I love the 85mm for candid portraits in street photography. It allows you to keep your distance from the people you’re photographing and get their facial expressions.
85mm is really my go-to lens for almost everything! so I don't get why there are so many people who are uncomfortable doing portraits with it, but I guess it comes down to what you have gotten used to over time 🤷.
Generation gap, different continuum, classic vs. environmental, perspective distortion of the subject, etc. I have shot with a 85 f/1.2 for over 16 years (50mm for 45 years) and many Nikonians go gaga with the latest Z 85 f/1.2 S.
@@bfs5113 I started out with the 50mm mainly because that was the one who came with the DSLR body at the time, but switched to 85mm after I took two semesters at a photographic art school where I had a teacher who was obsessed with the 85mm for portrait photography, and at the same time I had a partner who worked full time as a photojournalist who almost had a religious relationship with the 85mm, so in a way I got indoctrinated into the cult of 85mm. But I also feel it is a great for urban photography that allows me to be more "anonymous" compared to when I fx am using the 70-200mm that I feel tend to stand out a lot.
85mm portraits are best from the waist up. 50 for full body 105 for head shots. 35/28 for environmental portraits. I felt like you were trying to use the 85 like a 50 instead of using it as an 85. 85's encourage you to frame your subjects closer. Flipping the camera on its side is encouraged too.
Becki: "I don't get on with 85mm" Also Becki: Shows 2 banger portraits as her first 2 examples 😂😂 I get what you mean though, no-one loves every focal length, I personally don't like 50mm because it's just so stale and boring to me now, I like shooting extremes like ultra wide or ultra telephoto, each to their own which is the best part about art! 🙌
Hahaha I think Dunna hit the nail on the head when he said “it’s not fun to shoot with but the results are always good”. Yes best part about photography is finding what’s most fun for you! 🙌🏼
I love the 85mm on full frame. Perfect for street, events or portrait. I do love shooting with 135mm too although it it does require a adjustment period to get the right framing and composition
Both for the street gives a respectful distant from the subjects. The downside is you'll have to have some luck and patience as you're more likely to have other subjects going in and out of the frame. For me it's worth it as I like the flattening effect of the longer FLs.
The utility of 85mm depends on your sensor/film size and the distance to the subject. When I was shooting high school basketball, the 85mm length worked out really well for me. Of course, when I was dabbling in large format photography, the 90mm was the "normal" lens (or 50mm equivalent). It also worked out well with some of the abstract stuff I was doing.
The thing with the 85mm is that it elevates "good" photographers really quickly. The bokeh/seperation/sharpness you get just looks great everytime. where a bad shot on a 50mm can look like it was snapped on a phone. So I think a lot of people just really enjoy that initial WOW factor the 85mm gives them and so it can really be a gateway focal length into photography for people
I'd love to see you do something in the 100mm range. The default lens I use (its on my camera like 90% of the time) is a 100mm f/2.8 macro lens. It can definitely feel limiting at times, but I just love it so much.
The 85 is one of my favourite lens, love the background compression. I wouldnt say i find it awkward to use but i do find myself taking a few steps back here and there.
I really love 85mm, but I think it's because I used to shoot on aps-c with a nifty 50 for years with no other lens. That ends up being very close to 85 in full frame terms as far as your physical distance from the subject. I also really like your two shots from 7:40-7:52 in your video, which are always the types of shots I gravitate towards in my current work.
I love the 85 focal length every time I use it , problem is I don't use it that often. Which is why I am glad I went with 85 1.8 , and not a 1.4 or 1.2 , I'd end up with something super expensive I don't use that often. My 50 1.2 on the other hand , I might as well weld it to my camera, So versatile and fun to use .. A bit heavy , but sharp , The bokeh and background separation are awesome , and it still enables you to get close unlike an 85. Perfect for my use.
I think it always comes back to what you are shooting and for what purpose. There isn't a lens that I don't like. I love my 85 for headshots and portraits when I am after a very specific look. Then I love my 50 and 35 for portraits that include more context and environment.
85mm is my primary lens for portraits love it so much for portraits. It is uncomfortable in the beginning of you’re used to anything wider or tighter but once you get used to it it’s amazing
You know what's fascinating is when we had really small sensors we were still gunning for SUPER long lenses just to get any semblance of depth of field (and you better believe we were standing in a different county to make it work), and so for a long time there it was kinda punk rock to go wide cuz it meant you sacrificed shallow DoF and a more "cinematic look" and now wide lenses have become the norm (my theory is Cell Phones being the culprit, but it could be Vlogs) and long lenses are harder to wrap one's head around. Funny how time changes perspectives!
Watching this video feels like hanging out with old friends. Never has a photography RUclips video made me feel so happy. Great work. Also, I love the Sony 90mm macro lens for product photography and insect shots, but when I use it for portraits, I'm always annoyed by how tight it is.
I think it's great to force yourself to practice with different focal lengths. Of course, we all have our preference but preference sometimes gets us in a rut too. I force myself to walk with one lens, just to see what my creativity brings out. My favorite are 24mm and 50mm. I often walk around with 135mm on my daily walks. It's amazing how you interpret the same things with different lenses. Love your shots and love the fun and laughter you guys had.
