The 7 sharpest 85mm lenses...ever made?

[@pedronavarro5757]

Unfortunately, they are too sharp for my pocket

[@GetWisdomTV]

😂

[@hellopsp180]

pokes too many holes in my wallet

[@jeffrydemeyer5433]

it really is amazing how in one decade the best of the best is being equaled with lenses that are selling at less than a third of the price

[@Stop-All-War]

Sigma are doing God's work. Love their lenses, despite size & weight. Best I've had is Sigma Art 40mm F1.4..if you never had one - you won't know !!

[@BLEEJazz]

I still use Rokinon/Samyang 85mm F1.2 lense. It is fantastic and I love the rendering of the lense.

[@rafaeljimenez197]

Yes! I bought the 85mm XP for my GFX50R and it renders so well!!!

[@alexmirza5210]

The slower zeiss milvus looks sharper and less CA at wider apertures while having smooth bokeh. Maybe as smooth as the samyang.

[@sniperv]

I have the 85mm 1.4 GM for Sony and the 85mm 1.2 for Canon, both amazing lenses. Both are super sharp while also rendering a pleasing image. I would give the edge to the Canon on sharpness. The Sony is due for a Mkii update with faster focusing motor like the newer GMs such as the 135 and 24, and also improve the slight chromatic aberrations.

[@adrianfaulkner1353]

I have used a few 85mm lenses and so far the best in my opinion is the Sigma 85mm f1.4 DG DN

[@umitpalalondon]

I have Sigma as well, tack sharp at f1.4 , very happy with it :)

[@bigstreetguns6619]

I bought a Viltrox 85mm f1.8 for the Z mount, and while it's not one of the sharpest lenses ever, it is easily sharp enough for portraits. I'm amazed by the fact how insanely good it is for just 299 bucks.

[@william870314]

I have Nikon Z5 with kit 24-200, and looking for portrait lens. What about the viltrox 85mm f1.8 bokeh quality? Does the in-camera correction work in JPEG?

[@bigstreetguns6619]

@@william870314 I tried to post a link to my flickr album with full res photos, but sadly it's not possible due to YT censorship. Bokeh is good, I like it quite a bit. Don't know whether in cam corrections work, I don't use them. I only shoot RAW.

[@IliasKoureas]

Just ordered one aswell !

[@patrickmckeag3215]

I agree. I have the Sony FE version, and It's excellent value. Great build quality, sharpness and fast quiet autofocus and for so much less money. What's not to like?.

[@DanielMaquiling]

I am using it on my Sony FE system, one of the best purchase I made

[@jonjonckheer5063]

I rented and tested the RF 1.2 and it is stupi sharp. The amount of detail and the smooth bokeh made me instantly fall in love

[@shang-hsienyang1284]

Do you prefer the version with DS or no DS?

[@jonjonckheer5063]

@@shang-hsienyang1284 I only used the non DS version, but the results absolutely sold the lens to me. The only reason I haven't purchased one yet is that I tried the 28-70 F2 and for my purposes that makes more business sense.

[@Stop-All-War]

You should borrow a Sigma 85mm for comparison

[@jonathanhornby]

I own the Sony Planar T* 85mm f/1.4 ZA, which is for the slightly older “A” mount that originated from Minolta. I love this lens as it’s indeed very sharp, and it allows me to shoot on both Sony mirrorless and Minolta A-mount 35mm film cameras. For a film shooter, Sony A-mount lenses gives me dual capability: a single set of premium optics for both film and digital workflows.

[@gaoldias]

I really enjoy your content, Chris (even though I'm a micro four thirds shooter). Keep up the great work and God bless from Canada.

[@yogstoriodor]

Very fine work in reviewing lenses for a number of years. The writing style is enjoyable, with a little wimsey included. Excellent presentation, reflecting a passion for the subject.

[@onuralpgolbasi369]

There really is something that draws me in about the 60-100mm range. It's nice and intimate but not claustrophobic. I can work from a distance without invading my subject's space.

[@Tzadeck]

I just was somehow inspired to shoot a whole autumn day out with just the Sigma 85mm DG DN. Still blown away whenever I look at images from that lens, a year after buying it.

[@michalsierzchula]

Sigma did a great job with dg dn 85, they impoved oof rendering a lot, compared to oversharpened oof in an old art 85.

[@ZombieRofl]

Sigma lenses are simply the best performance for the money. Wait till they start making RF lenses for Canon.

[@pauloliveira1989]

Can't wait for it!

[@stefanwagener]

... and Z lenses for Nikon.

[@ReplicOC]

I really enjoy my 24-105mm F4 DG OS HSM ART from Sigma, it was sharper than the Canon L lens and way cheaper!

