85mm in Inches: A Comprehensive Guide

The 85mm focal length is a popular choice for portrait photography, as it offers a flattering perspective and shallow depth of field. But what exactly is 85mm in inches? And how does it translate to other units of measurement? In this comprehensive guide, we'll answer all your questions about 85mm in inches, so you can confidently use this focal length for your next portrait session.

Converting 85mm to Inches

1 inch = 25.4 millimeters (mm)

85mm ÷ 25.4 mm/in = 3.35 inches

Therefore, 85mm is equal to 3.35 inches.

85mm in Other Units of Measurement

Why 85mm Matters?

1. Flattering perspective: The 85mm focal length produces a flattering perspective that is ideal for portraits. It slightly compresses the face, making it appear more symmetrical and reducing the appearance of any imperfections.

2. Shallow depth of field: The 85mm focal length creates a shallow depth of field, which helps to isolate the subject from the background and draw the viewer's attention to the face.

3. Sharpness: 85mm lenses are typically very sharp, which is essential for capturing detailed portraits.

4. Versatility: 85mm lenses are versatile and can be used for a variety of photography genres, including weddings, events, and even street photography.

Benefits of Using an 85mm Lens

1. Professional-looking portraits: An 85mm lens can help you create professional-looking portraits with a shallow depth of field and flattering perspective.

2. Sharp and detailed images: 85mm lenses are typically very sharp, resulting in crisp and detailed images.

3. Versatile: 85mm lenses can be used for a variety of photography genres, making them a great investment for any photographer.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Using the wrong aperture: For portraits, it is important to use a wide aperture (e.g., f/2.8 or f/4) to achieve a shallow depth of field.

2. Focusing on the wrong part of the face: When composing a portrait, it is important to focus on the eyes of the subject.

3. Not paying attention to the background: The background of your portrait should be simple and uncluttered, so that it does not distract from the subject.

Stories and What We Learned

Story 1:
A photographer was taking a portrait of a client when they realized that they had accidentally used the wrong aperture. The resulting image had a deep depth of field, which made the background distracting and took away from the impact of the portrait.

Lesson learned: Always double-check your camera settings before taking a portrait to ensure that you are using the correct aperture for the desired effect.

Story 2:
A photographer was taking a portrait of a friend when they accidentally focused on the nose instead of the eyes. The resulting image was unflattering and did not capture the beauty of the subject.

Lesson learned: When composing a portrait, it is crucial to focus on the eyes of the subject to ensure that they are sharp and in focus.

Story 3:
A photographer was taking a portrait of a couple in a busy park. The background was cluttered and distracting, which made it difficult to isolate the subjects.

Lesson learned: When choosing a location for a portrait, it is important to consider the background and make sure that it is simple and uncluttered.

FAQs

1. What is the best aperture for portraits with an 85mm lens?
A. f/2.8 - f/4

2. What is the best focal length for portraits?
A. 85mm

3. How can I avoid blurry portraits with an 85mm lens?
A. Use a fast shutter speed and stabilize your camera.

4. What are the benefits of using an 85mm lens for portraits?
A. Flattering perspective, shallow depth of field, sharpness, versatility

5. What are some common mistakes to avoid when using an 85mm lens for portraits?
A. Using the wrong aperture, focusing on the wrong part of the face, not paying attention to the background

6. How can I improve my portraits with an 85mm lens?
A. Practice, experiment with different apertures and backgrounds, and learn from your mistakes.

Conclusion

Understanding 85mm in inches is essential for photographers who want to use this focal length for portraiture. By following the guidelines outlined in this comprehensive guide, you can avoid common mistakes and capture stunning portraits that will impress your clients and loved ones.