Understanding 85mm: Conversions, Uses, and Essential Considerations

Introduction

In the realm of photography, videography, and other imaging applications, the lens focal length is a crucial parameter that determines the field of view, perspective, and overall image characteristics. Among the commonly used focal lengths, 85mm stands out as a versatile option that offers a unique balance between wide-angle and telephoto perspectives. This comprehensive guide will delve into the intricacies of 85mm in inches, exploring its conversion, uses, benefits, and essential considerations.

Conversion: 85mm to Inches

85 millimeters (mm) is equivalent to 3.35 inches. This conversion can be easily calculated using the following formula:

Inches = Millimeters / 25.4

Uses of an 85mm Lens

85mm lenses offer a versatile range of applications, including:

• Portraiture: 85mm is an ideal focal length for portraits as it allows for a flattering perspective, minimizing facial distortion while isolating the subject from the background.
• Environmental portraits: The slightly wider field of view compared to telephoto lenses enables photographers to capture both the subject and their surroundings, creating a sense of context and atmosphere.
• Street photography: The ability to maintain a discreet distance while still filling the frame with the subject makes 85mm lenses suitable for candid shots and candid street photography.
• Videography: 85mm lenses produce a cinematic look with shallow depth of field, making them preferred for close-up shots and interviews.

Benefits of Using an 85mm Lens

• Natural perspective: 85mm lenses closely mimic the human field of view, resulting in images with a more natural and realistic appearance.
• Low depth of field: The relatively long focal length allows for a narrow depth of field, effectively isolating the subject from the background and creating a visually pleasing bokeh effect.
• Excellent low-light performance: 85mm lenses typically have wide aperture values, enabling photographers to capture images in low-light conditions without compromising sharpness or image quality.
• Portraiture superiority: As mentioned earlier, 85mm possesses exceptional qualities for portrait photography, providing flattering perspectives and minimizing facial distortions.

Essential Considerations

While 85mm lenses offer numerous advantages, there are a few considerations to keep in mind:

• Size and weight: 85mm lenses tend to be larger and heavier than shorter focal length lenses, affecting portability and comfort during extended use.
• Depth of field: The shallow depth of field, while desirable for portraits, can also be a drawback when focusing on multiple subjects at varying distances.
• Aperture restrictions: Some 85mm lenses have fixed apertures, limiting the photographer's ability to control the depth of field in certain situations.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To maximize the potential of an 85mm lens, photographers should avoid the following common mistakes:

• Shooting too close: While 85mm is generally suitable for portraits, getting too close to the subject can result in unflattering distortions. Maintain a reasonable distance for optimal results.
• Overusing shallow depth of field: While shallow depth of field can create striking images, using it excessively can distract from the subject and make the image look artificial.
• Ignoring the background: The narrower field of view of 85mm lenses requires careful attention to the background to avoid distracting elements that may detract from the main subject.

Why 85mm Matters

The unique focal length of 85mm offers several distinct advantages:

• Versatility: The 85mm focal length can be effectively utilized across various genres of photography, from portraits to street shots.
• Image quality: 85mm lenses often produce images with exceptional sharpness and clarity due to their often wide aperture and advanced optical designs.
• Emotional impact: The natural perspective and shallow depth of field created by 85mm lenses can evoke powerful emotions and draw the viewer's attention to the core subject.

85mm in Action: Real-World Examples

To illustrate the practical applications of an 85mm lens, here are three real-world examples:

• Portraiture: A photographer using an 85mm lens captures a stunning portrait of a subject, expertly utilizing the shallow depth of field to isolate them from the busy urban background, creating an intimate and emotive image.
• Environmental portrait: In a rustic setting, a photographer employs an 85mm lens to capture a portrait of a subject engaged in a traditional craft. The wider field of view allows for the inclusion of the surroundings, providing context and enhancing the storytelling aspect of the image.
• Street photography: An 85mm lens empowers a street photographer to capture a candid moment from a discreet distance, maintaining the natural flow of the scene while effectively isolating the subject from the surrounding chaos.

Tables for Reference

Table 1: Conversion of 85mm to Inches

Table 2: Advantages of Using an 85mm Lens

Table 3: Common Mistakes to Avoid with an 85mm Lens

Conclusion

85mm is a versatile and powerful focal length that offers a range of advantages for photographers and videographers. Understanding the conversion to inches, its various uses, and essential considerations can empower users to harness the full potential of this lens. By leveraging its natural perspective, low depth of field, and excellent image quality, photographers can produce captivating images that evoke emotions and convey compelling stories. Whether it's portraiture, environmental portraits, street photography, or videography, an 85mm lens is a valuable addition to any creative toolkit.