Understanding the Intricacies of 85mm: A Comprehensive Guide in Inches

Introduction

In the realm of photography, understanding the intricacies of lens focal length is crucial for capturing the perfect shot. Among the versatile focal lengths, 85mm stands out as a beloved choice for portraiture, street photography, and more. To fully grasp the capabilities of an 85mm lens, it's essential to convert it into inches, the more familiar unit of measurement in many countries. This article delves into the conversion of 85mm to inches, exploring its implications and providing valuable insights for photographers.

85mm in Inches: A Step-by-Step Conversion

1. Convert Millimeters to Centimeters

The first step is to convert 85mm to centimeters, as inches are defined in terms of centimeters. Divide 85mm by 10 to get 8.5cm.

85mm ÷ 10 = 8.5cm

2. Convert Centimeters to Inches

Now, convert the resulting centimeters into inches. One inch is equivalent to 2.54 centimeters. Divide 8.5cm by 2.54 to get approximately 3.34 inches.

8.5cm ÷ 2.54 = 3.34 inches

Therefore, 85mm is approximately 3.34 inches.

The Significance of 85mm in Portraiture

An 85mm lens offers a flattering perspective for portraits. It achieves a natural compression of the subject's features, subtly slimming the face and enhancing facial details. Additionally, the shallow depth of field created by an 85mm lens blurs the background, isolating the subject and creating a visually pleasing bokeh effect. Its versatility extends to full-body portraits, allowing photographers to capture flattering images without excessive distortion.

85mm in Street Photography

In the world of street photography, an 85mm lens allows for candid and intimate interactions. The moderate reach and unobtrusive perspective enable photographers to capture genuine moments while maintaining a respectful distance from their subjects. The fast aperture of many 85mm lenses facilitates shooting in low-light conditions, capturing the essence of urban life after sunset.

Other Applications of an 85mm Lens

Beyond portraiture and street photography, an 85mm lens is well-suited for various other photography genres:

• Event Photography: Captures candid moments and expressive portraits at weddings, parties, and corporate events.
• Fashion Photography: Highlights the fine details of clothing and accessories, allowing for both full-body shots and close-ups.
• Wildlife Photography: Enables photographers to maintain a comfortable distance from animals yet capture sharp and detailed images.
• Macro Photography: When paired with extension tubes or close-up filters, an 85mm lens can reveal the intricate details of small objects.

Converting Common Lens Focal Lengths to Inches

For your convenience, here's a table showing the conversions of common lens focal lengths to inches:

Effective Strategies for Using an 85mm Lens

• Isolate Your Subject: Use the shallow depth of field to draw attention to your subject and create a sense of intimacy.
• Control Background Blur: Adjust the aperture to balance the amount of background blur and the sharpness of your subject.
• Pay Attention to Distance: Maintain an appropriate distance from your subject to avoid distortion and achieve the desired perspective.
• Consider Lighting: Take advantage of the 85mm's ability to capture subtle light variations, especially in low-light conditions.
• Practice and Experiment: The best way to master an 85mm lens is through practice. Experiment with different compositions and settings to discover its endless possibilities.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Using an 85mm Lens

• Using the Wrong Aperture: Selecting an aperture that's too narrow can result in a lack of background blur, while an aperture that's too wide can lead to excessive blurring.
• Maintaining Too Close a Distance: Getting too close to your subject can exaggerate facial features and create unflattering distortions.
• Neglecting Background Composition: While the 85mm's shallow depth of field helps isolate the subject, it's important to consider the composition of the background to avoid distractions.
• Overusing the Lens: While an 85mm lens is versatile, it's not suitable for every situation. Use it appropriately to avoid monotony and explore other focal lengths as well.
• Lack of Precision: Autofocus accuracy is crucial with an 85mm lens due to its shallow depth of field. Ensure proper focusing to avoid blurry or out-of-focus images.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What type of photography is an 85mm lens best suited for?
   An 85mm lens is ideal for portraiture, street photography, event photography, fashion photography, and wildlife photography.

2. What is the difference between an 85mm f/1.4 and an 85mm f/2.8?
   The lower f-number (e.g., f/1.4) indicates a wider aperture, allowing for more background blur and better low-light performance.

3. Can I use an 85mm lens on a crop sensor camera?
   Yes, but the effective focal length will be multiplied by the crop factor. For example, on a Canon EOS Rebel T7i, an 85mm lens becomes a 136mm lens (1.6x crop factor).

4. What is the maximum aperture of an 85mm lens?
   The maximum aperture of an 85mm lens varies depending on the specific lens model. It can range from f/1.2 to f/2.8 or even wider.

5. Is an 85mm lens suitable for beginners?
   Yes, an 85mm lens is a great choice for beginners as it offers a versatile focal length and a shallow depth of field.

6. How much does an 85mm lens typically cost?
   The price of an 85mm lens varies depending on the brand, model, and features. Expect to pay anywhere from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars.

Call to Action

If you're looking to elevate your photography game, consider adding an 85mm lens to your arsenal. Its versatility and ability to capture stunning images make it a must-have for serious photographers. Explore the techniques and strategies outlined in this article to unlock the full potential of your 85mm lens. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting your photographic journey, the 85mm focal length will undoubtedly enhance your creativity and produce captivating images.