The 85mm Is One Of My Secret Weapons For Unique Images

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I've been using the Sony 85mm f1.4 G Master lens since pretty much the beginning, and it's an absolute staple in my book. In this video, I outline why in general, the 85mm is amazing for more than just portraits, and I explain how I use it for almost every genre of photography I do.
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[@brent.cowley]

People always recommend a 50mm as the first prime lens you should buy, but I recommend a 35mm or 85mm as great choices for prime lenses, because the 50mm sits in a weird middle ground for me. I have a 35mm 1.4 and 85mm 1.4 and the 85mm is definitely my favourite lens. I'm always blown away by the phenomenal images it produces!

[@rere998877]

I kind of feel that. The 50 doesn't give any special "effect" like the compression of a longer focal length, or the exaggerated perspective of a wider lens. It's more "what you see is what you get". That said, I sold mine and quickly regretted it! New on one the way :)

[@olwanziro]

How do these lenses do in video?

[@boostftw123]

well said. For me personally I go even wider at 24mm as I can crop into 36 using super 35 mode with the 24mm 1.4

[@Kenkichi24]

85MM F1.2 🤙🏽🤙🏽🤙🏽

[@Kenkichi24]

@@olwanziro they’re good! Depends what kind of lens brand you getting

[@TheOneMonk]

85mm 1.8 is a very good alternative when you cannot afford the GM version. One advantage of the 85mm is being discrete - which does not work well with big white Zoom lenses. Thanks for the video, as always very clear and well delivered.

[@charminbaer2323]

I LOVE my 85mm 1.8! I've had the 85mm and a 35mm 1.4, and have been using my 85mm more and more for my portraits. I recently got a 20mm 2.8 and have been using it more than my 35mm. I love the more dramatic distorted shots i get from that as well, especially shooting from low angles.

[@matthewriley3778]

wake up, Pat Kay dropped another video

[@patkay]

😂 mvp mate!

[@mitchell.breedlove]

When I first started shooting with my A6000 I purchased an 85mm f/1.8 and it very quickly became my favorite lens. I use it for street photography and portraits. By far my favorite lens.

[@DalsPhotography]

OHHH yeah !!! I have been going out with my 85, and also 90 mm macro lenses since ages! I loved them! Not so invasive, and I can shoot landscapes, portraits, plants, etc!!!! Thank you Pat !!!! Best wishes from Uruguay :)

[@Joizygyrl926]

My Sony FE85mm f1.8 gets used the most for sure. That compression is just chef's kiss for me.

[@MulliganAl]

Excellent talk, I just purchased an 85 and can’t wait to give it a try for street photography and travel, you made me feel more confident about my purchase. 👍🏽

[@FedThePoopy]

I remember Pat giving this advice in an earlier video that I found when I was just starting to get into photography. I bought the Sigma 85 Art lens and since it's been by far my favorite lens. I only really shoot street and I feel like it gives just the perfect amount of reach to dial in your compositions. And the 1.4 makes for some really really dramatic images in low light!

[@martingreenberg870]

How has the 85mm focal length been working for your street work? I just commented below I just bought the Sony 85/1.8 for street. I live in the 35-50mm zone. Very traditional street photography focal lengths. I value a broad depth of field so I’ll be shooting at f5.6-8 or more stopped down. I may try taking street portraits. Mask On Nurse Marty (Ret)

[@JazonHart]

Every video is gold, Pat. Thank you so much for all of the helpful info.

[@carlossotom]

I own a canon M50. The 56mm 1.4 Sigma is one of my favorite lenses. Its small, just weights 288 gr or 9.88 oz.

[@SourPlanet]

You covered everything really well, and with great photos attached. 85 is like 24 in my head- it's so good for one thing that when you bring along for *everything* it delivers amazing results and unlocks a lot of creative thinking. I use an 85/1.8 around NYC and it's just indispensable. Nothing else gets the compression and the isolation yet still allows for some compositional leeway.

