Why You Need an 85mm Lens in 2025

[@JasonVong]

To those who watched the original 85mm video, welcome back!! Share your experience with the lens in the comments! This is the 2023 revamped version where I feature new samples I've gathered in the recent years and I brought in an expert to demo the 85mm! 😎

[@yartriesthis]

hello I have a 135 MM lens, is the 85 mm lens redundant or overlap?

[@berlyn_]

My 1st Lens as a beginner was an 85 1.8FE and yeah because of you haha! This Lens can teach you so much even things you can't do and restriction you have, not the most versatile lens but worth the experience. Now I'm planning to buy 35mm Gmaster.

[@johnsoncityaerialphotograp7201]

Hoping this is for foreshadowing of the 85 1.2 GM you may be testing right now 😉

[@arianneleigh6226]

Is it fit to any camera brand? I'm a beginner here😅

[@sharadraina111]

can you please suggest the best equivalent lens for Sony a6400

[@oriath73]

"It's really hard to take a bad photo with an 85". Guys, let me show you the way!

[@JasonVong]

🤣🤣

[@blaqpho3nix]

😂😂🤣🤣

[@reagoli8895]

perhaps it’s not the lenses fault then 😂

[@xXN0SK1LLZXx]

​@reagoli8895 perhaps that's the joke

[@NORLateCrew]

These two guys together are the most informative guys on photography I swear 🙏🏼

[@STRAlGHTxEDGE]

During my internship my first reportage shoot was of a bike repair shop and it was very messy and busy. So I switched to 85mm (batis too) to smoothen out the distracting background. The shots were VERY satisfying. After that the 85mm stayed on for the rest of internship. This lens feels like a cheat code.

[@johnwaine56]

When Jason and Prof Hines speak, it pays to listen! I got an APS-C camera and 56mm lens following the first video because I realised I was missing out! (I didn’t just buy a 85mm lens because I also needed a flip screen but that’s another story!) Keep up the great work guys!

[@careylymanjones]

The sigma 56mm f/1.4 is about as good as it gets, for APS-C portraiture.

[@johnwaine56]

@@careylymanjones I actually got the Fuji 56mm APD. Didn't cross my mind to look at a Sigma as I love my Sigma 50mm for Canon EF

[@careylymanjones]

@@johnwaine56 I forgot about the Fuji. Sigma makes a "trinity" of f/1.4 primes for APS-C, 16mm, 30mm, and 56mm. They come in Fuji, Sony E mount, Nikon Z, and Leica L mounts.

[@johnwaine56]

@@careylymanjones I had a long love affair with the Fuji X system but we drifted apart (!) before Sigma got the green light to produce Fuji fit lenses.

[@joethompson5233]

I love using my 85mm for sports action. It’s ability to isolate the player and freeze the action in low light is fantastic.

[@cristianbortos7757]

I use the Sigma 56 mm f1.4 on my Sony a6000 and considering the crop factor that 56 mm becomes an 84 mm wich is pretty close. I love this lens,it is sharp and lightweight ❤

[@LoganSLRLockwood]

I got my 85 because of your original video. I do not regret it, the lens has been one of my favourites.

[@positivityTuber]

im about to go get one now lol

[@LoganSLRLockwood]

@@positivityTuber nice. It's an awesome lens

[@utomotjipto5294]

I love how Jason and Prof Hines collaborate with each other. The video focus is on the focal length and not drawrn (or slipped) into technicalities of a Batis vs GM vs G lenses, in other words the focus is on the image quality rather than which is better.

[@findJLF]

Professor Hines is a natural teacher - what an inspiring person. Great video all round, which inspired me to invest in an 85mm. Next week - doing my first street photography walk with it. Thanks for the content and having such an awesome guest host to inspire us.

[@Skipsul]

The old Nikon 105mm f2.5 has a similar magic about it. A bit tighter, and manual focus, but light and compact, and really pops.

[@KEHA14]

I bought one last year and love it

[@BlackestBeard]

Grabbed one about 6 years back and I love the images it produces, I have it adapted to my Lumix S5.

