When it comes to portrait photography, the lens you choose can make all the difference. Many professional photographers consider the 85mm 1.2 lens to be the gold standard. It delivers sharp, detailed images with beautiful background blur that makes subjects stand out. This lens is not just a tool—it’s an essential part of any portrait photographer’s kit. In this article, we’ll explore five reasons why the 85mm 1.2 lens truly is a portrait photographer’s dream.
1. Incredible Bokeh for Stunning Backgrounds
One of the defining features of the 85mm 1.2 lens is its ability to create creamy, soft bokeh. Bokeh refers to the aesthetic quality of the out-of-focus areas in a photo, and the 85mm 1.2 lens delivers some of the best in the business. This lens creates a beautiful separation between the subject and the background, drawing all attention to the subject’s face while blurring out distracting elements.
The f/1.2 aperture allows for extremely shallow depth of field, which is perfect for portrait photography. Whether you’re shooting in a busy urban setting or a natural environment, the 85mm 1.2 lens ensures that the background fades away into smooth, dreamy bokeh, enhancing the overall aesthetic of your portrait.
Tip: To make the most of the 85mm 1.2 lens’s bokeh capabilities, position your subject away from the background and use a wide-open aperture to blur the scene behind them.
2. Perfect Focal Length for Portraits
The 85mm focal length has long been a favorite among portrait photographers. It offers a flattering perspective that doesn’t distort facial features, unlike wider-angle lenses, which can stretch or warp the subject’s face. The 85mm 1.2 lens strikes the perfect balance, allowing you to get close enough to your subject to capture intimate details without making them feel uncomfortable.
This focal length also provides enough distance between you and the subject, which helps them relax and act naturally. Whether you’re shooting headshots or full-body portraits, the 85mm 1.2 lens ensures that every image feels natural and authentic.
Tip: Use the 85mm 1.2 lens to create close-up portraits with a sense of depth and intimacy while avoiding distortion common with wider lenses.
3. Superior Low-Light Performance
Shooting in low-light conditions can be challenging for any photographer, but the 85mm 1.2 lens excels in these situations. Thanks to its large f/1.2 aperture, this lens lets in more light than many other portrait lenses, making it ideal for indoor or evening photo shoots.
With the ability to open the aperture wide, you can maintain fast shutter speeds even in dim lighting, reducing the risk of motion blur. This also allows for shooting at lower ISO settings, which keeps noise to a minimum and ensures your images stay sharp and clean, even in less-than-ideal lighting conditions.
Tip: Use the wide aperture of the 85mm 1.2 lens to capture stunning portraits in low-light environments, such as golden hour or indoor settings, without sacrificing image quality.
4. Unmatched Sharpness and Detail
The 85mm 1.2 lens is known for its exceptional sharpness, even when shooting wide open at f/1.2. This means you can capture the finest details of your subject’s face, from individual eyelashes to the subtle texture of their skin. The lens’s precision and optical clarity allow for strikingly detailed portraits that stand out in any portfolio.
The lens also performs exceptionally well when stopped down slightly, offering superb sharpness across the frame. Whether you’re taking high-resolution headshots or full-body portraits, the 85mm 1.2 lens delivers consistent image quality with minimal chromatic aberration or distortion.
Tip: For maximum sharpness, shoot at f/2.0 or f/2.8 if you need a bit more depth of field without sacrificing image quality.
5. Professional Build and Durability
In addition to its impressive optical performance, the 85mm 1.2 lens boasts a solid and durable build. Designed with professional photographers in mind, this lens can withstand the rigors of constant use. Its robust construction makes it a reliable choice for outdoor photo shoots, studio sessions, or any situation where you need dependable equipment.
Despite its durability, the lens remains lightweight enough for easy handling during long portrait sessions. The smooth manual focus ring also allows for precise adjustments, giving you complete control over focus when needed, particularly for creative or stylized shots.
Tip: Invest in an 85mm 1.2 lens not only for its optical excellence but also for its long-term reliability and professional-grade build.
Conclusion
The 85mm 1.2 lens is a dream come true for portrait photographers who demand the best in image quality, bokeh, and versatility. Whether you’re shooting in low light, capturing intricate details, or creating stunningly smooth background blur, this lens delivers. Its perfect focal length, combined with exceptional sharpness and durability, makes it a must-have tool in any photographer’s arsenal.
At Shari Photography, we understand the importance of having the right gear to bring out the best in your portraits. If you’re ready to take your photography to the next level, the 85mm 1.2 lens is a game-changer. Contact us today to learn more about how we use this lens to create beautiful, professional portraits for our clients in St. Louis and beyond.
