Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM lens review (with samples)

FULL FRAME TEST RESULTS: • Canon 85mm f/1.8 USM R...
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I've wanted to try this lens properly for a long time - it's very well regarded in the Canon line-up as being very sharp indeed. For anything thinking about portrait photography, this is a serious option - take a look at this review to find out why.
If you've found this or other videos I've made to be helpful, then support me on Patreon! www.patreon.co...
All pictures taken by me, on my trusty Canon 60D.
Be sure to follow my Photostream on Flickr, to see sample pictures of lenses I've reviewed and to see previews of upcoming lenses, too! www.flickr.com...
Music: Opportunity Walks, Kevin Macleod (www.incompetech.com - Creative Commons License)

[@bringmeknitting844]

Got this lens last summer and it is a real favourite of mine - it just loves people. You can pick them up so cheaply (I got mine for under £200) and the image quality is simply fantastic for the price. AF is fast and accurate. When it comes to value for money it really is one of the great bargains. Great review as always Christopher.

[@christopherfrost]

I actually prefer the 50mm f/1.4, too. But in terms of raw image quality, the 85mm is better. I can do a quick comparison video if people like?

[@harisrajput8945]

Christopher Frost Photography sure

[@christopherlee7318]

Yes please

[@jenishshaikh7524]

Yeh for sure

[@alexgraefe.photoYT]

I would love a comparison of this old lens on a canon r or r5. Does it still hold up?

[@cryhavoc38]

One thing I love about Christopher Frost's catalog is that every time I want to see a review of a canon lens, Mr. Frost has a video for it. He's a go to reviewer to be sure

[@christopherfrost]

Glad to be of service!

[@shaolin95]

the crop factor had zero effect on facial distortion vs a full frame. The distance from the subject is what makes the difference. Just clarifying because it sounded confusing on the video

[@ibraheemthair2663]

so a 18mm lens is just like 50mm for portrait? yeah good luck with that.

[@sadasd9723]

Bruh don't be dumb an 18mm is not the same as 50mm. This guy was just saying a 35 on a FF has the same distortion as a 35 on apsc, it's just the crop that's different. Don't need to be rude

[@hugoingelhammar6163]

This lens sparked back my interest for photography and really took me to the next level. Before I always shot with wider apertures and things were mediocre at best. I only brought my camera for travels, since it was boring to shoot at home. But now I bring it everywhere and I've got a new interest in street photograpy, in which it performs fantastic! 85mm prime forces you to chose your subject and be creative, so there is always opportunities for great photos wherever you are, home or away.

[@markroke9368]

Just have to say thank you for your informative and consistent approach to your lens review videos. Great work and I've purchased several lens on the basis of your reviews. Your un-biased comments are refreshing and just delivered beautifully. Thank you

[@CamKirkham]

Love your vids Christopher

[@alfie6683]

didn’t expect to see you here, sir

[@RC-nj1by]

2:32 "Chromatic aberration is more or less under control" *Me: looks at windows* 2:42.....well damn....glad you actually mentioned it

[@RagingBubuli]

These can be fix in lightroom or similar softwares.

[@MrJunyorstark]

Well howdy everyone

[@dutze8381]

I'm dying 😂

[@mohamadahmad7171]

😂😂😂

[@richardpcrowe]

I do like my Canon 85mm f/1.8 very much. It is pretty well ideal for portraits and I use it with both crop and full frame cameras. As you mentioned, the MFD of about 85 cm seems fairly long. However researching the offerings of 85mm prime lenses from Canon, Sigma and Tamron, all of them have an MFD in the area of 80 cm (Tamron) to 85 cm (the rest). The MFD is no problem for me since I use this lens for portraits mostly and that focus distance is just fine for head and shoulders portraits with a full frame camera and even better with a crop sensor. I love the weight and size along with the instant and accurate auto focus. The price is a good deal also, As of today, Canon USA is offering a refurbished 85mm f/1.8 lens for $277 plus tax and shipping. I purchased mine used for somewhere around that price and it is in perfect condition. I also received a Canon lens hood and a B+W UV filter in the package.

[@davidglabais4919]

I've been pondering this lens for while for headshots and right now as of March 2017, it's on for $349.00 at B and H. I'm loving the image quality! Nice review again Christopher, thank you!

