The 85mm lens is a staple in many photographers’ kits, and for good reason. Its unique combination of focal length, aperture, and perspective makes it an incredibly versatile tool for capturing a wide range of subjects and scenes. In this article, we’ll delve into the world of 85mm lenses, exploring their characteristics, applications, and techniques for getting the most out of this popular focal length.
Introduction to the 85mm Lens
The 85mm lens is a short telephoto lens, typically considered a prime lens, although some zoom lenses may include this focal length within their range. Its moderate telephoto reach makes it ideal for compressing perspective, reducing distortion, and creating a pleasing bokeh (out-of-focus area) in the background. This lens is often associated with portrait photography, but its uses extend far beyond capturing people.
Key Characteristics of the 85mm Lens
When considering the 85mm lens, several key characteristics stand out:
The lens’s moderate telephoto focal length provides a comfortable working distance, allowing photographers to capture their subjects without being too intrusive.
A wide aperture, typically ranging from f/1.4 to f/2.8, enables the creation of a shallow depth of field, separating the subject from the background and adding depth to the image.
The lens’s perspective is relatively flat, reducing distortion and making it suitable for capturing subjects with minimal curvature or bending.
Optical Quality and Aberrations
High-quality 85mm lenses are designed to minimize optical aberrations, ensuring sharp, clear images with excellent contrast. Some common aberrations that can affect image quality include:
Chromatic aberration, which can cause color fringing or purple fringing, especially in high-contrast areas.
Spherical aberration, which can lead to softness or haze in the image.
Distortion, which can cause straight lines to appear curved or bent.
Applications of the 85mm Lens
The 85mm lens is an incredibly versatile tool, suitable for a wide range of photographic applications. Some of the most common uses include:
Portrait Photography
The 85mm lens is often considered a classic portrait lens, and for good reason. Its moderate telephoto reach and wide aperture make it ideal for capturing intimate, flattering portraits with a pleasing bokeh. The lens’s flat perspective and minimal distortion ensure that the subject’s features are rendered accurately, without excessive curvature or bending.
Landscape and Cityscape Photography
While the 85mm lens may not be the first choice for landscape or cityscape photography, it can be a valuable tool for capturing specific types of scenes. Its moderate telephoto reach allows photographers to compress perspective, emphasizing the relationships between different elements in the scene. This can be particularly effective for capturing city skylines, mountain ranges, or other scenes where depth and layering are important.
Street Photography
The 85mm lens can be a great choice for street photography, particularly in situations where a longer focal length is desired. Its moderate telephoto reach allows photographers to capture scenes from a distance, without being too intrusive. The lens’s wide aperture and fast autofocus also make it well-suited for capturing moving subjects in low-light conditions.
Other Applications
In addition to the applications mentioned above, the 85mm lens can also be used for:
Still life photography, where its moderate telephoto reach and wide aperture can be used to create intimate, detailed images of small objects.
Fashion photography, where its flattering perspective and pleasing bokeh can be used to capture high-end fashion images.
Wedding photography, where its versatility and fast autofocus make it a valuable tool for capturing a wide range of scenes, from portraits to candids.
Techniques for Using the 85mm Lens
To get the most out of the 85mm lens, it’s essential to understand some key techniques and considerations.
- Pay attention to aperture: The 85mm lens’s wide aperture is one of its most significant advantages. Experiment with different aperture settings to find the perfect balance between subject isolation and background blur.
- Use the lens’s perspective to your advantage: The 85mm lens’s moderate telephoto reach can be used to compress perspective, emphasizing the relationships between different elements in the scene. Experiment with different angles and compositions to find the most effective way to use this perspective.
Working with Light
Light is a critical component of any photograph, and the 85mm lens is no exception. When working with this lens, it’s essential to consider the quality and direction of the light.
Natural light, such as that found during the golden hour, can add warmth and depth to images captured with the 85mm lens.
Artificial light, such as that from strobes or continuous lights, can be used to create dramatic, high-contrast images with deep shadows and highlights.
Post-Processing and Editing
Once the image has been captured, it’s time to consider post-processing and editing. The 85mm lens’s high optical quality and versatility make it an excellent choice for a wide range of editing styles and techniques. Some key considerations include:
Noise reduction and sharpening: The 85mm lens’s high ISO performance and sharp optics make it an excellent choice for low-light photography. However, noise reduction and sharpening techniques can be used to further enhance image quality.
Color grading and tone mapping: The 85mm lens’s neutral color palette and high contrast make it an excellent choice for color grading and tone mapping techniques. These can be used to add mood, atmosphere, and depth to the image.
In conclusion, the 85mm lens is a powerful and versatile tool that can be used to capture a wide range of subjects and scenes. Its unique combination of focal length, aperture, and perspective makes it an ideal choice for portrait, landscape, street, and still life photography, among other applications. By understanding the lens’s key characteristics, applications, and techniques, photographers can unlock its full potential and take their images to the next level. Whether you’re a professional photographer or just starting out, the 85mm lens is definitely worth considering as a valuable addition to your kit.
What is an 85mm lens and how does it differ from other lenses?
The 85mm lens is a type of short telephoto lens that is commonly used in portrait photography. It is considered a prime lens, meaning it has a fixed focal length, and is known for its ability to produce a shallow depth of field, which helps to separate the subject from the background. This lens is often preferred by portrait photographers because it provides a flattering perspective and compression, which can help to create a more intimate and natural-looking image. Additionally, the 85mm lens is often used in low-light conditions due to its wide aperture, which allows more light to enter the camera.
In comparison to other lenses, the 85mm lens has a unique set of characteristics that make it well-suited for certain types of photography. For example, it has a longer focal length than a standard lens, which can help to compress the perspective and create a more flattering image. However, it is shorter than a traditional telephoto lens, which makes it more versatile and easier to use in a variety of situations. Overall, the 85mm lens is a popular choice among photographers due to its unique combination of image quality, versatility, and ease of use.
