If you're in a position where you can buy a new camera lens, you may be wondering which lens you should get next. When there are so many choices, it can be stressful to decide. We'll go through some of the different benefits and drawbacks of buying a 85 mm lens to help you make a more informed decision.
The Price of 85mm Lens
The main thing you can consider as the biggest advantage of 85mm lenses is the price, as for most lens manufacturers, this is one of the cheapest lenses they make, unless you go down to some really fast speeds.
Beautiful Bokeh and Subject Isolation
The 85mm lens, often referred to as the "portrait lens," is a go-to choice for professional photographers and videographers alike due to its ability to create beautiful bokeh and isolate the subject from the background. With a typically wide aperture (f/1.4 or f/1.8), the 85mm lens produces a shallow depth of field, which helps emphasize the subject while simultaneously blurring the background. This effect is not only visually appealing, but it also helps draw the viewer's attention to the subject, making it perfect for portraits and interviews.
In the critically acclaimed film "La La Land" (2016), cinematographer Linus Sandgren utilized the 85mm lens in several scenes to capture the romantic chemistry between the two lead characters, played by Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone. The lens' shallow depth of field, combined with its natural perspective, helps create an intimate atmosphere, allowing the audience to connect with the characters on a deeper level.
Natural Perspective and Minimal Distortion
The 85mm focal length falls into the category of short telephoto lenses, which closely mimics the human eye's natural perspective. This characteristic makes it ideal for capturing authentic and flattering images of people, as it minimizes facial distortion often associated with wide-angle lenses. In filmmaking, the 85mm lens is perfect for close-ups and medium shots, where maintaining a natural perspective is crucial for connecting with the audience.
In Quentin Tarantino's "Pulp Fiction" (1994), the 85mm lens was used to emphasize the intensity of certain scenes. Cinematographer Andrzej SekuĊa employed the lens during the iconic diner scene, capturing the characters' emotions and facial expressions while maintaining a natural perspective, which contributes to the scene's visceral impact.
Compression and Storytelling
An 85mm lens provides a subtle compression effect, where the background appears closer to the subject than it actually is. This effect can be advantageous in both photography and filmmaking, as it allows the creator to control the viewer's perception of the scene. By compressing the background, the 85mm lens enhances the visual narrative, giving the subject more prominence and enabling the viewer to focus on the story being told.
"The Godfather" (1972), directed by Francis Ford Coppola and shot by cinematographer Gordon Willis, is a prime example of storytelling through lens compression. The 85mm lens was used in several scenes, such as the iconic horse head scene, to create a sense of intimacy and tension. The compression effect enhances the visual narrative by bringing the background elements closer, making the viewer feel like a part of the unfolding drama.
So Should You Get One?
The 85mm lens should be one of the first lenses you should buy if you are going to be doing portrait photography and create videos or films were you need closeups regularly. By referencing the films mentioned, you can easily replicate those shots and perfect your filmmaking skills.