Why 85mm Is Misunderstood

[@allee2445]

You are one of the few who explain the subject extremely well. Most KZbinrs just oohs and ahhs on bokeh. That separates a true photographer from a youtube gear head.

[@careylymanjones]

If you can't get enough bokeh from an 85mm f/1.8, you're doing it wrong.🤣

[@donbetosoy]

I agree, the way you present the information is just great. Thanks ...

[@andrewdoeshair]

I took a trip to Ireland for work (hair stuff) and brought an 85 because I was going to be shooting hair models and wasn’t thinking of tourist stuff when I packed, but on that trip I recall shooting a castle with what I had on me and it changed everything. I was blown away by how massive the castle felt in the frame and I couldn’t believe how straight the lines were. It looked so regal and other worldly. So on my next trip (Iceland) I brought an 85 and a 135, and my friends thought I was crazy, I was doing it wrong, but to this day I see photos of wet people in the mist of a tiny and warped Skógafoss, surrounded by other tourists, while I was shooting my wife in the parking lot with a 135mm as the powerful waterfall engulfed the frame as though it were coming for us while little tourist ants speckled about the distant background to be easily removed later.

[@ShutterNChill]

The 85mm / 135mm is absolutely fantastic for landscapes and sights, and they make me walk around a bit more, so a lot more healthy as well. The venerable EF 85mm F1.8 USM is absolutely gorgeous on a mirrorless, it is my favorite lens next to the Sigma ART 35mm F1.4 (well, very different focal length, a completely different story...). It still has that painterly dreamy style to it as it has on a DSLR, but it has insane resolution added to it. Healthy resolution, not that over-resolved look with neutered colors of the mirrorless lenses. And it's light enough to take on trips. ;

[@ericcastelazo6034]

I’d love to see these pictures I’m considering getting an 85mm, do you have them posted anywhere?

[@andrewdoeshair]

@@ericcastelazo6034 I don’t have them listed anywhere, but on my channel I have a video about “budget portrait lenses for canon EF” (aimed toward hairstylists and barbers who want to buy a first camera for upgrading their hair portfolios) and in that video there are a few sample shots of Ireland and Iceland through an 85mm lens. I believe the cover photo was also taken at castle Leslie in Ireland using an 85mm

[@charlieross-BRM]

Before I could afford my own camera I could take my dad's Minolta SRT101 anytime and after he added a 135mm lens I was in heaven. Mostly I was shooting trackside at TransAm races in the late 1970s, and white water paddlers. Those were and are some of my most memorable shots. The lens was very good for other shots too but always good when I shot with intent. I'm expecting a 7Artisans 85mm 1.8 at my door later today - just because. And good on ya' for experiencing Ireland.

[@foxyvisionsvideographer]

Do you think you could have done it with a 70-200 2.8 as well?

[@arianvangend2536]

I never realized this point about the background for the 85mm. Very interesting! Definitely have to put mine back on the camera for a renewed perspective on it now, Thanks so much!

[@ChrisM-yq2pq]

It brings background closer to subject

[@dmytrohryshyn]

I never had 85 prime. But I used 50mm. 1.8 with crop camera for a long time. It was on my camera 95% of the time.

[@LouisLuzuka]

same, I feel like its the same difference lmao

[@MartinCastein]

i used the 80d with the 50mm 1.8 as well, i loved that combination. have a look here and the next 3 pictures if you are interested 500px.com/photo/182646035/natalie-by-martin-castein

[@utube321piotr]

85mm look is not the same as 50mm on a crop, field of view or "equivalent focal length" are not the same

[@tonycanniffe2360]

Me too! Love the look.

[@LouisLuzuka]

@@utube321piotr why does it matter just enjoy taking photos it’s close enough

[@JustinDoughtyphotoandvideo]

I absolutely love my 85 1.4 for street photography and portraiture. Its fantastic focal length forces you to think and work outside the box, adapt, and change how you shoot.

[@FeedScrn]

Those are excellent points about the background with the 85mm... Thanks.

