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If you are a photographer, you must have come across several lenses. However, few lenses will truly win your heart.
Canon has excelled in facilitating its users and photographers for years. An 85mm, coupled with a great Canon camera, will help you take the perfect portraits.
Have a careful look at the detailed reviews we have provided below for lenses that are compatible with your Canon camera to excel in the art of photography.
Contents
Review of the Best 85mm Lenses For Canon
The market is saturated with 85mm lenses. To narrow down your choices, we’ve reviewed some of the very best options in detail. Have a look and choose one according to your needs!
Best 85mm 1.8 Canon Lens: Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM Medium Telephoto Lens
PROS
- Focal length is ideal for portraits
- Image quality is very good
- Budget-friendly, making it available to a wider audience
- USM (Ultrasonic Motor) allows the lens to focus quietly and quickly
- Build quality is good because it is small in size and lighter in weight
CONS
- Lens cannot be zoomed
- Purple fringing is too much
- Not ideal for macro photography
What Recent Buyers Report
Recent buyers reported that this Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 telephoto lens is a perfectly practical medium lens with portability and superb delineation. The apertures provide clear and sharp images. They further state it is designed for providing nice background blur through the computerized simulations.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The focal length of this lens is ideal for portraits. It particularly excels at headshots when angled on a certain angle of 1.6x or 1.3x FOVCF body. Plus, a blurred background with dreamy out of focus can be created with this wide aperture of f/1.8.
Who Would Use This Most
This lens shines during low light as well as indoor photography. It is ideal for concerts due to its wide aperture of 85 f/1.8 and a focal length of 85mm. The fast focusing and wide aperture make it ideal for indoor sports too.
Bottom Line
To sum up, the Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM Medium Telephoto Lens is a simple tool that provides quality pictures at reasonable prices. Users overwhelmingly approve of it because quality images are provided at nominal prices. Plus, its wide aperture makes it a superior option.
- 85 millimetre standard lens with f 1.8 maximum aperture for Canon SLR cameras, Lens Type:Telephoto...
- Ring-type ultra-sonic monitor (USM) brings subject quickly into focus, Focal length: 85 millimetre,...
- Natural angle of view and perspective is ideal for portraits and natural images
Runner-up: Canon EF 85mm f/1.4L
PROS
- Splash and dust-free.
- Promises excellent image quality
- Low weight and compactness make it portable
- Offers optical stabilization for the perfect shots
- Image stabilization is provided with the zoom function
CONS
- Somewhat expensive
- Dim corners can result at wide apertures
What Recent Buyers Report
According to the reports of recent buyers, this Canon EF 85mm f/1.4L” /] sturdily built lens promises sharp pictures. It also has a bright design. It provides detailed, sharp, beautiful images that are applicable for any application. Buyers find it the perfect choice for capturing their every moment.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This lens marks itself as unique among all lenses due to its beautiful bokeh. The images taken with it are proof of its exceptional features. It is surely super sharp. Plus, the image stabilizer is very effective for letting the images remain sharp on all shutter speeds. Smaller objects can also be auto-focused with it.
Who Would Use This Most
The Canon EF 85mm f/1.4L proves to be ideal for portraitures. Its focal length makes it suitable for capturing objects and blurring the other elements in the background. It is a perfect option for photographers who prefer to crop the images since it provides several options to do so.
Bottom Line
In a nutshell, this lens is highly preferred by users because of its high-quality images. Moreover, its selection for portraiture makes it further a unique choice among its competitors. Its optical stabilization and image stabilization features further to make it a great choice.
- Canon’s First 85mm L-series Lens with IS Capability.
- Large, Bright f/1.4 Aperture.
- Image Stabilization at up to 4* Stops of Shake Correction.
Best for the Money: Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG
PROS
- Bright f/1.4 aperture
- Offers sharp images to its users
- Gives even illumination on the objects
- Image quality of this lens is exceptional
- Availability for multiple systems with no distortions
CONS
- Lacks image stabilization
- Adjustments are required during focusing
- Heavy and bulky, making its build unsatisfactory
What Recent Buyers Report
The majority of users reported this product to be ideal for their photography based on its material quality as well as picture quality. The value for money is also excellent, as reported by users. Plus, the images are reported to be crystal clear, and the background is a blur, making it perfect for portraits.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The Sigma 85mm f/1.4 comes with the SIGMA USB dock, which makes it significantly different from many other units. It easily adapts to the needs of photographers with the USB dock. Moreover, SIGMA Optimisation Pro is the special software developed for this purpose. This can assist in updating the firmware of the lens easily.
