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.
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 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.
@@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)
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.
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)
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.
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
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 !
I use a fuji 90 f/2... and its my favorite lens. I was so used to wide lenses and tried to replicate what the human eye sees... but after using the 90 (135 ff eqv.) Im obsessed.
Question: I also have a Fuji camera(XT-3) but don't have the budget for the 90mm or the 56mm. So, I've been wondering if the 50 f2 will come close being more like 75mm FF. Do you have any thoughts about that?
@@charliejg the 50mm f/2 is a great option, you are right it will give you 75mm equivalent. But honestly, if you dont need it NOW, keep saving up for the 56mm . And dont be afraid to buy used! I do all the time.
You should try TTArtisan 50mm F0.95 with a Techart adapter. 50mm is much more versatile and easier to use than 85mm. Autofocus even at 0.95 is surprisingly reliable and you can pretty much wipe out the background if desired. This is my go to combination when I go for a night street photography and love the photos this combo creates.
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!
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)
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.
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 :))
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.
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.
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?
Imo the "holy trinity of lenses" the 15 - 35, 25 - 70 and 70 to 200 lense range is amazing, but I reckon the holy trinity or prime leses is the 35mm, 50mm and the 85mm. These are the 6 lenses I have for my kit. My only difference is the 25 to 70 is a 25 to 100 f4 as I'm not a pro photographer and can't justify the cost of the more expensive 25 to 70s in the Canon range. I just need to add a 16mm, a 24mm and a 100mm macro prime lense to really round out my kit nicely for what I do. That being said I have been shooting a lot with my 85mm lense at the moment and loving it.
Just learned this more recently: the concept of "equivalent focal length" between sensor sizes like APSC and FF for example, only refers to the field of view. The focal length of your lense doesn't change respective of your sensor size: an 85mm lens has a focal length of 85mm regardless of if you put it on an APSC sensor or a FF sensor. The equivalent bit is just the angle of view: 55 mm APSC is exactly the same angle of view as if you did a 1.6x (canon) crop on a FF 55mm lens. It is exactly the same angle of view you would get if you had an 85mm lens on a FF sensor. However: things like aperture diameter , bokeh quality, and anything else directly effected by focal length: those will stay the same regardless of sensor size. For my money: that means on APSC, an 85mm lens is still better for portraits than a 55mm
I’m amazed I’m writing this. I do street photo And live between 35 & 50mm. When going to a demonstration or parade I will use a 28mm lens. I just purchased a Sony A7C because I couldn’t acquire a Fuji X100V/VI. I just bought an 85/1.8 lens. I don’t really know what is going on here. I’ve watched a couple of UA-cam videos that argued that the 85mm lens can be used for street photography. I will see. I will try doing street portraits. I will try taking photographs from a further distance from my subjects. Yes, as you suggest, I don’t have to get close to my subjects. Quite the contrary, I can’t get close to my subjects due to the focal length. I will experiment and see how using this focal length works out. I selected the 85/1.8 for three reasons. It is small and lightweight. This lens is at the limits for this small body. Finally, it is cheaper than the f1.4. This experiment is a radical departure in focal length for me. I don’t know if I’ll enjoy using this focal length. As a result, I want to limit my exposure to losing money if I decide to sell it. There is a street carnival this weekend so I will have an opportunity to play with this lens. Mask On Nurse Marty (Ret)
Back in 1969, the 85mm f/1.8 Nikkor was the second lens I purchased for my Nikon F full-frame film camera. The 35mm was the first lens purchased. While shooting for a newspaper, I use the 85 in the following kit: 35mm f/2 85mm f/1.8 180mm f/2.8 Later, I upgraded to 35mm f/1.4 and 85mm f/1.4 prime lenses. In addition to the 85mm on full-frame, I have also used the following: 90mm f/2 on Leica rangefinders 90mm f/2.8 on Contax rangefinders 56mm f/1.2 on Fuji APS-C mirrorless digital 45mm f/1.8 on micro 4/3 mirrorless digital 180mm f/4.5 on 6x6 and 6x7cm medium format film cameras
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?
