An 85mm lens is primarily and excellently good for portrait work. When you ask "What is 85mm lens good for?", the default and most common response you're likely to get is "portrait work."
Why 85mm is Ideal for Portraits
The 85mm focal length holds a special place in photography, particularly for capturing people. It's widely considered one of the best lenses for portraits due to several key characteristics that directly benefit this type of photography.
Based on expert consensus, including the provided reference, an 85mm lens excels at portraiture because it:
- Isolates the Subject: This focal length allows photographers to create a natural separation between the subject and the background. When paired with a wide aperture (common on 85mm lenses), this separation results in a beautifully blurred background, known as bokeh, which helps the subject stand out without distracting elements.
- Minimizes Distortion: Unlike wider-angle lenses (like 35mm or 50mm) used for close-up portraits, an 85mm lens provides a flattering perspective for faces. It minimizes perspective distortion, ensuring features appear natural and well-proportioned, leading to more captivating and flattering images.
- Provides a Comfortable Working Distance: The distance required between the photographer and the subject with an 85mm lens allows for a more natural interaction than very close-up shooting with wider lenses. This distance helps the subject relax and results in more genuine expressions.
Versatility within Portraiture
While renowned for tight headshots, the 85mm lens is versatile enough for various portrait styles:
- Headshots: Excellent for framing just the head and shoulders with beautiful compression and background blur.
- Upper Body/Half Shots: Provides a pleasing perspective for shots including the torso.
- Full-Body Images: Works well for full-length portraits, especially in environments where you can step back sufficiently.
By isolating the subject and minimizing distortion, this lens is a go-to choice for producing captivating, flattering portraits, headshots, and full-body images. Its characteristics align perfectly with the goals of creating compelling images of people.