[@eastbaystreet1242]

Thank you, Martin. Some people have to be hit on the head before they get it - I am one of those folks. Your clear emphasis on the background helped me finally understand this lovely focal length/lens. I have a vintage Nikkor 85 1.8 on a D800 as my usual second body for prime/portrait, and the Z 180-600 on a Z9 for my equine sports (jumping) shots. They happen pretty fast once the horse leaves the ground to jump over the rail, and they are pretty far away, with the distance varying significantly from jump to jump (and with only seconds between them). But for the quiet moments, the wonderful quiet moments, I will be exploring a better understanding of the 85mm. All the best to you - I am truly grateful.

[@andrewcroft2570]

Great video, I love my 85mm 1.8 I use it quite a lot for my gig photography in smaller venues and paired with the 6D it's awesome.

[@Chrsly]

I use my 85/1.2 (Nikon) for volume photography ( schools, sports teams, etc. ). Previously I used a 50/1.8. It's not a scientific study or anything, but I've been getting approximately 20% more $ orders using the 85/1.2 overall. For my sports portraits I often shoot outdoors, (baseball in particular) and I've seen almost 30% more $ orders over the 50mm. With that aside, I hadn't thought about the differences in composition as much since I have a pretty standard setup (in the shade, trees and grass in the background, using a 36" modifier and 200w flash). I've just started to set photo challenges (e.g., pick a prime and shoot for a weekend) for myself to motivate me to get out and shoot more for myself and be more creative, and this video has encouraged me to use the 85 first and see how things turn out. Thanks for the thoughtful video!

[@samuelsmith6804]

I like the space it can give the subject(s) in the frame when shooting from further away. Particularly when it’s a couple, it's like you're not invading their intimacy or moment they are sharing, it gives a passer-by even voyeuristic/cinematic look. I don't have an 85 prime, I have a 55 and 105. but I probably use 85 on my zoom more than any other focal length.

[@georgedavall9449]

Good comment samuel

[@marijanbabic9742]

This one of the best videos you made. I didn't see people on KZbin paying attention on background when photographing with 85mm

[@MartinCastein]

thanks! im trying to understand why this one is doing so well.

[@pianoman1973]

@@MartinCastein Sony just released its 85 1.4 GM II lens, so many people probably looked up for reviews, and your video showed up on the side bar as a suggestion following it up :) Could be one of the reasons .. Anyways, great content ! Subscribed !

[@MartinCastein]

@@pianoman1973 oh thats interesting, i have been trying to work out what was different but that makes sense, i might see if i can use that as a thing then if thats the case. thanks for pointing it out!

[@oliverzweipunktnull6720]

Good video! As all of your content. Because of you I just bought a Canon Eos 6d brandnew! Yes, no mistake - brandnew, no clicks. A guy planned 2014 to start Photobusiness, but quit before start. The camera stucked on the shelf, wrapped in foil in the box. I couldnt believe it, but took the risk. Now I hav a brandnew camera made a decade ago. And I am so fascinated about the images.

[@MartinCastein]

Very lucky !

[@jamesshephard2013]

I bought a 6d new in 2018 purposely to shoot my US road trip, including sights like Golden Gate Bridge. It has done me proud for 6 years. I’ve now relegated it to my second body, in preference to the 5d mk3 that i recently bought used but in immaculate condition. They are both fantastic cameras.

[@HeathHolden]

The 6D files are quite beautiful, it is a special model for sure. Enjoy it and wring its neck, I used one for years photographing wildlife in Tasmania as a remote camera trap, after years in the hot, damp and freezing weather it just kept going.

[@HeathHolden]

The 6D files are quite beautiful, it is a special model for sure. Enjoy it and wring its neck, I used one for years photographing wildlife in Tasmania as a remote camera trap, after years in the hot, damp and freezing weather it just kept going.

[@tompurvis1261]

@@jamesshephard2013I do love the 5dm3. Good choice.

[@swanseamale47]

I used to love the 35mm with film. Recently I spent a few days shooting with just the 35 and 85mm primes. I found 90% of my shots were on the 85mm. For some reason I didn't find my old fave the 35mm cutting it now. Funny how tastes change with time.

[@steve-4045]

@@swanseamale47 I never had a 35mm lens and never missed it. In film days my wide angle lens was the 28mm. Eventually I found a good deal on a used 19mm lens. It was cheaper because the front ring was banged up so you couldn’t screw on filters. It came with a trial period (30 days, I think), and in my tests, I never found anything wrong optically, so I kept it. Great lens for its day.

