Tamron SP 85mm F1.8 VC: Long Term Review | 4K

[@autofocusrossswansea9362]

Dustin I don't know if you'll read this but here goes anyway. First, I want to thank you for your very detailed reviews over the last few years. They have been instrumental in my choices of lenses and your due dilligence proved what you say is right. None of the reviews more than this one, about the Tamron 85mm. It is a gorgeous lens and in my case the 85mm focal length was already covered by one of my zooms - the Nikkor 24-120mm F/4 VR AP-S. When the Tamron arrived last week, I set up a test of a tree line, not quite so far away as the trees in your test shots. Both were shot in good light, at f/4 and with VC / VR ON. The difference was really staggering, the Tamron being miles ahead on contrast saturation and sharpness. Delighted with it, so thank you. I had to get mine used, but it is perfect. What surprised me is that Tamron brought this to market in 2016 and by June 2020 they killed it off production. It must be one of the best 85mm lenses ever made. Why would they do that. We live in strange times, with the transition to mirrorless, so I can only assume demand for DSLR lenses has dropped (by now, 2023) but I didn't think the demand would have impacted Tamron as early as 2020, clearly it has. I am remaining a DSLR shooter, my D850 should have many years ahead of it and the expense of transitioning, although I can afford it, seems dubious and wasteful - I rarely print bigger than 20 x 16 inches, and the D850 has the resolution in spades to do that. Even moreso with the Tamron 85mm lens. Tamron have killed off a lot of the SP range, it's not just this model, so I guess mirrorless had done for them all - just so glad I read your review and managed to find one of these before they become rarer than hens teeth. If you are a Nikon or Canon shooter, you MUST grab a good copy of one of these or you'll never forgive yourself - unless you already have something equal or better in your bag. Thanks again Dustin your reviews are much appreciated.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

It's pretty clear that these companies are pretty much solely focused on mirrorless, now, but that doesn't change how strong this lens was/is.

[@justinlloyd6455]

Hello Dustin! I've been following your channel since 2014. You've helped me make many important (and expensive) buying decisions for lenses over the years. Relevant commentary, narration, the side-by-side, real-world, pixel-peeping, bokeh-comparing details are something I cannot find anywhere else. It must take an enormous amount of time, planning and work to accomplish the lens shoot-out videos. I appreciate the long-term reviews, especially on this special 85mm Tamron. I purchased this lens due to your amazing comparison and recommendation. It was a huge purchase for me. I can't believe how well this 85mm Tamron compares to the $4,000 Ziess Otus (manual focus and stratospheric price? I could never buy it). I want to say: I am a burnt out of the tsunami of "new gear reviews" coming out daily all over the internet. It makes you feel like one month you have the best unit available, but next month its trash. I still use a Canon 6D. I am sure the RF 85mm 1.2 is great, but the $2,700 price tag puts it *entirely* out of reach for me. And is it worth $2,000 *more?* Do I get a 4x "better" lens for 4x more money? *No.* So its refreshing to see long-term reviews, as its something entirely lacking in the KZbin, News and Tech industry. Following up on a big story, etc. How well does something last? How well does it continue to work? And how does it compare to updated units? etc. Keep up the great work, Dustin! Thank you again!

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

That's great feedback.

[@rgman2858]

You absolutely nailed it. I bought the tamron 150-600mm G2 based on how great the reviews were and a month later people were trashing it. Same with my D7500. I researched for months before buying it for bird photography because of the great reviews, within weeks watching KZbin videos I second guessed my purchase so much that I bought the D500 because it was "the best birding camera on the market" what a mistake. The D7500 is plenty capable of handling static subjects and most birds in flight. The D500 I regret buying. I bought it solely because of the reviews. Next time I'll take everything with a grain of salt and try it out for myself and disregard negative reviews or positive and figure it out for myself.

[@wanakoplays8874]

I had this lens for a while, attached to my 6D Mark II and it always delivered spectacular results. It is quite an underrated lens, imo. It was your review that convinced me to buy it, several years ago, and it served me well.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Glad you enjoyed it.

[@guardianobserver6593]

Why you haven't it now?

[@wanakoplays8874]

@@guardianobserver6593 I switched from Canon to Fuji, so I sold all my Canon gear.