[@careylymanjones]

Bring along a 24mm AND an 85mm. The 24mm for the wide shot to give context, and the 85mm to home in on details that would get lost in the 24mm field of view.

[@SourPlanet]

@@careylymanjones Yes, I understand how each lens functions. My point was that both function in such a unique way that when you break their convention use- the ones you've outlined here- it brings in a creative aspect otherwise unavailable.

[@philbertdeangelo2809]

Its been a while since last time I watched your vid, its so great to come back and hear your opinion on something that you love so much.

[@lawaii2024]

I found this out recently. I appreciate your delivery.

[@frankthetank4418]

Love this style of video! A deep dive into the 16-35 would be really cool!

[@DoubleB13]

Watching you speak about photography is so relaxing. Brilliant story teller you are 🙏

[@missalarxxx]

I am so happy! Such a treat watching and learning from you!

[@patkay]

thanks for watching :)

[@BigWillSD]

Just got my Rokinon 85 mm. can't wait to get it out and shoot. One reason I got was the aspect of it helping to narrow the landscape aspect, forcing me to look harder for the subject of the shot. Thank you sir for the video.

[@mrenovatio3739]

I like using 85mm stopped down 3-4 stops, f4-5.6. Makes composition more difficult, but you can layer more elements since the background is not a full blur. Also, on some older design lenses the fall off at F4 or F5.6 can look more "dimentional", than the "cut out" look wide open, or of newer lenses.

[@silas1414]

Interesting

[@user-jr9vw5cx3g]

yes, even shooting at f8 for landscapes with Zeiss 85 f1.4 and Sigma 85mm f1.4, for portraits mainly at f1.4 if outdoors, for studio at f8

[@Iam_AsGod]

My Sony 90mm f/2.8 is always finding it's way onto my camera. I bought it for macro, which is what it's made for, but it's just so damn sharp. Super sharp and compact, it's always in my bag. I use it for macro, street, landscape, anything really. It's only flaw is slow and noisy autofocus.

[@blisss2159]

Thank you so much for this video! I would never think about an 85mm being a landscape/street lens, but seeing the examples you showed, it makes so much sense. I’ve been using a 30mm for a while now and will definitely look into this lens next.

[@joshh6395]

I love this lens ! Definitely one to have one in the kit ! Underrated!

[@joshuamarc]

I am a serious procrastinator, and can talk myself out of anything, have been "going to buy" a prime since the day I purchased my camera, always talking myself out as I could always find different info on different lengths. After watching this video I packed my stuff, left the house, and bought my 85mm.

[@boostedmaniac]

Totally agree on the 85mm. Not too expensive if you opt for the f1.8 and it creates a certain look you just don’t get with a zoom. It’s definitely my favorite lens too.

[@kushagrasingh7731]

I was just looking at the photographs.. such beautiful composition ❤

[@jwp2166]

This was very, very helpful. Thanks. I'm heading out to get some shots with my 85.

[@d.j.harris2355]

Canons USM 85 1.8 was my first lens upgrade and I love it. I use it for work and get sports photos with it. It gives such a unique look and the speed of the lens is helpful in low light. The 1.8 for video is great too. The descretness of it is an added bonus especially when I don't need to be super close to the subject.

[@fcintron78]

Great video just subscribed so refreshing not one camera maker ,named purely educational 😁😁love it keep up🙏🙏

[@ridingwheels7481]

I’ve use it personally and totally agreed how 85 changed the whole vibe of photography it’s by far the most fav focal length I’ve used so far🙌🏻

[@burak3217]

Man your ending sentence always touches me ! Thank you for your work man.

[@ZackStrifeAMV]

Bought the Sony 85 1.8 a few years ago for portrait. It's my favorite lense now I bring it everytime everywhere, for any kind of photography.

[@paparazziphotography6712]

Hello Pat. I have an 85mm 1.4 that I looked high and low for about 30 yrs ago & In my will I've requested that this lense be buried with me! The glass on this is magnificent, & of ALL of my lenses, this one never leaves my sight! I've heard that there is a 85 1.2mm out there in the world somewhere, I really don't worry about that, but man 85mm 1.4 is a tone setter! Excellent piece my friend, love your style of teaching & keep marching forward young man! Mr. Hop......