[@saarin0tsorry]

I cannot tell how many times I go back and look over a group of shots and the ones with the 85mm f/1.8 are the stand outs? But I had never realized that the ones where the background was included were the ones I preferred! Such a great lesson! Your photos are also quite lovely! New to the channel today.

[@MikeLindup42]

Very thought provoking. I have had 2 85mm lenses, one was an impulse buy (a manual 1.4), the other was a 1.8. I took a couple of nice portraits but found it limiting because I didn’t understand what I could do with it. I ended up selling both as they were just gathering dust. Your observations make a lot of sense - as I remember using the Canon nifty 50 1.8 on an APSC body (30D) years ago and enjoying composing at equivalent of 75mm a variety of subjects. Thanks for the video.

[@bentravis99]

This is great info, thank you. I like that you point out that blurring the background to mush can get boring quickly and I am realising it can also be a bit lazy. I want to challenge myself to shoot stopped down more to make me consider the background as a more important part of the photo/composition.

[@cash3612]

I use the Canon RF 85 1.2 and have zero regrets. I love this lens regardless if i have it wide open or stopped down to around f8. Photographing cars at outdoor car shows gives me plenty of room to get the entire vehicle in frame while giving wonderful blurred images of the cars out of the DOF. I couldn’t be happier with my 85. Great video and thank you for the insight.

[@RHC_NYC]

Such a great and inspiring video. Was just looking up tips for shooting with an 85mm, and found this, and now extra excited. Thanks for the awesome video. New fan!

[@Skipsul]

There's an urban landscape / architecture shooter I've seen about who almost exclusively uses an 85 (and it shows - the lens itself is very travel worn). It's quite amazing what he does with it.

[@MartinCastein]

ive wanted to do this for a long time just 85 for landscape i dont suppose you know his name? just his name links are banned im afraid

[@yoki9743]

@@MartinCastein Guessing at Professor Hines or Opticalwander

[@Skipsul]

@@yoki9743 Professor Hines - thanks! Couldn't remember his name.

[@MartinCastein]

ok i will look him up, thanks!

[@carlosoruna7174]

​@@MartinCastein85 for landscapes is great when you do landscapes bring an 85 to try it ,geez how bulky is an 85 f2 nikkor or a 90 sumicron.. dropped 50s in 75 since then it's been 21, 24, 35, 85, 90, 180. Lol nikkors and leitz

[@petrpohnan875]

Very good point and excellent pictures in the video. This is exactly why I love so much my Sigma 105mm f/1.4 for full body portraits on a FF or even MF camera (Fuji GFX). The background compression together with some context given by the distance from a subject and nicely blurred surroundings give so appealing and special look.

[@onlysublime]

So with 85, if you stand back for example 30 feet so you can capture more of the scene, at f1.4, the depth of field is over 3 feet or 1 meter. That should be enough to keep a couple in focus.

[@lerx1980]

I like how you channel starts rolling. Got myself a 85mm equivalent for the XT1 and noticed this right away. Background is key and you have to think even more out of the box. And you need space. The 35mm is much easier to handle. I played around with 35mm on the 5D and use the 56mm on the Fuji now trying to teach my eye and push my photography further.

[@DACnew]

Excellent. I’ve been too focussed on the subject! Time to lift my eyes to the BACKGROUND! 👏👏👏

[@costasprosperity3297]

I agree, it's not all about blurring the background, it's about telling a story. Although a blurry background does make the subject appear in the center of attention, it does give a creative look, actually I think that shooting at narrower apertures requires more skills, it requires more attention to details. If you own a 85mm f1.8 lens (like I do), in most cases there no need to buy a f1.4 lens. I might buy a 85mm f1.4 if I would find a very good deal, otherwise 85mm f1.8 is good enough for me.

[@onlysublime]

85 is by far my favorite. But when I'm doing weddings and events, what I do as my main setup is I have the 85 1.2 on one camera and the 28-70 2.0 on the other camera. Too many times you're caught in a situation where you don't have enough space so this allows me to not worry. I'll also have the 24 1.8 in my pocket when I do need wider as well as my 10-20 4.0 in my bag. I much prefer this over the 24-70 2.8 because 2.0 is twice the light and the look is so much nicer too.

[@Sooch900]

This video made me subscribe immediately! I’ve watched a zillion photography videos here on KZbin and no one has nuanced and impactful information like you have! This is next level photography theory! Wonderfully and eloquently stated insight about the 85mm focal length. I’m off to watch your 50mm video and the rest!