[@ChemaPhoto]

Does not seem it's going to happen anytime soon... There's a patent that Samyang was infringing... that's why they stopped doing RF lenses... now yongnuo too is doing RF glass... until when?

[@CO8848_2]

With poor autofocus because canon makes it so

[@martin9410]

The lens that is fast becoming my favorite is the new Sigma FE 90mm f/2.8 lens. It is so small and compact and yet has wonderful micro-contrast and reminds me of my Sony 20mm f/1.8 G lens. I'm using smaller and smaller lenses for my travels on my Sony a7riii, with the Sony 20mm, Sigma 65mm f2 and Sigma 90mm f/2.8. For events I still use the bigger Tamron 70-180mm f/2.8 lens. I thought about the Tamron 35-150 which is a great lens, but very heavy and bulky. Keeping is small nowadays!

[@nocommentnoname1111]

For the same reasons, I am still using my old Zeiss CY 85 2.8.

[@thebluereverend]

I got lucky and picked up a copy of the millvus on the cheap and I have to say it's pretty awesome. It might be the easiest lens I have to manually focus just because it's so sharp, contrasty, and clean that the focus point is easy to see.

[@johnford1051]

The Art 85 was the last EF mount lens I owned. Traded it in for the RF 85 1.2. No more adapters, all in on RF glass. If the size doesn't deter you, the RF 85 1.2 is amazing, coin toss with the RF 50 1.2 as favorite lens

[@michelecintramika8482]

I have an R6II but I can't live without my Sigma 105mm f1.4. It's pure magic!

[@michalsierzchula]

​@@michelecintramika8482rf 85/1.2 is just a bit better in oof rendering, not worth upgrading from 105/1.4 ART if you already have one.

[@NandR]

Me and my Samyang 85mm AF are happy as can be. It is my favorite FE lens, and I loved using the cheaper MF version before. Plenty sharp for practical needs.

[@Allan_Madsen]

Great video Mr Frost 😀, but you forgot all about Tamron's sp 85 mm its a pin sharp lens from corner to corner straight from 1.8 and the bonus is that i has IS or OS i use it on my canon 6d mk ll and i must say it is awesome 😉 happy new year

[@shichaosun3298]

seems rf 85 f2 IS is already better than tamron.

[@gregoryfricker9971]

Similar to a few other folks. Would love to see your take on the canon 85 1.4L IS. I have it and think it’s a wonderfully sharp optic rivaling my RF 50 1.2.

[@VZAAGE]

Great video! I'm currently deciding between the 85GM and the 85DGDN for Sony and am leaning towards the DGDN because of price and size. The HSM looks nice but there is a ton of chromatic aberration. I don't know if that should be in consideration for one of the top 3 lenses.

[@droneeye2618]

I bought the Samyang XP 1.2 a few years ago on your recommendation and now it’s looking soft and with chromatic aberration on my Sony A7iv. I compare everything to my Samyang cine 135mm also bought on your recommendation which is the sharpest lens I have ever experienced

[@roynewport5397]

It's my favourite focal length and I've owned the canon 1.4 L IS and now own the Sigma l mount 85mm 1.4 art and I just love it.

[@Narsuitus]

In 1969, I purchased an 85mm f/1.8 Nikkor as my second lens for my Nikon F 35mm SLR film camera. The 35mm f/2 Nikkor was my first lens. For decades, I used the 85mm for photojournalism, documentary, portraits, and sports. In 2016, I upgraded to an 85mm f/1.4 D auto focus.

[@CartyCantDance]

It’s not the lens, it’s the photographer

[@Narsuitus]

@@CartyCantDance I really appreciate your statement when I shoot with pinhole cameras.

[@howtodyra]

in these days every lens is just sharp to be honest. now we are just looking what image they create - difference in bokeh, working trough sunlight. For me its more important than sharpness now ;d

[@georgedavall9449]

Well said!

[@acme9538]

I'm just a hack shooter. I found a 'used once' Batis 85 for a steal and bought it. It's my only 'prime lens' and I absolutely love it. The color rendering is one of my favorite things about it. It can do way more than my lousy skill-set.

[@alexanderpopov4691]

I keep Canon EF 85mm 1.2 and Zeiss Planar 85mm 1.4 ZE. Wonderful lenses. Sharp enough and plenty of character and nice rendition.

[@danncorbit3623]

For Sony full frame, this shocker is rated best all time for sharpness at dxomark: Yongnuo YN 85mm F1.8S DF DSM, and for the princely sum of $345! On the Sony A7R IV, it delivered 53 perceptual megapixels for sharpness. Tom Carlton's 85mm Sony review did not show the same spectacular result, so maybe the lens used in the dxomark test was an outlier.