[@uratasan]

Great info thank you

[@tshen]

Outstanding video, thank you. I haven't seen anyone else talk about the 85mm on KZbin, and you nail everything about this lens - 100% to all of this. When my brother had his camera stolen on holiday, I gave him my old Nikon DSLR with all the lenses except my Nikkor AF 85mm f1.4, which I have a visceral attachment to and now sits on my FM3A, which I also can't bare to part with. Then, when I bought my Fuji X-T2, I got it with the XF 56mm f1.2 (which is the APS-C equivalent) and was the clear stand out among the other primes I got at the same time. Funny thing is, I don't take portraits, but as you clearly demonstrate, 85mm can do so much more and so very well. Excellent stuff, Pat. Please keep it coming.

[@BigRey305]

Another great point of view from a great photographer.

[@mike_abramyan]

Dude. I can't believe you made this video. I have been wanting to make this exact video for way too long!! I'm glad you did. 85mm is my favorite focal length and holy smokes is it useful for more than just portraits. As an astrophotographer/landscape photographer I have found it to be incredibly useful when I know I'm shooting to print in extra large formats.

[@martingreenberg870]

I’m interested in the Law of Attraction. What you think about you attract to yourself. Because of your thinking and wanting this video, with no resistance, you have caused it to manifest. Mask On Nurse Marty (Ret)

[@ottoespinalxx]

One of the best videos I've seen man! Greetings from Honduras

[@raphael2012]

I already liked the "look" of the 85mm. Now, this video puts in an objective way. Thanks Pat. Love your videos

[@Subfrequenz]

Really enjoy 85mm as a walkabout lens on my Sony A7Rii. I like how it can pick out details with either the framing or shallow DoF. Fun to use.

[@-grey]

This was super interesting to me. I was more in line with your last video like this: the 24mm. However after seeing your contextual photography at 85, I'm very impressed and kind of want to try it myself. I have a 75, which is not quite the same, but it will still be a challenge to previsualise the scene and know where to put my feet for the best contextual shot. I usually find myself in a mess of over isolation when I've tried in the past. Nothing really in the shot except the subject. Or overly abstract detail shots.

[@JanSchick]

Agree Pat. This is actually my first bought prime lens and I just adore it. It’s sharp!

[@pauloduarte3095]

I started photography last year as an hobby and quickly became an addiction lol. I end up getting a Panasonic S5 ll and 3 prime lenses, 18mm f1.8, 35mm f1.8 and the 85mm f1.8. I believe that this 3 lenses are the best combination in my opinion. 18mm for the situation’s when I want to get more of the subject into the frame, 35 when I am shooting in close spaces and I need to have a wider feel of view and 85 for everyday and everything lol. Amazing video showcasing the versatility of a fast 85mm prime lens. Thank you for everything and keep up the amazing work

[@harvymckiernan93]

We all have a favourite go to lens depending on our popular genres. I found my 85mm sits in the bag in favour of the 105 f1.4. The bokeh is certainly buttery, but more importantly the focus seperation is lovely on wider shots. Similar to yourself it's more nimble and discrete whilst maintaining similar character to my 70-200 f2.8 at the 200mm end. I'll be interested to see how the Nikon 85 f1.2 performs when its released.

[@philiporr1330]

I love my 85mm 1.8 for landscape photography! I’ve taken some of my favorite landscape shots with it.

[@ulhasarolkar]

Great analysis ... thanks

[@mylesinthesky]

Also one of my favourite lenses for street photography! The Helios 40-2 85mm 1.5 is an absolute beast too with its swirly bokeh. Great video as usual.

[@martingreenberg870]

How do you use the 85 for street. I just purchased one and other than street portraits I’m at a loss how I’m going to use this lens. I guess I’ll have to take my photographs from a further distance. Mask On Nurse Marty (Ret)

[@crisolo]

love the 85mm focal length, and would really like to hear you expand more on that 35mm street photography digression you had!