[@des7638]

awesome content and great points. ive been shooting for years and know instinctually some of these concepts but hearing you explain them so simply is wonderful and refreshing. thank you

[@daveed4475]

Thank you for emphasizing background. I love my 85, but often under think it’s application. Your review will probably help me enjoy using it more. I have the Contax c/y 85mm f1.4.

[@rosskramm206]

Great video. I have the canon 1.2 and fall into the exact trap you describe. I start bringing in the background more thoughtfully. My favourite lens.

[@MrsMysteryWoman]

85 is one of my favorite focal lengths for portraits- both cropped in close and far away. It also gives a more relaxed and natural vibe, because of the way the lens compresses things and it makes it easier for you to give your subjects some space. Since you need to get kind of far away for an 85 to get the full scene, I like to use it when I’m photographing couples and I tell them I’m just testing the light and because I’m further away than I would be with a wider angle lens they sometimes forget I’m even there and I tell them to just talk and relax for a minute and I end up getting the most natural, relaxed, “real” shots. I recently switched from a full frame DSLR to a crop sensor mirror list camera but I still love the 85 mm focal length. Although I find myself using the 56mm a little more often now - but that’s basically equivalent to an 85 mm on my crop sensor.

[@cmdrvex]

Thanks. Always great and thought-provoking advice!

[@MartinCastein]

Thank you very much!

[@michaelreaves6212]

85mm is probably my fav focal length, partially because I started with a 50mm on an aps-c body, great video!

[@skylinevspec000]

I appreciate this channel I have always tried to photograph models in 135mm.. brings a lovley compression

[@JaredTremper]

Yes!! I just shot a wedding on Sunday and a significant number of shots were with 85mm F1.8 G. I just looked at my F stops…many at 2.8 or so…and just enough clarity of background elements (including people reacting) to make that lens a winner. I also agree: no need for F1.4 or 1.2 in most scenarios.

[@georgedavall9449]

EXACTLY! 👍

[@reesmarkham2140]

I have a Canon 85mm 1.8 and Love it. This video inspired me yesterday, so this morning I took the 85mm out for a spin. Thanks to you I changed the way I compose for my prints. The out of focus background is going to be subject from now on. The sharp focus foreground object is only going to complement the blurry background. God Bless You, and thanks again for your contributions to the Art Community.

[@Pressure_23]

Great timing for me, been thinking about what to do with the 85/1.8 on my shelf. Great video, punchy, gets straight to the point, loads of crunchy advice. Thank you.

[@dereksmith41]

Very thought provoking video, I’ve got a 56mm f1.8 on a Fuji body, and learning the best use for the lens. 😊

[@greenmedic88]

Love the 85mm; just cut back on its use as I noticed all my shots were looking like 85mm shots (imagine that); same compression, similar framing. All I need to do is step back into 35mm framing, close down another stop or two, and 85mm will probably feel fresh again.

[@jdebultra]

So true, background. I use the 85 1.8 on my EOS 1 and the 5DC. On my F2, I use the 105 f2.5. I'm usually at f/2.2 and 2.8. For close up head shots, the original EF 100 f2.8 macro at F4 to f5.6. with the F2 head shots, 105 f2.8 macro.

[@angelsjoker8190]

3:32 super nice! Looks like a story inside a story with the background and the kids reading the book. Have my 56 1.4 on APS-C as my main lens, so basically running around with an 85er all the time. Thanks for the advice to pay more attention to the background!

[@khanscombe619]

Put so well. My 1st Pro lens was the Nikkor 85/1.4D loved it & still use it. But lately, I been liking the depth of composition of the 180/2.8D. Focus w/ your feel & back the F-stop up. Hehe

[@tharinduwijayasena309]

Amazing photos Martin, brilliant explanation on the use of 85 too. I use a 24-70 2.8 on a Nikon Z9 for most of my professional work but I always pack my D6 with a 85 1.8 in any kit, as it is still my favorite combo.

[@dabistudio_japan]

That is very nice advice! I used it many times in the same direction you did but now I feel encouraged to retake my lens and experiment with it. Thanks!

