The result counts. One shouldn’t care about rules, if what you’re doing feels right for you. But I have two reasons I prefer wider lenses for street photography: street photography should integrate surroundings. Regarding shyness: I think somehow if we see a picture, we see and feel how close the photographer was and it gives the feeling of being part of the situation. If you’re using a 85mm, the viewer kind of sees the distance between you and your subject. Maybe you should try a GR and get close. In my experience far easier than with your Sony or even the X100. But again: do what feels right for you.❤
The 85mm for me is more of a artistic choice and I love both the wider focal lengths and the tighter. All serve different purposes. The beauty of photography :) 📸
Saul Leiter used the 85mm focal length for his photography. Professor Hines currently prefers this focal length for his street photography. Some people consider using a telephoto length for street photography as creepy. It certainly prevents you from communicating with your subject. I prefer the 35,40 and 50mm focal lengths my favorite. I like that these focal lengths don’t give you compression of the background and makes for a more interesting image. The 28mm focal length is too wide for me. I have to get too close to the subject for my comfort. I also have to be more aware of what is at the edge of the frame. Mask On Nurse Marty (Ret)
Yes 85mm can be great for street photography. I use 14, 21, 24, 35, 55, 65, 85 (sometimes 110 and 135)mm Lenses, either with one Camera and one Lens or with two Cameras with a wide angle Lens on one Camera and a short tele on the other Camera, last time i used 35 + 85mm, it could be any combination, in Göteborg I used 21 + 55mm with great result., my Camera have 61 megapixels, so I can very fast use the APSC mode to crop, in that way with one Camera and one Lens I have "two" focal length and "two" Cameras, with two Camera and two prime Lenses I have "four" focal length and "four" Cameras, great.
I've shot a decent amount of street with an 85mm and it definitely offers a unique perspective. I don't always love it for street photography but I've managed to get some great street shots with an 85mm
Good video. I use 85 all the time for all kinds of stuff, one of my favorites. Just enough to get a little closer, cut unwanted distractions and super sharp.
I bought that as my second lens as well. The first time I used it, after exclusively using the 50 I was amazed by how much I had to step back. It's a neat lens though and I've always been happy with its performance.
Great images! The 85mm allows for a different composition than what the fixed 35 look on the Fuji x100V. BTW would you recommend the Sony A7CR or Fuji XH2 as a primary camera?
For a long time I only did street photography with 31.5mm (21mmn on APS/C), and now, based on your recommendation, I'm going to try out the 55mm 1.8 on full frame. This will take a lot of practice so the 85mm will be another challenge. I will tell you about my experiences in the next few weeks and months.
That Sony FE 85mm f1.8 is surprisingly good. I had one before I upgraded to the Sigma 85mm f1.4 ART and honestly, I did not see a ton of difference. Plus the weight is great.
Thank you for sharing your photos with 85mm. Stunning images! Yes I’ll try 85 mm. When I went through my street photos from the last months I noticed that many of my favourites where at 75mm (I used a zoom on my Nikon). It sounds so fun to experiment with different focal lengths.
@@hipster_cph When I cropp 50 2.5 or 55 1.8 to APS-C mode I get about 75mm. I do not have a 75mm lens. It`s not as tight as 85mm and I have it on when I need it.
I have just been enriched with an 85/1.8 (Viltrox) which I am very much looking forward to using, both for street and portrait. I've used my 105/2.8 before, but it's just long enough for my taste. If I am not successful with it, it is only my own fault, as my camera (Nikon Z8) has a unique focusing system that can handle all the challenges I'll be facing in the street genre. And then I just want to praise your channel, which I just became aware of. And it is only an advantage that your videos are recorded in Copenhagen, which I live quite close to.
Thanks Peter. I’m sure you will come to love the 85mm. It’s my favourite focal length 📸 I’ve been wanted to try out the 105 for a looong time :) Og København er en fantastisk by for os der elsker Street photography 📸
@@hipster_cph I think 105mm is a bit too long for street, 85mm fits much better, or even 50mm, but the 85 suits my shyness better ;-). My 105mm only goes down to f/2.8 (Nikon's macro lens), which gives reasonable bokeh, but the 85mm f/1.8 is somewhat better in that regard.
Fuji has a 3rd party options for shooting street with a (Rokinon/Samyang) 75mm have you tried it. It’s light weight compared with the 85mm. Thank you 😊