[@jeremypinder4436]

well i want to try this tamron i like tamron it takes very nice pictures but i want to try something different

[@hazybrain7]

So refreshing to see a long term review, and so well done. There's so much great glass out there that gets forgotten in the rush to the latest and greatest. This one has been on my radar for a long time but I have a couple of manual 85's that are decent. But with growing megapixels the VC in my newer Tamrons have improved my images so much particularly in lower light - the holy trinity 15-30, 24 -70, and 70-200, are just phenomenal at using lower shutter speeds and therefore lower iso's to capture much cleaner images. Great review and some incredible shots shown too, Bravo !

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I'm glad it helped!

[@richardroscoe166]

Buying this lens is the best thing I've ever done for my business.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

It's remains an underrated lens.

[@katywolffis7678]

Thanks for the review! I’ve had my eye on this lens for awhile, but always seems to be a sleeper lens and one not many people talk about or know exists. Currently about ready to buy one

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

It was a sleeper but a very solid lens.

[@sveneezy2059]

Thanks for the long term review. I've rented the lens once and I was blown away by the IQ. Not too long after that I bought a Nikon 1.8G and I ended up a bit disappointed by the images. They felt so flat. I do gotta say that I'm bias because I own the 24-70 G2 as well. Side note; Your parents look like the king and queen. Great shot!!!

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

The Tamron is definitely a cut above your typical 85mm F1.8 lens. It has a special quality that the cheaper lenses lack.

[@druszaj]

These Tamron SP VC lenses are so fantastic for film shooters. We have much more restricted ISO for good quality results :) I'm using a Canon EOS Elan 7E 35mm SLR from the year 2000 and the Tamron 45mm and 85mm both work great on that, I was able to do handheld portraits by streetlamps with 800 ISO. It does seem to drain the battery twice as fast as a non stabilized lens.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

That’s an interesting application

[@jordanrodriguez6927]

Did you ever have issues with back focusing with the elan 7e and Tamron lenses? Or is that something the TAP console helped with

[@druszaj]

@@jordanrodriguez6927 They both focused great for me without the console. Your mileage may vary

[@druszaj]

@@jordanrodriguez6927 The lenses both had perfect focusing without needing to use a console.

[@rgman2858]

Thank you for the wonderful review, I just bought this lens 3 days ago and can't wait to try it out

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Hope you enjoy it!

[@codykennedy4429]

Bro you are Pentecostal? That’s awesome!

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Yes I am! I've been a Pentecostal pastor for about 24 years.

[@VoicesofMusic]

Beautiful photos.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Thank you very much.

[@Igor-ce3ul]

do u have a lesson how to make black background portraits ? what material to use, etc

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I don't have something like that, though I do have one or two reviews of backdrops

[@Igor-ce3ul]

@@DustinAbbottTWI link please?)

[@whoismikeq]

Great LT Review Dustin. I still have my copy, almost always attached to my D4S. It's such a great value and has been rock solid ever since day one.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

It's an underrated lens.

[@davidburton2294]

We are so lucky nowadays to be able to 'stop down to f2' - I've bought and sold my canon EF 135mm f2, 200mm 2.8L ii, both superb lenses. There's a used canon 85mm 1.2 L 11 I'd like to buy on ebay (as my one exotic lens for my Canon 90D). Now it's a toss up between a new Tamron 85mm 1.8 vc and the canon 85 1.2. Seeing this video I'm leaning towards the tamron 85 which has the added bonus of vc and ease of use. Another great review you are my go-to for intelligent camera info! Thanks dave

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Glad to help out.

[@guardianobserver6593]

Have you decided? Which have you bought and why? I have a Canon aps-c and I consider this lens.

[@peterkin1010]

Fantastic video of a lens that tends to slip under the rada Doesn't surprise me you're a top photographer Dustin. The photos were brilliant and made me want to go out and buy one of these lenses despite the fact I already own a Nikon AF-S 85mm f1 4 G

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Wow, thanks!

[@kevinjones8583]

Thanks for this video, I've been debating this lens over the Sigma art. I bought Tamron's 100-400 last year after watching your review of that lens and haven't looked back. I think this will be my next lens. Thanks again.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Glad I could help!

[@anca1ag0n37]

Long-term reviews are where it's at. For gear that could last years or more with proper care, like lenses, these are way more important than people realize. Lenses have also hit the point where image quality becomes a given at certain price points; they all perform roughly the same across the board. Other factors like build quality, handling, and price are more important unless you absolute need to pixel peep for work.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

This is a fair point.

[@dvon0134]

I would love to see a comparison from you between this lens and the newer RF 85mm F2 IS when it comes out. Thanks for all the honest information Dustin!