What are the key benefits of using an 85mm lens for portrait photography?
The 85mm lens is a popular choice for portrait photography due to its ability to produce a flattering and intimate image. One of the key benefits of using this lens is its ability to create a shallow depth of field, which helps to separate the subject from the background and create a sense of depth and dimension. Additionally, the 85mm lens has a compression effect, which can help to reduce the appearance of facial features and create a more natural-looking image. This lens is also known for its ability to produce a pleasing bokeh, or out-of-focus area, which can help to add depth and interest to the image.
In addition to its technical benefits, the 85mm lens is also a popular choice among portrait photographers due to its versatility and ease of use. This lens is often compact and lightweight, making it easy to carry and use in a variety of situations. Additionally, the 85mm lens is often relatively affordable compared to other lenses, which makes it a great option for photographers who are just starting out or looking to add a new lens to their collection. Overall, the 85mm lens is a great choice for portrait photography due to its unique combination of image quality, versatility, and ease of use.
How do I choose the right 85mm lens for my camera and photography style?
Choosing the right 85mm lens for your camera and photography style can be a bit overwhelming, especially with all the options available on the market. To start, you’ll want to consider the type of camera you’re using and the lens mount it requires. For example, if you’re using a Canon camera, you’ll want to look for an 85mm lens that is compatible with the Canon EF mount. You’ll also want to consider the aperture of the lens, with wider apertures (such as f/1.4 or f/1.8) allowing more light to enter the camera and creating a shallower depth of field.
In addition to considering the technical specifications of the lens, you’ll also want to think about your photography style and the type of images you want to create. For example, if you’re looking to create portraits with a very shallow depth of field, you may want to consider a lens with a wide aperture. On the other hand, if you’re looking to create portraits with a more natural-looking depth of field, you may want to consider a lens with a narrower aperture. Additionally, you’ll want to read reviews and compare prices to find the best lens for your budget and needs. By considering these factors, you can find the right 85mm lens for your camera and photography style.
What are some common mistakes to avoid when using an 85mm lens for portrait photography?
When using an 85mm lens for portrait photography, there are several common mistakes to avoid in order to get the best results. One of the most common mistakes is not paying attention to the background, which can be distracting and take away from the subject. To avoid this, you’ll want to make sure the background is simple and uncluttered, and consider using a wide aperture to blur it out. Another common mistake is not using the correct focal length, which can result in an unflattering perspective. To avoid this, you’ll want to experiment with different distances and angles to find the most flattering perspective for your subject.
In addition to these technical mistakes, there are also some creative mistakes to avoid when using an 85mm lens for portrait photography. For example, not directing the subject or not paying attention to their posture and expression can result in an unengaging and unflattering image. To avoid this, you’ll want to work with your subject to create a relaxed and natural pose, and pay attention to their facial expression and body language. By avoiding these common mistakes, you can get the most out of your 85mm lens and create beautiful, flattering portraits.
How can I use an 85mm lens to create a sense of intimacy and connection with my subject?
To create a sense of intimacy and connection with your subject when using an 85mm lens, you’ll want to focus on creating a sense of closeness and warmth in the image. One way to do this is to use a wide aperture to blur out the background and create a sense of depth and dimension. You’ll also want to pay attention to the subject’s posture and expression, and work with them to create a relaxed and natural pose. Additionally, you can experiment with different angles and distances to find the most flattering and intimate perspective for your subject.
In addition to these technical considerations, you’ll also want to think about the creative aspects of creating a sense of intimacy and connection with your subject. For example, you can use the 85mm lens to capture subtle details and expressions that reveal the subject’s personality and character. You can also experiment with different lighting setups and environments to create a sense of warmth and coziness in the image. By focusing on these creative and technical aspects, you can use the 85mm lens to create portraits that are not only visually stunning but also emotionally resonant and intimate.
Can I use an 85mm lens for other types of photography, such as landscape or street photography?
While the 85mm lens is commonly associated with portrait photography, it can also be used for other types of photography, such as landscape or street photography. In fact, the 85mm lens can be a great choice for landscape photography due to its ability to compress the perspective and create a sense of depth and dimension. Additionally, the 85mm lens can be used for street photography due to its compact size and discreet nature, which makes it easy to carry and use in a variety of situations.
In order to get the most out of the 85mm lens for landscape or street photography, you’ll want to experiment with different techniques and approaches. For example, you can use the 85mm lens to capture intimate and detailed views of the landscape, or to create a sense of tension and drama in street photography. You can also experiment with different apertures and shutter speeds to create a sense of movement and energy in the image. By thinking creatively and experimenting with different techniques, you can use the 85mm lens to create unique and compelling images in a variety of genres.
How can I get the most out of my 85mm lens and improve my photography skills?
To get the most out of your 85mm lens and improve your photography skills, you’ll want to practice and experiment with different techniques and approaches. One way to do this is to take your camera and lens with you wherever you go, and challenge yourself to take a certain number of photos each day or week. You can also experiment with different genres and styles of photography, such as portrait, landscape, or street photography, to find what works best for you and your lens. Additionally, you can take online courses or workshops to learn new skills and techniques, and get feedback from other photographers to help you improve.
In addition to practicing and experimenting with different techniques, you’ll also want to pay attention to the technical aspects of your photography, such as aperture, shutter speed, and ISO. By understanding how these technical elements work together, you can create images that are not only visually stunning but also technically sound. You can also experiment with different editing software and techniques to enhance and refine your images, and learn how to use the 85mm lens to its full potential. By combining practice, experimentation, and technical knowledge, you can get the most out of your 85mm lens and take your photography skills to the next level.