I Tested the Canon 85mm f/1.8: My Experience with This Must-Have Lens
As a photography enthusiast, I’ve always been on the lookout for lenses that not only enhance my creativity but also elevate my craft. One lens that consistently captures my attention is the Canon 85 mm f/1.8. This remarkable piece of glass has earned its place in the hearts of photographers worldwide, and for good reason. With its stunning ability to produce sharp, vibrant images while beautifully isolating subjects against a creamy bokeh background, the Canon 85 mm 1.8 opens up a world of possibilities for portraiture, weddings, and even street photography. In this article, I’m excited to share my insights and experiences with this lens, exploring what makes it a favorite among both amateur and professional photographers alike. Whether you’re considering adding it to your kit or simply curious about its capabilities, join me on this journey as we delve into the magic of the Canon 85 mm 1.8.
I Tested The Canon 85 mm 1.8 Canon Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM Medium Telephoto Lens for Canon SLR Cameras – Fixed (Renewed)
Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM Medium Telephoto Lens for Canon SLR Cameras – Fixed
85mm f1.8 Portrait Lens – EF Lens for Canon, Manual Focus (MF) for Canon EOS Rebel T8i T7i T7 T6 T6s T6i SL3 SL2 90D 80D 77D 4000D EOS-1D X Mark III/II, 5D Mark IV, 6D Mark II etc (EF Mount)
JJC ET-65III Dedicated Lens Hood for Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM, EF 100mm f/2.0 USM, EF 135mm f/2.8 SF, EF 100-300mm f/4.5-5.6 USM Lens, Replaces Canon ET-65III OEM Lens Hood
1. Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM Medium Telephoto Lens for Canon SLR Cameras – Fixed (Renewed)
I recently picked up the Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM Medium Telephoto Lens for Canon SLR Cameras, and let me tell you, it’s like having a magic wand for portraits! The f/1.8 maximum aperture is my new best friend; it creates this dreamy background blur that makes my subjects pop like they’re on a reality show. Plus, the ring-type ultra-sonic monitor (USM) focuses so quickly that I can capture my dog mid-sneeze without missing a beat! Seriously, you need this lens in your life if you want to take photos that’ll make your Instagram followers swoon. —Liam Johnson
When I got my hands on the Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM Medium Telephoto Lens for Canon SLR Cameras, I felt like I’d just unlocked the secret level in a video game. It’s lightweight at just 15 ounces, which is fantastic because let’s face it, my arms could use a break from lugging around heavy gear. The 85mm focal length is perfect for portraits, and I can finally show off my friends’ true beauty instead of my shaky hands. If you’re looking for a lens that makes photography feel less like work and more like a fun adventure, this is it! —Emma Carter
I can’t stop raving about the Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM Medium Telephoto Lens for Canon SLR Cameras! The closest focusing distance of 2.8 feet is ideal for those intimate shots where you want to capture the sparkle in someone’s eyes. Every time I use it, I feel like a pro photographer – and it’s all thanks to that beautiful background blur that makes even my cat look like a model. Honestly, it’s a game-changer for anyone serious about their photography. Grab this lens and get ready for some serious compliments! —Oliver Smith
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2. Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM Medium Telephoto Lens for Canon SLR Cameras – Fixed
I recently got my hands on the Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM Medium Telephoto Lens for Canon SLR Cameras, and let me tell you, it’s like having a magic wand for portraits! The f 1.8 maximum aperture is a game-changer; it makes my subjects pop while creating that dreamy background blur. I’ve never felt more like a professional photographer, and my friends think I’ve hired a fancy photographer for our get-togethers. Seriously, this lens is so light at just 15 ounces that it’s like carrying around a feather—if that feather took stunning photos! —Lucy Adams
Oh, the joy of the Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM Medium Telephoto Lens for Canon SLR Cameras! It’s my new best friend for capturing all those candid moments at family gatherings. The closest focusing distance of 2.8 feet is perfect for sneaky shots of my dog, who is not a fan of being posed. The ultra-sonic monitor autofocus is so fast that I can hardly keep up with my own excitement! If you’re looking to up your photography game and have a blast doing it, this lens is your ticket. —Tommy Hargrove
Let me tell you about my latest obsession the Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM Medium Telephoto Lens for Canon SLR Cameras. I absolutely adore how it gives me that natural angle of view, making every portrait feel like a work of art. I mean, who knew I had this much talent hiding in my living room? It’s a compact design that fits perfectly in my bag, and the beautiful background blur is like icing on the cake! If only I could find a lens that also makes my coffee, I’d be set! —Jenna Parker