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Hi Dvon, unfortunately I no longer have this lens. I've been slowly moving my Canon EF mount lenses because I don't have an EF mount camera anymore. All RF and FE.

[@dvon0134]

@@DustinAbbottTWI Are you going to review the RF 85mm F2 though? Really look forward for your opinion. Thanks for the reply!

[@Princeton_James]

I'm so glad to see you do long term reviews as well all have some older lenses from the DLSR days. Does this lens adapt better to Canon mirrorless than it does Sony?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Yes it does.

[@andrewdoeshair]

I've been curious about this lens for years, but never had the privilege to own one. I owned the 35mm F1.8 counterpart from Tamron and I loved it (recently sold it, along with my 24, to consolidate my wide end into Sigma's 24-35mm F2) but the 35 was a very enjoyable lens to use, it was just fun. I've had a love hate relationship with every 85mm I've owned-- the Rokinon SP 85mm F1.2 looked stunning but I eventually wanted auto focus so I moved to the EF 85mm F1.2L ii and was greatly disappointed with the sharpness and color fringing (especially after moving to higher megapixel sensors, like on the EOS R, which seemed to magnify the downfalls). Then I switched to the Sigma 85mm Art which was much sharper and focused quickly/confidently, but the out of focus areas were so contrasty and busy I just couldn't use it (shooting a model in a black shirt in front of a white backdrop would literally add a second ghostly line along their shoulders, like every color was fringed at once in order to prevent just greens or purples from fringing alone). Today I just don't own an 85mm anymore. I borrowed the RF 85mm F1.2L and it's great, but honestly not worth the $2,900 (after tax) FOR ME, so I ended up buying the RF 70-200 instead... But one of these days, I will pick up the dang Tamron, and I have a strong feeling it'll be great...

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Another great option on RF is the new Samyang AF 85mm F1.4. Check out my review of it if you haven't. It has a lot of the character of the SP 85mm F1.2, but obviously more practical.

[@frankluo230]

Thanks for sharing your journey. I have considered all 85mm and 105mm options for Nikon F mount and decide to pass this 85VC. Nikon 85f1.8G is sharp and lightweight, or for 250g more than this VC, I'd go for Nikon 105f1.4E price is less relevant because I no longer chase focal range coverage or collection of lens set. 85VC being a middle ground I know I am not going to settle on long term

[@TheKingPrawn114]

Based largely on your review (and a sale!) I picked up the SP 45 for my APS-C Canon. It is hands down the best lens in my bag.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I'm not surprised, Dustin. It's definitely an underrated lens.

[@guardianobserver6593]

Can I ask you the use of this lens? Portraits, street photography...... Ecc?

[@TheKingPrawn114]

@@guardianobserver6593 Some portraits but mostly as a general walking around lens. It's fantastic for flowers and close up abstracts with textures and patterns.

[@guardianobserver6593]

@@TheKingPrawn114 Thank you. I have a canon m3 with the 18-55mm lens and since I use most of the time the 55mm I search something higher for street photography with low light capability.

[@louisolivierfortin]

Mine is absurdly sharp throughout the image even wide open. I must say the stabilisation does affect sharpness a bit. It’s a great value that’s for sure.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Not surprised at the sharpness. This is a very strong lens optically.

[@r-tech1215]

How about focus breathing?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

It's been a long time since this review, so I'm afraid that's not in my recall.

[@ericgauthier2665]

Good job...have this lens and my Canon eos R. Always on top ! 🎉📷👌🏼💌

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

It's a handy combo.

[@9999chihao]

Is this pair well with EOS R. Have sigma 85 ex f 1.4 ( not art) and thinking about upgrade to this one. But debating to go either Samyang RF F1.4 or Canon F1.4 IS EF or this one.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

It works fine. The Samyang RF 85mm F1.4 is another nice choice at a great price.

[@oasean]

I was hoping to see how its autofocus performs on Sony full frame via Sigma's MC-11 with recent firmware.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

It's been a while since I've used the lens, so I'm sure it is better than what I saw previously, but I don't have firsthand experience.

[@aganryzka8674]

which is best between sigma 85mm ex dg hsm (non art) & tamron sp 85mm at f1.8?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I'd go with the Tamron, myself. It never disappointed me.

[@guardianobserver6593]

Does anyone have used this lens on a Canon eos? (aps-c)? How was the photos?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I used it on an 80D some, and the photos are great. You get something like a 135mm in terms of focal length.

[@manisharora6233]

I use canon 100 mm usm L IS with 6dii for portraits and macro Should i go with tamron 85 1.8

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Instead of the Canon? Only if you plan to stop doing macro. The Tamron is a little better for portraits, but not for macro.