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.
love the Sigma 35 1.4 Art and the Sony 85 1.8 for my street photography and portraits and both are lightweight enough to carry around and work with them all day long while my 85mm 1.4 GM stayed at home mostly and I did not see the point to keep it so I sold it. The best camera and lens is the one you've got with you. And the difference between the 1.8 Sony 85 mm and the 1.4 Sony GM is not that huge from my perspective. I thought about the Sigma too because I love the 35mm 1.4 Sigma Art but the 85 mm 1.4 I did not fancy so I keep the Sony 1.8 for now and mostly it does it's job!
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 !!
I stumbled on 75mm via the Rokinon small but mighty rage. On my A7RIII it's jacket pocketable and just works so well for cars and trains. Every other lens feels wrong now.
Funny thing: in the suggestions on the right, a video's title reads "Why 85mm is RUINING your Street Photography" XD But nice vid' anyway, makes me want to try street photography with 85mm, probably with a sigma 1.4 but I'm also curious about the cheap yongnuo that ranks 3rd on Dxomark.
Well.. "When You're Right ~>You're Right".. Regardless of Whether You're in the Studio with (whatever kinda' Artificial Light.. Or On Location at some Corp / Industrial Fun-Time Deal (and Specially Those 'People Shots' (when It imperative to give even the 'Dryest Stick in the Mud'.. a Real, Actually-Human 'Personality'.. A Quality 85mm Glass on a 35 can Literally Make You Better Than You Are!!.. (Err, Better Than I Am!?!).... Good Series of Informative (& No-BS) Vids.. Thanks.. (You're Helping Me Inspire a Young 'Natural' Talent.. Good Work!!..
I’m thinking of getting the tamron 35-150 but then again primes attract me. So confused I honestly dont know what to do. I have a 35 1.4 now thinking about getting the 85 but the tamron will cover even more 😣
It really depends on what you shoot and how you shoot, it's a heavy do-it-all lens with great IQ. The 35-150 is great for fast-paced outdoor events where you're constantly moving around and switching scenes, swapping lenses would be less than ideal, while fast primes such as 50/1.2, 85/1.4, 135/1.8 gives much better subject separation for environmental portraits and better low light performance (e.g. 25600 ISO@f2.8 vs. 6400@f1.4 makes a huge difference)
I dove into photography with an 85 mm 1.4 and every time I use it I just love how the photos turn out, Definitely the lens I keep on my body majority of the time.
My 85mm was actually my 7th lens. I did buy a 24-70mm and 70-200mm to start with because of their versatility. 85mm was on my list just not at the top. I bought a 40mm for street photography. I may not even buy the 50mm.
Thanks for preaching the gospel of 85mm Pat! I purchased an 85mm GM as my second prime and quickly ended up falling in love. I’ve rarely touched my 24mm GM since getting it, but still use it on occasion each time longing for the reach and compression of the 85. Very cool to know you often use 85mm for street photography, I don’t know why but I would have never guessed that.
Pat Key... my love, thank you for your wonderful vids! I am a newbie at this... with a Canon m50, and a few lenses in my bag. Do you've a vid on what would be in your bag if the M-50 was what you had? Thanks! JoseTheVegan on UA-cam
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.
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.
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!
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 :)
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.
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.
@@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.
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.
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 :)
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)
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.
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.
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.
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.
I hate the term compression it's just completely confusing and wrong... What changes is your perspective and the magnification. For a similar framing, you have to stand back further. The trusty 85mm at f/1.8 or f/1.4 has a huge aperture between a f/2.8 and a f/4 70-200 which for me makes it really useful in failing light - which is some of the best kind of light! It's a LANDSCAPE LENS!!! Really - give that a try!
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. 👍🏽
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.
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)
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.
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)
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.
I picked that lens up for less than $350 and its amazing for the price
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.
Have you tried 90mm f2
@@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.
@@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)
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.
love the 85mm focal length, and would really like to hear you expand more on that 35mm street photography digression you had!
Professor Hines has a video on using the 85mm lens for street photography.
