+852 6066 4630

info@apexeloptic.com

Help Center
Track your oders
Search
Apexel
  • Home
  • Shop
    • Outdoor Optics
      • Monoculars
      • Binoculars
      • Rangefinder
      • Night vision
    • Mobile Lens
      • Macro Lens
      • Wide Angle Lens
      • Telephoto Lens
      • Fisheye Lens
      • Anamorphic Lens
      • Mobile Lens Kit
    • Microscope
      • Digital microscope
    • Vlogging Accessories
      • Gimbal Stabilizer
      • Video Lighting
      • Vlogging Kit
  • Capabilities
    • Manufacturing Capabilities
      • Aspheric
      • Spherical
      • Optical Coatings
      • Filter Coatings
      • Prisms
    • Research and development
    • Manufacturing
    • Quality
  • Volume OEM&ODM
  • Solutions
    • Security and Surveillance
    • Automotive
    • Medical imaging
    • Machine vision
    • LOT Lenses
    • AR/VR
  • Become Our Partner
    • About us
    • Contact us
    • Recruit Internet Celebrity in the World
  • Resource
    • Service & Support
    • Blog
    • Video
    • Warranty
    • Optical knowledge

Blog

Use an 85mm lens for portrait shots

Apexeloptic2022-04-08T07:41:51+00:00
Hunting/Shooting Advice & Tips

The 85mm lens has become the darling of many photographers because of its design.  It is a short focal length and one of the best choices for portrait photography.  The 85mm lens allows you to capture close-up detail in a portrait and minimize the distortion of your subject’s face and body.  Many photographers in the industry agree that this classic prime lens is a must-have in any portrait photographer’s camera bag.  The lens is ideal for outdoor and studio portrait shots, so it gives you the versatility of shooting in multiple locations.  

1. Advantages of using an 85mm lens  

Reduce distortion: A common problem when shooting with a 35mm or 50mm lens is a face or image distortion.  However, you can always find a solution.  Using an 85mm lens, you can take perfect close-up and full-length portraits without facial contortions.  

portrait photography 

Depth of field: The depth of field experience with an 85 mm lens is different from the depth captured with a 35 mm or 55 mm lens.  Using an 85mm lens, you can get deep, detailed, and beautiful views.  It takes whatever background you have and turns it into a full magical scene to take beautiful photos.  

Amazing Perspective compression: We often confuse perspective compression with lens compression, but here we refer specifically to perspective compression.  Essentially, to use a focal length of 85mm or more, we have to stand further away from the subject and then use the focal length to “zoom in” the scene, giving the illusion of pulling the lens.  The background is closer to our subject.  

For backgrounds with repetitive patterns, the perspective compression you get when using an 85mm prime lens is particularly powerful in the way background elements fill the frame and add unique depth to the image.  You won’t get the same effect when shooting with a wider focal length such as a 24mm, 35mm, or even 50mm lens.  The longer the focal length, the more dramatic the look, but the 85mm and 105mm focal lengths at large apertures provide the sweet spot for taking full advantage of perspective compression.  

2. The problem of using 85mm to shoot portraits  

The biggest problem with 85mm lenses is usually the weight, price, and space they require to take portraits.  An 85mm lens with a larger aperture (such as the F1.4) can be a larger, heavier lens and cost more.  

Second, the narrower field of view requires more space to back up so that you can take full-body shots.  If you have a small studio, then you may not have the space to shoot these types of portraits. Finally, lens prices vary by aperture and other features.  

3. Why use an 85mm lens for portraits?  

The 85mm lens is usually best for portrait photography as it allows you to work relatively close to your subject while giving you everything you need to take a decent portrait.  The limitation, of course, is that because of the longer focal length, you usually need more space in the environment to shoot with it.  

portrait photography 

Some of the benefits of using 85mm include clear detail, subject isolation, and maximizing bokeh (background blur).  If your model is wearing small, delicate jewelry or wearing an elaborate costume, then 85mm is the perfect choice to capture these details.  In addition, shooting with a wide 85mm aperture at an aperture such as F1.4 or F1.8 will give you the maximum depth of field and take your subject out of the background.  When shooting wide open, you can also maximize the bokeh in your portrait to give your photos a soft touch.  