Who Would Use This Most
This lens is designed for users who are aiming for unsurpassed quality and expressiveness. It aims to serve people who are seeking high performance. This provides artistic freedom to users. It can also serve as a great lens for sports and the arts.
Bottom Line
Apart from some users who found the size of the product to be unwieldy, there are very few complaints regarding this lens. Its impeccable performance cannot be denied. Moreover, the images are captured with a lot of details, even when the shot is taken at f/1.8. Therefore, this is a great investment.
- The Sigma 85mm 1.4 DG HSM Art is the latest addition to the world renowned Sigma Global Vision Line
- It has equipped newly designed hyper sonic motor (HSM) for nimble AF control, 1.3 times better...
- This lens is compatible with Mount converter MC-11 , so Sony E-mount users can also enjoy this lens...
Best 85mm Prime Lens: Tamron AFF016C700 SP 85mm F/1.8
PROS
- Edge to edge viewfinder brightness is delivered
- Pleasing images are produced with real life-like features
- Low dispersion and extra-low dispersion to reduce color fringing
- Offers the perfect balance of bokeh and sharpness of the object
- Image stabilization with a fast aperture for low light performance and ease
CONS
- Weight is quite heavy
- Too much vignetting might not be suitable for everyone
What Recent Buyers Report
The majority of buyers have agreed on the excellence of the Tamron AFF016C700 SP 85mm F/1.8. It provides very sharp and fine images. The sharpness is outstanding, as per customer reviews. The autofocus sensor and viewfinder image let in a good amount of light, allowing users to capture perfect pictures even in low lighting.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The abbreviation SP in the name of the lens denotes that it features Superior Performing Optica. Plus, vibration compensation is based on the stabilization system of the lens. This has been very helpful in capturing static subjects in low lighting conditions. The shutter speeds are also a bit lower than usual that allowing blur-free photographs. Finally, quiet and quick autofocus is ensured through the Ultrasonic Silent Drive.
Who Would Use This Most
This has been a favorable option for portrait photography because of the wide maximum aperture and maximum focal length of short telephoto. It is also favorable for taking pictures of news events and weddings. Some certain sports necessitate low light photography conditions, and this lens will excel at that.
Bottom Line
This Tamron lens is known to be one of the greatest prime lenses. Overall, sharpness is delivered with excellence and accuracy. Along with that, edge-to-edge uniformity is provided at every aperture setting. Excellent features combined with high-quality images, mark the uniqueness of the lens.
- Superior resolving power and attractive bokeh
- Fluorine Coating and Moisture-Resistant Construction
- Electromagnetic diaphragm system
Best Canon Lens 85mm 1.2: Canon EF 85mm f1.2L II
PROS
- Build quality is excellent
- Focus ring is very smooth
- Resolution is quite high
- Images are sharp at all of the apertures
- Provides beautiful bokeh, contrast, and color
CONS
- Somewhat heavy build
- Autofocus is slow
- No weather sealing is present
What Recent Buyers Report
According to the reviews of recent buyers, the Canon EF 85mm f1.2L has great autofocus. While a few think that its focus is slow, the majority finds its focus to be really quick and very sharp. It also provides great bokeh, making your photography experience really amazing.
Why it Stands Out To Us
The focus is not only fast but is also very sharp, with the ability to capture the hair, the lips, the eyes, or any minor details perfectly. Every image that needs retouching can be easily retouched. This will save you time in touch-ups and post-production.
Who Would Use This Most
Anyone who is involved in portrait photography of any type will be very glad to add this lens to their kit. It is a superior option for wedding photographers whose clients want and deserve the best quality photographs.
Bottom Line
To conclude, this photography lens is admirable and pleasant, a high-quality 85mm lens that successfully provides beautiful photographs. All of your events can be beautifully captured with this product.
- f1.2 maximum aperture
- Ring-type UltraSonic motor (USM), Focal length : 85mm, Closest focusing distance : 3.2 feet
- EF mount, medium telephoto lens, High-speed AF and circular aperture create shallow depth-of-field
Comparison of the Best 85mm Lenses For Canon
What Does an 85mm Lens Do?