[@christopherfrost]

If I were using it in tandem with a 50mm f/1.8 lens, then yes, I would probably go for Canon's 100mm f/2 lens instead. It's virtually the same thing as the 85mm f/1.8, just as good

[@TEMTECKPHOTOGRAPHY]

Here I go again spending more cash because of this guy, great vid.

[@lefantome2568]

welcome in my world lol

[@marnienorris]

Thank you! I just got my 85 mm lens and cannot wait to use it, been using 50 mm and was hoping with this one I could back up some. I do outdoor portraits with lights and some of the new clients get uncomfortable with how close u have to get with a 50 mm.

[@noumanmarwat]

excellent review mate...... full of excellent information.. i really loved it

[@CesareFerrari667]

Thank you, useful review 😊

[@richardpcrowe]

I just purchased a used 85mm f/1.8 in excellent condition from Roberts Camera for $284 USD. I am looking forward to shooting portraits with this lens. I wanted to be able to blur backgrounds - especially in full length and 3/4 view outdoor portraits. I was considering the Sigma 85mm f/1.4 but a new one is quite expensive and the ART Series seems to have focus problems. I also considered an 85mm Tamron f/1.8. However, I couldn't justify the price (although if price was not considered - this is the one that I would have selected)... Price-wise, quality-wise and value for money this seemed to be my best option...

[@robertcudlipp3832]

Hi Christopher, been a few years since the review and with the newer offerings from Sigma and Tamron it may be interesting to revisit this lens btw: The music is soothing!

[@sphereproductions5274]

Hi Chris, thanks for this review. I found it extremely helpful and on my Canon 700D, your review really panned out. So thank you very much! I was kind of hung up on whether to get the 50mm F1.4 or the 85mm F1.8 and this review was the core decided for me. Once again, thanks for the review!!

[@jacobnoori]

How is it that whenever I look up reviews for a lens that I am eyeing on Amazon, you always have an upload for it? HOW ARE YOU DOING SO MANY REVIEWS? Are you from the future?

[@christopherfrost]

I've been doing these for years now :-) Merry Christmas and a happy new year!

[@jacobnoori]

Christopher Frost Photography Happy New Year!

[@charlesmoor111]

Hey chris do you think it is worth getting this lense for an rf mount camera and save $150 or the rf performance will blow it away?

[@selection13]

Well done, Christopher. Very good review, nicely done. Thank you.

[@ELDK2008]

Hi, I have decided to jump into the DSLR market and have picked the Canon 6D. I typically shoot everything. I love macro shots, landscapes, HDR, my son's sports shots and of course video. So, I think the 6D is my best choice. Do you agree? Any way, I am picking out lenses and was thinking of grabbing this one but it might be too narrow of a use for my taste. Plus no image stabilization might rule it out for me. I'm more shaky than a chihuahua on death row after a large cup of coffee. :-) Any how, thanks for an awesome review.

[@christopherfrost]

ELDK2008 The Canon 6D is fantastic! Although, if you are a bit of a beginner, you might prefer a Canon 70D. It's better for video, and an APS-C camera is a bit easier to get in focus, and helps with macro photography, too. Also, the autofocus system in the 70D is a bit faster for sports photography.

[@ELDK2008]

I went for the 6D. Here's what I got for about $1,970 Canon EOS 6D 20.2 MP with 24-105mm f/4.0L IS USM AF Lens 32GB SDHC Class 10 Memory Card 58mm Macro Close Up Kit 58mm Wide Angle Lens 58mm 2.2x Telephoto Lens I thought it was a pretty good deal since it had the L lens and a macro kit.I'm sure the macro kit will be less than extraordinary but the other offers did not have them. and it also included this....most of which is secondary to what I really wanted. LP-E6 Replacement Li-on Battery Rapid Travel Charger 58mm 3 Piece Filter Kit 58mm UV Filter + Digital Carrying Case + Full Size Tripod + External Flash Universal Wireless Remote + Mini HDMI Cable + Memory Card Wallet + SDHC Card USB Reader Bundle How do you think I did?

[@christopherfrost]

ELDK2008 Seems like a good deal :-)

[@SShaBazzz]

ELDK2008 dude, I'm extremely late to post this but the Canon 6D is a hidden gem. Its extremely good. And that joke was hilarious.

