The little brother of the f/1.4, the FE 85mm f/1.8 is a well-rounded short-telephoto lens well suited for portraiture, headshots, and fashion use. The modest f/1.8 design makes it a relatively compact lens that is great for all-day use while still offering the depth-of-field control associated with a portrait-length lens. This 85mm uses one low dispersion element in its optical design, to correct for chromatic aberrations and color fringing, and also features a double linear AF motor for quick and quiet focusing performance. In addition, a focus hold button is incorporated into the design, and it features dust- and moisture-sealed construction.
Applications: It’s a classic portrait-length prime, and the bright f/1.8 maximum aperture makes it more of an everyday lens than the heavier and larger f/1.4 version. This sleeker design makes it an ideal longer-range choice for street, landscape, and documentary shooting.
Perks
+ Smaller, more lightweight than f/1.4 version
+ Dust- and moisture-resistant design
Drawbacks
- Slower than f/1.4 version
- Optical design is not as advanced
Specs
| Focal Length | 85mm |
| Aperture Range | f/1.8 to f/22 |
| Optical Layout | 9 elements, 8 groups (1 extra-low dispersion element) |
| Coating | Not specified |
| Minimum Focusing Distance | 2.6' / 80 cm |
| Maximum Magnification | 0.13x |
| Diaphragm Blades | 9 |
| Image Stabilization | No |
| Filter Size | 67mm |
| Dimensions | 3.1 x 3.2" / 78 x 82mm |
| Weight | 13.1 oz / 371 g |
Sample Images
