{"id":16415,"date":"2024-09-09T10:57:36","date_gmt":"2024-09-09T10:57:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.mcfade.co.uk\/blog\/?p=16415"},"modified":"2026-03-26T21:21:17","modified_gmt":"2026-03-26T21:21:17","slug":"unlocking-the-magic-of-the-85mm-prime-lens-in-street-photography","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.mcfade.co.uk\/blog\/unlocking-the-magic-of-the-85mm-prime-lens-in-street-photography\/%20","title":{"rendered":"Unlocking the Magic of the 85mm Prime Lens in Street Photography"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Mastering Street Photography with the 85mm Prime Lens: A Guide to Using the 85mm Lens for Stunning Shots<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
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Direct answer:<\/strong> An 85mm prime lens can work brilliantly for street photography when you want a bit of distance, strong subject separation, and clean framing in busy scenes. In this guide, the Canon 85mm f\/1.8 paired with a Canon R5 is used around Leeds, West Yorkshire, to show how the lens handles candid moments, low light, background blur, and simple post-processing in Lightroom and Photoshop with Dehancer.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

\"Street<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Street photography is a cracking way to spend an afternoon with your camera, learning new skills and paying proper attention to the world around you. In this guide, we\u2019ll look at how the Canon 85mm f\/1.8 lens<\/strong> and the Canon R5<\/strong> make a strong pairing for street photography. All the photos here were taken in Leeds, West Yorkshire<\/strong>, which gives you plenty of character, texture, and off-kilter little moments to work with.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ade McFade, CAA Licensed Pilot & Commercial Photographer<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Street<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The 85mm prime lens<\/a><\/strong> is compact, sharp, and very good at pulling attention onto one subject, which makes it a solid choice for street work. Whether you\u2019re photographing busy<\/a> markets or quieter back streets, it helps you make clear, detailed images. We\u2019ll cover why the 85mm focal length<\/strong> works well for street photography<\/a>, how straightforward the edits are in Lightroom<\/strong>, and how to build a vintage film look with Dehancer<\/strong> in Photoshop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why Choose an 85mm Lens for Street Photography?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Portrait-style<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

When it comes to street photography<\/a>, the lens you choose changes the whole feel of the job. Most people start with 35mm or 50mm, and fair enough, but an 85mm lens<\/strong> gives you a very different way of working. The point here is that it lets you stay back a touch and still pick out candid moments without climbing right into someone\u2019s personal space.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Candid<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Here\u2019s why the Canon 85mm f\/1.8<\/strong> works so well for street photography<\/a>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n