[@TheJudge064]

@@ELDK2008 huh, so those bundles are legit. I always thought they couldn't be while looking at amazon, since they are such a good deal

[@gavinhall4112]

“What would Margaret Thatcher have thought” 😂 Never expected to hear that in a lens review 👍🏻

[@kirbykirbyclips]

your explanation is very good!!!!! i will get myself an 85mm

[@evfro2737]

Hello I have canon eos 90d and I want to buy this lens but apparently I need to buy an ef-rf adapter , do you think it’s worth it?

[@panagiotisintakidis1021]

excellent review thank you

[@CaptainPoolverine]

I just got this lens today. Yay!!

[@lorenzostheman]

I always enjoy and trust your reviews. I rented (can't afford) the 85mm 1.2 lens and it it superb as you said, so I thought I would try the 85 1.8 which is closer to my price range. A side note: The pretty blonde with the full lips at around 5:02 is gorgeous. Cheers mate :-)

[@ktor538]

Hi Chris, Thank you for these videos! Great job btw, I would love to see the comparison.

[@evenios2831]

its a very good lens for the price but its not really for the fast point and click shooters you have to be patient with autofocus as it is a bit picky but if done well you can produce some really great shots. at first i thought there was some serious af issues but i did a test on my teddy bear as a "model" Lol and found i could produce focused shots just by trying to be a bit steadier :with effort you can produce photos with it that stands above the average photo into more creative art!

[@bdncsu]

After going through your review I both 50 mm f 1.4 and the lens is super awesome! thank you very much for that. i am very much happy with that! again I came to your review to dig out more about 85mm 1.8 but not feeling encouraged! what is your suggestion for a portrait lens if it is not 85mm 1.8? Thanks in advance.

[@christopherfrost]

The 85mm f/1.8 is great as a portrait lens! :-) Why are you not encouraged by it?

[@smokejc]

because he's an asshole!

[@bogazee]

I was waiting for you to try the lens on full frame...

[@njrivetelite]

Hey Chris, I have a question, what is the difference between Chromatic Aberration and Color Fringing? I have a hard time distinguishing the two.

[@christopherfrost]

They're basically the same, although colour fringing to some people might mean any kind of chromatic aberration or purple fringing

[@njrivetelite]

I just got in my 85mm a couple weeks ago for my 60d, def need room to shoot with that thing

[@SH00TMARTY]

Thanks Christopher, I like your style, Keep it up.. :) This video help convince me to get this Lens. I've only used it once so far, and I love it... Marty

[@DnBLand81]

chromatic abberation in sunny day is the main with this lens....everytime is an hard challenge get good photo without tripod...is amazing for portrait but really challenging in other situation.......every shot need to be prepared with good settings...what i mean is that most of the time if you are a street photografer you will be disappointed if you think to do a fast shot of particular moment.....in the end is a good lens 'till you use it on a tripod

[@mantferv]

Hi Christopher, thanks very much again for you help, i`ve just bought my Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 and i love it. It takes really nice and sharp pictures, and a way better than my Canon EF 50mm f/1.8. The only thing now is that i shoot in a very small studio and for the 85mm i should have more space, if i want to get a half body or maybe a whole body pictures - you must say now, the 85mm is a portrait lens, and i agree, and i`m very satisfied with this lens, thanks to you. And now what i`d love to get from you is a suggestion to replace my Canon kit lens the EF 18-55mm 3.5-5.6 IS, i like this lens but i just don`t get nice and sharper pictures as i wish. Could you please help to choose a better one for this purpose (fashion pictures half/full body)? Thanks in advance and my best regards, SS

[@KerryonBass]

This is an excellent review. Thanks

[@dschenk952]

Hi Christopher, the purple fringing you are referring to in the video at f/1.8, is it mostly caused by shooting in bright daylight? How about in lower light settings, is it still noticeable? You mention in another video this fringing seems to be coming in prime lenses in this focal length.

[@christopherfrost]

It's only on bright points of light with strong contrasts

[@dschenk952]

Thanks, Christopher. On my star shots this shouldn't be a problem. I'm still thinking of trying one to compare to my Rokinon AE85M-C, but the big difference seems to just be the auto focus and as the Rokinon has the focus confirmation chip that might be a mute point. So many lenses, so little time. :)

[@baja_overlander3653]

Don Schenk .

[@merycastro4704]

I'm going to check on this!

