Converting 85mm to Inches: A Comprehensive Guide for Photographers

Introduction

In the realm of photography, the ability to accurately convert between different units of measurement is essential for achieving precise results. One common conversion that photographers often encounter is transforming millimeters (mm) to inches (in). In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the intricacies of converting 85mm to inches, exploring the significance of this conversion and its practical applications in photography.

Significance of 85mm in Photography

The 85mm focal length is particularly revered among photographers for its versatility and flattering perspective. Lenses with an 85mm focal length are widely utilized for both portraiture and street photography due to their ability to:

• Isolate subjects: The 85mm focal length allows photographers to isolate their subjects from the background, creating a shallow depth of field that draws attention to the primary focus of the image.
• Create a natural perspective: 85mm lenses approximate the field of view of the human eye, resulting in images that appear natural and pleasing to the human visual system.
• Capture candid moments: The relatively long focal length of 85mm enables photographers to capture candid moments from a comfortable distance without disturbing the subject.

Converting 85mm to Inches: Step-by-Step Guide

The conversion process from millimeters to inches is straightforward and can be accomplished using the following simple steps:

1. Divide the value in millimeters by 25.4: 85mm / 25.4 ≈ 3.346 inches

Therefore, 85mm is approximately equal to 3.346 inches.

Applications of the 85mm Lens in Photography

• Portraiture: As mentioned earlier, 85mm lenses are highly sought after for portraiture due to their ability to isolate subjects and create a flattering perspective. The combination of a shallow depth of field and natural field of view results in portraits that are both aesthetically pleasing and technically proficient.
• Street photography: The 85mm focal length is also well-suited for capturing candid moments in street photography. The longer focal length allows photographers to maintain a distance from their subjects while still capturing sharp, detailed images.
• Event photography: The ability of 85mm lenses to capture candid moments and isolate subjects makes them ideal for event photography. Whether it's a wedding or a corporate gathering, an 85mm lens can help photographers document the occasion with stunning images.

Benefits of Using 85mm Lenses

• Shallow depth of field: 85mm lenses allow photographers to create images with a shallow depth of field, which is essential for isolating subjects and creating a visually appealing effect.
• Sharp and detailed images: 85mm lenses typically produce sharp and detailed images, making them suitable for capturing high-resolution photographs.

Comparison of 85mm and Other Focal Lengths

Considerations for Choosing an 85mm Lens

When selecting an 85mm lens for your camera, there are several factors to consider:

• Aperture: The aperture of an 85mm lens determines the depth of field and light-gathering capabilities. Higher apertures (e.g., f/1.8) allow for shallower depths of field, while lower apertures (e.g., f/2.8) provide a greater depth of field.
• Image stabilization: Image stabilization helps to reduce camera shake, especially when shooting in low-light conditions. Look for lenses with image stabilization to ensure sharp images, even at slower shutter speeds.
• Autofocus speed: The autofocus speed of an 85mm lens is crucial for quickly and accurately locking onto subjects. Consider lenses with fast autofocus capabilities to capture fleeting moments.

Stories and Lessons Learned

Story 1: A portrait photographer used an 85mm lens with a wide aperture to create a stunning portrait of a model. The shallow depth of field isolated the model from the background, drawing attention to her facial features and creating a captivating image.

Lesson: Using an 85mm lens with a wide aperture can effectively isolate subjects and create visually appealing portraits.

Story 2: A street photographer captured a candid moment of a street musician using an 85mm lens. The longer focal length allowed the photographer to maintain a distance from the musician while still capturing a detailed and intimate image.

Lesson: The 85mm focal length is well-suited for capturing candid moments in street photography, enabling photographers to observe and document their surroundings from a discreet distance.

Story 3: An event photographer used an 85mm lens to document a wedding ceremony. The lens allowed the photographer to move around the venue and capture both wide-angle shots of the crowd and close-up shots of the bride and groom.

Lesson: The versatility of an 85mm lens makes it an excellent choice for event photography, allowing photographers to adapt to changing lighting conditions and capture a variety of shots.

Call to Action

If you are a photographer looking to take your portraiture, street photography, or event photography skills to the next level, consider investing in an 85mm lens. With its ability to create stunning images with shallow depth of field, sharp details, and unparalleled versatility, an 85mm lens will empower you to capture exceptional photographs that leave a lasting impact.