Do I need an 85mm lens for portraits, or is this focal length just hyped? We will investigate here whether and how this focal length affects portraits and whether you should invest in it or not.
The magical number of 85 in camera lenses is considered a holy grail for portraits. This number represents the 85mm focal length and is now widely accepted as the best spot to get flattering compression, shallow depth of field, and the ability to beautifully isolate subjects in portraits. Anyone asking “Do I need an 85mm lens?” is surely not aware of whether this focal length is relevant to their work or whether other near focal lengths are better or worse for portraits.
85mm and Compression
Compression in photography means how close a background may appear in the photo when compared to the object. With an 85mm lens, objects in this focal length get a gentle compression, letting the objects look natural and more obvious without distortion.
This doesn't happen directly due to the focal length itself, but it is a result of the shooting distance. The result is a compression of portraits, making the background come closer to objects and flattening facial features.
85mm and Object Isolation
When using such lenses with a full-frame camera body, users get a relatively narrow angle of view approaching around 28.3 degrees, which makes the object in the front look much closer. This makes the photographers stand relatively far away, which can then magnify the background significantly and isolate the object.
Using a camera lens set at f/1.4 or f/1.8 enables photographers to get portraits with creamy background blur, allowing subjects to stand out. This is why many professionals love to use such lenses, especially in events and weddings where background movement is too much and bokeh with clear object isolation is required.
85mm and Sharpness
Camera lenses with such focal lengths are usually designed with specialized lens elements and coatings that can work together to deliver portraits with reduced aberrations and professional-grade edge-to-edge clarity. The result is a portrait rendered with high fidelity in which all facial elements are obvious and pleasant to see.
Do I Need an 85mm Lens for All Portraits?
No, you don’t need an 85mm for every portrait scenario. If you are aiming for portraits to show the environment and background elements in the frame, then selecting much wider focal lengths like 35mm and 50mm is a great choice. They can also introduce a nice balanced bokeh and visible object isolation while retaining the environment in the background.
Having said that, most of the professionals nowadays use the 85mm for traditional headshots and close-up portraits, especially in events and outdoor photography, as it can help objects to look more obvious with a flattering compression and shallow depth of field.
Best 85mm Lens in 2025 for Portraits
There are some fantastic options in the market right now for this focal length. Look for f/1.2 and f/1.4 85mm lenses that deliver top-tier performance and professional-grade results for traditional portraits. One such lens is the SIRUI AURORA 85mm F1.4 lens, which features a super bright f/1.4 aperture and can capture ultra-crisp portraits even in low-light environments. So, if you are someone who shoots in low light, then this lens is for you.
Designed for full-frame camera sensors, the SIRUI Aurora delivers sharpness and color accuracy from edge to edge in portraits with a balance of compression, bokeh, and working distance. The design language of this lens is done both for professionals and enthusiasts alike, with its super sleek and durable materials, making it the most durable lens of 2025 among professionals.
Wrapping Up:
We attempted to answer one of the most commonly asked questions, “Do I need an 85mm lens?” on our platform. The fact is that the best lens for any particular individual depends on their creative goals, shooting style, and available space. If you are into traditional portraits, we recommend opting for the SIRUI AURORA 85mm F1.4 lens to get professional portraits at a budget price.