[@Stop-All-War]

Or DXO is flawed 💡 Both possible

[@lechainonbaroque]

I love the vintage F1.2 85 mm Canon FD... It's very heavy and probably not that sharp... But I made beautiful portraits with it...

[@u107916]

The RF 1.2L is the one for me, super sharp and little to no CA wide open. The one surprise of the group was the Otus, very surprised it was pushed back into the mid pack.

[@SimeonKolev]

Maybe it was tested on a badly chosen sensor... Even sensor filter stack can affect IQ. Like old Canon EF 50 and 85 L lenses - they have more glow on Sony sensor than on a Canon one... it depends what was the idea of the lens designer.

[@princeharbinger]

@@SimeonKolev Thanks for the heads up. I was interested in that Canon, for my A7Riii. Guess I'll hold on to my Sigma DG DN Art until Sony makes a 85mm F/1.2 GM.

[@SimeonKolev]

@@princeharbinger well the EF 85 1.2 L is a soft and artistic lens even on a Canon body it has nothing in common with the clinical Sigma look. On the Sony sensor it has some more haze wide open(compared to Canon sensor). The 50 1.0 L was veeery different though - a lot of haze compared to a Canon body. 1.4-1.2 is half a stop difference, I do not see that much of a difference but the price and size are very different.

[@princeharbinger]

@@SimeonKolev Thanks for the insight. Sounds like the Canon would be great for outdoor portraits. Whereas the Sigma is great for studio work. As for the 50mm having a haze look are you talking about glow? Not sure if I'd be willing to pay the asking price of that lens for that glow look alone. When there's plenty of vintage alternatives that can do that for a fraction of the cost. I do have the 50mm F/1.2 GM which I'm currently happy with. Has a nice 3D pop and the bokeh is pleasing to my eyes.

[@ericthestone]

The Nikon Z 85mm f/1.8 S should be on the list for sure in terms of sharpness!

[@justinhoward6755]

Seriously. It's second to very few lenses. The fact that it didn't even make the list is mind blowing. This is one of Christopher's only videos I disagree with. It has nothing to do with "fan boying."

[@christopherfrost]

@@justinhoward6755 I know it's surprising, and many people find it to be a very sharp lens. But according to my own tests, it really wasn't quite as sharp as these lenses (although it was still excellent)

[@justinhoward6755]

@@christopherfrost Fair enough! Love your videos man. Hopefully we see an F/1.4 for Z mount soon and it will make the list. Cheers!

[@classicboy97]

@@christopherfrost Maybe it’s time to update these videos to “The Top ‘8’ Sharpest X Lenses I’ve Ever Tested” ;-)

[@livejames9374]

Who cares about sharpness for an 85mm. Let’s be honest, rendering is most important for this focal length and that’s where the 85 f1.8 Z shines and absolutely trounces the 85 f2 RF. The 85 1.2 RF is my favorite lens for portraits, just special.

[@joebledea]

My favorite lens based on character and rendering, hands down, the Canon 85mm 1.2 L II, but the value king is the sigma 85mm 1.4 dg dn on my panasonic s5. Really nothing beats the new sigma dg dn lenses in sharpness and value for money. such amazing optics for the price!

[@Jakutz74]

I think the Sigma 105mm 1.4 is sharper and has a crazy bookeh

[@joebledea]

​@@Jakutz74I agree 💯! I have that lens and it's my go to for portraits! Heavy, but definitely worth it, gives images a medium format look).

[@alfoutdoors9660]

Chris, the Samyang AF 85mm f1.4 FE II probably wasn't released when you made this video so I wonder how it would be placed among this bunch. I know it's not quite as sharp as the Sigma DG DN (nothing is, at least for Sony cameras) but from other reviews I've seen, it's about the same as the Sony GM. It would surely get an honourable mention for being the lightest and the cheapest of the bunch.

[@Six.of.one.photography]

Christopher Frost you are, without question, the best reviewer on KZbin, and the only person I trust when it comes to lenses. I don't buy a lens until I'm sure it's up to the Christopher Frost standard, and you are greatly appreciated kind sir.

[@GLENNMPHOTOGRAPHY]

I recently bought the Sigma 85 1.4 for my Nikon Z6II and was blown away with the results. Ultra sharp!!! and have this character. The subject pops from the background. It have this 3D-like rendition which I like when using in portraits.

[@QuietOC]

The older Sigma designed for SLRs has a lot more fringing. That doesn't look like it belongs in first place.

