85mm to Inches: A Comprehensive Guide to Photographic Dimensions

Introduction

85mm is a popular focal length for portraits, street photography, and other types of photography. However, understanding the relationship between millimeters (mm) and inches (in) is essential for photographers to accurately compose and capture images. This comprehensive guide will delve into the conversion from 85mm to inches, exploring its significance, benefits, and practical applications in photography.

Transition: Understanding the Basics

The metric system, widely used in many parts of the world, employs millimeters (mm) as a unit of measurement. On the other hand, the imperial system, commonly found in the United States and a few other countries, utilizes inches (in) as its standard. To bridge the gap between these two systems, it is crucial to grasp the conversion between mm and in.

Conversion Formula: 85mm to Inches

The conversion formula from 85mm to inches is:

85mm = 85 / 25.4 = 3.3465 inches

Therefore, 85mm is equivalent to approximately 3.35 inches.

Significance in Photography

The choice of focal length plays a vital role in determining the perspective and composition of a photograph. 85mm is a versatile focal length that can be used for various genres of photography:

Portraiture: Produces flattering portraits with a shallow depth of field, isolating the subject from the background.
Street Photography: Captures candid moments with a natural field of view, allowing for intimate and unobtrusive shots.
Event Photography: Documents important occasions with a moderate wide-angle, providing a broader perspective.

Benefits of Understanding 85mm to Inches

Accurately converting 85mm to inches offers several benefits for photographers:

Precise Lens Selection: Ensures correct lens selection for specific cameras, as different camera systems have different sensor sizes.
Accurate Image Composition: Facilitates accurate framing and composition of subjects, leading to well-balanced and visually appealing images.
Enhanced Understanding of Lens Capabilities: Provides a deeper understanding of the field of view and depth of field characteristics of 85mm lenses.

Practical Applications

Understanding the conversion from 85mm to inches has practical applications in photography:

Camera Compatibility: When using lenses on different camera bodies, it is essential to consider the sensor size and focal length compatibility.
Tripod Placement: Accurately determining the working distance from the subject ensures optimal tripod placement for stable and sharp images.
Image Cropping: Proper conversion of focal length allows for precise image cropping and resizing without sacrificing image quality.

Tables for Reference

Table 1: Equivalent Focal Lengths in mm and in

Table 2: Popular 85mm Lenses and Their Field of View

Table 3: Lens Compatibility and Conversion

Stories and Lessons Learned

Story 1: The Confused Photographer

Once upon a time, a photographer named Emily was tasked with capturing a portrait of a client. Emily, unfamiliar with the conversion between mm and in, mounted an 85mm lens on her full-frame camera. To her surprise, the portrait turned out unflattering, with the subject's face appearing too large and distorted. Emily then realized her mistake: she had failed to convert 85mm to inches, leading to an incorrect lens choice for her camera's sensor size.

Lesson Learned: Understanding the conversion from mm to in is essential for selecting the appropriate lens and achieving the desired compositional effect.

Story 2: The Prepared Photographer

In contrast to Emily, photographer James was well-versed in lens conversion. He was hired to photograph a corporate event with an APS-C camera. Knowing that 85mm would result in a narrow field of view, James opted for a 50mm lens (85mm equivalent for APS-C). This allowed him to capture wider shots of the attendees and the event ambiance.

Lesson Learned: By accounting for the sensor size and converting 85mm to inches, photographers can make informed lens choices for specific shooting scenarios.

Story 3: The Adaptable Photographer

Photographer Sarah found herself in a unique situation where she had to use an 85mm lens on both a full-frame and an APS-C camera. To ensure consistent framing and composition, Sarah meticulously converted 85mm to inches for each camera sensor size. This enabled her to achieve similar perspectives and capture high-quality images across different cameras.

Lesson Learned: Adaptability and attention to detail are crucial when working with multiple camera systems and focal lengths. Accurately converting 85mm to inches helps photographers maintain consistency and produce exceptional results.

Pros and Cons of 85mm Focal Length

Pros:

Versatile: Suitable for a wide range of photographic genres.
Flattering Portraits: Creates visually pleasing portraits with a shallow depth of field.
Isolation: Isolates subjects from the background, enhancing their impact.
Sharpness: Produces sharp images even at wide apertures.

Cons:

Can Be Restrictive: May not be ideal for capturing wide scenes or group shots.
Requires Careful Composition: To avoid clutter or inconsistency in framing.
Depth of Field Challenges: Shallow depth of field can make it difficult to achieve focus on multiple subjects.

FAQs

1. What is the field of view of an 85mm lens on a full-frame camera?

Approximately 28.5°.

2. What is the equivalent focal length of an 85mm lens on an APS-C camera with a 1.5x crop factor?

57mm.

3. Can an 85mm lens be used for wildlife photography?

Yes, but it is recommended to use a longer focal length for better reach.

4. What is the best aperture for portrait photography using an 85mm lens?

Typically f/1.8 to f/2.8 for flattering shallow depth of field.

5. How can I convert 85mm to inches mentally?

Divide 85 by 25 (approximately).

6. What are some tips for composing with an 85mm lens?

Use leading lines, pay attention to backgrounds, and consider the subject's distance from the camera.

Conclusion

Understanding the conversion from 85mm to inches is crucial for photographers to make informed decisions regarding lens selection, image composition, and technical settings. This guide has provided a comprehensive overview of the significance, benefits, practical applications, and practical examples of this conversion. By mastering this conversion, photographers can elevate their craft and achieve exceptional results in their photographic endeavors.

Remember, the world of photography is filled with technicalities and conversions, but by embracing these challenges with a touch of humor, photographers can unlock the power of understanding and creativity. So, next time you encounter the mystery of 85mm to inches, approach it with a smile and a desire to learn.