[@RozelyLindim]

i was longed for this lens already..I think i want to buy it. seems the used lens are bit cheaper

[@seanvanderaa7978]

Hey Chris, I'm fairly new to photography and as of right now have the 18-55mm lens as well as a fixed 50mm lens. I shoot portraits, landscapes, and sports. Would this be a good lens to capture all of that. As of right now I don't have a lens that zooms enough to capture sports shots or close-ups for landscapes. I have a tight budget which is why I am sticking to a fixed lens. Thanks!

[@christopherfrost]

I've been borrowing them from friends for reviews :-)

[@EmotionEnglishSong]

Can you recommence for me for len EF 85mm 1.8 usm with RF 35mm 1.8 macro, which one I should buy for my canon RP ?

[@walterig33]

Good review, congratulations.

[@infernocaptures8739]

I wish you showed some photos taken with the 300V (or any film full-frame).

[@edwaggonersr.7446]

The Canon Store has this 85 MM F/1.8 refurbished for $239. Pretty good price.

[@AVPROJECT1]

Chistopher as usual great review!!! In your opinion is it better a 70-200 or a prime like this one? I have a 6D.

[@christopherfrost]

Depends what you're trying to do. For pure portrait work, the f/1.8 might be a little better if you don't want your backgrounds to be too compressed. A 70-200 f/2.8 will be far more flexible in general but they tend to be big and heavy (and a lot more expensive)

[@AVPROJECT1]

Thanks Christopher....I saw your review of the 70-200 f4 not IS it woud be less expensive, do you still think it's a good choice?

[@tincset]

Perfect review. Thank you!

[@squirreldemon3506]

Thinking about getting this for my a7iii with the adapter

[@hachiback2837]

Amazing review, production value is great too! Crystal clear audio, Subscribed!

[@bbboro5]

Really nice review :) I wanted to take the same one, even though I'm thinking if a longer one would be better to be alternated do my 50mm 1.8 in order to increase my "range" of pictures... Since you mount it on aps-c, how do you find it when you are on the street? Ever feel like a bit more focal length would make things easier?

[@mantferv]

Hi Christopher, first of all thanks for the video. I have a Canon 70d and have been using two diferent lenses - the EF 50mm 1.8 and the EFS 18-55mm, to shoot my fashion portraits, most of the time in studio, and now i`m just trying to get some Lens upgrade, once i`m looking forward to get nicer and sharper pictures, do you think this EF 85mm f/1.8 would be a good one? Thanks!!!

[@christopherfrost]

Take a look at this video, and see what you think :-)

[@mantferv]

Christopher Frost Photography at the 5.03 minute you say "i think thats the perfect lens for anyone who is into portrait photography or who wants to shoot people on stage" - i think it made my decision, the poins is will i get better pictures than i have with my EF 50mm 1.8? Or would you have another one even better for this purpose to suggest me?! ;-) Thanks love your voice

[@christopherfrost]

SCARLETT STARR Yes, it's better than the 50mm f/1.8. An even better lens for portraits are the Canon 85mm f/1.2 and 135mm f/2 (the 135mm will be difficult to use)

[@mantferv]

Thanks very much Christopher, it was agreat help from you, im sure now i will get the 50mm f/1.8, best regards, SS

[@maulikpandya1452]

Christopher Frost Photography Yes, you're right, but these two are very costly as well

[@maulikpandya1452]

First of all, thank you for your all videos. Those are very nice and informative. It would help us to buy any canon lens. Could you please share a video with comparing 24-70 f2.8 between Canon, Tamron and Sigma. Which is more better at any aspect. Thanks in advance.

[@toosas]

Hi, I'm tossed between this and100mm f2, I have watched both reviews and here are my thoughts - I already have a 100mm 2.8 macro and a 50mm 1.4. I know the 100mm is a bit sharper and will make the 6D run for it's money, but I'm leaning towards 85mm just to have a focal length 'in between'. The excessive purple fringing worries me on a FF body though :( any input is welcome!

[@tanvirhasan1339]

Hi chris.. nice review.. tamron 17-50 2.8 non vc + canon 50mm 1.4 or tamron 17-50+ canon 85mm 1.8 .. which combo will be better for my crop camera??? Really puzzled... help plzzz... i shoot a lot of indoor portraits... but from ur review 85mm seems far better than 50mm

[@AceSeven5]

how far do you have to stand away with the 85mm to get a full body shot of and average adult on a canon crop sensor? Great video btw! I like how professional you review lenses.