[@Romafedorov]

I've been using the 20mm and 35mm lenses for about 2 years now, and I recently purchased the Zeiss 85mm. I love it! In the beginning, it was hard for me to compose my shots because I wasn't used to the focal length, but now I'm getting the hang of it and actually loving the results! The only thing I wish it had is a closer minimum focus distance, but hey, nothing is perfect...

[@JasonVong]

Thanks for sharing your experience with the ZEISS BATIS 85mm!! 🥹 Ah yes, a closer focusing distance would be nice! Hopefully someone will make a Pocket 85mm Macro in the future!

[@careylymanjones]

Extension tubes, for close focusing. They're light, and a 10mm tube isn't much bigger than a filter.

[@angeldulevski3358]

I used extension tubes and got exceptional results on my 45mm 1.8 (90mm equivalent).

[@calamity333]

my first lens is the 85 f1.8 and im about 7 months in photography and im killing it with just this lens, im getting my 200-600mm pretty soon.

[@ashleythompson4436]

At first I thought this was your old 85mm video popping up! I actually just re-purchased the Sony 85mm 1.8 this morning! Sold my old one due to moving/life stuff, but was missing it way too much. Can't wait to get creative with it again, especially here in the Pacific Northwest with all the layers of misty trees and mountains.

[@JasonVong]

Haha welcome back!

[@anta40]

Longer lenses like 85mm allows us to make tighter framing easier, which usually lends to abstractish composition. Once a friend (most likely a wide angle fan) asked me if framing with 85mm was indeed harder. I said it depended on your taste, and showed him some Saul Leiter photos (which also was a tele fan).

[@binaryinfections]

the shot @3:26 is amazing

[@TheArtOfJerry]

Love your cheerful energy ❤❤🎉🎉🎉. Great to see Professor Hines appearance.

[@paulhenry7]

Equivalent to 150mm on 6x6cm. On a Hasselblad V series, the image size is 55x55mm, so for, say, a 10x8" print the negative area used is 55x44mm as opposed to 30x24mm on a 35mm negative/sensor, and 55:30 or 44:24 = 11:6. If you multiply 85mm by 11/6 you get 155.8mm.

[@professorhineschoice]

Gosh, I’ve had more features over here than on my own channel 😅 Loved doing this video! 👏🏽

[@JasonVong]

🤣

[@Coatsey007]

Another great video, Jason. And Prof H, also a genius.

[@joespn18]

Chilling in Amsterdam I seee.... great video guys! Made me want to star shooting more with my 85mm lens📸

[@sjm.photos]

i had the batis 85 when it came out and it was fab then i got a 135gm even though i have the 85mm batis still i generally still head to the 135 most of the time.

[@DCMedien]

Same here, the 135gm is magical

[@JimmySaul888]

Just picked up the Sony 85mm 1.8 for $380 after taxes on eBay. What a deal!

[@JasonVong]

Damn!! That is a good deal!!

[@peterverheyen1795]

You and Professor Hines made me want to buy the 85 Batis, thank you for that! Two weeks ago, I kinda lost my lens hood in a pond in a Japanese garden in Hasselt. So I'm shooting hoodless for the moment, haha.

[@JasonVong]

Oh no!! 🙈

[@jwzerbe]

I have an old nikon manual 85mm f1.8 adapted for my Sony full frame and really liked it for all the reasons listed in this video. I had considered investing in a modern 85 1.8 but ended up opting for the Sony 90mm f2.8 macro. Granted the f2.8 isn't quite as thin a fov as 1.8, but I find that its enough for this, plus its one of the sharpest macro lenses on the planet!

[@XavierBaker]

85mm has always been my favourite focal length, and so many people call me crazy for it

[@matsounds]

My 85mm lives on my camera...... It is by far my absolute favorite lense!

[@dlovisuals]

The legends are back! Great & informative video guys!

[@JasonVong]

Here we are 4 years later!!! Crazy how time flies!

[@dlovisuals]

@@JasonVong it really does! Miss you guys. Keep on crushing it guys, y’all doing some cool stuff!

[@דודסבג-צ4ש]

Great video i have the sigma 85 1.4 and i absolutely love it !

[@ruff1draft]

I bought the Nikon 85mm F1.8 for my Nikon D5500 for my street photography. And I absolutely love it.

[@thunderstruck560]

I've been thinking about getting a 85 lately for my fx3. I started shooting video a decade ago on a GH2 and my go to lens was a pentax vintage 50mm 1.2. i could get crazy backgrounds and i have never been able to replicate it.