[@manisharora6233]

@@DustinAbbottTWI so that means i will not get a substantial gain over tamron? Right?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I don't really understand your second question.

[@manisharora6233]

@@DustinAbbottTWI first of all i really really appreciate that you reply almost every comment Ok my second question was if i buy tamron 85 1.8 along with my 100 mm .i think i will not gain much for portraits. As u said i should buy tamron only if i plan to stop doing macro

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I think that's accurate. Portraits will be a little better, but not much. The 100mm is actually a nice portrait lens.

[@xiaotianwan]

This was my favorite portrait lens before I went mirrorless, also have bought the 35mm VC, didn't like that one, but the 85mm, plus image stabilization, not hefty, is perfect for me

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I'm not surprised. It is a really nice lens.

[@vinvanid]

So what is your favorite lens after you go mirrorless ?

[@devorator724]

Will tamron re-release this for sony e-mount?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

That's a good question, but not one I have an answer to. There are a lot of 85mm options now on Sony.

[@garybrown9719]

You have a beautiful family I have a 24mm 2.5 bought new in 1978 waiting for an adapter to use on my x-t3 I do need 85mm focal length for my x-t3 have also been considering the tamron 35mm 1.8

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I don’t really have experience with adapting lenses like this to Fuji, so I’m afraid I don’t have a lot to help you.

[@brianthibault5929]

Hi, just wondering what you’re filming with for the indoor part where you’re showing the lens in detail?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I almost always use the Tamron 28-75mm F2.8 on a Sony body for those sequences.

[@brianthibault5929]

Dustin Abbott is it the lens or the camera that was having focussing issues?

[@ADivaForLife]

Have you ever use it for sports??

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I've taken action shots with it, yes, but I haven't used it for sports for the simple reason that I rarely shoot that kind of photography.

[@MrRaduso]

I'm currently considering buying this lens, which I've known about for a long time, but I didn't have that much money, so I bought a Canon 85 f1.8 at the time. But now I received an interesting offer to buy a Tamron, which I will use for my RP and in the future I would like to use it for the R6/R6ii. Please, is this lens still as capable or is it not worth it nowadays? Canon RF 85 f2 arrived, but I don't have such a good feeling that I should buy it and the Canon ef 85 f1.4 still has a high value compared to the Tamron, what is your opinion on shooting portraits of weddings and the like ?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I haven't used it adapted onto an RP, but I don't see any reason why it shouldn't work well.

[@nuno_S]

Thank you. Very interesting and useful. Which one would you recommend, in the 85mm line for portrait, in a Nikon camera. I've been thinking about this question for a long time (far too long I'm afraid), and still without the lens I need. The Nikkor (1.4 or 1.8), the Tamron, the Sigma Art, or the Zeiss (The Milvus or the Planar 1.4)?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I really think the Tamron is a great value and the best all-round option. I like the Milvus 85mm F1.4 best for IQ, the Sigma is a nice compromise if you don't mind the massive size.

[@nuno_S]

@@DustinAbbottTWI thank you so much. The question of size and weight is important, because the Df has only 600 gr weight, and a lens much heavier than that makes it unbalanced hand held, specially in a camera without a grip. So I agree that Tamron will be a better solution. Thank you again.

[@JoaoRodrigues_photo]

Will you make a long term of the 90mm f2.8 macro as well?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

No, because I've never actually owned it.

[@JoaoRodrigues_photo]

@@DustinAbbottTWI sad :((

[@Sbayo9]

This lens is super soft on my d7200 at 1.8 and even higher. Probably focus issues.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

It has to be some other issue, as this lens is extremely sharp.

[@johnjenkinsmusic1]

It might need to be recalibrated.

[@acouragefann]

Were it not for the (most likely) upcoming RF 85mm f2.0 STM Macro, this would've been a certain buy for me, even in 2020. Nice to see it handling 50MPs this well though.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

The biggest challenge for this lens is that all the momentum in the photography world is away from DSLRs right now.

[@jeremypinder4436]

do you enhance your photos

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Most of what I show in my reviews has minimal editing.

