 Canon EF 85mm f1.8: the portrait genius
it's easy to forget how good a prime lens is: fast, optically great and affordable. The only quirk? Versatility.
The EF 85mm f1.8 may be a one trick dog, but the trick is good enough. The magic word to set free this glass powers is "portraits." The focal length is perfect for portraits with a full frame camera. With the APS-C size cameras it has a 35mm equiv. of 136mm. In the first case, as we said in our Nifty Fifty article, this is the perfect focal length for portraits.
The 136mm is also good for the same purpose, but you'll got to step back quite a bit. Being a prime, you won't have the adaptability of a zoom, so you will be slightly limited.
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With a maximum aperture of f1.8 this is a very fast lens, and due to the focal length, you got a lot of glass. Although it has no remarkable specifications regarding the type of glass, special coatings, etcetera the optical quality is remarkable. In a full frame camera it is very good with practically no distortion. With APS-C sized cameras it is not only very good, but excellent. It is slightly soft at maximum aperture, but expect to be blown away at f8.0 -although things get nice really quick, even at f2-. This lens is capable of razor sharp images that are just impressive. Although it has no Image Stabilizer mechanism, since it is really fast you can use it in low light indoor venues.
In the Bokeh department this lens excel providing smooth and beautiful background blur, courtesy of the 8 blades system.
The quality built is reasonable. It is not an L lens, but the poly carbonate around the glass is sturdy and very well assembled. The lens mount is made of metal. This lens is sturdy, yet very light considering the overall size. This is not a petit lens, but it's no monster either. |
| Lens: EF 85mm f1.8,
Camera: Canon EOS 5D,
Exposure: 0.001 sec (1/1000),
Aperture: f/1.8 |
The ultra sonic motor is fast, silent and accurate allowing auto focus to work impeccably. You can always override it and go manual. The lens doesn't protrude when focusing, so using a circular polarizing filter is allowed.
The really good news about this portrait genius is the price: $325. The bang-for-the-buck ratio is extremely good considering the excellent optical performance, the reasonably good assembly, the really fast maximum aperture and the efficient and silent ultra sonic motor. As we said, the only quirk is that this is a prime, and it is not as versatile as a zoom. But, at this price, it is a no-brainer for anyone in need of an excellent -yet affordable- portrait lens and an excellent choice for tele photo situations with APS-C size sensor cameras. |
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Canon EOS 5D,
Exposure: 1/200,
Aperture: f/2.8
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An excellent portrait lens with an attractive price tag. |
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MODEL |
Canon EF 85mm USM f/1.8 |
Pertinent info: |
> Focal Length & Maximum Aperture:
85mm 1:1.8
> Lens Construction:
9 elements in 7 groups
> Closest Focusing Distance:
0.85m / 2.8 ft
> Max. Diameter x Length, Weight:
3.0" x 2.8", 15.0 oz. / 75.0 x 71.5mm, 425g |
Ideal for |
Portrait photography and medium tele |
Street Price: |
$325 |
Low cost alternative: |
This is the most affordable 85mm in the Canon line of lenses. |
High cost alternative: |
Canon EF 85mm f1.2 L $1,700 |
Advantages: |
> Very fast f1.8
> Excellent sharpness at f8.0-f11.0
> Virtually distortion free
> It is made of plastic, but very well built
> Optical glass provides excellent color rendition
> Ring-type ultra sonic motor provides fast and silent auto-focus
> Affordable
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Disadvantages: |
> The focal length is fixed (well, it's a prime), thus not incredibly versatile
> You will need to step back a little when photographing portraits with an APS-C sensor camera
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Our emotional opinion: |
For full frame camera owner this is a very good portrait lens at a really nice price. For the APS-C sized sensor camera owners it is a little long, but optical quality improves on an already remarkably good lens. If you can live with the limitations of this prime's focal length do not hesitate, is an exceptional lens for the money. |
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