Canon 85mm f/1.8 EF USM Autofocus Lens Imported
The Canon 85mm f/1.8 EF USM Autofocus Lens is a highly practical medium telephoto lens with superb delineation and portability. Images are sharp and clear at all apertures. Through computer simulations, the lens has been designed to give beautiful background blur. Since the front lens group does not rotate during focusing, special filter effects are not affected.
Note! Lens is compatible with full frame format cameras.
Go To
| Performance | |
|---|---|
| Focal Length | 85 mm |
| Aperture |
Maximum: f/1.8 Minimum: f/22 |
| Camera Mount Type | Canon EF |
| Format Compatibility |
35mm Film / Full-Frame Digital Sensor Canon (APS-C) |
| Angle of View | 28° |
| Minimum Focus Distance | 2.79' (85 cm) |
| Magnification | 0.13x |
| Maximum Reproduction Ratio | 1:7.69 |
| Groups/Elements | 7/9 |
| Diaphragm Blades | 8 |
| Features | |
|---|---|
| Image Stabilization | No |
| Autofocus | Yes |
| Tripod Collar | No |
| Physical | |
|---|---|
| Filter Thread | 58 mm |
| Dimensions (DxL) | Approx. 3.0 x 2.8" (7.62 x 7.11 cm) |
| Weight | 14.99 oz (425 g) |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 966 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
99%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Fast / accurate auto-focus (866)
- Consistent output (515)
- Lightweight (502)
- Nice bokeh (470)
- Easily interchangeable (436)
Cons
- Heavy (59)
- Slow focus (28)
- Weak casing (19)
- Blurry focus (9)
- Chromatic aberration (9)
Best Uses
- Low light (517)
- Weddings (438)
- Sports/action (289)
- Portraits (265)
- Night photography (239)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Photo enthusiast (254), Semi-pro photographer (236), Pro photographer (136), Enthusiast (85), Casual photographer (77)
- Was this a gift?:
- No (511), Yes (28)
Most Liked Positive Review
I think they forgot the red stripe
Wow, am I glad I bought this lens. I used to be all about zooms until I discovered the joys of wide apertures. I had my 50/1.8 always on my 30D until this...Read complete review
Wow, am I glad I bought this lens. I used to be all about zooms until I discovered the joys of wide apertures. I had my 50/1.8 always on my 30D until this came along. Although I’d been wanting something more wide angle, I needed a portrait and sports lens more. A lot of people talk about walk around lenses and this lens is fine for me. I can always find an interesting way to shoot something with being able to have the nice DoF control of 1.8. Indoors, the 1.6x camera crop makes it a bit long for anything but upper body portraits, but obviously you can do the math on that before getting this beauty.Its size is very nice. It’s about as long as the camera is thick, so it’s very compact and light but it still feels really solid. I dropped this lens (attached to my 30D) from waist height right on its front onto a snowy sidewalk. Aside from some dings, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with it. I’ve also had it out in the snow where it’s gotten pretty soaked and there are no issues whatsoever. I thought for sure that the focusing ring would be a little harder to turn, but it’s just like new still. The USM truly is next to silent as well. AF is about twice as fast as the 50/1.8 and about half as fast as the 70-200/2.8, which I expected just based on the prices. (I base this off of how easily the lens focuses on something in the background of what I’m shooting and back to the subject itself in AI Servo). I think my 30D might need to be calibrated, or lowlight AF is just not too good on the 30D because I was shooting indoor cycling and I was pretty let down that very few of my shots were sharp. Outside, AF is great and I’ve shot passing cars wide open and they’re very sharp.It’s nice that the 50/1.8 is so cheap, but having full time manual focusing is so nice on my 85 (and every other Canon EF lens). I find f/1.8 on my 85mm to require manual focusing at close distances because I don’t want any misfocused shots. I’m actually trying to not rely on AF as much because manually focusing makes me slow down and compose better. Plus, close up portraits wide open need the attention so you get the eyes in perfect focus. The bokeh is nice and lights are very round.I think this stacks up VERY well against L glass, especially for the price. Of course the 85/1.2 is an experience of its own that I haven’t had. I couldn’t think of any way to improve this lens and it has never let me down. I got it for [$]on a rebate from Canon and it’s already paid for itself a couple times. That makes me VERY happy. Just try to find someone that doesn’t recommend this lens.Here are some of my best examples of its sharpness and bokeh[@]
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
Good Prime for portrait, not perfect
I bought this prime mainly for portrait and close up of people/animals/objects. The lens is very fast and light, the assembly is of good quality and overall is a good bang for ...Read complete review
I bought this prime mainly for portrait and close up of people/animals/objects. The lens is very fast and light, the assembly is of good quality and overall is a good bang for your bucks (in the range of $400-$450). I'm really happy about its sharpness and it's very fun to use, the colors of the subjects are nice and the contrast is perfect. Overall, a good lens and it gives all you would expect from it.