[@denniscornelisse341]

I have had a Canon 85mm 1.8, but wanted more light. Now I have a Sigma 85mm 1.4 dg hsm Art on my Canon 6D II. Perfect lens for portraits. It works so good, I also got de 50mm and 35mm of Sigma.

[@michelecintramika8482]

Três lentes incríveis e com preços ainda mais incríveis.

[@michalsierzchula]

For some reason I hated the 85/1.4 art characteristic, it was sharp, but unpleasant to look at.

[@robertbirnbach2312]

I bought the Samyang 1.4 RF lens on your recommendation and I use it on my R5 and it may not be quite as sharp as the Canon version it is more than sharp enough for my needs and to be honest, I almost never correct the vignette I love the way it looks.

[@YanFries]

Really torn between samyang/rokinon and the 85 1.4L IS. I can’t find the lens station anywhere in Canada so how is the AF without the firmware update?

[@robertbirnbach2312]

@@YanFries I have the lens station and I upgraded right after I got it.

[@ericrenaud4482]

@@YanFries same here, I found a station for under $100 at Henry's. No complaints since updated.

[@ericrenaud4482]

@@YanFries same here, I found a station for under $100 at Henry's. No complaints since updated.

[@widiartoproboprasetyo9330]

Hi Chris, greetings from Jakarta. I always love your review and has been following your advices to purchase lenses. Thanks! I am a bit surprised that you don't mention Tamron SP 85mm VC on this review video, as I learn from your other video that Tamron 85mm is actually recommended ones. Even you don't include the lens in Honourable Mention criteria...! Any particular reason why this Tamron 85mm fall short behind RF 85mm F/2? Look forward to your reply.

[@christopherfrost]

It's a nice lens but an older one now, and it just isn't quite as sharp as these

[@Allan_Madsen]

@@christopherfrost yes its a older lens but not as sharp you say ??? the version you have tested must have had a failure bcz my version i use on my canon 6d mk ll is pin sharp from corner to corner i tried sigmas version to and tamron kills it by miles .. only thing tamron could work on is getting the focusing a bit faster i agree to that..

[@baronsilverton6504]

Nice review - I hope you do it again when the Nikon 85 1.2 S lens comes out sometime during this next year. Its been on the road map for so long that it seems that Nikon is really is working to get this flagship lens right - my guess is that it will dethrone the Canon just as the 50 1.2 S did in your tests. Either way it would be interesting to see. Thanks!

[@mlai2546]

DXO Mark had Nikon Z 85mm as one of the sharpest primes beating out every 85mm even f1.4s.. I don't know how CF does the measurements.

[@robbie154]

That sigma 85 is an absolute steal for the quality you get.

[@novainvicta]

I think you missed one lens that should have been on the list. Ive had various Canon 85mm lenses from 1.8 to 1.2 but my all time favourite is the EF 85mm f1.4L IS USM. Even though Ive now gone over to the R series and RF lenses this remains as part of my portrait lenses because its simply so good I cannot understand why it wasnt included.

[@michalsierzchula]

Maybe he haven't tested it? Dunno too

[@RyanSotelo]

My favorite focal length 😍 I shoot Sony and the GM was very sharp but I felt the autofocus motor was too loud and distracting (at least on my copy) so I went with the FE 85 1.8 and never looked back. Thanks for the tests Chris!

[@Chorum28]

sad to see that the rokinon 85mm f1.2 is no longer on the list

[@stephenspiteri_zunkus]

Would be nice to get an update now that there are new 85mm lenses on the market.

[@paavn1957]

I am now very happy with my Milvus 85mm. I had the Milvus 135mm that I also loved and that I think is perhaps even a bit better for portraits. I tried for a while the Otus 100mm which was to sharp and unforgiving for portraits but fantastic for everything else. Zeiss colors are just great.

[@paulhenry7]

Stretching some black silk stocking over the Otus would diffract a bit and take the edge off, though you'd need to adjust the exposure, an extra half or full stop.

[@vividstudio4651]

Hmm, the Canon EF 85mm f/1.4L IS USM has image stabilisation. A rare but seriously valuable feature for both stills and video at this length. Considering its near identical performance to the RF 85, its camera portability and the extra usability for hand held stills and video I give it a clear win.