Mask On Nurse Marty (Ret)
My Sony FE85mm f1.8 gets used the most for sure. That compression is just chef's kiss for me.
wake up, Pat Kay dropped another video
😂 mvp mate!
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 :)
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)
I really love my Viltrox 85mm 1.8. It's cheap, light and gives great results. Great video, love your work! Thank you!
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.
thank you for the recommendation
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
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 !
I use a fuji 90 f/2... and its my favorite lens. I was so used to wide lenses and tried to replicate what the human eye sees... but after using the 90 (135 ff eqv.) Im obsessed.
Question: I also have a Fuji camera(XT-3) but don't have the budget for the 90mm or the 56mm. So, I've been wondering if the 50 f2 will come close being more like 75mm FF. Do you have any thoughts about that?
@@charliejg the 50mm f/2 is a great option, you are right it will give you 75mm equivalent. But honestly, if you dont need it NOW, keep saving up for the 56mm . And dont be afraid to buy used! I do all the time.
@@bonedyone Thanks!
You should try TTArtisan 50mm F0.95 with a Techart adapter. 50mm is much more versatile and easier to use than 85mm. Autofocus even at 0.95 is surprisingly reliable and you can pretty much wipe out the background if desired. This is my go to combination when I go for a night street photography and love the photos this combo creates.
I thought about getting an 85mm many times but I have a 105 Macro and it can double as a portrait lens and do the same job
Beautiful aesthetic and great eye for photography.
I started with 24-105 and 85... Best decision ever... It rly helped me thinj real harder and the results are real sweet
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!
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)
Man your ending sentence always touches me ! Thank you for your work man.
I love my 85mm 1.8 for landscape photography! I’ve taken some of my favorite landscape shots with it.
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.
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 :))
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.
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.
My two lenses to go are the 85 and the 35mm. I photographed the London fashion and I'm glad I had the 35mm
I LOVE my Sigma 85mm 1.4 DG DN. Much improved over the adapted HSM version.
Love this style of video! A deep dive into the 16-35 would be really cool!
the 85mm is my favorite lens, the first one I bought for the reasons you said. its a beautiful lens
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?
I was just looking at the photographs.. such beautiful composition ❤
Great video!! I have a 35mm GM but 85mm will be my next!
Are we taking full frame or apsc cameras?
I always bite the bullet and bring the 85mm f/1.4 for all the reasons you mentioned. Love your videos.
Imo the "holy trinity of lenses" the 15 - 35, 25 - 70 and 70 to 200 lense range is amazing, but I reckon the holy trinity or prime leses is the 35mm, 50mm and the 85mm. These are the 6 lenses I have for my kit. My only difference is the 25 to 70 is a 25 to 100 f4 as I'm not a pro photographer and can't justify the cost of the more expensive 25 to 70s in the Canon range.
I just need to add a 16mm, a 24mm and a 100mm macro prime lense to really round out my kit nicely for what I do. That being said I have been shooting a lot with my 85mm lense at the moment and loving it.
Just learned this more recently: the concept of "equivalent focal length" between sensor sizes like APSC and FF for example, only refers to the field of view. The focal length of your lense doesn't change respective of your sensor size: an 85mm lens has a focal length of 85mm regardless of if you put it on an APSC sensor or a FF sensor. The equivalent bit is just the angle of view: 55 mm APSC is exactly the same angle of view as if you did a 1.6x (canon) crop on a FF 55mm lens. It is exactly the same angle of view you would get if you had an 85mm lens on a FF sensor.
However: things like aperture diameter , bokeh quality, and anything else directly effected by focal length: those will stay the same regardless of sensor size. For my money: that means on APSC, an 85mm lens is still better for portraits than a 55mm
I’m amazed I’m writing this.
I do street photo And live between 35 & 50mm. When going to a demonstration or parade I will use a 28mm lens. I just purchased a Sony A7C because I couldn’t acquire a Fuji X100V/VI. I just bought an 85/1.8 lens.
I don’t really know what is going on here. I’ve watched a couple of UA-cam videos that argued that the 85mm lens can be used for street photography. I will see. I will try doing street portraits. I will try taking photographs from a further distance from my subjects. Yes, as you suggest, I don’t have to get close to my subjects. Quite the contrary, I can’t get close to my subjects due to the focal length. I will experiment and see how using this focal length works out.