[@retrospective77]

About 3.8 miles

[@wildbill9919]

l want to get this lens for my M50. And yes my Nikon 85 1.8D has the same color and purple fringing wide open also. Other than that it's awesome.

[@diday9794]

i have Camera CANON EOS 70D , and i want buy lens "Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM Medium Telephoto Fixed" , is that lens matched to this camera ? or that lens is full frame and will not matching to that camera because i think it's not full frame camera ? thanks

[@mantferv]

...and would you have something to say about this one Canon EF 100mm, 2.8 USM? Thanks

[@christopherfrost]

Take a look at my video review of the 100mm f/2.8. That will help you decide if it's the right one for you :-)

[@killjoyshidae1208]

So tempted to get both the 85mm and the 24mm STM. I'm primarily into portraits, but I also do events and occasional astrophotography. I currently use the 18-55mm (first version), 50mm 1.8, and 70-210mm 3.5-4.5. I love using zooms for convenience, but mine aren't very fast. What is your opinion, Chris?

[@christopherfrost]

I think you've got the right idea. Go for the 85mm. You might want to consider the Sigma 3Omm f/1.4 ART lens instead of the 24mm STM, though. It lets in 4 times more light and also gives a 4 times more out of focus background. It has a little more chromatic aberrration than the 24mm STM but other than that it's just as sharp. Check out my review. Make sure it's the 'ART' version!

[@smaakjeks]

***** If you're planning on doing astrophotog and you have a full frame cam*, I recommend Samyang's 14mm f2.8. It lets in a ridiculous amount of light, and it's cheap. A wide angle means you can afford to increase the shutter time to ca. 20-30s without getting star trails. It's fully manual, but with astrophotog, you're using manual settings anyway. Of course, the 14mm means you can only do skyscape pics. If you want to take pics of specific objects in the sky, then obviously a different lens is needed. *I know a full frame lens fits on APSC-cams, but there are other lenses that are suited for astrophotog for APSC.

[@killjoyshidae1208]

***** I have a Canon 20D atm. I would love to get a Rokinon/Samyang/whatever lens, but my camera doesn't have any live preview or focusing assist to work out manual focus.

[@smaakjeks]

***** Ah. Right, sorry. Yes, live view is almost required.

[@albertmedina4938]

shopping for an 85mm, I realize this review is a few years old. However do you have any current reviews of this lens (85mm 1.8) vs canons 85 1.2/ tamrons 85 1.8 vc or sigma's 85 1.4 art. thank you for this review.

[@Seeitmove]

Very helpful, thank you!

[@TruSol]

I love the 50mm 1.4

[@goke8456]

Apologies if this question has already been addressed, but since you said this is a great portrait lens, would you recommend it for things like parties/weddings in low light situations? I've been looking for something to be able to shoot low light parties and such where flash is not allowed and I was leaning toward this lens.

[@christopherfrost]

It would be good if you're not in a too-confined space

[@AndreNguyen7]

Hey Christopher, I know this is an old video. Will you do a short review of this with your mirrorless camera? Cheers!

[@christopherfrost]

I did once test this lens on my 42mp Sony a7R II. It was very sharp! But at f/1.8 the purple fringing was absolutely wild

[@micallef87]

Hi nice vid, I wonder if you can help me? I'm a keen fisherman and like the 'blur' that my cheap 50mm creates, but I have to back up soo much to get everything in the frame. Would this lens allow me to get up close to person rather than 10ft+ as with my 50mm? thanks

[@mercedeschapman9271]

Did you ever get the answer to this?! I have the same issue with my 50mm on my 90D and it drives me nuts!

[@teo_6666]

Would you recommend this for concert photography?

[@nguyenvietphung]

Hi, your video is great. thank you.

[@NIMAGEProduction]

if i use incamera corrections (canon 80d), is there still purple fringing?

[@ivanrebic8520]

Hi Christopher, can you please do a review of the Canon EF 100mm f/2 lens and a comparison video between 100mm f/2 and 85mm f/1.8 lens? They are very similar lens with a similar price, focal length and f-stop, many people (including me) are trying to choose which one to buy and your reviews are (to me) the best reference out there so far, this kind of video would be of much help. Thanks in advance :)

[@christopherfrost]

I won't do a comparison video because I don't have time, but I will make a review of the 100mm f/2 and compare it a bit with the 85mm there :)

[@ivanrebic8520]

1994FishFreak thanks for the feedback, I have a 50mm f/1.8 lens (EOS 600D body), Sigma 17-50 f/2.8 and I'm planning to get a 100mm f/2, 85 is close to my 50, and 100 might demand high working distance on 1.6x crop but I don't mind it, I might upgrade to a 5D mk II in the future, and 100mm would be a great portrait lens on both, and it is not very expensive...