[@jeremypinder4436]

@@DustinAbbottTWI well what's a good photo editing software that i can use to make my pictures nice. my tamron 18-200 lens isn't good in low light i have to use the flash. i was taking pictures at my brother basketball game and they made me leave because of the flash and that game my brother score 35 points and i missed all those pictures and that's why i need to get a solid camera body and a lens that works great in low light

[@JimsPhotographyArt]

Great to see you do a refresher chat about this lens! I bought this 85 and also the 45mm back in 2016 when you reviewed them and after consulting with you. They are and have been 2 of my favorite and most used primes that I own. I especially love and use the 45mm the most, it's a constant in my kit bag. I just recently rotated the 85mm back into my kit bag and have been shooting with it a lot in the last few weeks again. I use it a lot for wildflowers and nature stills and it's also my go to lens for portraits. Both the 85 and 45 have held up good and both still look and work like they did the day I got them. I recently bought the Tamron 24-70 f/2.8 and still on the fence about it.....

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I'm really glad to hear that it (they) have served you well. Both are seriously underrated lenses.

[@squarefann]

Hi Dustin. Thank you very much for this long term review. Long-term reviews are very appreciated and valuable to me because that is when a product has really been thoroughly tested and the conclusions are based on long experience. Well done!!! Please, I wanted to ask you, for canon dslr in August 2020 and after having tested and analyzed quite a few 85mm lenses, would you still recommend this 85 tamron above other options in quality-price-performance that provides professional results? (with stabilizer or not). I was considering the possibility of purchase a Canon EF 85mm f/1.4L IS USM but I had the opportunity to try it a couple of days with a 6d mark II (although I have 6d mark 1) and it did not convince me at all (maybe I could try to show you photos somehow). In my modest opinion the best thing about this L lens is the bokeh, it has an exquisite, fine, elegant, creamy, magical bokeh but not everything in photography is bokeh, the contrast is poor for me (at least at wide apertures), colors look a bit dull and lifeless and the sharpness could be better, the images (always in my opinion) lack sparkle,..as you well said in your 1.4 L review, images do not impress.. I think Canon with this lens did not want to completely overlap the ef 1.2 L II, that's why they put it in a lower category and price, I think they didn't do better for this reason, I can't find another explanation, and although it may be a little sharper than 1.2 II still less than some competition having come out later ...ok, thanks a lot for all, Dustin!

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I think your assessment is fair.

[@squarefann]

@@DustinAbbottTWI I'm glad we agree and I also understand that you continue in august 2020 to recommend tamron over other options. By the way, I just recently received the tamron sp 35 1.4 (before I had the sigma 35 art and I sold it to test this, the decision was partly thanks to your review). I have barely been able to test it, but the rendering seems to look different than sigma, looks a bit sharper at 1.4 but I notice a different rendering of the image, quite a different character, and probably also differences in color, this tamron gives the feeling of creating warmer tones, I also notice the difference in weight, it feels much heavier than sigma, tested on a 6d mark 1, although at the moment I have barely been able to test it, if it seems right to you perhaps I will comment later on my impressions and differences that I notice with the sigma which I had for 3 years and i know quite a bit well. Greetings and thanks, Dustin!

[@Francisfphoto_]

Impressive review and lens!!!! Is there much of a difference on the OOF blurr between this Tamron and Samyang AF 85mm f1.4 RF? I’m using a Canon EOS R, and I don’t mind using the adapter....

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

The Samyang has the potential for more and softer bokeh, though I always felt like the Tamron was pretty nice.

[@Francisfphoto_]

Dustin Abbott thanks a lot for replying Sr!

[@alba-photo]

Excellent review as always. Do you by any chance recall mounting it on Sony-E via MC-11? I remember you mentioning weird phenomenon occurring while mounting the Tamron's SP 35mm 1.4 on Sony. I'm considering 85 due to its current second hand price CA performance and max magnification ratio.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Hi Alba, I did use the lens a bit on Sony E-mount, though that's been far enough back that the experience should be much improved since then. It worked fine as much as I remember, though.

[@chevyscottcanonigo7386]

which has superior iq between the samyang 85 1.4 ef ang tamy 1.8?? and for overall usage for weddings and events

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I haven’t tested the Samyang EF version. I would say the Tamron is the safer choice.

[@Francisfphoto_]

@@DustinAbbottTWI and between the Samyang RF 85mm f1.4 and this Tamron? For an EOS R

[@rumtreibbaer]

I own the Tamron latest 90mm macro. F2.8 is good enough for me doing portraits, I don't think the 5mm make a noticable difference for most people, same for f2.8. Saves some bucks for me. Any thoughts as you reviewed both leises?