I selected the 85/1.8 for three reasons. It is small and lightweight. This lens is at the limits for this small body. Finally, it is cheaper than the f1.4. This experiment is a radical departure in focal length for me. I don’t know if I’ll enjoy using this focal length. As a result, I want to limit my exposure to losing money if I decide to sell it. There is a street carnival this weekend so I will have an opportunity to play with this lens.
Mask On Nurse Marty (Ret)
Just bought an 85mm prime for myself ..what timming...thank you for the vid
I am so happy! Such a treat watching and learning from you!
thanks for watching :)
Back in 1969, the 85mm f/1.8 Nikkor was the second lens I purchased for my Nikon F full-frame film camera. The 35mm was the first lens purchased.
While shooting for a newspaper, I use the 85 in the following kit:
35mm f/2
85mm f/1.8
180mm f/2.8
Later, I upgraded to 35mm f/1.4 and 85mm f/1.4 prime lenses.
In addition to the 85mm on full-frame, I have also used the following:
90mm f/2 on Leica rangefinders
90mm f/2.8 on Contax rangefinders
56mm f/1.2 on Fuji APS-C mirrorless digital
45mm f/1.8 on micro 4/3 mirrorless digital
180mm f/4.5 on 6x6 and 6x7cm medium format film cameras
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?
I completely agree - and love my much more modest 85mm f/1.8 (also by Sony)
Another great point of view from a great photographer.
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.
Aaaaaaand I've just ordered a 85mm equivalent manual vintage lens. 😂
85mm f1.4 is just pure gold. i love mine :)
Great video! I'm very happy with my Tamron 85mm 1.8 Great compression and bokeh! Quickly becoming my go-to...
Stunning photo at 01:39! i had to stop and admire it. at what f-stop did you shoot it?
love the Sigma 35 1.4 Art and the Sony 85 1.8 for my street photography and portraits and both are lightweight enough to carry around and work with them all day long while my 85mm 1.4 GM stayed at home mostly and I did not see the point to keep it so I sold it. The best camera and lens is the one you've got with you. And the difference between the 1.8 Sony 85 mm and the 1.4 Sony GM is not that huge from my perspective. I thought about the Sigma too because I love the 35mm 1.4 Sigma Art but the 85 mm 1.4 I did not fancy so I keep the Sony 1.8 for now and mostly it does it's job!
85mm is a great lens to have more so for portraits!
I phucking love the 85mm its my absolute favorite
I love the 85mm GM but as well as the 50mmf1.0 and the 56mm F1.2 from Fuji. Street, Portraits, all..
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 !!
Cool. Please do for 50mm
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 ?
I love the 85 focal length and really want a prime for it. In the meantime I use my 70-180 f2.8
it's great! especially as an auxiliary lens if you've already got the range covered :)
I have the Sony 85MM GM lens and it focus hunts like crazy. Do you think I got a Bad copy?
for me, the best lens ever for bokeh and compression, is the Sony 135 GM. 1.8 ......no other lens can render this magic !!!
I stumbled on 75mm via the Rokinon small but mighty rage. On my A7RIII it's jacket pocketable and just works so well for cars and trains. Every other lens feels wrong now.
ergonomically how do you find the body of the sony ?
Is setting your zoom (70 to 300) at 85 the same as using an actual 85?
85mm primes are also amazing for video and b-roll!
This video gave me some ideas on my next photography tip. Just shoot specific pictures in an event rather than try to cover every movement.
Nice Len
Funny thing: in the suggestions on the right, a video's title reads "Why 85mm is RUINING your Street Photography" XD But nice vid' anyway, makes me want to try street photography with 85mm, probably with a sigma 1.4 but I'm also curious about the cheap yongnuo that ranks 3rd on Dxomark.
