85mm to Inches: A Comprehensive Guide

In the world of photography and cinematography, understanding the relationship between millimeters (mm) and inches (in) is crucial. One common conversion involves 85mm to inches, which is essential for determining lens measurements, camera settings, and field of view. This article provides a comprehensive guide to help you easily convert 85mm to inches and understand its practical applications.

Understanding the Metric System and Imperial System

Before delving into the conversion, it's important to understand the metric system and imperial system of measurement.

• Metric System: Based on multiples of 10, the metric system uses meters as the standard unit of length. Millimeters (mm) are one thousandth of a meter.
• Imperial System: Typically used in the United States and a few other countries, the imperial system uses feet and inches as the standard units of length.

Converting 85mm to Inches

To convert 85mm to inches, we need to divide the millimeter value by 25.4, the conversion factor between millimeters and inches.

85mm ÷ 25.4 = 3.3464567 inches

Therefore, 85mm is approximately equal to 3.35 inches.

Applications of 85mm Lenses

85mm lenses, also known as portrait lenses, are highly regarded for their ability to capture stunning portraits and other subjects. Here are some common applications:

• Portraits: 85mm lenses produce natural-looking portraits with flattering perspectives and shallow depth of field.
• Street Photography: They offer a slightly wider field of view than traditional portrait lenses, making them suitable for capturing candid moments and street scenes.
• Wedding Photography: 85mm lenses are popular for capturing intimate moments and creating beautiful wedding photos.
• Event Photography: They provide a balance between wide-angle and telephoto lenses, making them versatile for capturing both close-ups and full-body shots at events.

Table: Common 85mm Lens Specifications

Tips for Using 85mm Lenses

• Choose the right camera mount: Ensure your lens is compatible with your camera body.
• Consider the aperture range: The aperture range affects the depth of field and image quality.
• Pay attention to the minimum focus distance: This determines how close you can focus to your subject.
• Use a tripod for stability: Long lenses like 85mm benefit from a steady tripod, especially in low-light conditions.
• Experiment with composition: Explore different angles and perspectives to create visually appealing images.

Pros and Cons of 85mm Lenses

Pros:

• Excellent portraiture performance: Ideal for capturing flattering portraits with shallow depth of field.
• Versatility: Suitable for various scenarios, including street, event, and wedding photography.
• Lightweight and portable: Typically more compact and lightweight than telephoto lenses.
• High-quality optics: Offer sharp and detailed images with minimal distortion.

Cons:

• Fixed focal length: Cannot zoom in or out, limiting framing flexibility.
• Can be expensive: High-quality 85mm lenses come at a premium price.
• May not be ideal for capturing distant subjects: Short focal length compared to telephoto lenses.

Call to Action

Understanding the conversion from 85mm to inches is essential for photographers and cinematographers. Whether you're choosing the right lens for portraiture or adjusting camera settings, this conversion will help you make informed decisions. Use the information and tips provided in this guide to enhance your photographic skills and capture stunning images with 85mm lenses.