For starters, an 85mm lens is the best portrait focal length recommended by professional photographers.  Your photos will be less distorted no matter how far away they are.  If you are interested in more outdoor portrait shots, this lens is perfect for you.  Finally, good luck taking amazing pictures with an 85mm lens.  

Share this post

Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Google + Email

Related Posts

6 advantages of a 50mm lens

The 50mm prime lens is a fast lens with a wide maximum aperture.  The basic 50mm... read more

Is a 50 mm or 85 mm lens more suitable for portrait shooting?

Is a 50 mm or 85 mm lens more suitable for portrait shooting?  This is a... read more

Step into the world of 85mm prime lenses

The 85mm prime lens is ideal for portrait lenses.  No one would dispute the fact.  It is... read more

Why use an 85mm lens for portrait photography?

If you are a professional portrait photographer, the 85mm lens is undoubtedly the most commonly... read more

Use a 35mm lens for portrait shots

In portrait photography, you can take portrait photos with any camera lens.  Each shot will give... read more

How to shoot outdoors with an 85mm lens?

When you first buy a new camera lens, it can be difficult to know which... read more

How to photograph wildlife?

How to photograph wildlife? Wildlife photography is a challenging hobby because it requires many skills,... read more

Ways to help improve photographic composition

1. What is a composition   Composition is an aesthetic activity.  Life is full of beauty,... read more

5 advantages of using an 85mm prime lens for portrait photography

Do you like portrait photography?  In portrait photography, there are a lot of photographers who will... read more

Choosing the Best Lens for Car Photography (2)

Serious car photographers need the right equipment to get the job done.  In addition to having... read more

  • Optical solutions
  • Binoculars
  • Hunting/Shooting Advice & Tips
  • Macro Lens
  • Telephoto Lens
  • Wide Angle Lens
  • Stick Tripod
  • Pre Sales

About The Blog

Recent Posts

Apexel Smartphone Adapter(APL-F002)
Apexel Optic Camber Technology
Optical coating technology
Apexel Optic Camber Technology
Optical coating

Apexel

OPTICAL SOLUTIONS

  • Security lenses
  • Automotive lenses
  • Medical imaging
  • Machine vision
  • loT lenses
Instagram Facebook-f Linkedin Youtube

CUSTOMER SERVICES

  • Return policy
  • Mode of transport
  • About us
  • Contact us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Track your orders
  • Terms of service

SUBSCRIBE NEWSLETTER

Get all the latest information on events, sales and offers. Sign up for newsletter:

Check your inbox or spam folder now to confirm your subscription.

©  2022 Shenzhen Apexel.  All Rights Reserved
  • Home
  • Shop
    • Outdoor Optics
      • Monoculars
      • Binoculars
      • Rangefinder
      • Night vision
    • Mobile Lens
      • Macro Lens
      • Wide Angle Lens
      • Telephoto Lens
      • Fisheye Lens
      • Anamorphic Lens
      • Mobile Lens Kit
    • Microscope
      • Digital microscope
    • Vlogging Accessories
      • Gimbal Stabilizer
      • Video Lighting
      • Vlogging Kit
  • Capabilities
    • Manufacturing Capabilities
      • Aspheric
      • Spherical
      • Optical Coatings
      • Filter Coatings
      • Prisms
    • Research and development
    • Manufacturing
    • Quality
  • Volume OEM&ODM
  • Solutions
    • Security and Surveillance
    • Automotive
    • Medical imaging
    • Machine vision
    • LOT Lenses
    • AR/VR
  • Become Our Partner
    • About us
    • Contact us
    • Recruit Internet Celebrity in the World
  • Resource
    • Service & Support
    • Blog
    • Video
    • Warranty
    • Optical knowledge
  • Log In
  • Register