[@martingreenberg870]

Professor Hines has a video on using the 85mm lens for street photography. Mask On Nurse Marty (Ret)

[@kevingoza]

Thank you!

[@juys1234]

The Sony 85MM is phenomenal! I’ve used it in all these scenarios you mentioned and it just brilliant!

[@ronald4139]

I really love my Viltrox 85mm 1.8. It's cheap, light and gives great results. Great video, love your work! Thank you!

[@lgude]

I love this focal length and have an Olympus 45 mm f1.8 which is very close to the full frame 85. Fast enough too and so small it is easy to handle. I started before zooms so I tend to think primes.

[@dorianvocalartist]

very compelling testimonial

[@veselinvasilev9362]

Thanks!

[@martinhendry]

Fantastic video as always, Pat. A great point of view and insight into a different approach to street that I'll take note of. I'm currently challenging myself with a 130mm on APS-C, really changes how you approach the street. All the best.

[@martinhendry]

Aaaaaaand I've just ordered a 85mm equivalent manual vintage lens. 😂

[@LeeRatcliffe]

Very well explained! I do like longer focal lengths for landscape too. My go to is A7Riii/35GM & A7/FE85

[@luism.2050]

The sigma apsc 56mm f1.4 made me fall in love with taking photos with my Canon ef-m M6 mk ii. Ultra light and compact. Superb optics. Forces you to compose carefully and as a result learn a lot.

[@jmejia73]

Great video - just ordered my first 85mm (I had already ordered before watching this video but definitely reaffirms my decision)

[@josesalgado2796]

You talked so much about your love for the 85 1.4 GM so I went out and got one! It's great for the reasons you listed but you never mentioned it's a slowerfocusing lens compared to modern lenses and it makes some noise when it focuses. I'm hearing there's an 85 1.2 in the works so I'm super stoked about that. Anyways, I would love it if you could try out the 12-24 2.8 GM, I'd love to see how you make that lens work

[@aurorasmith4632]

That was great!!!!

[@lsamoa]

Very inspiring video, thank you! I just got an 85mm lens and although I'm still getting to know it better, I absolutely love it. I'm curious what your opinion is of 40mm pancake lenses. Any chance you might do a video on them?

[@charlessummers7381]

Great video! I'm very happy with my Tamron 85mm 1.8 Great compression and bokeh! Quickly becoming my go-to...

[@mauricioposada8270]

Good advice. That's my next lens:) I mostly shoot with my 24 mm prime. I thought it would be too narrow in its application, but it turns out that I rarely put another lens on my camera. I feel the pull to that 85mm, though. Thank you, Pat Kay!

[@patkay]

What's a focal length that you'd like me to make a video on next?

[@wanglishu6774]

24mm for sure!!!

[@PruthviJani12]

35mm

[@alexbpunkt1875]

24mm please

[@kanaheiusagi]

135mm f1.8 does magic for environmental pet portrait

[@eggs-benny]

Great video! 135mm next please! So many videos on youtube about 24, 35, 50mm already

[@chuchonmc]

The 85mm f1.8 from Tamron for DSLR (Nikon D780), one of my best lenses, mainly surf photography. "Compact and light", relatively but fits inside the waterproof case and I can swim with it... Cheap, great glass, it has stabilizer, super fast for focusing and the focal length is really nice for it. It also is on that DXO Mark list, overall score 46 and standing 22nd I think. But I could even do the same with the Nikon 85mm f1.8G.

[@mikeyb6737]

Thank you

[@charliejg]

Until I got an 85(XF56mm f1.2), I wouldn't have thought one could be glued to my camera. But, that is exactly what happened when I started using it. Love it. Also, have been using a 135mm(XF90mm f2) a lot. Love it's sharpness. I got both for doing portraits, but have used them for everything.