As a fashion and portrait photographer, I would say that 85mm is the most common focal length I use whether it is on a prime like my Zeiss Otus 85 or a 70-200 zoom. So much so that I would say that I feel like I see the world from that perspective. By that I mean I don't have a feeling of changing 'magnification' when I put the 85mm to my eye that I would have with a wider 50mm or longer 105mm. To be sure that is different than field of view. It is more about how I perceive my eye-lens. What I find important and appealing about the 85mm is that it, for me is the sweet spot between distortion of wider lenses and compression of longer lenses. Both are qualities that have their uses for successful results, but I find a use for that 'agnostic' effect, especially when you are not trying to have the lens do the talking. I suspect that the guy in the video who stated that he liked the results, but didn't like (or possibly understand) using the 85mm is responding to that effect.
We do fashion and beauty shoots in our studio in Switzerland. 85 is probably my most used lens for half-body and shoulder/head shots. Full-body is indeed better with 50 or even 35. Close-up head shots in e.g. make-up campaigns are generally shot with 105. Part of it has to do with compression and facial proportions, but also with a useable working distance that allows for softboxes, beauty dishes and reflectors.
I love my Sony 85mm 1.8 lens on my A7iv. It's so lightweight and well-balanced on the camera. It's incredibly sharp, focuses silently and separates the subject from the background no matter how far they are apart. I really enjoy carrying it around the city and sometimes shooting black-and-white with it but I don't do many portraits. I also don't think I'd want a larger heavier version.
I have to admit: 85mm is not easy to use, but when you have time and big enough space, it will be one of the best options! Last week, I sold an A7m2 to upgrade to A7m4 and bought a Tamron 28-75mm G2, but I still kept the 85FE f/1.8 because it got nothing to complain about.
I actually used to actively avoid using my 85mm, but I forced myself to use it on shoots until I got comfortable with it. It definitely took a while and I still find myself doing the back-up dance a lot, but you just can't beat it for capturing a mood!
I have an 85mm that I don't use because, as you said, it is awkward to use. The lenses I use all the time are my Tamron 20-40mm f2.8 and Tamron 28-200mm f2.8-5.6. My Tamron 17-28mm f2.8 and 70-300mm usually stay home. I used to take senior photos and an occasional wedding, but I am just taking landscape photos for myself now.
I was in a photo workshop once and the instructor and I talked about focal length choices. They suggested that 35mm vs 85mm can be the distinction between "incorporate" and "isolate". The working distance with the 85mm lens is very comfortable for 'half-body' portraits or closer, taken in portrait orientation. When the photographer prefers full-body portraits in landscape orientation, the 85mm lens is inconvenient. I often prefer the 85mm closer image, like of Sara [6:44], because the person's expression in their eyes, face, and hands are everything I need in the image, the context is mostly irrelevant. When photographing a wedding, the 'large print' photos for me will be the closer images where the expressions will be most impactful. If it's the expression of the bride walking down the aisle, the entire room is unnecessary, the viewer knows what is happening. If it's the groom standing between the officiant and the best man, tearing up as he looks down the aisle, the viewer knows what is happening. The closer image showing his face clearly makes the image succeed, the entire front of the venue is unnecessary. Yes, the 35mm/85mm is what I use for a wedding, and the 35mm is necessary. Many 'delivered' photos will be taken with the 35mm. But the images which make the couple and family pause are usually taken with the 85mm.
Hi Becki. Loved this. I also have never gotten along with 85mm. Over the years I’ve owned two, and in both cases I got one or two shots I liked, and a lot that were ‘meh’, then the lenses sat gathering dust looking cool with me thinking I should really get over my resistance/reticence. Eventually I sold each of them, so I’m really happy you made this video. Plus it was fun to see your illustrious colleagues featuring.
I will admit there was a bit of a challenge when I first got my 85 switching from primarily shooting 50mm but I love my 85 and it’s my go to for street. Lately though I’ve stepped it up and started using my 70-200 for street shots and it’s my new favorite lens for what I do.
You did awesome with the 85, My standard lens on my nikon is the 80-200 so going to a 85mm prime was easy for me when needed.. I still favor my 80-200 for all around work.
I love to use the 85mm 1.2f to get a portrait looking shot when I am shooting musicians in bigger venues with decent light. The tight shot with them singing into the mic is always rad with the right light behind the artists. I also love the 135mm for this as well…Maybe I’m just nuts…???
I am glad that someone else finds its an odd lens to use. I love the effect but hate the middle distance I am at when using it. Not close but far enough away to make it awkward.
Thanks for sharing your perspective. I love both. A nice combination for my style was the 45mm and 85mm Many people love their 100mm. I remember being in love with the Zeiss 105mm. It had that pure vibrant color of older lenses with none of the failures and was not super big or heavy. Today I will not select a. manual focus lens for people.
I think you nail it about being a 24/50 or 35/85 person! I'm definitely the latter. But I'd rarely attempt full body shots with an 85, for me that's for getting up close with a subject and seeing their micro-expressions and eye detail. While I do use 24 & 50mm extensively I find them more mundane and less interesting focal lengths for my style of shooting. An 85mm is a great lens for B-Roll detail in video.
I have watched your channel off and on for a couple of years. Always great content! I enjoyed this video, I am one of those people that uses the 85mm for almost 75% of my work. I work with a modeling agency and do portrait work. Back the day (long ago) I started photography in the late 60's and 50mm just provided too much distortion for my portrait work. Back then it was a Nikon F with a 105mm or a 135mm. Fast forward a few decades and I find myself using the 85 on a crop sensor Nikon Z body. Which basically gives me that telephoto range of 127. Nice to see your video, reminded me to subscribe again!
I just ended up shooting with 80mm for a decade before I knew anything because I bought at 50 and used a canon crop body. I realised it’s an amazing focal length for pet portraits, and I guess 80-90mm just feels like home now.