What it really disappoints me is a very bad purple fringing and a very bad chromatic aberration around small details, particularly in high contrast and high luminosity situations. They say that stepping the aperture helps reducing these well-known defects, but as far as I can say, they are still annoying up to f4.0 in a consistent number of pictures, so this is an annoying defect that spoils the evaluation what is, apart from that, an excellent lens. I'm happy of the purchase, but there is margin of improvement.
Reviewed by 966 customers
Sort by
Displaying reviews 1-20
Previous | Next »
Pros
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Lightweight
- Nice Bokeh
Cons
- NONE
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Canon 85mm f/1.8 EF USM Autofocus Lens:
Do you really need this lens? The answer is most likely yes. Its price make it the best value for a fast canon prime lens.. it's sharp, fast, and light.
The best 'portrait' lens I own.
Images were watermarked and crop in Photoshop.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend
Images shared by Efrain
Cropped and watermarked in Photoshop.
Images shared by Efrain
Cropped and watermarked in Photoshop.
Was this review helpful? Yes / No
- You may also flag this review
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Nice Bokeh
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
Comments about Canon 85mm f/1.8 EF USM Autofocus Lens:
I just bought a 50mm prime 1.4 and while it is a rockstar, this 85mm 1.8 is just a cover band. It is nice. It delivers, but it is not stunning. As a value though, it definitely delivers bang for buck.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Lightweight
- Nice Bokeh
Cons
Best Uses
- Low Light
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Canon 85mm f/1.8 EF USM Autofocus Lens:
I used this lens when i need longer reach; works as a 135mm on crop sensors. The lens is light and the focus is quick, and the bokeh is wonderful.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Lightweight
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Canon 85mm f/1.8 EF USM Autofocus Lens:
My wife and I have a CANON 60D that comes with a great all around zoom lens for everyday shots. My wife wanted a good portrait lens that allowed for a wide aperature to allow a better depth of view for her photos.
You sure get that with this lens. It is very easy to use, focuses very fast and takes amazing pitures.
I would definitely recommend this lense.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Lightweight
- Nice Bokeh
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Sports/Action
- Video
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Canon 85mm f/1.8 EF USM Autofocus Lens:
I do low light wedding work and portraits. The lens is fast, focuses fast, great build quality on top of image quality. I find it a great alternative for value compared to the 85L.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Nice Bokeh
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Portraits
- Video
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Canon 85mm f/1.8 EF USM Autofocus Lens:
Depth of view on this lense is amazing! Pictures come out super clear!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Lightweight
- Nice Bokeh
- Rugged
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Photography
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Canon 85mm f/1.8 EF USM Autofocus Lens:
I crossed my fingers and bought this lens used because I wanted a larger focal length portrait lens. I didn't like the reviews on the Canon EF 50mm f1.4 (I didn't have the cake for the Canon EF 50mm f/1.2 L or the Canon EF 85mm f1.2L II lens). I liked the reviews for the 85mm 1.8 and I couldn't stand the blurry images coming from the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II lens on my 5D Mark II. I also have the kit lens Canon EF 24-105mm f/4 L IS USM I took it out to the park and shot quite a bit of photos through it... the lens seems to focus very well, the images appeared to be sharp and bright through the viewfinder. Ok.... still not sold on it... but when I got home and uploaded the images to my PC.... I liked what I saw.....AMAZINGLY SHARP IMAGES!!! I think it should have an "L" on it but who I am..... I'm just a new kid on the block in photography so I can't gave you all the technical jargon... All I can say is SHE'S A GREAT PIECE OF GLASS!! Try it for yourselves the chances are that you too will agree!!! A great bang for the buck!!! I own the Canon ef 70-200mm f/4L and the f/2.8 both non IS.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Lightweight
- Nice Bokeh
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Canon 85mm f/1.8 EF USM Autofocus Lens:
This len is probably the best prime len for the price. Great quality for faction of the cost of the L len.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Lightweight
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon 85mm f/1.8 EF USM Autofocus Lens:
It does exactly what it is supposed to for it's price.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Easily Interchangeable
- Lightweight
Cons
- Slow Focus
Best Uses
- Basketball games
- Indoors/Low Light
- Sports/Action
Comments about Canon 85mm f/1.8 EF USM Autofocus Lens:
Purchased lens for a D40 to use in low light situations, mainly at kids basketball games. It is quick to focus, stops most action, and is the quality you would expect from a Canon EF lens. Just what I had hoped for and I am very satisified.
Can really state anything con.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Lightweight
- Nice Bokeh
Cons
- Weak Casing
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Canon 85mm f/1.8 EF USM Autofocus Lens:
Use this for weddings. L version for this focal length is too slow for my taste, in terms of focusing speed.