[@ivanrebic8520]

Thanks, can you provide a link please?

[@christopherfrost]

Review is now on my KZbin channel

[@josephmonreal00]

Im debating on getting this for doing Product Photography for shoes. Please let me know if this would be a good route. Thanks everyone.

[@Rick9814]

Really great review. Thank you! How's the focusing speed? Could this lens be used for chasing around a baby?

[@christopherfrost]

I look at that in the review I think. The AF speed is fast

[@Rick9814]

Christopher Frost Photography I just rewatched and you did say the autofocus was fast. Sorry about that. Thanks for the replay and amazing videos!

[@Unplugged704]

I'm thinking of getting this for my T3i but I am concerned about shakes and blurs since this does not have image stabilization. (only using for portraits).

[@willf4718]

I'd get the 60 instead. Almost exactly the same lens in a shorter focal length. Can do macro work. Sharper too, I'd say. Still no IS, but that's made easier with the length. You're not really losing aperture as the 85 is, as mentioned here, not as good wide open. If I still had a crop sensor, I'd definitely have the 60mil. It's effective FL is about as long as I'd want a prime lens - 85mm on a crop would be like shooting from across the street.

[@FirstLast-qb9iq]

Hi. When doing manual focus, can the focus ring be turned continually after you reach the end points or will it physically stop? Thanks

[@christopherfrost]

There is no physical stop

[@99Pokel]

What about canon ef 100 f/2 usm in comparation to this one, can you make a review?

[@Juan-oz9mg]

would you recommend this lens over a 50mm STM? I have a 7D (aps-c) and I'm looking to get into portrait photography

[@Universal_Craftsman]

I also don't know what to do, getting a 50mm for my 7D, or buying a used 5D MkIII and a 85mm 1.8.

[@KerryDSC]

will this fit the cannon rebel XTI???

[@tc8231]

Yes

[@Thejessicagladys]

hi! i have the canon rebel t3 with the kit lens + i have 50mm 1.8 lens as well. I'm looking to purchase just an extra lens to have + want to achieve those dreamy dept of field backgrounds. I shoot couples/families and was looking to purchase the 85mm 1.8 do you think that's a good idea? the only downside to the 50mm lens I have is when I'm in small quarters shooting it makes it difficult because i can't back up any further to get my subjects in.

[@christopherfrost]

It sounds like you need a wider angle lens then, not an 85mm one. Find out which angle you want to shoot the most, then try to find one with a very wide maximum aperture, f/1.8 or f/1.4

[@Thejessicagladys]

okay thank you so much for responding :) !

[@tiredmommyspinning]

how would this be on a t3i I am torn between this one and the 55-250mm I am selling my 75-300 to adorama and am trying to decide which one to get betwixt the 55-250 and the 85mm

[@christopherfrost]

They're totally different lenses in almost every way, so it depends what kind of photography you want to do

[@kevinalvarenga5678]

tried to find in comments.. just wondering if the 1.2 is worth all the extra money..

[@christopherfrost]

I've made a special 'L lens challenge' video all about that very question!

[@Pertamax7-HD]

nice vids sir. prime lens is good :D

[@samdub]

Thanks

[@Johnson82ish]

Did you experience a slight wobble on the focus ring?? Thanks!

[@christopherfrost]

Yup

[@aaronfenton1818]

I have a 50mm 1.8 II and I use it mainly for portrait photography. Is it worth the money to invest in this lens also?

[@christopherfrost]

If you're looking for more compressed backgrounds in your pictures, then go for it! A slightly better (and slightly more expensive) option might be the 100mm f/2

[@aaronfenton1818]

Christopher Frost Photography I'm aiming to have the background as buttery as possible; the smallest depth of field possible

[@christopherfrost]

There you go - the 100mm f/2 (or a 135mm f/2 lens, which would be even better)

[@winglee3316]

I played with a copy of the EF 85mm 1.8. I found that there is a bit of play on the focus ring. Is this normal?