[@58mummybear]

the 85mm is my favorite lens, the first one I bought for the reasons you said. its a beautiful lens

[@TheMrxveyron]

When i'm traveling i was packing all the time my 35 1.4 and my 85 but i change a lot, now i'm more confortable with zoom, i m using for most of my shoot and street photography the new 60-600 from sigma and it's just insane!!!! love ur vids buddy

[@JaredDoyle76]

I LOVE my Sigma 85mm 1.4 DG DN. Much improved over the adapted HSM version.

[@Oddish08]

Great video!! I have a 35mm GM but 85mm will be my next!

[@Jadesfishing]

Hell yeah I love my canon 85 1.2 it’s a great lens. Great video!

[@marcmurison]

When I got a 56mm f/1.4 (90mm equivalent), it immediately became my go-to, favorite lens, especially for street. Months later, this is still the case. It's a fabulous, rewarding focal length to work in.

[@perryvalton4245]

Have you tried 90mm f2

[@thegrayyernaut]

@@perryvalton4245 I owned a 35mm f/1.4 and 90mm f/2 before. I sold both to get a 56mm cuz it sits in the middle and I needed to cull my kit. My comment on the 90mm f/2 is that it's my favorite Fujifilm lens ever.

[@martingreenberg870]

@@thegrayyernaut The 90/2 is one of Fuji’s sharpest lenses. With the crop it is equal to ~135mm. Have you used it for street photography? Mask On Nurse Marty (Ret)

[@GoldtriggerDude]

My 85 has been sitting in my camera bag for way too long. Time to start shooting! Inspiring video. Thanks!

[@iloverendering]

I always bite the bullet and bring the 85mm f/1.4 for all the reasons you mentioned. Love your videos.

[@Jwallsmedia]

85 was my second lens, was awesome for portraits 1.4 is awesome for low light too

[@k3rkis]

beautiful images

[@vinothkumar8984]

The best of the pictures i have taken are from 85mm Sigma art F1.4 .. you just cannot go wrong with this one 🙌🏻

[@Looppehh]

I personally love my konica hexanon 57mm f1.4 on aps-c; coming to about 91mm. It's probably my favorite lens. So much character and for the type of photography I like to do, it works on every level. I highly recommend you try this lens.

[@ChristianThueringer]

thank you for the recommendation

[@OneRequiem123]

I love the 85 focal length and really want a prime for it. In the meantime I use my 70-180 f2.8

[@patkay]

it's great! especially as an auxiliary lens if you've already got the range covered :)

[@varungidwani7900]

Just bought an 85mm prime for myself ..what timming...thank you for the vid

[@liverpoolpictorial]

Great video, Pat. Normally use a Sigma 1.4 35mm lens for night street photography, but tried my old Nikon 1.8 85mm lens last week. I think I'm doing something wrong, as the images were too soft. What settings are you using?

[@geglover90]

35mm next! And thanks as always for the amazing content! You're still my favorite content creator, ever.

[@jixal]

I bought a Sigma 55m f1.8 for my APS- C not realising at the time about the x1.5 zoom factor. Although some shots were harder to get it forced me to learn how to use the length and easily produced some of my best shot's ive ever taken. Forces you to get creative :))

[@MrJapanforce]

PERFECT. 85mm is the one and only

[@eltiburon1983]

85mm f1.4 is just pure gold. i love mine :)

[@pandabytes4991]

I remember the 2nd lens I bought was a 60mm f/2.8. I used it some before setting my camera down for personal reasons. Now, about a decade later, I'm picking my camera back up and the 85mm is my next lens of choice. I just don't like zoom lenses anymore. If I use one, I only use it at the marked focal lengths instead of adjusting the lens to perfectly fit the subject. I prefer the mindset of using my feet to zoom and the creativity I have while doing so.

