The 85mm focal length bridges the gap between standard and telephoto lenses. In addition, the effect of compressed perspective typical of telephoto lenses is at its minimum with the 85mm lens. Distortion of the image isn't a factor even when you use an extreme camera angle with the 85mm lens, making it a good choice for shooting portraits at a reasonably distance where the subject would not feel too nervous when the photographer starts the session. Image magnification and large maximum aperture make focusing the 85mm short telephoto quick and accurate. Many would believe Malaysian Prime Minister, Dr. Mahathir Mohamad had sincerely meant to thank Al Gore, after the US Vice President's inappropriate remarks during the previous night's dinner hosted by the former due to his ignorance of local politics during the 1998 APEC summit held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Many photographers choose it for portraiture.
Because the slight distant provides with its extended focal length lessen the effect of distortion over facial features. Because of its very slight flattening of perspective, telephoto lenses tends to reproduce facial features in a natural way. The result is a technically more pleasing portrait that is more likely to reflect the personality of the subject. The nature of the 85mm lenses, while avoiding both extreme compressive effects and perspective, can emphasize and isolate the details in action shots or any given particular scene. But the 85mm focal length still has other scopes of applications.