[@scottlester8128]

Love you pictures and editing, I just got a Jupiter 9, my wolf dog has been the subject so far, I’m enjoying using and learning about the 85mm

[@alexanderbuffalo4156]

Great message, this is my favorite lens for shooting my children. My background is film, use this a lot on location, so I am familiar. Moved me to purchase an 85mm years ago for my Canon 10D... yeah, that long ago, and still love it, watching this makes me want to run home and make more photos.

[@Damburgery]

Wise words and great photography. I've just purchased an 85mm 1.8 g and I'm looking forward to shooting with it. I think 1.8 more than enough, unless you want a specific specialist look or shooting often in low light conditions. Also you can tweak the background a little in Photoshop to give that 1.2 look on those rare occasions that you need to and the 1.8 much lighter and less bulky with brilliant optics.

[@msantero5845]

This is one of the more informative videos I’ve seen on camera lenses. I think this hit it right on the head. Great job!

[@jcam783]

I shoot with an 85MM 1.8 . This post just really cleared some things up for me on the use of this lens , thank you for such great imput !

[@krzysiekk1616]

Sir, i just found your channel and I'm already consuming as much as I can. So much knowledge in such a short time, without fooling around. Thank you!

[@MartinCastein]

well thank you! glad you are finding it all useful!

[@MindzEyz]

Nice work! Very good points. What you are describing is exactly how I use my 135 f1.8 and even the 300 f2.8. I have been blowing the 85 backgrounds to smithereens though... I will consider this for 85 as well. Thanks.

[@DavidMiller-xw7jc]

Great video, very thought provoking. I have the very wonderful Fuji GF 110 f2 (87mm equivalent) and you’ve made me realise that I only take the same head and shoulders pictures on it and there must be so much more to it than that! Your photos are amazing too. Liked and subscribed.

[@KonoBoyFilms]

Thanks!

[@MartinCastein]

thank you very much, very kind!

[@BobbyRoy]

85 has to be one of my all time favourite FLs. It gives such a gorgeous look, even when NOT shot wide open. Even at f2.8 or so, it provides such a wonderful look! Clients LOVE that 85 look, from my experience. ❤❤

[@thealexestrada]

Excellent presentation. You have inspired me to go shooting this weekend with my 85mm f1.8. It will be a challenge, but I hope to practice the points you made. Well done!

[@golight1]

Thanks for this video. I buy many lenses second hand. About two years ago, an almost new 85 1.8 fell into my hands at a bargain price. At that time I sold a 70-200 and was looking for some kind of replacement, so decided to buy. turned out to be one of the best buys. I use it on the street, in the studio, photographing rock concerts and at events (together with 70-24 because at the event everything runs fast). like you said, it's easy to get attached to its close-up portrait mode. And as mentioned, 1.8 is completely sufficient and for my taste, at least with Nikon lenses, also sharper than lower apertures. Thanks for the insights.

[@xeentjelief]

I love my 85 as an all-round lens. It brings in just enough of the background to tell the story. You explain it just perfectly! My favourite headshot lens is a 135. I rarely use the 35 and 50. I could do with a 28 though! I do sometimes miss not being able to open up below 1.8. but it's a compromise I was willing to make to keep some money in my pocket

[@elram2649]

I got a 50mm F/1.8 some months ago. Next up will be an 85mm F/1.8 for portraiture work and a 16mm for real estate contracts. 😊

[@jlinwinter]

That's super cool. I have a 85mm f/2 and the images that I like from it all have background textures and contexts. I never realized that until now when you talk about it! Thanks!

[@DSG0805]

Great video. Always had a thing for the 85mm lens. I had an old tank quality screw drive 85 1.4 for my Nikon dslrs but sold it on account of bad fringing wide open. However, when it worked, I loved it. Did some street photography with it too. Now I got back into the 85mm 1.8 on my ZF. I generally love having some distance so it just shines IMO

[@itaylorm]

Thank you, I have been struggling with what to use my 85 with lately ever since I got a 50mm. You are giving me ideas for when to use it going forward

[@6rimR3ap3r]

85mm can be really versatile. After being super comfortable with 135mm in London I brought only 3 lenses to our second Tokyo vacation: 20-35 f/2.8, 85 f/1.2 and 135 f/2. As things happen the 135 needed repair and that could only be completed after the vacation... So I was "stuck" with the wide angle zoom and the 85 for the whole two weeks. The amount of lovely images taken with the 85 made me appreciate it a lot.