I rarely use an 85 because of the same reason dunna gave, I like to use 24mm, 35mm, 50mm, 100mm macro (fast primes), even though i don't shoot wide open all the time i just like having the optioin and then I want to use a 100-500mm zoom, but of course I keep at least one wide angle on hand for vlogging or the occasional massive landscape view, great video
Got me in a box! I shoot photos for my church full time so I love the Sigma 85mm. You said “you’re either a 24 and a 50 kinda person or a 35 and an 85 kinda person” and that couldn’t be more true 😂😂😂 I love the 35 for my wides and group shots as well as the 85 for sneaking around capturing candids and such. Always appreciate your content! Love y’all 🫶🏼
It is sooo nice and refreshing to hear and talk about pictures when every platform is taken over by videos and that too with extremely bad quality video 😂, so thanks for bringing back the love for pictures and photography ☺ Also I feel you when you take steps back for a simple picture cause for the big chunk of my career I had a cropped body and nifty fifty so basically 85 equivalent, and I too always found myself running to the room corners backed up to the wall just to get a simple body portrait 😂 But hey this lens could be someone's favourite too like Peter mckinnon, but great video you defeated, (side note Sara is looking so cute 😍 big fan of hers too ☺❤✨)
I use in majority of portraits the 85mm 1.8 when the room is tight I switch to 50mm. But 85 is better. What I did like the most in the video is the group of YT-ers can come together and have fun. This is what you hardly can expect in my country as everybody is defending their stateóus on every field. They don't want to give subscribers and of course "money" to others, if you know what I mean, sharing is not careing here.
I love shooting photography in venues with two cameras a 24(25) and an 85. When I do video I'm more of a 35/40ish or 55. I'd argue that 85 make people look real size through the viewfinder.
To me it's only a matter of the variety of images you have in your mind each time. Lenses mean two things: different working distances (so different visual effects) or different framing (same distance). This is a clear rule to any cinematographer but not to many photographers unfortunately. Long story short: if you frame the world always in a similar way and usually from the same distances, use a different focal length to push your limits.
if i had to pick id rather go for a 105 or 135 over an 85, its a bit of an awkward distance for me personally, i use a 50 but with my 70-200 i reach for the longer focal length, im weird probably lol
I feel this. I'm a 24 & 35mm person with 55mm for those sometimes portraits or a little more reach. I struggle with making anything interesting at 85mm, unless it's a super long corridor type place. Like a temple walk up in Japan or something.
This was fascinating to watch. For me, 85mm (56mm on APS-C, 110mm on Fujifilm GFX/Hassy) is my absolute go to focal length. Wide (wider than 40mm) is where I struggle as a portrait person. But that's the thing, it's about preferred genres and the right lens for that. Which, (and this is not a complaint about your video), I find Sony's PR department choosing one group of photographers for this event vs another group. 🤔 why would they choose creatives who are more likely going to need "wider" lenses.
I think 85mm is ideal for beauty and boudoir, allowing me to be close enough to my subjects that I don’t have to strain to give direction, but far enough to give the subjects plenty of space.
I ude a Canon APS-C mirrorless camera, and I really like a 50mm (80mm Full Frame equivalent) for landscape ( try it sometime, you'll be surprised how natural the result its)
The perfect length for my full frame outdoors when indoors I switch to the 50mm 1.8 or keep the 85 1.4 for headshots. The 50mm and 85mm covers 99 percent of my work.
I've bought an 85 f1.8 and that was because it was what you'd "need for portaits.." Didn't know better but now some 7-8 years later I'm using the new Tamron 35-150 f2-2.8 and I'm in love. If there wasn't for some product photography and close ups where I'd still need that f1.8 and the great separation from the background, I'd may have sold it. Not yet 🤗😎
I mainly shoot 35mm + 85mm for my wedding business. But I consider getting a 50mm prime as well. I shot a few times with Canon 50mm f1.2 RF version and was blown away with quality and sharpness.
Great video!! I tend to aim towards my 50 1.2 for my portraits a lot. since Igot a 85 1.2 recently, I am trying to adjust to it. I am training myself to use the right focal length for different situations. I switch from 24,35, 50, 85. But 50 is my most used.
I enjoy 85 for street and portraits, and 85 makes headshots with nervy clients a little easier. Love the series, it's fun to experiment with different lenses and find different compositions etc! Would be fun to see you experiment with 10mm / fisheye, I've found that lens type bizarrely versatile, despite it's WERIDNESS!
I think the 85 forces you in the moment to make swift choices in a composition which ends up being really challenging, but in a good way. I actually chose Canon for my multi-purpose specifically because of that 85 1.2 DS prime they make. I have always been a 50mm person, but because of that, when I bring the camera up to my face with the 85 on - in that instant, I'll make a composition choice instead of moving to make the image look like I saw "in 50" as my brain normally works. "What is jumping on at me I didn't expect?" And then base the photo around that instead of the initial intent. Brings back some of that neural plasticity we lose as we oxidize. lol.
I've been thinking of buying an 85mm because I see so many people saying great things about them. It's good to hear your perspective on it. I might rent one for a week or two and check it out first. Just never been into the renting thing much. Thanks.
My 85mm f/1.8 was my favorite lens for so long. Accounting for its’ size and price it’s still one of the absolute best lenses that exists. Obviously depending on your use cases. Nowadays I have a 135mm f/1.8 that does pretty much what I need from my 85, but better. Especially candid portraits during events. But at a notably lower value. >3x the cost for only slightly better results. And gosh does it feel like I’m carrying an elephant sometimes.