[@NavrajRajLostSouls]

I had old Nikon 85mm 1.8G, That was crazy sharp on my Nikon d5300. Nice video

[@andreabeneforti4981]

Hi , nice video , Thank you for your effort to show us the characteristic of those lenses. I have tested some of those and I found the Rf 85 f 2.0 as a ridiculous performer, it seems a optics putted there from Canon without any reason to cover a place, but it is not a good lens( the same for the RF 35mm f1,8 or also worst ), Fantastic the Rf 85 1,2 L in both version , one better then the other , bat what kind price.......! At the end I will wait that sigma produce an 85mm in RF , in the meantime I still use myfantastic Pancolar 80mm F 1,8 in Prakticar mount

[@Noojtxeeg]

As someone who owns both the Samyang XP f1.2 and the Sigma DG DN Art, the sigma is sharper but the Samyang's bokeh and character renders much prettier. Sharpness isn't everything which is completely okay, these fanboys in the comments need to chill out.

[@ChristianThueringer]

I was about to write the same.

[@RicochetForce]

"Character" cannot be measured, though. It's massively subjective, and often used to describe optical deficiencies.

[@rafaeljimenez197]

@@RicochetForce sigma bokeh is more nervous, samyangs's is smoother

[@andreasd.barkas4845]

i have the sigma art and i am about to sell it and buy the XP or the sigma art 105 1.4 ....do you have anything in mind ?

[@rafaeljimenez197]

@@andreasd.barkas4845 the Sigma art 105/1.4 was my other choice Vs the 85mm f1.2! Ultimately. Although it is an AF lens. It's so ridiculously big it's not even funny. It is also HEAVY, really don't see myself or anyone going around with that lens on hand. Also costs about double what an used 85mm XP costs

[@ChemaPhoto]

Great review! thanks for your time, love the work and time takes to do your videos. I am currently testing in deep the Yongnuo 85mm RF since I want to use it when travelling, not really sharp lens but I like the colors and works really fast silent and really tiny, falling in love..... I own a 85mm RF 1.2 and it's simply.... brilliant I also had the 85mm Sigma ART which was good together with my 5D MIV but I like lot more the RF lens... although the price it's crazy.

[@alexmirza5210]

Perhaps if if you keep looking at the imperfections in the lines the canon RF has the very slightest edge at the centre of the frame. Which considering it's f1.2 would mean it to be the leader which is commensurate with its much higher price.

[@SunnySoCal]

i tried the sony GM f1.4 over 2 years ago i still look at the portraits i took they still look crazy good

[@francoismarc3]

Thank you for your detailed research. I own the Sony 135GM (my favorite lens) but am in the market for an 85. Sometimes, it's difficult to stand so far back from the subject to snap the photo. Out of all the lenses you recommend, which would you suggest to me? Price is not an option, but the quality is.

[@Genesis.1-1]

I use a Canon 85 f1.8. It's plenty sharp for my purposes and at just over $400 US new, it's a great bargain. On my 5D Mark IV it is remarkably sharp. I always enjoy your content.

[@paulhenry7]

I expect the Otus, or Otuses (Oti)?, will still be going strong long after some other lenses have failed.

[@tor2919]

Strange to not see the Nikon 85/1.8S on here. It is the sharpest Nikon S f1.8 prime together with the 50/1.8S and the 20/1.8S.

[@chanjeff4406]

It is on the honourable mention :)

[@johnforbes4795]

Interesting. When I switched to Nikon Z lenses for a Z8 and Z9, the two lenses I was really sorry to part with were the Zeiss Milvus 100mm f2 ZF.2 Macro lens and the Sigma 85mm f1.4 DG HSM Art lens. Your video has made me think about reacquiring that Sigma Art lens. I just loved its sharpness and its rendering. Although, with Sigma starting to make a few Nikon Z mount lenses, maybe they will also adapt their 85mm f1.4 DG DN Art lens to the Nikon Z mount.

[@christianvolkner2028]

These tests sometimes imho are a bit to technical. There‘s actually a lot more to lenses than just sharpness, contrast, flare resistance and other image defects. If you go by that then Sigma probably would be the best choice, since they have a very good price/performance ratio and cover all focal lengths. Or just by a GM or RF lens, you can’t go wrong nowadays. In Movies it’s a different game. Often they don’t play the numbers game and are more interested in lens characteristics. Some lens manufacturers like Arri or Zeiss are advertising things like gentle sharpness. Recently Zeiss released their Cine Lenses with controllable flaring. These thing are not really measureable and more like a taste thing, but they have a big impact on the final image

[@ptaf92]

Surely Canon’s EF 85mm 1.4 L is on par with some of these on the list?

[@of_science_and_superstition]

How does the Samyang 85mm F1.4 (the Sony AF full frame version) compare to this list? It got great reviews upon release.

[@geohoundTube]

The criteria of this list is corner-to-corner sharpness and contrast. Samyang is a great 85 lens but the corners are poor compered to these listed.

[@mdturnerinoz]

I still use my Canon EF 85 1.4 with an adapter on my Canon R5/R6; still a great choice even with the EF/RF adapter! Fast and accurate focus!