[@5hamo]

I have an 85 F2 and am very much considering getting a 85 F1.2 - I love the look of a 85!!! Was using the 85 F2 on a crop sensor camera but now also shoot the 85 F2 on full frame and am enjoying it even more.

[@MartinCastein]

I think if 85mm is going to be your main lens then get the 1.2

[@PooMonkeyMan]

The timing of this coming across my feed is impeccable. I only recently started back on shooting with my 85mm because I really liked the F1.2 look and I didn’t want it sitting around. Being on the telephoto end, I’ve found it great for street and urban photography as I’m no longer up close with people but standing afar to get that look.

[@henrysteadman963]

Just wanted to throw up some love for this presentation Martin, a really thoughtful and considered examination of the questions behind choice of focal length, aperture and the relationship of subject and backgrounds that I hadn’t really thought about in this way so thank you… I shall certainly check out your other episodes now as well :)🎉❤

[@charleshodge1223]

Great insight and very thoughtful assessment of 85mm. I have a 1.2 and I don't regret having the larger aperture for low light conditions. That said I have observed the same about using this focal length lens at 2.2 etc and not blurring the background entirely. Just hadn't reflected upon it as you have.

[@kenn6592]

Despite having been taking photos for years this is one of the best education videos I have seen. Very insightful, with some inspirational photos too. Actually have an 85 Sigma 1.4 turning up for my A7rv tomorrow. Looking forward to seeing what I can do! Thanks for all the tips.

[@Tom_367]

Wonderful photos you show us here! I started with a 85mm 1.8. When that did not work I bought a used 85mm 1.4. Recently I bought a 85mm 1.2. I really like it, although 1.2 is not recommended in every situation.

[@paddywigglesworth7652]

Hello Martin, I trust you are well. Martin, last year I had a bang to my head and bizarrely I lost my memory and fell out of love with photography, due too memory loss I didn't realise I loved it prior. I have a Canon 70-200mm and a 24-105mm L series, I also own the 85mm f1.8. I adored B/W and I started to use both the L series lenses and couldn't quite understand why I like photography as I didn't feel anything to the images I had taken. I then used the 85mm lens and Boom!!! I had to restart thinking about composition and what I wanted in my frame and where I wanted to put it, I also had to rethink about the holy trinity of exposure, depth of field and ISO and I am loving all over again. Photography does allow a person to lose themselves, although I lost myself all of last year and half of this. Thank you for this video.

[@tomjordan3367]

I really appreciate your input on the importance of background elements when shooting with the 85mm lens. I have fallen into the trap of shooting wide open at f1.2 and completely blowing out the background on too many of my shots. I want to practice on getting that polished look with background elements that make the image tell a story. One thing I’ve noticed lately is I’m using my Canon RF 28-70 F2 lens much more than the 85mm f1.2 for its versatility in focal lengths without having to keep swapping lenses. That being said I can’t see myself ever getting rid of the 85mm f1.2. I do have a 135mm f2.0 and love the look of the images, but I find much of the time I don’t have enough distance to subject to use it much.

[@oadefisayo]

I'm primarily a studio portrait photographer and the 85mm is hands down my favorite lens to use

[@ApertureWalk]

My 85, 1.8 has been sitting idle. Thanks for this video, gonna take it out for a spin this weekend and the whole narrative on the background impact is spot on.

[@john-wiggains]

Thank you for this video! I got an 85 equivalent for my micro four thirds and sometimes I feel lost how to use it. This is really helpful and showing your examples!!!

[@lorenschwiderski]

MFT will bring the background up nicely, and depending, of course, just how close you are to your subject have some isolation at f2, and pretty darn good in-focus by f4 or f5.6 when shooting street photography. If you want more detail to the background, and you are pretty close in on the subject you can go f8, but it is usually not required. Avoid going past f16 with MFT lenses, unless there is a special case for going so, such as sunburst-stars. The Olympus 45mm is inexpensive yet of good quality and will render you a 90mm FF field of view. The sharpest shots at center for the lens is at f5.6, with sharpest edge to edge being f8. Try F5.6 -- you'll like it, or if needing more light, then open up. And that f8 will give you a look more like a FF camera at f16 should the background need to revel what was going on. MFT is so forgiving, when looking to tell a story, front to back, with even f4 shots giving a whole story. Maybe give the shots a little extra room, should you want to crop say 8x12 prints or HD for your monitor. MFT for square image crops is great too! - Loren Schwiderski

[@zwilg4723]

When I first plunged and got a mirrorless camera, I also got 35mm and 85mm lenses (used). On hikes, walks, events etc, the Zeiss 85mm is on the camera 80% of the time (usually at f/2.2-5.6). It is a fantastic sharp lens which also forces you to be creative in composition. I've felt this has helped me a lot to improve in my hobbyist photography journey. My only gripe is the longer minimal focus distance, making it difficult to take closeups of various objects (e.g. leaves, flowers etc).