85mm is ideal for portrait-length as it can maintain closeness to the subject without creating any distortion. It is also an important aspect because it will not make little details too big. Besides, the 85mm lens is sharp, and the background is captured in a way that is very pleasing to the eyes. It is very important for headshots with a certain subject. It can also be used for the following purposes:
Street Photography
Street photography is very simple, and an 85mm lens is ideal for it. You must be wondering why. You will be far off from many subjects that might not get disturbed or get in the notice. Photographers can shoot widely for capturing environmental portraits too easily. Any expression of the face can be captured with such as telephoto lens.
Concerts
It is very important to take portraits in concerts, and a sharp and fast lens is equally important. Musicians move along every place with different facial expressions, so it is a must to capture every moment. Even capturing the energy flow of the crowd is also very important.
For Weddings
An 85mm lens is the most important part of the kit for any wedding photographer. The versatility, lightweight, fast aperture, discreteness, and sharpness all account for its worth.
Why Did These Lenses Make Our List?
These Canon lenses are a must-have in your kits. To make sure you have only the very best equipment, we chose the models on our list based on the following aspects:
Learning Curve
The learning curve must be scaled faster. Photography must be started with a prime lens instead of using a zoom lens. It is merely because these zoom lenses are not easily available. You will also learn to move for framing.
As a result, the photographs will be great and rewarding for your hard work. Prime lenses are better due to wider apertures. This will allow the mastering of selective focus quickly. Our list has both of these models, so you can choose one depending on your skill level.
Focus Better
Nowadays, the majority relies heavily on autofocus, particularly those who are just starting out. It is very easy to miss the focus due to wide apertures. A prime lens will help you in autofocus.
Sharper Images
Zoom lenses are not sharper than prime lenses. They do not contain extra glass in them for zooming. The minimal diffraction will lead to good photographs. The products we’ve included on our list provide the sharpest images.
Advantages and Disadvantages of 85mm Lenses
Like all lenses, 85mm lenses come with their fair share of benefits and drawbacks. It’s essential to know both sides of the story so that you can make the right buying decision.
Advantages
An 85mm lens not only delivers sharp and colorful portraits but also makes the photographs look alive. Here are some advantages of using an 85mm lens:
Gives Sharp Portraits
As compared to the 50mm lens, an 85mm lens gives out sharp portraits and gives a great bokeh effect, highlighting the subject and making it stand out.
Functions
For functions like weddings and concerts, a good lens is one of the necessary tools to make the event successful and enjoyable. Since the singer moves around and continuously changes his facial expressions, it is necessary to choose a lens that can sharply focus on the subject. It can be done by using an 85mm lens paired with a great Canon camera.
Street Photography
An 85mm lens can be used to focus on faraway subjects. It is great for street photography with such a lens; the subject should not be disturbed, and the photographer should easily be able to capture the beautiful moments on the streets.
Disadvantages
There is one notable disadvantage of using an 85mm lens in a camera:
Needs More Space
The biggest con of using an 85mm lens is the requirement for a large space like a 127 mm focal length. If you do not have enough space, you would not be able to capture the background perfectly.
People Also Ask
Photography is gaining a lot of importance these days. For high-quality pictures, you should have the latest and most amazing photography tools. Many questions might be confusing you. So to help you out, we are answering some of the most asked questions.
Which is Better For Portraits, 50mm or 85mm?
An 85mm lens forms a blurry bokeh because the least possible focusing distance for this lens is 2.8ft. Meanwhile, the least focusing distance for a 50mm lens is 1.15ft. It has much better bokeh. With an 85mm lens, you can focus the object more than you can with a 50mm lens. Thus, the 85mm lens is better for portrait photography.
Do Prime Lenses Take Better Photos?
Prime lenses offer better focus because of the wide apertures. You can set the frame. They produce sharper and brighter photographs. There is no glass inside the lens for zooming in and out. Prime lenses capture amazing bokeh by blurring out the background. You can use them to take better photographs.
Should I Buy a Prime Lens or Zoom Lens?
A prime lens provides better results than a zoom lens. It has excellent bokeh and picture quality. It delivers bright, sharp, and vibrant photographs. You can blur the background more. You can also use it for low-light places. There are fewer distortions in fixed focal length lenses.
A prime lens provides better results than a zoom lens. It has excellent bokeh and picture quality. It delivers bright, sharp, and vibrant photographs. You can blur the background more. You can also use it for low-light places. There are fewer distortions in fixed focal length lenses.
Conclusion
All in all, you can use an 85mm lens for high-quality portrait photography. You can use it to capture special events like weddings, birthday parties, and family events. It also produces less distortion and color aberrations. So if you are looking for a perfect fixed focal length lens, then the 85mm lens is the ideal choice for you.