[@ptaf92]

Should be on this list i think. Or at least mentioned

[@nicolask.3825]

Oh boy, there's already debate about the Z lens in the comments. I think I'll say this - the measured quality of a lens depends upon the specific test scenario, so if other outlets report the Nikon as sharper than Canon f/2, it might be down to a different lens set-up. Also, lens standards are constantly rising - the FE 85mm 1.8, which Chris praised for its sharpness back when he tested it, didn't even appear as an honorable mention, and I don't think that's an oversight. At the end of the day, take the video for what it is - a measurement of the sharpest 85mm lenses Chris has tested. Imo, I'm fine with the sharpness of my own FE 85mm 1.8 on my 24MP camera, but there's some other characteristics it slightly struggles with. Bokeh is important on an 85mm, and I'm sure most of the lenses on here do it better. In any case, thanks for putting together this video, Chris. Cheers!

[@picattiu4813]

the canon rf f2 may be sharp but practically in real world scneraio its af is so horrid slow

[@cooksnj]

Great video. Thank you for taking the time to do what you do. Very helpful. Thank you, and merry Christmas.

[@jacobh5817]

Thanks for a great video. Do you also plan to make a video about your test setup and methodology? That would be very insightful. May I also ask if there’s a place where you publish your testdata from these tests?

[@RC534]

I have the Canon RF 85 f/2 and no complaints about the picture quality! It's focusing speed is rather pedestrian though indeed.

[@brianschultz3977]

Minolta 85mm 1.4 G D Limited!! Possibly a half step behind these lenses in sharpness. But color and bokeh are unbeatable… making this the best portrait lens on earth. Would love to see you test it! Sadly, You have ignored Minolta. The 400mm 4.5 and 600mm f4 would be interesting tests. Any of the white minoltas really. 80-200 AP0, 200mm 2.8 APO. So many great and unique lenses and camera features. Minolta was a pioneer. Also please test the A-Mount Zeiss 135mm 1.8.

[@patrickfitzgerald2861]

Back when dinosaurs roamed the earth, and cameras contained something called film, my go to lens for nearly everything was the Canon FD 85mm/1.8. Although I don't own any of them, this current batch of 85mm optics is nothing short of amazing.

[@christopherfrost]

I tested the FD 85mm f/1.2 and was really impressed by its performance

[@patrickfitzgerald2861]

@@christopherfrost I did not know a single person who had one back then - and I knew a lot of pros. Hugely expensive and gigantic by the standards of those days. It was a portrait lens for wealthy professional photographers living in New York City or LA . . . heck, they still cost a grand used on eBay! Yikes! 😎

[@paulhenry7]

I have one adapted for EF mount by the Lens Doctor (thus easy to use on RF mount with an adaptor), it is an excellent lens. I have a similarly adapted FD 135mm f2, another gem.

[@goldenstasgs]

Cristopher why you mentioned that Canon made from plastic? It’s magnesium alloy but not plastic. Maybe you have to explore deeper Cabon technology. I faced with same mistake with headphones review of Meze Lyric. It also made from magnesium alloy, but very often it was confused with plastic.

[@paddyola1]

I'll just stick to my viltrox 85mm 1.8, on my a7r2 and sharpen in post where needed lo. it's under £300 lol

[@shmuelaryehkoltov241]

Not a criticism of Chris, who tested for the sharpest lens and not character or whatever you'd might want for a portrait lens, but for those who think that sharpness of a lens is the go all to consider when getting the "best lens". First, "sharpness" isn't real. There is resolution and contrast, and for some also the famed microcontrast (I believe it's a thing, since I see it, particularly with my Voigtlander lenses). And how well the resolution of a lens is, depends on the sensor catching the light going through it. Second, "best" can mean different things for different people. To use myself as an example, I shoot architecture and documentary photography, and while I use wide angle lenses a lot, "best" for architecture is not "best" for documentary. For architecture I need a lens with good resolution and controlled distortion. I can't use a lens with a wide aperture, which has bad distortion and crazy vignetting, and if I have to choose between resolution and distortion, then I prefer a controlled distortion over best resolution. For documentary I need the character, to the extent that I'd prefer a vintage lens over a modern lens. Third, we're dealing with portrait lenses, when discussing 85mm lenses. You don't want the sharpest lens for that, no subject wants all their skin imperfections to be easily seen in their portrait. You'd look for other things, the quality of the toneh (sorry, bokeh), the way the image is rendered, and so on. High performance resolution is not what you should concern yourself with, except to the point that it would be so bad, that it would look out of focus of course. Fourth, if you want a "sharp" photo, then use flash and close down your lens. A lenses will perform amazingly this way, with lots of details. Even kit lenses (which can be great lenses).