[@christopherfrost]

+Wing Lee Just a tiny bit, in my experience

[@winglee3316]

Thanks Chris. The "play" is around (maybe) 0.5mm in all directions. This seems to be normal for most EF lens base on googling.

[@melizabriones9847]

for video what u guys recommend for M50, like doing BROLL

[@manishbhoola]

I have this lens and love it on my full frame 5d Mark iii for portraits. On my aps-c camera body it is a 135 mm due to crop factor. I was considering a 135 mm f2 lens for portraits but I am a bit confused as I can always take portraits using the 85 mm at 1.8 on my aps-c body as a 135 mm . Do you advise investing in a 135 mm f2 specially for my full frame camera only or should i sticck to using the 85 mm as a 135 mm on the crop sensor ?, Would appreciate your thoughts. Regards

[@christopherfrost]

It's up to you, really! I would personally stick with the 85mm lens

[@manishbhoola]

Christopher Frost Photography thank you. I'll do the same :)

[@aliyahsimone]

can you zoom on this lens? if you can how do you do it?

[@cameratalk3057]

this lens can not zoom...it's a prime lens (you have to move your feet in order to get a different framing). Hope this helps.

[@aliyahsimone]

+Camera talk305 okay thanks !!

[@GoldtriggerDude]

+aliyahwut Nope. Fixed focal length.

[@Uwildlife]

Hello, has anyone used this lens on a Canon 70 D? If yes how does it perform on a 70 D?

[@smokejc]

Chris, which would you say has better overall IQ: this one, or the 24mm f2.8?

[@christopherfrost]

They're pretty different lenses to say the least. At f/2.8 they'll be similarly sharp I think

[@smokejc]

Thanks! I just got the 24mm for landscapes. According to dxomark, it's one of the sharpest lenses for the 500D.

[@fotowillimzig]

How does it performa in backlit situations?

[@Flores_69]

Hi, is this better than EF 50mm f/1.4 ? I'm looking for sharp image with blurry background... thanks !!

[@christopherfrost]

It'll be a little sharper, with slightly nicer bokeh. Otherwise, it's just different really

[@Flores_69]

+Christopher Frost Photography thank you !

[@joaovtaveira]

Colour fringing and chromatic aberation are the same thing.

[@uDubRiceBoy]

Is this a Marco lens?

[@mikecardan]

is there an 85mm efs prime? or zoom only? for none full frame cameras like the 80D?

[@christopherfrost]

Nope

[@mehakchauhan2162]

wanted to ask something. is this a zoom lens? and can canon 50mm f1.8 zoom?

[@christopherfrost]

Google 'Focal lengths'

[@mehakchauhan2162]

thanks and i already figured that out :)

[@NowyKurs]

Would you go for Samyang instead? Considering a manual focus minus.

[@christopherfrost]

Depends what kind of photography I was trying to do - if autofocus wasn't necessary then yes :-)

[@NowyKurs]

I think the advantage is that you can always turn off the AF 🗯

[@077di6]

Thank you, after 4 years do you think it's good for portraits? better then 35mm or 50mm?in this price range

[@christopherfrost]

85mm will always be better for portraits in the traditional sense, no matter what year it is

[@077di6]

I'm using 70D canon so i think 50 become 85?

[@pfutato]

No, not exactly. This is often a hard one to explain. 50mm IS 50mm and will never "become" anything else. However, your APS-C sensor will give you an "equivalent" field of view to an 80mm used on a full frame. "Equivalent" meaning you will capture the same amount of your subject on a 50mm as a full frame user will on an 80mm. All the other image qualities inherent to a 50mm lens are still there such as the barrel distortion (or lack there of), relative size of the background, DOF, etc. Short telephoto lenses (such as 85mm) are often preferred for portraits for the characteristics, not just the field of view. To get those characteristics on an APS-C sensor, you will still need the 85mm lens, and you will need to stand back farther. To demonstrate an extreme example, look up the equivalent field of view of your cell phone (lets say 28mm equivalent). Take a pic with your DSLR (full or APS) of a close subject and a distant background at 28mm equivalent. Then take a shot with your cell phone, being careful to frame your subject the same. Now notice how different those images are, especially in the background.

[@baja_overlander3653]

Can you please advise ir si better canon 85mm 1.8 or Samyang 85mm 1.4?

[@christopherfrost]

If you want autofocus, the Canon. If you want a wider aperture, the Samyang - that's what it comes down to, really!