Funny to see you struggle with 85mm! 😅 you could revisit all of your focal length challenges later by bringing someone into it who actually prefers the specific length - or struggles with the ones your comfortable with 😉 85mm brought me into people photography but nowadays I also do prefer 50mm - though in my head I tend to romanticise 85mm as my favourite Focal length.
Great video. Being a Fuji user I think the 56mm F1.2 is an excellent portrait lens. I feel like the 85mm you have to be too far away from your subject. But a great video to see a different POV.
When I FIRST started photography, I told the mike's camera worker I wanted to shoot portrait and I have a budget of 5k. He said the BEST in the market (at the time) was the Sony a7iii and the Sigma art 85mm F1.4. Given I was out of money lol I was stuck with that lens for two years and I have gotten VERY proficient at using it. When I tell you I feel it in my soul when I grab that lens and I'm like "this is about to be a pain in the ass, but I know the product is about to be fire" Dunna hit nail on the head.
I like the 85 because it’s the only lens I have lol, but I got used to shooting with it and I like the compression it gives also I do mainly street photography so it helps me not to get all up in peoples faces.
the 85 is not a "fix all" solution! It is a TOOL, to be used when situations dictate it... But there are some factors to think of: Background compression, optical distortion, separation from the background, and how the perspective affect how a face looks. It is about your taste and balance of all factors.
As much as I love wide lenses I made a decision to have only one lens in my backpack. And you guessed it… it is 85 1.4. Used to use it only for portraits, but now I’m using it for street as well.
I do like the 50mm 1.0f but it’s a lot of work at times if you can’t control the light. Especially when my only option was Film in 2000 when it came out. It’s easier now when I can see what I am shooting instantly:-) Love this video ❤❤❤
The 85mm became the 'ultimate' portrait lens because of the quality of bokeh from the old Canon 85 F1.2 L... that's all. We were given amazing portraits in magazines and it looked magical. Using a lens is all about how you want to frame the shot and what you like from a particular lens. A camera should be an extension of your creativity... not replace it.
I had the Sigma Art (Canon) 35 and 85 1.4 lenses and always just wanted something in between. 85 felt really awkward to me as well. 50mm is my favourite lens.
So wild for me to see all these people who are like almost afraid to use the 85mm. Its on my camera probably 70% of the time and man its just the best!
I felt this sooo much! 85mm always looks sooo great, but I just don’t think my eyes and my brain work that way! I love to be close and able to talk to people, so while I’m definitely a 35mm person, my second lens is a 55mm lol. Yup, I know how similar they look to each other… and I also don’t care. I love what I love!
50 is closer to what you normally see so it’s easy to frame your shot beforehand. 24mm is iPhone focal length so you’re used to it when whipping out your phone for a snapshot. 85 is more neck-up from the 50 so you have to imagine that. For primes I like the 24 and 85. They’re far enough apart for diversity of capabilities.
50 Is closer to what YOU normally see. Considering that the human horizontal field of view is around 55-60 degrees (excluding the peripheral area), a 35mm or a 40mm are surely closer. Then it's obviously personal, It depends on your usual working distance.
great video. But, in my humble opinion the 85mm is the pinnacle focal length for photography. Absoluytely glorious and not only for portraits. I can shoot anything for all my life with this awesome lens. I just adore it. On the other side, i hate wide angles. In fact the 35mm focal length should never exist! (With every respect...)
I love the 85mm for candid portraits in street photography. It allows you to keep your distance from the people you’re photographing and get their facial expressions.
Yesss that makes total sense!
85mm is really my go-to lens for almost everything! so I don't get why there are so many people who are uncomfortable doing portraits with it, but I guess it comes down to what you have gotten used to over time 🤷.
85mm pratically lives on my camera
Absolutely! When I started shooting I immediately went with a 50mm and it lived on my camera for years, it’s my comfort zone for sure!
@@BeckiandChris I’ve definitely have gone through phases, I think my 85mm phase has been my longest but I do enjoy the 35mm very much !
Generation gap, different continuum, classic vs. environmental, perspective distortion of the subject, etc. I have shot with a 85 f/1.2 for over 16 years (50mm for 45 years) and many Nikonians go gaga with the latest Z 85 f/1.2 S.
@@bfs5113 I started out with the 50mm mainly because that was the one who came with the DSLR body at the time, but switched to 85mm after I took two semesters at a photographic art school where I had a teacher who was obsessed with the 85mm for portrait photography, and at the same time I had a partner who worked full time as a photojournalist who almost had a religious relationship with the 85mm, so in a way I got indoctrinated into the cult of 85mm. But I also feel it is a great for urban photography that allows me to be more "anonymous" compared to when I fx am using the 70-200mm that I feel tend to stand out a lot.
Who says that Gerald doesn’t do any “real” photo tests, anyway?!?! That’s some golden composition right there 1:42
So much fun to see all these people be kids together, it's beautiful
85mm on full frame is LIFE, just so easy! Conversely I find I struggle with 24/35mm, gotta make myself work hard at the wider focal lengths!
So interesting hey? I love a 24 😍 but I also know people who really dislike shooting wide
85mm portraits are best from the waist up. 50 for full body 105 for head shots. 35/28 for environmental portraits. I felt like you were trying to use the 85 like a 50 instead of using it as an 85. 85's encourage you to frame your subjects closer. Flipping the camera on its side is encouraged too.