[@nocommentnoname1111]

Thank you and Merry Christmas!

[@David-il9xw]

Being unable to establish which lens was oddly satisfying for it reinforced the notion that all is not qualifiable and, perhaps, that I my own worthiness might be underestimated.

[@Tainted-Soul]

sound great thanks for the video the good thing for Canon users is that Sigma has started making lenses for the RF mount so the 85 Art in RF please :)

[@vividstudio4651]

Oh, the EF 85mm f/1.4L IS USM didn't make the cut. I still love it.

[@jamesoliver6625]

What are your categories for evaluating a lens. IMO sharpness (resolving Ronchi rulings on an l/mm basis) is about #5 on the list. I first look at a lens' ability to resolve fine gradation differences over a small physical distance on the resultant image, The unachievable goal would be to refine 32 distinct "shades" of gray from OD 0.00 to 2.2. in each color. This preference directly mitigates the higher apparent contrast element of your preference. You can have "higher" contrast in a lens that can only refine two steps in the wedge. Or,...... do I just like the way the lens looks.

[@IvanCelicanin]

Hey Chris, mind doing a quick review of a Panasonic Lumix S 85mm 1.8? Just purchased my newest panny system and wonder what your take on this lens would be. Much appreciated!!

[@joostverpoort]

My best and most sharp lens I've ever used is the old Canon FL 85mm f1.8. Amazing quality

[@cbflazaro]

surprised to not see the nikon z85, panasonic 85 1.8 and sony 1.8. all 3 of them on top 5 sharpest 85mm according to dxomark.

[@Mariner1460]

I own the two cheapest lenses listed and mentioned and was fortunate enough to find both combined for less than any of the others alone. The “old” Samyang goes on sale from time to time for nearly half off, and a friend let me practically steal his RF 85 f/2 when he was put off by its, umm, unique focusing behaviors. I tried hard not to like the cheap RF lens (heck, it’s only a stop faster than a good 70-200 lens, also great for portraits), but it’s just so dang handy to use. The half macro feature is neat, but that seems to just distract people from how close this lens can focus “normally.” Flip the focus limiter to the long end of the range, and most of the focus issues disappear while still keeping some really tight framing options available. Being small, light, and stabilized, I enjoy using it one handed with an off camera flash in the other hand. Can’t do that with the portly MF-only Samyang. Where the Samyang shines is in its bokeh. Even at same aperture, it’s just way softer/smoother than the RF f/2, and of course it has over a stop more available. Sharpness comparison is an “it depends.” At large apertures, the centers are bout the same, but the RF is noticeably sharper at the edges (maybe why it’s bokeh isn’t quite as nice?). At small apertures, the RF seems to go soft early in the corners while the Samyang goes sharp edge to edge.

[@zollieuncle9647]

It is interesting to see that hardly any of the slower 85mm lenses got into your top 7 list while obviously they are a lot easier to make sharper and the test was about sharpness. I would doubt if Tamron could not make it to the list, or the cheap Sony 85/1.8 lens would not be sharper, than the 85/1.4GM. Anyways, my favorite is the 85/2.5 Loxia lens. It is not only sharp enough for my Sony a7r4 - which I cannot say about the 85/1.4GM -but it has a beautiful rendering that I really like. I agree, it is a matter of taste and I just recently experienced that also a sample variation as well. My brand new Tamron 85/1.8 mounted on Nikon FF DSLR was not as crazy sharp as expected till I got professionally serviced and adjusted to my camera body. Now I think you you would select it into your top 7. Bottom line, I like your video for sharing nice shots taken on different 85mm lenses, but concluding on sharpness is a very high risk topic and I would recommend to talk about other pros and cons instead or even what you liked and disliked about the lenses tested.

[@hpwer9536]

Danke! A great thanks from germany. I think the sigma 20f2 will fit my needs best. Keep up doing this great work.

[@christopherfrost]

Thanks for your support!

[@messylaura]

been a long time fan of sigma EX and ART series, i have the 105mm 1.4 and 135mm 1.8 art primes but i probably will end up with the 85mm at some point, mostly due to price between them and canon variants and sharpness is the bonus

[@Methodical51]

Was the Panasonic S 85mm released at the time of this video? Pretty sure it would make the list . I went for the Sigma tho, I hate the rendering of Panny

[@JosephEFizer]

I have used the Zeiss Otus 85 f1.4 for a while with my Sony a7rIV and am very impressed with the image quality. Sharpness is important to me as well as tone transition. For me this is not a walk around lens. The camera goes on a tripod and is locked down tight. I have been very impressed how far these images can be enlarged and hold together when viewed at half a meter distance. I have the 55 f1.4 Otus also, I like the way the 85mm renders best. Yes, I bought both of these used.