[@mart872uk]

I have taken a few amazing images with 85 mm. In a small flat with a 1.2 Canon 85 and wide open , a portrait shot with no depth of field yet the background played its part , shelves with a few out of focus items in the dreamy blur . The model being alternative look as well . The 75 mm Olympus as well . Amazing lenses . Thanks for your encouragement . Photography can get lonely at times.

[@masanthar]

Nice video, good to hear about paying attention to the backround elements (same as in your 50mm vid) as they can make or break the photo. As an amateurl shooter it is easy to get lost on the main subject and find out later the distractong elements in the composition.

[@auksmann]

Great video! Thank you! I rarely use the 85mm lens, but every time I have, I've been amazed at the results.

[@rbodforss]

I have an 85 f/1.2 that I love for portraits, but it’s becoming my favorite lens for street photography as well. It makes me think about composition more actively. I don’t regret buying the 1.2 since it’s an EF lens and I got it at a fairly reasonable price. I would not have shelled out for the RF version though…

[@vc2251]

Beautiful work! Thank you for sharing your expertise and artistic vision. The 85mm is going to be my next lens.

[@mondohand71]

My 85 is one of my favorites for my landscapes. Definitely not the typical for landscape shots. But I love it . I use the canon EF 1.2

[@MartinCastein]

I like the sound of this I don’t suppose you have any examples online?

[@Samblack-n1j]

Thanks mate! a very insightful take on 85mm! actually made me consider getting one! And the shots throughout the video are absolutely stunning!

[@GordonRunklePhoto]

I use my Nikon 85mm f/1.2 S a lot for indoor concerts and events where the light-gathering ability makes a huge difference in enabling me to keep my shutter speed up enough to freeze motion (think indoor BMX, dance shows, concerts, etc). I absolutely love this lens!

[@andrefelixstudio2833]

When I was shooting for Penthouse® or Playboy® magazine I use a 85mm for most of my small camera (35mm) images it will give you a great looking image with good prospective!

[@ChrisM-yq2pq]

Didn’t they use 4x5 at one point

[@aeonsnarfus]

Samyang XP 85mm f/1.2 here. No regrets, absolutely lovely rendering. Speedboosted it is ~97mm FOV. My favorite lens. Big, 86mm filter. Sunny days with ND and flash delivers the goods. Dreamy and creamy bokeh. Portraits work best f/2.8 to f/8, depending. Great for city streets at night. A true photon hoover. ❤

[@tomrozsas]

85mm lenses are among my favorites. Olympus also has a great 75mm (150mm equivalent). I loved that lense too. Used it for a wide variety of subjects.

[@infinitesky-59]

Absolutely love the look of your work. Could a 5d mk3 possibly achieve that look or would I need 6d / 5d? Currently have a 5d3 and the images just don't have the same feel my 40d used to. It's as if the 5d3 sees the world as my eyes do but the 40d was more artistic. (I realise this is a bit off topic.)

[@MartinCastein]

all of the childrens photos are on the 5d mark iii apart from the kid with the blond hair going around the tree. yes its really capable, the 5d mark iii takes more editing for me to get the look away from clinical but its actually very capable of getting a great look, i will buy another i think too. all the wedding photos are nikon d600. Dont worry about using the mark iii it just takes a bit of creativity in the editing, but I can achieve these looks easily with it.

[@infinitesky-59]

Thanks for putting my mind at rest, I bought the 5d3 because it felt more like the 40d in my hands. I was used to using a 50mm on my 40d so an 85mm was one of the first lenses I bought for this full frame camera. Thanks again.

[@kellandzo]

I have an 85mm 1.8 which sits on the shelf most of the time but you’ve inspired me to give it another look. Background! Great video.