[@tHaH4x0r]

As you yourself I also own the 90mm f2.8 tamron macro and fully agree. Unless you do a lot of portraits, it is not that useful to purchase a separate 85mm lens for portraits. The extra 1.3 stops of light don't do anything for portraits, and the only reason why that would be important is bokeh. The macro lens is already super sharp wide open at f2.8 so no need to stop it down. I do think, unless you do a ton of portraits and really want that extra bokeh, is it valuable to invest all that money into the lens. Never mind that most of the time that money is better invested in better lighting. Even if you would need/want a separate 85mm for portraits because you want extra bokeh, I'd go for an f1.4 anyways. The Sigma 85mm f1.4 art isn't that much more expensive.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I think this is a fair question, and one that I explored when I reviewed the 90mm macro. I find that such lenses are often very nice portrait lenses.

[@lsaideOK]

I would guess that there is a difference in focus speed. Macros are not usually known for quick af. Some are reviewed as having much better image quality near than far which may limit landscape performance. I have a 70 Macro. Pretty poor focus speed but terrific far performance. That lesser far performance does clearly not apply to this 85.

[@norseatheart1086]

I'm currently torn between this and the Samyang 1.4 RF for my EOS R-cameras. If you HAD to choose one of them which one would it be, Dustin? :)

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I would go with the Samyang. There are basically no compromises there.

[@norseatheart1086]

Dustin Abbott Thank you for answering, I was leaning towards the Samyang.

[@Francisfphoto_]

Norse At Heart did you get the Samyang? How does it works for you?

[@norseatheart1086]

@@Francisfphoto_ Yes I did, had bad luck with the first copy having a faulty AF but ny second copy has been rock solid! Fantastic lens.

[@Francisfphoto_]

Norse At Heart Okok good to know man! I’m wanting that lens sooo bad

[@Georgeinthejungle]

@dustin Abbot I have asked for this before, but you did not own an EOS R back then. I think it would be VERY interesting to see a re-test of AF on your EOS R of the highly promising Tamron 35mm 1.4. Any chance this could fit your schedule?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Hi George, I'm presuming that it focuses very well there, but its unlikely I'll be able to schedule in another look. I've got a several month backlog of review requests.

[@Georgeinthejungle]

@@DustinAbbottTWI ah, well, was worth a shot :)

[@geoffreyenriquez]

Not sure if it's a coincidence but B&H is listing the Canon EF tamron 85mm as discontinued. At Adorama it's listed as "closeout". Amazon says there is only one left in stock. At some other retailers it is back ordered (not surprising with manufacturing during the pandemic) or just have it as a regular listing. I'm not even sure it needs an update. The older primes that are similar to the 85mm like the 45mm and 35mm 1.8 VC aren't listed as discontinued or closeout. Wonder if this is a sign that Tamron is going to update the 85mm? Or possible that your reviews were responsible for this lens selling out!

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

That's very interesting. I haven't heard anything from Tamron on this subject. It's not a very old lens, but I wouldn't mind a fresh design for mirrorless...though that's not really a reason to discontinue this one.

[@squarefann]

Dear Dustin, online reviews would not be the same without you, thank you! Since according to Tamron the sp 35 1.4 is his best lens to date and although they are very different focal, how would you compare with this 85 vc? When it suits me I had thought to pair a sp 35 1.4 and the 85 vc together with a 6d mark 1, the first one for environmental portrait and the second one for closer shots but I am not sure if at the present moment they would make good pair because the new 35 could get to be enough better to the most "old" 85, neither I know if tamron has thought to take out soon an 85 1.4 and if it would be convenient to wait or you recommend another 85 to pair it with that 35,... on the other hand I'm not sure if at this point to invest in these reflex lenses or try to move to mirrorless (currently I only have 6d mark 1 and a couple of good but cheap lenses), as you can see I have enough doubts ... I also have the doubt if these lenses that are possibly very designed for high resolution sensors we get enough performance from them with a 6d mark 1 or maybe not (although I see that canon returns again with the 20 mpx in the new R6). And, as I said, then there is the mess of the mirrorless, yes, I think the market is a mess, I do not know whether to continue to invest in reflex material or sold everything and move to mirrorless, because according to say the quality is much better because the lens is closer to the sensor, how much truth is there in this? And well, what do you think of all this that I propose? thank you very much!

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I would say that the 35mm and 85mm lenses are a very nice pairing.

[@squarefann]

@@DustinAbbottTWI Thank you Dustin. And, at this time, which one would you choose between the 85 VC and the new samyang 85 1.4 RF? (supposing that I decided to sell my reflex and could purchase a mirrorless body with adapter). Thank you again.

