeters * 0.03937

Calculation:

To convert 85mm to inches, we use the formula:

Inches = 85mm * 0.03937
Inches ≈ 3.346 inches

Therefore, 85mm is approximately equal to 3.346 inches.

Practical Applications of 85mm in Photography

In photography, an 85mm lens is a popular choice for portraits and medium-range shots. It provides a flattering perspective, creating a natural-looking compression that isolates the subject from the background.

Common uses of an 85mm lens in photography:

• Portraiture: Captures flattering portraits with a shallow depth of field.
• Street photography: Allows for capturing candid moments from a comfortable distance.
• Event photography: Documents special occasions, such as weddings and parties.
• Macro photography: Enables close-up shots with a narrow depth of field.

Real-World Examples of 85mm in Inches

To illustrate the practical application of the 85mm to inches conversion, here are a few examples:

• A 35mm film negative measures 1.378 inches in width, which is approximately equivalent to 35mm.

• The diagonal of a 13-inch laptop screen measures 14.6 inches, which is roughly equal to 370mm.

• A standard door is approximately 80 inches tall, which is equivalent to 2032mm.

Conversion Table: Millimeters to Inches

For your convenience, here is a table showing the conversion from millimeters to inches for various values:

Conversion Table: Inches to Millimeters

Stories and Lessons Learned

Story 1:

A photographer accidentally ordered an 85mm lens in millimeters instead of inches. When the lens arrived, it was much larger than expected. The photographer learned that it is always important to pay attention to the units of measurement when ordering equipment.

Lesson: Double-check the units of measurement when making purchases or conversions.

Story 2:

A contractor needed to cut a piece of wood to 85 inches. He mistakenly converted 85mm to inches using the wrong conversion factor. As a result, the cut piece was too short. The contractor learned that using the correct conversion factor is essential for accurate measurements.

Lesson: Use reliable sources and double-check calculations when converting between different units of measurement.

Story 3:

A designer was creating a website for a photography business. The client wanted the website to display the focal lengths of lenses in inches. The designer had to convert all the focal lengths from millimeters to inches. The designer learned that having a good understanding of unit conversions is valuable in various industries.

Lesson: Learn the basics of unit conversions to enhance your versatility and productivity.

Pros and Cons of 85mm Lenses

Pros:

• Flattering perspective: Creates a natural-looking compression that isolates the subject.
• Shallow depth of field: Enables beautiful out-of-focus backgrounds, making the subject stand out.
• Good for portraits and medium-range shots: Captures intimate portraits and events from a comfortable distance.

Cons:

• Can be expensive: 85mm lenses are often more expensive than other focal lengths.
• May not be suitable for wide-angle shots: 85mm lenses are not ideal for capturing wide-angle scenes.
• Requires good lighting: 85mm lenses have a narrower aperture, which means they require more light for optimal results.

FAQs About 85mm in Inches

Q1: How many inches are in 85mm?
A1: Approximately 3.346 inches.

Q2: Is an 85mm lens considered a wide-angle lens?
A2: No, 85mm lenses are not considered wide-angle lenses. They are typically classified as mid-range lenses.

Q3: What type of photography is an 85mm lens suitable for?
A3: 85mm lenses are suitable for portraits, street photography, event photography, and macro photography.

Q4: What does the number 85mm on a lens represent?
A4: 85mm represents the focal length of the lens, which determines the magnification and field of view.

Q5: Can I use an 85mm lens on a crop sensor camera?
A5: Yes, but the focal length will be multiplied by the crop factor of the camera.

Q6: What is the difference between an 85mm prime lens and an 85mm zoom lens?
A6: Prime lenses have a fixed focal length, while zoom lenses have a variable focal length.

Call to Action

Understanding the conversion between millimeters and inches is essential for various applications. Whether you're a photographer, contractor, or designer, being able to accurately convert between these units is crucial for success. Remember to use reliable sources, double-check your calculations, and consider the context of the conversion. By mastering the conversion of 85mm to inches, you can confidently navigate different fields and make informed decisions.