[@legvalmont]

This video's been enlightening. I used to have an 85mm and went street photographing one time. I remember it being flexible enough as well as respecting privacy of others. Im trying to get one for Canon FD now for my beloved AE-1 but might have to stick to Nikon's.

[@Ham-yj1od]

Your photos are so stunning Martin. Thank you for your informative videos and efforts you put in.

[@youphototube]

I love my Nikon Z85, f1.8. I rarely use it for portraits. I use it for street mainly and I love the look I get in momo and colour. That Nikon lens is something special. Sharp as a razor with beautiful fall off. It is also my favourite prime. Well that and my birding Z600 PF. Thank you for your insight. Food for thought.

[@otoskope]

So much good advice! Thanks a lot. I have an 85mm f1.8, which I'm really happy with. As you say, I guess this is enough for most situations, especially portraits, but as I like to do also more abstract photography where blurring is part of the image, with just hints of something in focus, I'd love to have a faster one too, for some experimentation. Maybe one day.

[@Paul-vy1ev]

Brilliant video as always. Nikon 1.8g is my favourite portrait lens especially out side. It's Brilliant for autum portraits

[@takart]

Thanks for making this video. TWO BIG things I learned today, from your video, are... ONE "I have to think more, about what things in the background / surroundings I want to include in the image". I must be more deliberate in both blocking and aperture setting. TWO I have been guilty, shooting wide open mindlessly. (Either I was trying to blur out everything other than the subject because I thought the surroundings were too ugly, or I did it simply because the lens (Vintage Canon FD85mmf1.2 -L) opens up to f1.2...pure laziness..) Well, I'm going to mount that 85mm now, and go out and shoot with these two things in mind! Thanks again.

[@MartinCastein]

I’m so pleased this was useful for you!

[@ginoperfetti4650]

Hi Martin, thanks for the video. I use a canon 50mm 1.8, that on my canon 80d is equivalent to 80 mm. I found this lens more rewarding as long as I use it. Your tutorial gave me a lot of inspiration and advice. Regards

[@Leondrian]

Been shooting a long time on crop sensors and recently bought a FF Sony. Two days ago I brought my out 85f1.8 and man, that lens rocks. A usually don't shoot a the widest aperture even at 28, 35, 40 or 55mm and that made even more sense on the 85mm. Especially as how thin the plane of focus is on a FF. I took a lot of images of our greyhound mix and I had to stop down to at least 5.6 to get all of her face in focus. Even at full body distance. And as 85s usually renders lovely even stopped down it made I totally fell in love with that lens. I will try out even more and your advice makes a lot of sense to me. Thanks for the tip and make sure to use it wisely.

[@puhistagram]

Thanks for great video Martin. I used in my RB67 140mm which is quite close to 85mm, in Nikon I used the older 85/1.8, but my main lens is still 50mm in full frame/35mm. Take care.

[@spikeboydell]

Thoughtful video Martin. I love my 85 EF L 1.4 on my 1DX2. It makes for the most striking ‘people in place’ imagery. I love it for video too, but with the 1.36 crop at 4K it can be harder to work with but always worth the effort.

[@Reviews4fun1]

85 is magic and it’s unique. Like you said, most average phone snapshots are in the 24-28mm range but the telephoto give you a more unique look that most people can’t achieve. I find myself rarely using a 24-35mm range these days unless I’m indoors.

[@joopruck924]

I bought the Canon 85mm f/1.8 recently and I'm very pleased with it. I almost never use the lens wide open, because, as a portrait photographer, I want both eyes in focus. And you're right about the background: you have to be careful, but what you'll get is amazing!

[@bartlevenson7851]

Very well considered!. I've always had an excellent 85 f 2.0, but i just obtained an 85mm f 1.4 Rokinon a couple days ago. Not to heavy, feels and looks good on the camera. I will try it like you suggested on subjects further away and include enough background that is soft, but not completely blown out.

[@oldguy1030]

The insights are much appreciated as I very recently got a 50mm lens and have not yet done anything with it. The thinking is helpful, however, as the lens is the Canon 50mm F/1.8 RF-mount which will be used with the Canon R7 which is an APS-C camera so it will be operating as an 80mm lens which is close to the 85mm you talk about. Mostly plan to use it for photographing my 2.5 y/o granddaughter and I think it will work well for that.