[@PanzerIV88]

I so hate that you can't have it all. Either you get F1.4 without IS or you get F1.8 with a stabilizer, however I don't want to use again another 1in adapter and make it even bulkier.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

To be honest, I have rarely missed IS in an 85mm lens unless I'm doing video. That's much truer if you have IBIS in your camera.

[@lsaideOK]

Some green fringing in those specular highlights? Otherwise, really nice bokeh. About as smooth as I've seen in lenses you have reviewed.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

It's pretty minimal, Larry. Certainly not a significant issue.

[@lsaideOK]

@@DustinAbbottTWI I noticed it in the normal view of that one photo. My 35 1.8 VC has that same issue. How is the 35 1.4 in that regard?

[@marioplus321]

Dustin, I don't know you , but ↔I like you😊 Having owned Tokina 100mm 2.8 macro for more than a year and a half I started to think of getting Tamron 90mm 2.8VC macro.( the only reason is VC, not the performance) Then....an 💡 of T.85 1.8 VC came to my mind making a mess in my head. And....out of the blue your review is released! It might be a kind of 1 which is decisive✌ The price difference is not much- about $140 towards 85mm here in PL. Anyway, thanks a lot !

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I'm glad it helped out.

[@howardkahn717]

Another excellent review....You finally got me to purchase a Sony RX10/4 and Sony a7/3 to add to my Sony A mount camera collection....... A comparison between the A-Mount Sony Vario-Sonnar T* 16-35mm f/2.8 ZA SSM II Lens which can be attached to Sony "E" mount cameras with the use of the Sony lea/3 adopter which also allows for auto eye focus vs the Tamron 17-28mm f2.8 "E" mount lens if you please ...Thank you.....,

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Hi Howard, I'm afraid that I'm not going to be reviewing any older A-mount lenses because I have a constant demand to review new lenses that have a much larger potential audience.

[@chrisreich40]

I propose a new drinking game; we all take a drink each time Dustin says "kind of".

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I kind of don't like that idea ;)

[@corkydukeII5898]

OMG I had no idea! You're Steve Carrell's twin brother aren't you!

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I get that pretty often. Not my wife's favorite comparison ;)

[@corkydukeII5898]

@@DustinAbbottTWI I didn't really see the resemblance until that shot of you at the 17:30 mark...VERY strong likeness!

[@marioplus321]

Who's St. Carrell?

[@aditya_gupta]

@@marioplus321 Google is your friend

[@Herkulez1981]

I had rhe 45 1.8 and it was ”ok” but not more , my sigma 50 art was way better but now im after a fast 85mm lens and found this for 380 dollars . Half the Price as second hand sigma 85 art lenses and it does seem to be way better then their 45 mm so might as well buy it

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I think its worth a shot.

[@MichaelStevensonTheGreat]

iT'S very weird to see Robert DeNiro reviewing photography gears on KZbin.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Wow - I just don't see the comparison at all.

[@user-yp6fz7ox7l]

I watched your old review with tamy and sigma art 85. I went for sigma and don't regret at all. Yes it is big, but image quality is without any compromise. With the tamron i tested sigma shots @ 1.4 were much more sharper than Tamron. People says that sigma has flat rendering. Total BS. It has amazing rendering, i choose my models and backgrounds, and i don't want lens to change my image with squirly bokeh or strange shapes. I use Nikon D750, and images always exeeds my expectations.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

If you’re happy, that’s what matters most.

[@user-yp6fz7ox7l]

@@DustinAbbottTWI Don`t get me wrong. Your reviews are always very valuable and proffessional! I appreciate them !

[@Francisfphoto_]

@@user-yp6fz7ox7l Hey! I’m between those exact two lenses! Sigma ART and this Tamron.... So, the Sigma at f1.4 is really sharper than this Tamron at f1.8? Wow, if that’s the case, I’m going for the sigma! Do you have instagram? Or somewhere I can see the images?

[@ssmith278]

I wonder if the Japanese versions are typically made better than the Chinese versions.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Tamron would say "no", but I obviously can't say for certain.

[@DenisSmithMK1]

Totally not weather sealed. Just some spashes got between front glas

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Even weather sealed lenses are not immune to higher quantities of water.