Becki: "I don't get on with 85mm"
Also Becki: Shows 2 banger portraits as her first 2 examples
😂😂
I get what you mean though, no-one loves every focal length, I personally don't like 50mm because it's just so stale and boring to me now, I like shooting extremes like ultra wide or ultra telephoto, each to their own which is the best part about art! 🙌
Hahaha I think Dunna hit the nail on the head when he said “it’s not fun to shoot with but the results are always good”. Yes best part about photography is finding what’s most fun for you! 🙌🏼
I love the 85mm on full frame. Perfect for street, events or portrait. I do love shooting with 135mm too although it it does require a adjustment period to get the right framing and composition
Both for the street gives a respectful distant from the subjects. The downside is you'll have to have some luck and patience as you're more likely to have other subjects going in and out of the frame. For me it's worth it as I like the flattening effect of the longer FLs.
The utility of 85mm depends on your sensor/film size and the distance to the subject. When I was shooting high school basketball, the 85mm length worked out really well for me. Of course, when I was dabbling in large format photography, the 90mm was the "normal" lens (or 50mm equivalent). It also worked out well with some of the abstract stuff I was doing.
Your first interior portrait was an absolute banger! 01:29
Thanks! Really happy with the set of Jacques!
Amazing portratit, you have LR PRESSETS?
The thing with the 85mm is that it elevates "good" photographers really quickly. The bokeh/seperation/sharpness you get just looks great everytime. where a bad shot on a 50mm can look like it was snapped on a phone. So I think a lot of people just really enjoy that initial WOW factor the 85mm gives them and so it can really be a gateway focal length into photography for people
I'd love to see you do something in the 100mm range. The default lens I use (its on my camera like 90% of the time) is a 100mm f/2.8 macro lens. It can definitely feel limiting at times, but I just love it so much.
The 85 is one of my favourite lens, love the background compression. I wouldnt say i find it awkward to use but i do find myself taking a few steps back here and there.
Ya'll are crazy. 85mm is an amazing lens!
2:08 You got a portrait of Peter McKinnon's stunt double!! So cool
Good eye - I clocked McKinnon double at 4:32
You're welcome. 💜😜
Ha. Love the video! So much fun hanging out.
SO fun to hang! Thanks for being the highlight, was absolutely dying while editing 😂
I really love 85mm, but I think it's because I used to shoot on aps-c with a nifty 50 for years with no other lens. That ends up being very close to 85 in full frame terms as far as your physical distance from the subject. I also really like your two shots from 7:40-7:52 in your video, which are always the types of shots I gravitate towards in my current work.
I love the 85 focal length every time I use it , problem is I don't use it that often.
Which is why I am glad I went with 85 1.8 , and not a 1.4 or 1.2 , I'd end up with something super expensive I don't use that often.
My 50 1.2 on the other hand , I might as well weld it to my camera, So versatile and fun to use ..
A bit heavy , but sharp , The bokeh and background separation are awesome , and it still enables you to get close unlike an 85.
Perfect for my use.
I think it always comes back to what you are shooting and for what purpose. There isn't a lens that I don't like. I love my 85 for headshots and portraits when I am after a very specific look. Then I love my 50 and 35 for portraits that include more context and environment.
85mm is my primary lens for portraits love it so much for portraits. It is uncomfortable in the beginning of you’re used to anything wider or tighter but once you get used to it it’s amazing
Have you ever tried a 105? I think it's even better! :)
You know what's fascinating is when we had really small sensors we were still gunning for SUPER long lenses just to get any semblance of depth of field (and you better believe we were standing in a different county to make it work), and so for a long time there it was kinda punk rock to go wide cuz it meant you sacrificed shallow DoF and a more "cinematic look" and now wide lenses have become the norm (my theory is Cell Phones being the culprit, but it could be Vlogs) and long lenses are harder to wrap one's head around. Funny how time changes perspectives!
Watching this video feels like hanging out with old friends. Never has a photography RUclips video made me feel so happy. Great work.
Also, I love the Sony 90mm macro lens for product photography and insect shots, but when I use it for portraits, I'm always annoyed by how tight it is.
Ahhh, I love all of these wonderful, quirky, and hilarious people 😂
I think it's great to force yourself to practice with different focal lengths. Of course, we all have our preference but preference sometimes gets us in a rut too. I force myself to walk with one lens, just to see what my creativity brings out. My favorite are 24mm and 50mm. I often walk around with 135mm on my daily walks. It's amazing how you interpret the same things with different lenses. Love your shots and love the fun and laughter you guys had.
As a fashion and portrait photographer, I would say that 85mm is the most common focal length I use whether it is on a prime like my Zeiss Otus 85 or a 70-200 zoom. So much so that I would say that I feel like I see the world from that perspective. By that I mean I don't have a feeling of changing 'magnification' when I put the 85mm to my eye that I would have with a wider 50mm or longer 105mm. To be sure that is different than field of view. It is more about how I perceive my eye-lens. What I find important and appealing about the 85mm is that it, for me is the sweet spot between distortion of wider lenses and compression of longer lenses. Both are qualities that have their uses for successful results, but I find a use for that 'agnostic' effect, especially when you are not trying to have the lens do the talking. I suspect that the guy in the video who stated that he liked the results, but didn't like (or possibly understand) using the 85mm is responding to that effect.
We do fashion and beauty shoots in our studio in Switzerland. 85 is probably my most used lens for half-body and shoulder/head shots. Full-body is indeed better with 50 or even 35. Close-up head shots in e.g. make-up campaigns are generally shot with 105. Part of it has to do with compression and facial proportions, but also with a useable working distance that allows for softboxes, beauty dishes and reflectors.