[@binaryinfections]

I know I comment so much but I really enjoy your videos man ! well put together especially since I was taking most of my shots open now I will do some experimenting

[@JasonVong]

Keep on commenting!!

[@Cestariarts]

I personally only have f1.4 lenses or bigger aperture. Sigma 85mm f1.4 DG DN is unparaleled

[@aarondgallegos]

Love the 85mm length for portraits and cars! What about moving up to 105mm? Do you think the weight is too much for the extra 20mm?

[@JasonVong]

For me personally, if we are talking about the sigma 1.4 version specifically, then it’s not worth it because of the weight

[@rodneyodell8959]

Thank you for this video. I was debating whether to sell my 85mm because I seem to lean toward my 50mm a lot more. The low street shot pulling the background in I think convinced me to keep it around and experiment more with it.

[@matthiasice]

My cheapo FE 85mm 1.8 is my most used lens. Been considering swapping for that Zeiss Batis. I started on a crop sensor with a 50mm and when I switched to FF I had to get an 85mm. You get used to the distance you need to be to get the shot. Whenever I can't back up far enough, I find a different perspective to shoot from or go for a detail shot or something like that.

[@N0SOLUTION]

I miss these types of videos. Thank you!

[@_redcreator]

Glad you touched on using the 85mm on an aps-c. Great video guys.

[@Gooddogeatssushi]

Great video . Definitely going to get a 85mm asthori

[@boristahmasian1644]

I agree Jason. I have shot with the Sigma for Sony 85 f1.4 and love the images it produces. I wanted to try the Zeiss and got a chance to do so at NAB today. I have a chance to pick up a used Zeiss at a discount. I love the fact that the Zeiss Batis has a built-in stabilizer.

[@Neeono]

Wait WHAT, you AND the professor were in my hometown?! AND I MISSED IT?

[@ChaseMaximilian]

I am 100% sold on the 85MM. Thank you for the video.

[@Brandon-dj9cq]

Watching this vid, making me feel nostalgia, like the first the OG 85mm vid you posted....

[@JasonVong]

Thanks for remembering the OG! I revamped this video to feature the new samples I've gathered and brought in an expert to demo the 85mm 😎

[@smlhtr]

Was just debating buying an 85 to complement my new 1635 GM II unnecessary purchase for my upcoming trip to Japan. You’ve convinced me.

[@JasonVong]

I was thinking about making a video on that exact combo... SO YOU'RE GOOD TO GO!

[@smlhtr]

@@JasonVong the real question is, is it good enough to replace the legendary 24/85 Jason Vong Wombo Combo? (I used the 24/50 combo for most of my travel in the last 10 years)

[@JasonVong]

@@smlhtr BRO YOU KNOW THE WOMBO COMBO?! The 16-35mm is a gem for the wider focal lengths so I would say it's not a bad tradeoff from the 24GM

[@smlhtr]

@@JasonVong it was my preferred combo for a while after I watched your video, but I went back to my 24GM/Loxia 50 (now replaced by the 50mm 2.5 G) because I had borrowed the 85 from someone and had to return it. I have since debated picking up the GM or the Batis but given Sony is just churning out GM II lenses, I’m expecting a refresh of the 85 1.8 (G optics Sony, please!) or 1.4 soon. It’ll pair nicely with the 16-35.

[@m0untainm0ney]

The Rokinon/Samyang 85 is a good, cheap way try out the focal length, and it's actually better than the price suggests. I think it's because it is manual focus. Also available in all mounts. I basically treat it like a 35 when I can't get close but need to still capture the scene with the subject. A telephoto 50, more like...

[@lucas_92]

I was about to get the APSC Sigma 23 mm but now the Sigma 56 mm seems more appealing! Any advice, Jason? I already have the Sigma 18-50 mm but it isn't the best in low light...

[@jaycee320]

❤❤the much awaited street guide

[@SlotCarNewsOfficial]

I'm all for more more discussion about 85's and showing the Batis lenses in general, but didn't you do this exact video a year or two ago?