[@stakstonkvinge]

Great review, as always! I appreciate the long term reviews the most. Maybe because you can allow yourself to be more subjective... I will probably pass as a Canon fan boy, if you look at my lens collection. I own most L primes below 200mm, apart from the tilt shift lenses. I have owned and tried several Sigma and Tamron lenses, but few of them have been able to stay. Overall, I have favored the Canon lenses. Image quality wise, I loved the Tamron 45 f1.8, but had too much focus issues with it. The Tamron 85mm f1.8 though, have stayed with me along with my 85L primes (EF and RF). I love the images I get from it, and the AF is good. I think this says a lot, it is a keeper of a lens despite being half price of the Canon lenses. I have had one issue with the Tamron 85 f1.8 though, and that is some weird IS performance at shutter speeds in the 1/125- 1/200 range. I get more blurry images at such shutter speeds with IS turned on, than I do when IS is off. It isn’t a big deal to me, as images at such shutter speeds will mostly be ok anyway, but I was relieved when I realized I could turn the IS off, and then most images would be fine. I would love to know if anyone else has experienced the same issue.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I saw the same thing, though more, I think, with my review copy than my own personal copy. There's definitely insights I get from long term use that I don't have in shorter term reviews.

[@Francisfphoto_]

Lars Kvinge great info! So this lens is “kinda” comparable to the almighty RF 85mm f1.2?

[@stakstonkvinge]

@@Francisfphoto_ That is subjective, but I will say no. First, the difference between f1.2 and f1.8 cannot be ignored. Faster shutter speeds and blurrier bokeh with the RF 85 f1.2. Second, the RF is sharper and has more contrast, and overall no optical weaknesses. That said, the difference in a real world image, between really good (Tamron) and best ever (RF 85 f1.2) will often be minuscule and insignificant.

[@Francisfphoto_]

@@stakstonkvinge exactly! It’s OBVIOUS that the RF is better (is like the best FF AF 85mm lens ever)... but is it 2k better??

[@stakstonkvinge]

@@Francisfphoto_ not if you are on a budget. If you are, and need a RF mount lens, the Samyang RF 85 f1.4 with AF seems to be a great option.

[@philmtx3fr]

Well it s definitely a good lens sharp and with no CA. Then paying this price for just a f1.8 85mm is a little bit high and probably due to the extra cost from the stabilisation. I am not sure that with this aperture which permits high speed you really need stabilisation but you pay for it. So in conclusion it s not for me.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Fair enough

[@vinvanid]

Too bad, Tamron has discontinued production of this lens ..

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

It's strange to me...but maybe it wasn't a big seller for them.

[@RS-Amsterdam]

Nice review as usual and most of your reviews I follow but it is time to react: VC on 85mm is more or less a Marketing gadget IMO Do we use it with fast moving objects (sports, wildlife) , no Is it build for (fast moving) street photography in particular, no So, as we know and looking at your shots, it is a portrait lens which will perform perfect without VC. And , when a company claims to have great chromatic aberration control it always comes at a price, lower image quality due to lens count. Now I can controle Chromatic Aberration easily in post nowadays, but I can't controle image quality (pop) that easy without introducing other artefacts.

[@russellbaston974]

RS I agree re the VC, I found the sharpness better without ( I tried tweaking with the ‘dock’ but no difference imo). I find adjusting, particularly slight mid tone boost easy.

[@acouragefann]

"Do we use it with fast moving objects (sports, wildlife) , no Is it build for (fast moving) street photography in particular, no" Both of which are not things that have anything to do with image stabilization / vibration control as Tamron calls it. Image stabilization does not stabilize motion outside of the camera (That doesn't even make any sense, how could a lens ever reduce the motion of a moving thing it is "looking at"). To shoot action, you use a very high shutter speed (1/1000+), meaning that shaky hands don't matter anymore since camera shake is not introduced at those high speeds. VC is meant to reduce the shake introduced by handling the camera/lens without a tripod, allowing you to go to much lower shutter speeds - lower even than if you were shooting at an aperture that allowed more light to come in (say 1.4) because you can shoot at less than half the speed (This lenses VC is rated at ~3 stops, meaning if you say could conceivably get a shot at 1/200 but not slower because of shake, with vibration control you can now take that same shot at ~1/50th or lower). Meaning that if you are taking a portrait, or a landscape, or anything of the type in low light conditions with no tripod, VC will allow you to either keep ISO lower or take a shot that you might otherwise not have even taken in the first place because you just couldn't get your exposure bright enough.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Interesting feedback. I do think there's some validity to the VC criticism, though I prefer having it to not having it, myself. I completely disagree with the chromatic aberration claim, however. Few things are more destructive to image quality and resolving power than fringing, and it becomes increasingly important as bodies move higher and higher in resolution.