Why I Ditched 85mm Lenses for Street Photography

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[@IliasKoureas]

Correction : I have used the 85mm TWICE for street photography during 2023 and i liked 4 images lol

[@KibbitUpIt]

Interesting point. I usually just stick to the 50mm focal view. It's versatile enough for almost all usage

[@IliasKoureas]

I'm more of a 35mm guy haha (full frame equivalent)

[@irenec2252]

Thank you. I’m going on a street photo walk with a group this weekend. I’m taking the 35mm on an apsc camera.

[@IliasKoureas]

That's an awesome focal length, personally I would also pack something more wide for backup 💪

[@justo_photography]

This is hilarious because I picked up the 85 mm equivalent for apsc format to do street photography lol. It wasn’t going to be the only lens I used but definitely one I’m going to utilize. However, I think you made a good point about just not shooting everything because the lens makes it look good. Look for something that stands out or tells a story. Well I mean you can still shoot everything/everyone I guess but only a few of those will be truly meaningful to an outside audience.

[@IliasKoureas]

Damn that's what I call perfect timing 😂 I'm glad you got the point of the video. My feed is filled with mediocre random street portraits with absolutely no meaning, no feeling, nothing. Empty bad 85mm photographs. Feel free to tag me or send me a DM about your new 85mm street photography, would love to see what you come up with!

[@hamtechoutdoor]

I do actually use 50mm 90% of the time and 85mm 10% for my Street Photography both on aps-c sensor. I like the capability to isolate subjects away from the surroundings.

[@IliasKoureas]

I also love the capability os isolating subjects , but im tired of people overusing it on non interesting subjects.

[@joydeeplifts1015]

Should I go for viltrox 85mm 1.8 for my z50 or nikkor z 85 1.8

[@IliasKoureas]

None of the two. The viltrox 75mm 1.2 is the better lens. But if you don't want the 75mm it all depends on your budget. If you can afford the Nikon go for it. It's slightly sharper

[@VangelisMatosMedina]

You are talking about 85mm on apsc (128mm) or 85mm on FF?

[@IliasKoureas]

Both apsc and full frame.

[@maisondegellert]

Normally I would write you a DM on IG but I think it is better for the algo's to make comments here so here we have one. :D I know that some streets of Athens are not the best but it is a good reason why they should be photographed. Speaking of my own experience when I came to Greece I was shocked. Dirty streets, ruined buildings, drug addicted people. The real experience was much different than we (people from the central Europe) have in art/history books. I think when someone say's Greece, people start to imagine Santorini, Mykonos etc. all those pretty and popular places. but the reality is a bit different. I don't want to sound it bad (because it is not) but I think, all these not so perfect things are also worthy to be captured.

[@IliasKoureas]

100% correct my friend. That's the reality of Greece. It's nice for someone that hasn't experienced something like that to make photographs. But if you do it for many years you get tired of it 🤣 That being said I find myself falling in love again with the streets of this city just by photographing in a more abstract way (reflections etc).

[@paulm8157]

Lots to chew on in your thought-provoking, well illustrated vid, Ilias. Agree, using 85 (or other gear) as mindless point-and shoot device is not good for creative, artful, or interesting images. As you smartly pointed out, story-telling, composition, and lighting all matter - w/focal length of lens being just one tool in your kit. IMO, a lens should fit within your preferred naked eye photographic field of view - some prefer wider, some more narrow, if that makes sense. Having the same look, feel, and quality is not necessarily a bad thing when other aspects of images (like story telling) apply. The banger to boring ratio can disappoint w/any lens, just the luck of the day. Old adage “If you want people to think you are a good photographer, don’t show your bad photos.” With practice and a keen eye, I’m sure you can find lots of great photos in the “chaos” of Athens - good challenge for you. (Perhaps a great video, as well.) Even “bad” architecture can have super character. Keep an open mind, heart, and eye. “Random beautiful lady” can be striking model; don’t knock it.😊 85mm on APS-C has the same field of view as a 127.5mm on full frame - so the effect is greater. A 56mm on an aps-c will show the same field of view as an 85mm on a full frame camera. Cheers!

[@IliasKoureas]

Very well said Paul! I think I got pressured because I was trying to create good images every time I went out due to trying to create for social media. I also fell in the trap of chasing the "bokeh shots" because people liked them instead of creating interesting and unique compositions like the ones I showcased in this video. I think I'll give it a go again now that I have a clear mind on how I want to use this focal length. Btw I'm not bashing the photographs of the random ladies haha. I just don't that it's street photography since they do a portrait session 😅

[@persona3244]

In that way pics look like could be taken anywhere.