[@JasonVong]

I revamped this video to feature the new samples I've gathered over the year and brought in an expert to demo the 85mm 😎 I appreciate you watching the original! That one took a lil long to get the point, this version is more snappy for those who aren't familiar with my channel!

[@SlotCarNewsOfficial]

@@JasonVong yes thanks for reply. I do like this version a lot.

[@yeanisch]

I bought a 50mm on an APS-C, and I've been loving it for portraits.

[@jakieskropki]

Cool and positive attitude from the host 👍

[@ohheyitsak]

"Is because of its *SIZE*" I see what you did there 😂

[@Remmerboy]

I was streetphotografing with a sigma 18-50 and sigma 56mm. i found the sigma 56mm more useful and beautiful than wider focal length.

[@manuelfigueroa343]

We Do ? WE Who’s We ? 😂great video guys make a awesome Duo

[@bjoernfischer]

I agree. But I am still waiting for the sony 85mm 1.2 gm. would be great in apsc mode as well, almost 130mm 1.8. :)

[@JasonVong]

I don't think it's coming out this year as we all have hoped... 😭

[@Coatsey007]

A question for you, would my 35 to 150 Tamron for my Sony Alpha one produce the same look at 85 mm as a Prime?

[@JasonVong]

It can! From 85-150, it has all the praises I sung for the 85mm!

[@careylymanjones]

Only two drawbacks. First, it's a beast, compared to an 85mm f/1.8. Second, it's a slower lens and won't give as much bokeh. It will give the same angle of view, but not the same subject separation. You'd need to go longer, and back up more, to match the bokeh.

[@Coatsey007]

@@careylymanjones I appreciate you taking the time out to respond. Yes, it is a beast, I love it though, because it's so varied, 35 mm to 150 mm in one lens with an F2 to 2.8 means it's quite flexible. I appreciate the answer to my question, I thought that might be the case and thought I should check.

[@careylymanjones]

@@Coatsey007 It's an EXTREMELY versatile lens. But for portraiture, or ANY genre where you want extreme subject separation, there's no substitute for fast (at least f/1.8) glass. If I were going to do a portrait session with the 35-150, I'd probably go to about 100-135mm, and step back.

[@stevenwaldstein2249]

Thank you for the video. While out and about I often use a 24-70/2.8 for its flexibility but I really do prefer using primes if I can. As I move my daily walk around camera to a Compact “C” body like the A7CII or A7CR ( I own both ) I’ve gone back to using the Zeiss Batis 25/2, 40/2 CF, and the 85/1.8. While bigger than I would like they are really light as a trio even though I have some smaller lenses. The three lenses and body carry really well in a Moment 10L sling. Also have Sigma I-series lenses and have tried out the 65/2 and 90/2.8 as a substitute for an 85. In the small G series they have the 24 and 40mm but nothing longer than 50mm which is too bad. What’s the lightest 85 or 90 mm you like?

[@onmygrudge]

amazing videos!

[@joeykahng6219]

Haha! Thought I ordered 50mm lens and I got an 85mm. Was a bit disappointed but when I started using it, started to love it.🤙🏼

[@careylymanjones]

It's a nice focal length. Especially, if you pair it with a 24mm. 24mm for the establishing shot, 85mm to highlight details.

[@astronorthwet636]

Just the information I was looking for. Thanks!

[@jaredalbin5658]

The 85mm makes me look at the tower, but her 35mm makes me look at the water only.

[@jordansyoutube]

I really like these focal length videos! Great job I love my 85 sigma

[@armada1e]

Yesterday I bought the Samyang 75mm f1.8, but I think all the lessons apply! It’s much smaller than either 85s but the autofocus is a little slow.

[@careylymanjones]

The Samyang 75mm f/1.8 is a decent lens. It's affordable, compact and light, and the image quality is good.

[@dean314videos9]

I want to get one… I have been using the 135mm 1.8. I honestly think the 85mm will be my next lense. Only because some spots don’t allow the distance I need with the 135.

[@BerkvyYasar]

Jooooo Amsterdam mentioned!!!

[@GabrielScindian]

I use the Sigma 85 1.4 on my GFX 100 II. AMAZIIIIIIIINNNNNNNGGGGGGG!!!!!