I love my Sony 85mm 1.8 lens on my A7iv. It's so lightweight and well-balanced on the camera. It's incredibly sharp, focuses silently and separates the subject from the background no matter how far they are apart. I really enjoy carrying it around the city and sometimes shooting black-and-white with it but I don't do many portraits. I also don't think I'd want a larger heavier version.
Yes, Gerald's job of making portraits is spectacular.
I have to admit: 85mm is not easy to use, but when you have time and big enough space, it will be one of the best options!
Last week, I sold an A7m2 to upgrade to A7m4 and bought a Tamron 28-75mm G2, but I still kept the 85FE f/1.8 because it got nothing to complain about.
I actually used to actively avoid using my 85mm, but I forced myself to use it on shoots until I got comfortable with it. It definitely took a while and I still find myself doing the back-up dance a lot, but you just can't beat it for capturing a mood!
I live for that clip of Chris nonchalantly eating that entire tart in one bite😂
😂😂
I have an 85mm that I don't use because, as you said, it is awkward to use. The lenses I use all the time are my Tamron 20-40mm f2.8 and Tamron 28-200mm f2.8-5.6. My Tamron 17-28mm f2.8 and 70-300mm usually stay home. I used to take senior photos and an occasional wedding, but I am just taking landscape photos for myself now.
I really appreciate the way you explain things, Becki - precise, relevant, relatable. A real pro.
Fwiw, 85mm is sort of the GOAT for wedding stuff. Ends up being *just* long enough for a lot of coverage.
I was in a photo workshop once and the instructor and I talked about focal length choices. They suggested that 35mm vs 85mm can be the distinction between "incorporate" and "isolate". The working distance with the 85mm lens is very comfortable for 'half-body' portraits or closer, taken in portrait orientation. When the photographer prefers full-body portraits in landscape orientation, the 85mm lens is inconvenient.
I often prefer the 85mm closer image, like of Sara [6:44], because the person's expression in their eyes, face, and hands are everything I need in the image, the context is mostly irrelevant. When photographing a wedding, the 'large print' photos for me will be the closer images where the expressions will be most impactful. If it's the expression of the bride walking down the aisle, the entire room is unnecessary, the viewer knows what is happening. If it's the groom standing between the officiant and the best man, tearing up as he looks down the aisle, the viewer knows what is happening. The closer image showing his face clearly makes the image succeed, the entire front of the venue is unnecessary. Yes, the 35mm/85mm is what I use for a wedding, and the 35mm is necessary. Many 'delivered' photos will be taken with the 35mm. But the images which make the couple and family pause are usually taken with the 85mm.
Hi Becki. Loved this. I also have never gotten along with 85mm. Over the years I’ve owned two, and in both cases I got one or two shots I liked, and a lot that were ‘meh’, then the lenses sat gathering dust looking cool with me thinking I should really get over my resistance/reticence. Eventually I sold each of them, so I’m really happy you made this video. Plus it was fun to see your illustrious colleagues featuring.
I will admit there was a bit of a challenge when I first got my 85 switching from primarily shooting 50mm but I love my 85 and it’s my go to for street. Lately though I’ve stepped it up and started using my 70-200 for street shots and it’s my new favorite lens for what I do.
There's something about dusk shots and the bokeh you get with an 85 that I really like. Plus I need the exercise of walking backwards all the time.
You did awesome with the 85, My standard lens on my nikon is the 80-200 so going to a 85mm prime was easy for me when needed.. I still favor my 80-200 for all around work.
I love to use the 85mm 1.2f to get a portrait looking shot when I am shooting musicians in bigger venues with decent light. The tight shot with them singing into the mic is always rad with the right light behind the artists. I also love the 135mm for this as well…Maybe I’m just nuts…???
I am glad that someone else finds its an odd lens to use. I love the effect but hate the middle distance I am at when using it. Not close but far enough away to make it awkward.
Thanks for sharing your perspective. I love both. A nice combination for my style was the 45mm and 85mm Many people love their 100mm. I remember being in love with the Zeiss 105mm. It had that pure vibrant color of older lenses with none of the failures and was not super big or heavy. Today I will not select a. manual focus lens for people.
I think you nail it about being a 24/50 or 35/85 person! I'm definitely the latter. But I'd rarely attempt full body shots with an 85, for me that's for getting up close with a subject and seeing their micro-expressions and eye detail. While I do use 24 & 50mm extensively I find them more mundane and less interesting focal lengths for my style of shooting. An 85mm is a great lens for B-Roll detail in video.
This video was a damn riot😂❤. Unlike shooting with an 85mm.
Hahahahaha thanks friend! Was a fun one to edit 😂
I have watched your channel off and on for a couple of years. Always great content! I enjoyed this video, I am one of those people that uses the 85mm for almost 75% of my work. I work with a modeling agency and do portrait work. Back the day (long ago) I started photography in the late 60's and 50mm just provided too much distortion for my portrait work. Back then it was a Nikon F with a 105mm or a 135mm. Fast forward a few decades and I find myself using the 85 on a crop sensor Nikon Z body. Which basically gives me that telephoto range of 127. Nice to see your video, reminded me to subscribe again!
I use to work with a FF body and my go to lenses are 35mm and 85mm. I also have 50mm that I like to use sometimes.