Well.. "When You're Right ~>You're Right".. Regardless of Whether You're in the Studio with (whatever kinda' Artificial Light.. Or On Location at some Corp / Industrial Fun-Time Deal (and Specially Those 'People Shots' (when It imperative to give even the 'Dryest Stick in the Mud'.. a Real, Actually-Human 'Personality'.. A Quality 85mm Glass on a 35 can Literally Make You Better Than You Are!!.. (Err, Better Than I Am!?!)....
Good Series of Informative (& No-BS) Vids.. Thanks..
(You're Helping Me Inspire a Young 'Natural' Talent..
Good Work!!..
A lot of truth you speak! Great job
does 85mm works on food photography?
Sold
I’m thinking of getting the tamron 35-150 but then again primes attract me. So confused I honestly dont know what to do. I have a 35 1.4 now thinking about getting the 85 but the tamron will cover even more 😣
You wont know until you try ;) Go to some local camera shop and try it out for yourself
It really depends on what you shoot and how you shoot, it's a heavy do-it-all lens with great IQ. The 35-150 is great for fast-paced outdoor events where you're constantly moving around and switching scenes, swapping lenses would be less than ideal, while fast primes such as 50/1.2, 85/1.4, 135/1.8 gives much better subject separation for environmental portraits and better low light performance (e.g. 25600 ISO@f2.8 vs. 6400@f1.4 makes a huge difference)
@@kanaheiusagi makes sense! Thank you so much
I dove into photography with an 85 mm 1.4 and every time I use it I just love how the photos turn out, Definitely the lens I keep on my body majority of the time.
85mm GM ❤️
If I have a 50mm lens would anyone still recommend I get an 85mm?
If you haven’t already, can you don’t a video on the 35mm G Master?
My 85mm was actually my 7th lens. I did buy a 24-70mm and 70-200mm to start with because of their versatility. 85mm was on my list just not at the top. I bought a 40mm for street photography. I may not even buy the 50mm.
Thanks for preaching the gospel of 85mm Pat! I purchased an 85mm GM as my second prime and quickly ended up falling in love. I’ve rarely touched my 24mm GM since getting it, but still use it on occasion each time longing for the reach and compression of the 85.
Very cool to know you often use 85mm for street photography, I don’t know why but I would have never guessed that.
Waits what? The yongnuo 85mm it’s better that 1.4 GM 85mm?
Me accidentally bought a 50mm on a apcs and having phenomenal pictures:
well no shit dawg
Oh god just take my money
85mm is my bread and butter.
Pat Key... my love, thank you for your wonderful vids!
I am a newbie at this... with a Canon m50, and a few lenses in my bag. Do you've a vid on what would be in your bag if the M-50 was what you had?
Thanks!
JoseTheVegan on UA-cam
It's a great lens but pales a bit compared to the Nikon 85mm f1.2 S
I just got an 85MM lens recently and have not taken it off yet… i stopped watching porn just to watch the 85MM lens
Car photography with 85... Mmmm
I feel the same way about my canon 135mm f2 and use it even for indoor sports like gymnastics .
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.
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.
Interesting
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
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.
Same on my M6ii. Favourite lens. Razor sharp open wide, fast and looks pretty neat on my camera.
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!
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 :)
How do these lenses do in video?
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
85MM F1.2 🤙🏽🤙🏽🤙🏽
@@olwanziro they’re good! Depends what kind of lens brand you getting
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.
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.
@@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.
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.
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 :)
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!
Well obviously don't use it for food photography! Use a 50mm or wider for food.
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)
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.
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.
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.
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.
I hate the term compression it's just completely confusing and wrong... What changes is your perspective and the magnification. For a similar framing, you have to stand back further. The trusty 85mm at f/1.8 or f/1.4 has a huge aperture between a f/2.8 and a f/4 70-200 which for me makes it really useful in failing light - which is some of the best kind of light!
It's a LANDSCAPE LENS!!! Really - give that a try!
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. 👍🏽
What's a focal length that you'd like me to make a video on next?
24mm for sure!!!
35mm
24mm please
135mm f1.8 does magic for environmental pet portrait
Great video! 135mm next please! So many videos on youtube about 24, 35, 50mm already
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.
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)
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.
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.
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)
calling the sony 85mm small or compact is certifiably insane