[@andyfoto620]

WTB 85mm F1.2 gmii

[@gilabadines4584]

Very nice ! I use aperture / shutter priority and even manual mode with my iso on auto with a certain range of value - cheers ❤️

[@PuReXtremeGaming]

last night i started watching ur video on the 85mm from a few years ago, now this one uploaded 39 minumtes ago! is this a sign?! also would this be good for gym / car / and convention cosplay shots?thanks!

[@JasonVong]

Yes to all! As long as you have the space in the gym and cons to back up and get the shot! haha

[@PuReXtremeGaming]

@@JasonVong true. I did just order a 35 as I thought it'd be good for half body / face shots as well as full body shots but I'm not sure! Had to return the gm ii 24-70 as something was moving inside near the bottom sensor part (when tilting the lens) not sure if that's normal or not Now it's between a zeiss 55 zeiss 35 and sony 35. Or just a power zoom or 28-60 Sony kit lens, honestly not sure how good that one is tho! Appreciate the reply I always love watching your videos helps me simplify my stressful gear watching a bit more! Cheers

[@PuReXtremeGaming]

@@JasonVong how hard would it be to stabilize video with an 85?

[@Fortespyproductions]

what desktop monitor are you using

[@astrothetic7313]

Alright that's I'm getting the 85, I've been thinking about getting the Canon ef 85mm 1.2 L, this will go nice with my Eos R and Eos 3 film camera.

[@JoeHeisler]

I got a zeiss baits 85mm for a good price and I love it. But I’m using aspc at the moment, so I guess I gotta pick up a full frame (any excuse to get more gear, haha)

[@Michael-bj1jg]

What about the 90mm Sony macro?

[@PhotoTrekr]

I still have fond memories of Zeiss lenses. But, they were replaced with my Sony GM lenses years ago. I understand that there will be a new 85mm GM II released this year. If it's a smaller lighter version of the current 85mm GM, I'll definitely be interested.

[@andreasschmidt5185]

Thank you for your video very informative. I was looking at buying this lens now I’m sold. Great shooting tips too guys 😊

[@ravikanagasabey285]

85MM F1.4 or 1.8 is the best?

[@hankwojo]

I have a Sony A6500 and a Sigma 56mm 1.4. That should give me the equivalent of 84mm in full frame. Is that close enough or will the 1 mm make a difference?

[@JasonVong]

I wouldn't sweat it! It will be perfect!

[@careylymanjones]

The 56mm f/1.4 is as good as APS-C portraiture gets. You might squeeze a little more bokeh out of a full-frame body with an 85mm f/1.8, because smaller sensors give greater DOF, but the difference is pretty small. With APS-C crop factor applied, your 1.4 will have about the bokeh of a 2.1, on a full-frame camera. Or from a slightly different perspective, with the full-frame you can stop down to 2.1, and match the bokeh of the APS-C camera/lens.

[@abdullamasud4278]

Can someone explain the smaller sensor section? Why is the 85 mm being multiplied by 1.5? I am completely new to all this and feel like this is crucial for deciding which camera i buy ~ thank you for your help!

[@agolmatias6848]

Im more into photography like birthday events etc. Should i pick sony 85mm 1.8?

[@thisisppn]

I watched the original one and i dont regret it one bit. Best lens ever

[@emokia15]

75mm can?

[@JasonVong]

75mm can work too! I know Samyang has a super tiny one!

[@careylymanjones]

@@JasonVong It's pretty good, too. And REALLY affordable.

[@YogicConcepts]

Hey Jason, I watch your camera videos very often and last time I bought A6400 by watching your review. I have question - I mostly make yoga and fitness videos by a6400 but want to improve quality. to record yoga and fitness videos where camera is all the time on tripod, what camera settings and lenses you will recommend. If you reply or make a video on this topic, will be highly helpful for many. looking forward for your help.

[@zachjack]

I use the Sigma 85mm 1.4 on my a6600, its mad tight, but the pictures are amazing haha

[@gabrielfernandomagno1117]

Considering this. Do you have a portfolio online where I can see sample photos taken with an 85mm on an APS-C camera?

[@TheSJSWEET]

What cam would you recon for the 85 lens

[@nateshf9303]

14mm, 35mm, 55mm, 70mm...We should get them all!

[@arnoldpodcast3614]

Another great video! Love it! Peace!

