Understanding 85mm Lens for Photography: Converting to Inches and More

Introduction

In the realm of photography, focal length is a crucial aspect that determines the field of view and perspective of a lens. One common focal length used in portraiture, fashion, and street photography is 85mm. However, this metric is often expressed in millimeters, which can be confusing for those accustomed to the inch system. This article aims to demystify the conversion between 85mm and inches, providing a comprehensive understanding of this lens's equivalence and its implications for photographers.

Converting 85mm to Inches

The conversion process between millimeters (mm) and inches (in) involves a simple mathematical formula:

1 inch = 25.4 millimeters

Using this formula, we can calculate the equivalent of 85mm in inches as follows:

85mm / 25.4mm/in ≈ 3.35 inches

Therefore, 85mm is approximately equal to 3.35 inches.

Equivalence in Other Formats

It's important to note that the equivalence of focal length varies depending on the format of the camera being used. The following table provides conversions for 85mm in common camera formats:

Importance of Focal Length in Photography

Focal length significantly impacts the look and feel of an image. Generally, wider focal lengths (e.g., 35mm) offer a wider field of view, capturing more of the scene, while longer focal lengths (e.g., 85mm) have a narrower field of view, isolating the subject more effectively.

Advantages of an 85mm Lens

1. Flattering Perspective for Portraits:

An 85mm lens is known for creating portraits with a flattering perspective. Its ability to compress the subject's features slightly results in a more visually appealing look, especially for headshots and close-up portraits.

2. Excellent Bokeh Rendering:

With its relatively wide aperture (typically f/1.4 to f/1.8), an 85mm lens can produce beautiful bokeh, or background blur. This soft, out-of-focus effect effectively separates the subject from the surroundings, adding depth and dimension to the image.

3. Versatility in Street Photography:

While primarily used for portraits, an 85mm lens can also excel in street photography. Its moderate field of view allows for capturing candid moments while still maintaining a comfortable distance from the subject, making it ideal for candid shots and environmental portraits.

Disadvantages of an 85mm Lens

1. Limited Field of View:

The narrower field of view of an 85mm lens can be a limitation in certain situations, especially when trying to capture wider scenes or group shots.

2. Potential for Distortion:

If used too closely to the subject, an 85mm lens can cause slight distortions in facial features or body proportions. However, this issue can be minimized by maintaining an appropriate working distance.

3. Cost:

High-quality 85mm lenses can be relatively expensive, particularly those with wide apertures (e.g., f/1.2).

Stories and Lessons

Story 1:

Professional portrait photographer Sarah Jones had always relied on her 50mm lens for headshots. However, she wanted to achieve a more flattering perspective for her subjects. After some research, she decided to invest in an 85mm lens and was amazed by the difference it made. The slightly compressed features and beautiful bokeh produced stunning, magazine-quality portraits.

Lesson: Choosing the right focal length is crucial for achieving specific aesthetic outcomes in photography.

Story 2:

Street photographer Tom Carter was looking for a lens that could capture candid moments while allowing him to maintain a respectful distance from his subjects. He settled on an 85mm lens and quickly realized its versatility. The moderate field of view and excellent bokeh helped him isolate his subjects effectively and create visually engaging street photographs.

Lesson: An 85mm lens offers a versatile and powerful tool for capturing environmental portraits and street scenes.

Story 3:

Wedding photographer Emily Davis recently encountered a challenging situation where she needed to capture a group shot in a small room. Unfortunately, her go-to 85mm lens proved too narrow for the task. She had to switch to a wider focal length to accommodate all the guests in the frame.

Lesson: Understanding the limitations of specific focal lengths is essential for choosing the right lens for different shooting scenarios.

Step-by-Step Guide to Using an 85mm Lens

1. Determine the Best Aperture:

For flattering portraits, use a wide aperture (e.g., f/1.4 to f/1.8) to create a shallow depth of field and blur the background. For street photography or group shots, a narrower aperture (e.g., f/2.8 to f/5.6) will provide a greater depth of field to ensure all subjects are in focus.

2. Set the Correct Distance:

When using an 85mm lens for portraits, maintain a distance of approximately 4-6 feet from your subject to avoid potential distortions. For street photography, adjust the distance based on the desired composition and level of isolation.

3. Control the Bokeh:

Use the background wisely to enhance the bokeh effect. Avoid placing your subject too close to a cluttered or busy background, as it can distract from the subject. Instead, opt for backgrounds with simple patterns or colors that complement the subject.

4. Be Aware of Crop Factor:

If you're using a camera with a crop sensor (e.g., APS-C or Micro Four Thirds), keep in mind that the effective focal length of an 85mm lens will be longer. This can affect the field of view and depth of field, so adjust your settings accordingly.

Comparison Table for 85mm Equivalent Lenses

Pros and Cons of an 85mm Lens

Pros:

• Flattering perspective for portraits
• Excellent bokeh rendering
• Versatile for street photography
• Natural perspective for environmental portraits

Cons:

• Limited field of view
• Potential for distortion
• Relatively expensive

Conclusion

Understanding the conversion between 85mm and inches (approximately 3.35 inches) is essential for photographers working in the inch system. An 85mm lens offers a unique focal length that provides a flattering perspective for portraits, excellent bokeh rendering, and versatility in street photography. While it has some limitations, such as a narrow field of view and potential for distortion, its strengths often outweigh its weaknesses. By mastering the use of an 85mm lens, photographers can capture stunning images with a compelling visual impact.

Disclaimer: The figures presented in this article are approximate and may vary slightly depending on the specific lens and camera used. It is recommended to consult the manufacturer's specifications for precise measurements and compatibility information.