Do 85mm Lens Work Up Close

Do 85mm Lenses Work Up Close? Macro Capabilities and Close-Focus Performance

The 85mm lens, a popular choice for portrait photography, often sparks the question: Can an 85mm lens get close enough for detailed shots? The short answer is yes, but it depends on the specific lens and what you define as "up close." This article dives deep into the close-focus capabilities of 85mm lenses, exploring their limitations and potential, and how to maximize their close-up performance.

While not typically classified as macro lenses (which generally offer a 1:1 magnification ratio), many 85mm lenses offer surprisingly good close-focus distances. This makes them versatile options for more than just portraits, allowing for compelling close-ups of flowers, textures, and even product shots. Understanding the minimum focusing distance (MFD) is key. This specification, usually found in the lens's specifications, tells you the closest distance the lens can focus.

Understanding Minimum Focusing Distance (MFD)

The MFD is crucial when considering close-focus photography with an 85mm lens. A lower MFD means you can get closer to your subject. However, even with a relatively low MFD, an 85mm lens won't achieve the extreme magnification of a true macro lens. You won't be able to capture images with a 1:1 magnification ratio showing the subject at its actual size on the sensor.

Magnification and Perspective

While not macro, the perspective compression characteristic of longer focal lengths like 85mm can create a pleasing shallow depth of field even at relatively close distances. This "bokeh" effect isolates the subject and draws the viewer's eye, which is beneficial for close-up photography. However, the lack of extreme magnification means you might need to crop your images more to achieve similar detail levels compared to dedicated macro lenses. This is a trade-off you should consider.

Techniques for Maximizing Close-Focus Performance with an 85mm Lens

• Utilize Extension Tubes: Extension tubes are hollow tubes placed between the camera body and the lens. They increase the distance between the lens elements and the sensor, allowing for closer focusing. However, this comes at the cost of reduced maximum aperture, leading to potentially slower shutter speeds and a need for more light.

• Close-Up Filters (Diopters): Close-up filters, also known as diopters, are additional lenses that screw onto the front of your 85mm lens. They increase the magnification power, enabling closer focusing. Similar to extension tubes, using close-up filters might slightly decrease image quality. Choosing high-quality filters is essential to minimize negative impacts on image sharpness.

• Reversed Lens Technique: This advanced technique involves mounting a lens in reverse onto the camera using a special adapter. It allows for significant magnification, but demands precise focusing and often requires additional equipment. Image quality can suffer due to the reversal, so use it carefully.

• Choosing the Right 85mm Lens: Not all 85mm lenses are created equal. Some are designed with a closer minimum focusing distance than others. Researching the MFD of specific 85mm lenses before purchase is highly advisable if close-focus capability is important to you.

Conclusion: Is an 85mm Lens Right for Your Close-Up Needs?

An 85mm lens can indeed work well for close-up shots, but it won't replace a dedicated macro lens. Its strengths lie in its ability to create beautiful, shallow depth of field images with a pleasing perspective compression. However, if extreme magnification is your priority, a dedicated macro lens will be a better investment. If you're looking for versatility and already own an 85mm lens, explore the techniques mentioned above to maximize its close-focus capabilities. Ultimately, the best lens depends on your specific photography goals.