I just ended up shooting with 80mm for a decade before I knew anything because I bought at 50 and used a canon crop body. I realised it’s an amazing focal length for pet portraits, and I guess 80-90mm just feels like home now.
I rarely use an 85 because of the same reason dunna gave, I like to use 24mm, 35mm, 50mm, 100mm macro (fast primes), even though i don't shoot wide open all the time i just like having the optioin and then I want to use a 100-500mm zoom, but of course I keep at least one wide angle on hand for vlogging or the occasional massive landscape view, great video
It's like talking. Some like to choose their words.
But even that does not suffice to convey teaching.
Got me in a box! I shoot photos for my church full time so I love the Sigma 85mm. You said “you’re either a 24 and a 50 kinda person or a 35 and an 85 kinda person” and that couldn’t be more true 😂😂😂 I love the 35 for my wides and group shots as well as the 85 for sneaking around capturing candids and such.
Always appreciate your content! Love y’all 🫶🏼
Love the 85mm look!
I think your right. I’m a 35/85 guy but I some of it is just what your use to shooting
haha this is funny because it's not your fave but these photos are all gorgeous! portraits obviously but that landscape is nuts.
It is sooo nice and refreshing to hear and talk about pictures when every platform is taken over by videos and that too with extremely bad quality video 😂, so thanks for bringing back the love for pictures and photography ☺
Also I feel you when you take steps back for a simple picture cause for the big chunk of my career I had a cropped body and nifty fifty so basically 85 equivalent, and I too always found myself running to the room corners backed up to the wall just to get a simple body portrait 😂
But hey this lens could be someone's favourite too like Peter mckinnon, but great video you defeated, (side note Sara is looking so cute 😍 big fan of hers too ☺❤✨)
I use in majority of portraits the 85mm 1.8 when the room is tight I switch to 50mm. But 85 is better.
What I did like the most in the video is the group of YT-ers can come together and have fun. This is what you hardly can expect in my country as everybody is defending their stateóus on every field. They don't want to give subscribers and of course "money" to others, if you know what I mean, sharing is not careing here.
“Vehemently” the way people say this word cracks me up 🤣🤣
I almost exclusively shoot portraits and basically never go under 70... sometimes I'm all the way up to 200... I love me some good close-ups
85mm is my go-to for portraits. I swear by that focal length.
Great video!
I love shooting photography in venues with two cameras a 24(25) and an 85. When I do video I'm more of a 35/40ish or 55. I'd argue that 85 make people look real size through the viewfinder.
To me it's only a matter of the variety of images you have in your mind each time. Lenses mean two things: different working distances (so different visual effects) or different framing (same distance). This is a clear rule to any cinematographer but not to many photographers unfortunately. Long story short: if you frame the world always in a similar way and usually from the same distances, use a different focal length to push your limits.
The 85 portraits looked amazing but I prefer the 50mm. Fun video Becki, thanks.
Hi, cheers for this series! Any chance you can do a 35mm challenge next?
if i had to pick id rather go for a 105 or 135 over an 85, its a bit of an awkward distance for me personally, i use a 50 but with my 70-200 i reach for the longer focal length, im weird probably lol
I feel this. I'm a 24 & 35mm person with 55mm for those sometimes portraits or a little more reach. I struggle with making anything interesting at 85mm, unless it's a super long corridor type place. Like a temple walk up in Japan or something.
Pat Kay did a real good job of explaining why he loves 24 and 85mm
This was fascinating to watch. For me, 85mm (56mm on APS-C, 110mm on Fujifilm GFX/Hassy) is my absolute go to focal length.
Wide (wider than 40mm) is where I struggle as a portrait person.
But that's the thing, it's about preferred genres and the right lens for that.
Which, (and this is not a complaint about your video), I find Sony's PR department choosing one group of photographers for this event vs another group. 🤔 why would they choose creatives who are more likely going to need "wider" lenses.
For concert photography I absolutely love using the 85mm. It just creates magic
I think 85mm is ideal for beauty and boudoir, allowing me to be close enough to my subjects that I don’t have to strain to give direction, but far enough to give the subjects plenty of space.
I ude a Canon APS-C mirrorless camera, and I really like a 50mm (80mm Full Frame equivalent) for landscape ( try it sometime, you'll be surprised how natural the result its)
The perfect length for my full frame outdoors when indoors I switch to the 50mm 1.8 or keep the 85 1.4 for headshots. The 50mm and 85mm covers 99 percent of my work.
I've bought an 85 f1.8 and that was because it was what you'd "need for portaits.." Didn't know better but now some 7-8 years later I'm using the new Tamron 35-150 f2-2.8 and I'm in love. If there wasn't for some product photography and close ups where I'd still need that f1.8 and the great separation from the background, I'd may have sold it. Not yet 🤗😎
Sounds like a great range to have in the kit!
I mainly shoot 35mm + 85mm for my wedding business. But I consider getting a 50mm prime as well.
I shot a few times with Canon 50mm f1.2 RF version and was blown away with quality and sharpness.
Great video!! I tend to aim towards my 50 1.2 for my portraits a lot. since Igot a 85 1.2 recently, I am trying to adjust to it. I am training myself to use the right focal length for different situations. I switch from 24,35, 50, 85. But 50 is my most used.
I enjoy 85 for street and portraits, and 85 makes headshots with nervy clients a little easier. Love the series, it's fun to experiment with different lenses and find different compositions etc! Would be fun to see you experiment with 10mm / fisheye, I've found that lens type bizarrely versatile, despite it's WERIDNESS!