[@apollovishwas9349]

I use 25mm f2, and it’s my go to, I love the fov, love the lowlight performance, love the bokeh at times

[@maksrozman5196]

I started with 24-105 and 85... Best decision ever... It rly helped me thinj real harder and the results are real sweet

[@gilknutson1938]

Back when I was a lot more active and could shoot whatever I wanted whenever I wanted... and used a Pentax LX, my absolute favourite lens for almost all forms of images was the 85A*. Still miss that lens! As I said, it was my go-to lens!!! Now, I have to use a A*55mm f:1.4 on my K-3 crop factor camera. Close.. but not exactly the same...

[@dayflaubert]

I love My 85, my only problem is that for food photography I have to stay 500 miles away from the food and my apartament is very small. Great video!

[@charminbaer2323]

Well obviously don't use it for food photography! Use a 50mm or wider for food.

[@martingreenberg870]

As charminbaer suggests, get a wider lens. Or you can get a larger apartment. LOL. You need to use the right tool for the job. Maybe the 85mm lens isn’t the right tool for this job. Surely you have other lenses. Have success with your food photography. Mask On Nurse Marty (Ret)

[@adnanmansour8757]

A great review. The Canon RF 85 1.2 is so heavy, so opted for the 50 1.2 instead (still not a light lens!) Have you covered the 50 prime ?

[@nubscrub]

I was under the impression that many photographers experience this focal length equivalent early in their journey. With Canon being the biggest camera brand, for users starting out with one of their crop sensor cameras the classic second lens purchase after the kit lens tends to be the inexpensive 50 1.8 which gives a focal length equivalent of 80mm with the 1.6x crop.

[@YVZSTUDIOS]

That's exactly what I had. Tho I had a sony aps-c instead. But my lenses were indeed a 35mm and then a 50mm f/1.8 I did use the 35mm (which is close to 50mm on full frame) more than anything else though and thought the 50mm was not necessary. But boi was I wrong. I switched to full frame recently and also brands: Canon RP with the RF lenses and with the 24-105 f/4-7 I very soon realized that I love the 85mm look. As of now, I just have that kit + a 50mm f/1.8, which is necessary for low-light. But I still haven't decided what to get next. the 24-105 f4 or 85 f/1.8 because don't wanna own a bunch of lenses like last time. I want the smalles amount and take only the ones I need on a shoot/trip. I mainly (want to) use my camera for Portraits and Travel.

[@Adam-vx6to]

This was my first lens and honestly I think it's more useful than my 24-70 (for my workflow and style). Only betttter might be my 135mm now

[@NguyenJulian]

where can I get the hoddie that you're wearing?! love the drawstring

[@ivanf2782]

Great video! Just one comment. Compression si not about the narrow field of view. Is about the distance from the camera to the subject. A telephoto lens requires you to be further away and that distance is what we see as compression in the final pictures. Cheers !

[@zackchoy1969]

I was using 50mm. maybe I should try 85mm too ! Thanks !! If I may ask, if you can explain your choice of the 100-400mm lens choice for travel photography ? Thanks in advance !!

[@markscott4059]

I started my journey using a vintage 50mm on apsc, which is a 85mm on full frame. When I use a other lens I find them to wide. Since I started with 85mm, it’s just a normal focal length to me

[@tanyatokyo]

I mostly shoot with a 50mm on an aps-c camera which gives similar results and I always felt most comfortable shooting street with that setup :)

[@martingreenberg870]

I’m a street photographer and most use 35-50mm full frame equivalent focal length. I also use Fuji gear so I too have a 1.5x crop. How do you use your 50mm lens for street photography? Mask On Nurse Marty (Ret)

[@user-ei2vp5hc4g]

I just discovered this very interesting video. Thank you for sharing. It is intriguing really to think of this focal lens being so special in different ways. I was particularly amazed to know that it is one of the sharpest, which is a super important quality to me... which brings me to this question: wouldn't the use of f1.4 counter-balance this accrued sharpness, knowing that a lens is sharpest around f/8 or 11 and softer in the extreme aperture such as 1.4? I would appreciate your feedback. Thank you.

[@cloudx8299]

This sounds great on paper but how do you manage switching lens? It gets tiring quickly after constantly changing different lens on a trip throughout the whole day