[@Noahs_Photography]

I use a 58mm Helios prime quite often, is an 85mm lens different enough that it would still be worth buying?

[@careylymanjones]

If you're using it on an APS-C body, your field of view is just a bit tighter than an 85mm on a full-frame body. If you're using it on a full-frame body, there's a big difference. Telephoto lenses tend to compress perspective. That is, they make the foreground and background look closer together. This actually makes faces, noses especially, look SLIGHTLY flatter. This can be good, if your subject has a great big schnoz. 😀😀😀

[@Narsuitus]

For me, the 85mm focal length is a great lens on full-frame cameras for portraits, street, landscapes, reportage, and sports (basketball and boxing). I have owned two 85mm lenses. In 1969, the 85mm f/1.8 manual focus was the second lens I purchased for my Nikon F SLR. The 35mm f/2 was my first lens. In 2016, I upgraded to an 85mm f/1.4 auto focus.

[@kennyadvocat]

Back in the day i used my Nikon D70/D80 with a 50mm f1.8D on everything. Such a cheap and small lens. (about 85mm with the crop factor)

[@zagranica7]

Amsterdam?

[@mipstudios6011]

Great advice!

[@AkbarRazaSyed]

My whole work is done with a 35 & 85mm 1.8 there's no better focal length, I love 35 more cuz it let's me gets close to subjects & be more personal with the shots

[@minasa3306]

What do you recommened between sigma 35 1.4 and sony 85 1.8 if you had just one lens?

[@independantthinkerwhoreads7009]

Hello Jason. Great videos. Is the auto focus response on the 85mm fast enough for youth sports, say gymnastics? My commitment to the team is capturing a lasting "action" memory along with reflective pre-action and post action emotions. I'm shooting a Sony a7RV with Sony GM lenses with mixed results. Thanks

[@elia2767]

hello , thx for this video , wanted to ask if its also depends on camera? if i have canon 6d can i use this lens and got the same effects , thank you

[@jessieguess9008]

I have a crop sensor with a nifty 50, with the crop doesn't that make it an equivalent to an 85mm? I'm confused by the difference.

[@jonhuij]

Wow I didn't know you were in Amsterdam? Hopefully you guys did enjoy my city

[@JasonVong]

Loved it!!

[@immikegt]

Hi I have a Sony a6100 (APSC), so when you talk in your video about all the cool things about the 85mm you refer to a 50mm 1.8 on a APSC camera right ? Or you are talking exclusively about the “ 85mm lens ” that will give a 127mm on APSC? Always have the same question when see videos talking about some lens , because I don’t know if I had to buy “that” specific lens or if I had to buy the “equivalent lens” (in this case the 50mm 1.8)

[@דודסבג-צ4ש]

I have a question, i got the 70-200 gm2 and i love ot but i want more zoom maybe little bit birds and surf , landscape and just basically more zoom , would you suggest me to get the telex2 or to get the 100-400 maybe with the 1.4 tele

[@JasonVong]

Get the 2x tele in the meantime. Sony might make a 100-400 GM II that will be lighter. Just a matter of when. In the mean time the teleconverter will tie us over!

[@bobpaulson9r72fk24]

How about the 90mm sigma 2.8. Tiny and lightweight. I have the Sony 85mm f1.8 but something is off about my copy. Colors are odd and there is a spec of dust on the inside that shows up in bokeh.

[@JasonVong]

90mm would be great too! I think that’s also a macro lens as well right?

[@bobpaulson9r72fk24]

@@JasonVong The 90mm sigma I'm talking about is the DG DN, the contemporary line of lenses. It's very small but not macro. I think the sigma 90mm macro has been phased out in favor of the 105mm macro. I have several product photographer friends who swear by the sigma 105mm macro.

[@risapicsphotography]

Amazing video. I am your number one fan from Kenya and I bought a Sony 85mm lens two weeks ago. But it is disappointing me, the lens focal point seems not to be in line or it is back focusing. When shooting at even f4 the face is in focus and the feet of a subject are out of focus as the focus just fall behind the subject. Have you ever experienced something of this kind? Please clarify. I AM USING A CROP SENSOR

[@carmeloojr2893]

Just out of curiosity, but is there a reason why Zeiss doesn't produce any new sony lenses any more?