If you ask photographers what an 85mm lens is made for, the answer is almost always: portraits. But what happens when you unleash this focal length on completely different subjects? Our partners tested the Rollei 85mm F/1.8 in areas for which it wasn't "actually" designed – and proved that a good lens is defined by its ability to adapt.
Robin Bellmann tested the lens in nature: "Actually a perfect portrait lens – but I was out capturing the autumnal morning atmosphere. Soft light, calm colors and that special moment when the day is just beginning."
The 85mm focal length isolates individual details – a spiderweb in the morning dew, a leaf backlit by the sun, the texture of tree bark – without the background being distracting. At f/1.8, grasses and leaves become impressionistic patches of color that flatter the subject.
Phillip Kirchhof : " The Rollei 85mm F/1.8 transforms every subject into a small work of art. Thanks to its wide aperture, it creates a soft, creamy bokeh that bathes backgrounds in dreamy patches of color. Whether it's the first blossoms of the Lüneburg Heath or delicate grasses in the evening light – this lens reveals the fairytale beauty of nature."
A 24mm wide-angle lens would show everything – with all its distractions. An 85mm lens at f/1.8 tells the story of a single moment.
Martin Wischeropp tested under extreme conditions: "Selke Valley in the rain. Muddy path, fine rain, no dramatic light, but so much atmosphere. That's exactly where a good lens shows what it can do."
His verdict: "STM autofocus – quiet, fast, pinpoint accurate. HFT-X coating – no flares even in drizzle. And the look? Not a smoothed-over standard, but real depth and texture. This isn't a lens that just works. It inspires. And it loves bad weather almost as much as I do."
Animal photography shares many requirements with portrait photography: the right working distance, perfect isolation in "messy" environments, flattering proportions and light intensity for indoor shots.
Julia Rosenbauer : "Perfect for portraits AND dog photography – with dreamy bokeh, crisp sharpness and great light intensity."
Stefanie Kalendruschat tested it extensively – even with action shots: "After five shoots, I can say: this lens is a real highlight. I am particularly fascinated by the dreamy bokeh. The sharpness is impressive and the colors appear vibrant, yet natural."
The beach test in backlight: "We drove to the beach specifically for sunset and tested the lens in backlight – perfect performance here too. It is lightweight, precise and has impressive sharpness."
Their assessment: " The 85mm is primarily a portrait lens – but it's all the more impressive that it also performed so confidently in action shots. That speaks to its quality and versatility!"
Conclusion
The Rollei 85 mm F/1.8 can create dreamlike portraits, capture atmospheric nature shots, create emotional animal portraits, master action shots and cope with outdoor missions in the rain.
The question is not: "What is it made for?" The question is: "What can I do with it?" The answer lies in your creativity and your willingness to use a tool differently than intended.