Loved this, I’ve been challenging myself to use use 90mm 2.8 for portrait 😂
I think the 85 forces you in the moment to make swift choices in a composition which ends up being really challenging, but in a good way. I actually chose Canon for my multi-purpose specifically because of that 85 1.2 DS prime they make. I have always been a 50mm person, but because of that, when I bring the camera up to my face with the 85 on - in that instant, I'll make a composition choice instead of moving to make the image look like I saw "in 50" as my brain normally works. "What is jumping on at me I didn't expect?" And then base the photo around that instead of the initial intent. Brings back some of that neural plasticity we lose as we oxidize. lol.
That’s a good approach, I’m going to keep that in mind next time I use a weird focal length I’m not used to!
I've been thinking of buying an 85mm because I see so many people saying great things about them. It's good to hear your perspective on it. I might rent one for a week or two and check it out first. Just never been into the renting thing much. Thanks.
Yeah renting is a great idea to feel it out! I thought I would love it too because I’ve heard good things.
My 85mm f/1.8 was my favorite lens for so long. Accounting for its’ size and price it’s still one of the absolute best lenses that exists. Obviously depending on your use cases.
Nowadays I have a 135mm f/1.8 that does pretty much what I need from my 85, but better. Especially candid portraits during events. But at a notably lower value. >3x the cost for only slightly better results. And gosh does it feel like I’m carrying an elephant sometimes.
I do think for family pics, I am 35, 85mm….on the street, 28, 50mm … landscape, zooms!
The Noctricron 42.5mm is a magic lens especially for street photography
Funny to see you struggle with 85mm! 😅 you could revisit all of your focal length challenges later by bringing someone into it who actually prefers the specific length - or struggles with the ones your comfortable with 😉
85mm brought me into people photography but nowadays I also do prefer 50mm - though in my head I tend to romanticise 85mm as my favourite Focal length.
Great video. Being a Fuji user I think the 56mm F1.2 is an excellent portrait lens. I feel like the 85mm you have to be too far away from your subject. But a great video to see a different POV.
When I FIRST started photography, I told the mike's camera worker I wanted to shoot portrait and I have a budget of 5k. He said the BEST in the market (at the time) was the Sony a7iii and the Sigma art 85mm F1.4. Given I was out of money lol I was stuck with that lens for two years and I have gotten VERY proficient at using it. When I tell you I feel it in my soul when I grab that lens and I'm like "this is about to be a pain in the ass, but I know the product is about to be fire" Dunna hit nail on the head.
85mm is so good in my opinion. I hope they make a newer version soon, like the new 50 mm.
I like the 85 because it’s the only lens I have lol, but I got used to shooting with it and I like the compression it gives also I do mainly street photography so it helps me not to get all up in peoples faces.
the 85 is not a "fix all" solution! It is a TOOL, to be used when situations dictate it...
But there are some factors to think of: Background compression, optical distortion, separation from the background, and how the perspective affect how a face looks.
It is about your taste and balance of all factors.
As much as I love wide lenses I made a decision to have only one lens in my backpack. And you guessed it… it is 85 1.4. Used to use it only for portraits, but now I’m using it for street as well.
The Barefoot Bar was epic back in the day!
I do like the 50mm 1.0f but it’s a lot of work at times if you can’t control the light. Especially when my only option was Film in 2000 when it came out. It’s easier now when I can see what I am shooting instantly:-)
Love this video ❤❤❤
Hi Becky and Chris! Could you guys do the 35mm focal length next? Love your content btw! ❤
Added to the list! Thanks!!
Love this Becki! 85mm fan here.
Turns out I'm not the only one who loves the 85mm look but not the process.
The 85mm became the 'ultimate' portrait lens because of the quality of bokeh from the old Canon 85 F1.2 L... that's all. We were given amazing portraits in magazines and it looked magical. Using a lens is all about how you want to frame the shot and what you like from a particular lens. A camera should be an extension of your creativity... not replace it.
I had the Sigma Art (Canon) 35 and 85 1.4 lenses and always just wanted something in between. 85 felt really awkward to me as well. 50mm is my favourite lens.
Loved to see this kind of content!
So wild for me to see all these people who are like almost afraid to use the 85mm. Its on my camera probably 70% of the time and man its just the best!
My two favorite primes with both of my cameras are 35mm and 85mm. I shoot 90% of events with them. But that’s from a photographer POV.
I felt this sooo much! 85mm always looks sooo great, but I just don’t think my eyes and my brain work that way! I love to be close and able to talk to people, so while I’m definitely a 35mm person, my second lens is a 55mm lol. Yup, I know how similar they look to each other… and I also don’t care. I love what I love!
“I love what I love” YES! I’m all for whatever lens choice gets you excited to shoot!
50 is closer to what you normally see so it’s easy to frame your shot beforehand. 24mm is iPhone focal length so you’re used to it when whipping out your phone for a snapshot. 85 is more neck-up from the 50 so you have to imagine that. For primes I like the 24 and 85. They’re far enough apart for diversity of capabilities.
50 Is closer to what YOU normally see. Considering that the human horizontal field of view is around 55-60 degrees (excluding the peripheral area), a 35mm or a 40mm are surely closer. Then it's obviously personal, It depends on your usual working distance.
It's good for head and shoulders. It's not a good general focal length
great video. But, in my humble opinion the 85mm is the pinnacle focal length for photography. Absoluytely glorious and not only for portraits. I can shoot anything for all my life with this awesome lens. I just adore it. On the other side, i hate wide angles. In fact the 35mm focal length should never exist! (With every respect...)