[@georgedavall9449]

Christopher. Frost. Is. The. Man. Another stellar review! This Man knows his stuff, speaks eloquently, and uses nice mild piano music in the background. Should be at 500K? I am glad I am a Subscriber. Please, everyone like and comment and support this Gentleman’s efforts! Thank You! 👍👍👍🙏📷

[@srinivasanraghavan88]

@Chris .. You voice has made me buy a lots of lens including the samyang 85mm . Its brilliant lens at f1.2 even in 5ds if you don’t push it very high contrast scenario..

[@gdjaybee742]

The Tamron 85 1.8 VC is one of the sharpest lenses tested on DXOmark. It resolves 22mp out of a possible 24mp on a D7100 without AA filter, and 36mp out of a possible 36mp on a D810, and 44mp out of a possible 45mp on a D850; all of which no AA filter. Which means this lens can resolve 99% of sensors from some of the most demanding cameras in last 12 years. The only lens measured to beat it is the Sigma 85 1.4 A by a nudge (not really a lot). How come it's not even mentioned in this video?

[@swawekvandermeer99]

My combo the Nikon D850 with the Sigma 1.4 art is still the top of the list!

[@networm64]

Nice review! I'm just surprised about the Canon RF 85 f2 being included while Nikon Z 85 f1.8 and Sony 85 f1.8 been kept out of the list. They both deserved to be in here I think. Maybe a top 10 list was even nicer!

[@randydean23]

I gotta say_ you handle the fan boi plague as well if not a little bit better than anyone on this platform. I am a Nikon shooter but have been tuning in since I first found your channel and a long time before you began covering nikkor glass. It's that old adage that drew me in: "Bokeh? .... because bokeh."

[@pox05]

I don't think you have ever reviewed the Nikon Z 85mm f1.2 - unless I missed it?

[@denisgehlhaar8902]

A little Error in the Text! The Zeiss Batis is an E-Mount exclusive until today and not available for Nikon F or Canon EF

[@davidshaw5979]

Great review as always Chris. Do you thing that Sigma will release an 85mm art lens for the Nikon Z mount system?. kind regards.

[@bpundit]

Great video like always, Chris! Would you do the sharpest ultrawide angle lenses (

[@alaskalonghunters2990]

Fun hearing you at the extreme end of the English language attempting to describe the capabilities of these 85's to us Chrstopher! Thank you! Question: I have a Canon M6MK2 APSC, so I'm curious, what lens in that mount would render an image comparing to these FF camera's?

[@Bayonet1809]

The Sigma 56mm f/1.4 DC DN is available in EF-M mount, and is probably the best ~85mm equivalent lens for APS-C cameras.

[@Mariner1460]

Depends on what you mean by “render.” For portraits (and if 135mm equivalent framing will work for you), the best I’ve found for my M5 is the EF-M mount Samyang 85 f/1.8 (also on one of Chis’ “favorites” lists). I also own its full frame big brother, the 85 f/1.2. On the crop sensor, that FF lens actually doesn’t “look” as good as the APS-C lens, and of course the balance is terrible. The small lens handles CA better, and balance between sharp subject and soft foreground/background is more pleasing, at least to my eye. Plus in keeping with what makes M great, it’s small and cheap! :-)

[@octocrushoctocrush1316]

I have Carl Zeiss plannar T* 85mm f1.4 ZE. I will be very happy if you make a video on it too. 😊

[@timagesaustralia]

excellent video. I have tried sigma, Canon Rf and the zeiss otus, and i would agree more or less. I personally use Tamron 85 1.8 vc on canon Mirrorless as its sharp enough for me and with image stabilisation

[@WOLFTICKVIDEOS]

Telling Fanboys not to get triggered is in and of itself triggering, but I think you already know that😉🤣.

[@MdAminuzzaman]

& U absolutely forget about the Canon 85mm 1.4L IS Lens (The superior gem). The only 85mm f1.4 lens ever made with IS.

[@paulhenry7]

And quite a recent, 2017, design.

[@patrickmckeag3215]

Another great video. Thanks. 85mm is my favorite focal length for portraits. You're farther away from your subject, so the camera is not right in their face. Personally I would never pay that kind of money for any of those lenses, excellent as they are. I bought the Viltrox FE 85mm F1.8 II and I love it. It pretty much stays on my camera all the time. It was $480 CAD

[@pierrevilley6675]

The sigma 1.4 can be found under 400€