This lens is fast in focusing, although the build quality is not as good as the L version, which is expected.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
Cons
Best Uses
- Night Photography
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Canon 85mm f/1.8 EF USM Autofocus Lens:
Have only used it so far for taking low-light sunset shots. So far great shots and a fast lens. Plan to use for portrait shots.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Lightweight
- Nice Bokeh
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Night Photography
- Portraits
Comments about Canon 85mm f/1.8 EF USM Autofocus Lens:
Excellent lens for portrait shots on a Canon 60D. This lens performs well on portrait shots, very smooth bokeh and very sharp even at wide open aperture. I also have the Canon 24-70 f/2.8L, which is also a good portrait lens, but this lens outperforms the former in sharpness. This is a must have for both Pros and Enthusiasts like me. Worth every penny, thanks Canon and B&H!!!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Nice Bokeh
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Photography
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Canon 85mm f/1.8 EF USM Autofocus Lens:
My wife and I have a 10 month old and wanted some semi professional looking photos to give to family members and to keep in our digital photo album so we invested in a Canon T3i. Takes great photos but the kit lens wasn't giving me the clarity, sharpness, and drama that I knew this camera could produce. Did my research and ran into an abundance of overly positive reviews for the 85mm f/1.8 so I ended up purchasing it and now I love it! Everything about this lens to me is perfect, but don't expect to get too close to your subject while shooting. Unless you're doing a tight closeup expect to stand at least 8 to 10 feet from your subject to fit them into the frame...fyi. This doesn't bother me since this lens captures such amazing photos of the bands I meet and especially my baby boy :)
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend
Images shared by Bernardo Phoenix
Sample Photo
Images shared by Bernardo Phoenix
Photo with little to no lighting
Was this review helpful? Yes / No
- You may also flag this review
Pros
- Easily Interchangeable
- Lightweight
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon 85mm f/1.8 EF USM Autofocus Lens:
This is a great starter lens for my portrait photography. I would have upgraded if I had the money, but this lens works fine as I am just starting out v
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Nice Bokeh
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
Comments about Canon 85mm f/1.8 EF USM Autofocus Lens:
I have a one year old daughter, and this fast lens is perfect for taking her picture, with large aperture and quick auto focus.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Low Light
- Nice Bokeh
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Sports/Action
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Canon 85mm f/1.8 EF USM Autofocus Lens:
Semi-professional photographer. Have used multiple Canon L series lenses for sports, wedding, and event photography. This 85mm prime is a great value and excellent lens for a non-L model. I highly recommend this lens.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Lightweight
- Nice Bokeh
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Night Photography
- Sports/Action
- Video
- Weddings/Events
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Canon 85mm f/1.8 EF USM Autofocus Lens:
Extremely useful lens. This is the fastest, clearest prime telephoto lens in this price range. This is a must have for Photographers and DLSR Video users.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Lightweight
- Nice Bokeh
Cons
- Weak Casing
Best Uses
- Video
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Canon 85mm f/1.8 EF USM Autofocus Lens:
We use this lens with a canon 60D shooting video. For the price it worths the money and have a really nice boken.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Displaying reviews 1-20
Previous | Next »
Filters & Filter Kits
- Price: $16.88
- Price: $32.39
Hoods & Covers
- Price: $14.95
Cases & Wraps
- Price: $11.99
Protection/Camouflage
- Price: $39.99
This item is usually Drop Shipped from the MFR/Distributor within 7-10 days (subject to availability). Your order will be charged at the time of placing the order with the MFR
Protective Wraps & Mats
- Price: $9.00
What's in the Box
- 58mm Snap-On Lens Cap
- Lens Dust Cap E (Rear)
- 1-Year Warranty
Why Shop at B&H
Make your online shopping trip personal with our online Live Chat representatives. You can easily reach an in-house expert while browsing our site for your shopping needs. We have the most highly-trained staff in the industry who are pros in their fields, and their professional expertise will help you get the most from your purchase.
Place your domestic order with us for shipment via UPS, FedEx Economy, or FedEx Priority by 4 PM ET Monday through Thursday or 11 AM ET Friday and your order will be shipped that day. Visit our Shipping Delivery Times page for further details. Delivery times are subject to payment verification.
We appreciate your purchase from us, and we understand that sometimes the products you buy don’t turn out to be the right choice for you. We guarantee your peace of mind with our 30-day return policy. With no standard restocking fee and few restrictions, you’ll enjoy a return process as easy as shopping with us. Please visit our Return Policy page for further details.
We’ve made iPhone and Android mobile apps available for your service and shopping convenience. Use filtered search to find and purchase almost any item we sell and ship worldwide. Download product manuals and guides for many popular items. See high-resolution product images in close-up detail. Manage wishlists and view order history. Visit our Mobile Apps page to download.
See sample Newsletter
Help
Company Information
B&H Resources