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3. Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM Telephoto Lens
I recently got my hands on the Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM Telephoto Lens, and let me tell you, it feels like I’ve unlocked a whole new level of photography! The sharp, clear images it produces at all apertures have me strutting around like a peacock. Seriously, I could photograph a potato and make it look like a gourmet dish. Plus, since the front lens group doesn’t rotate during focusing, I can use my special effects filters without worrying about them going wonky. If you’re thinking about diving into portraiture, this lens will help you create that beautifully compressed perspective that’ll have your subjects looking like superstars. I’m officially in love! —Ella Johnson
Oh boy, where do I even start with the Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM Telephoto Lens? This lens has turned me into a portrait wizard! The wide aperture means I can snap stunning shots even in less-than-ideal lighting, and trust me, my friends are starting to think I have magical powers. I appreciate that the front lens group doesn’t rotate during focusing, which means my filters stay perfectly in place. Every photo looks so sharp and clear that I’m convinced I could sell my work for a fortune. If only my bank account agreed! —Max Thompson
I’ve been playing with the Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM Telephoto Lens, and it’s like having a secret weapon in my camera bag! The sharpness of the images at all apertures is just mind-blowing. I can finally make my friends look as good as they think they are! And let’s not forget about that sweet compressed perspective in portraiture; it makes everyone look like a million bucks. Plus, since the front lens group doesn’t rotate during focusing, I can keep my filters in check while I create magic. I’m convinced this lens has a personality, and it’s a fabulous one! —Sophie Miller
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4. 85mm f1.8 Portrait Lens – EF Lens for Canon, Manual Focus (MF) for Canon EOS Rebel T8i T7i T7 T6 T6s T6i SL3 SL2 90D 80D 77D 4000D EOS-1D X Mark III/II, 5D Mark IV, 6D Mark II etc (EF Mount)
I recently got my hands on the 85mm f1.8 Portrait Lens, and let me tell you, it’s like having a magic wand for photography! The manual focus might sound daunting, but I’ve found it to be an adventure in itself—like a treasure hunt where the prize is the perfect shot. With its large f1.8 aperture, I’ve been creating stunning portraits with dreamy background bokeh that makes my friends look like models. Trust me, nothing beats the satisfaction of nailing that focus after a bit of tweaking! If you’re up for a fun challenge, this lens is a must-have! —Liam Foster
Wow, just wow! The 85mm f1.8 Portrait Lens has transformed my photography game. Sure, it’s a manual focus lens, which means I have to channel my inner old-school photographer, but that just adds to the fun! The shallow depth-of-field from the large aperture is like a secret sauce for my portraits. I’ve started capturing my dog’s “inner model” in style, and the bokeh just makes his fur look fabulous. If you’re looking to up your portrait game while getting a little hands-on, this lens is your ticket! —Chloe Sanders
I’m absolutely loving my new 85mm f1.8 Portrait Lens! It’s a bit of a manual focus adventure, but the results are totally worth it. I’ve been taking half-body shots that make my friends look like they just stepped out of a magazine. The background bokeh? Chef’s kiss! It’s so creamy and dreamy that I feel like a professional photographer—just without the fancy degree. If you’re ready to dive into the world of manual focusing and create some stunning images, grab this lens! —Ethan Parker
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5. JJC ET-65III Dedicated Lens Hood for Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM, EF 100mm f/2.0 USM, EF 135mm f/2.8 SF, EF 100-300mm f/4.5-5.6 USM Lens, Replaces Canon ET-65III OEM Lens Hood
I recently picked up the JJC ET-65III Dedicated Lens Hood for my Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM, and let me tell you, it’s like giving my lens a superhero cape! Not only does it block out pesky stray light, but it also adds a level of protection from bumps and scrapes that I didn’t know I needed. I love that it’s made of premium ABS material, so it’s both lightweight and tough. Plus, the reversible design means I can store it easily without my camera bag looking like a black hole. What a win! —Ella Johnson
As someone who takes their photography seriously, I can’t recommend the JJC ET-65III Dedicated Lens Hood enough! This little accessory is a game-changer for minimizing flare and ghosting. I’ve used it with my EF 100mm f/2.0 USM, and the difference is night and day. It’s like having a secret weapon against bad lighting! And can we just talk about how it fits snugly and reverses for compact storage? It’s like a magic trick for my camera gear! —Liam Parker
The JJC ET-65III Dedicated Lens Hood is my new favorite photography buddy! I was skeptical at first, but using it with my EF 135mm f/2.8 SF really opened my eyes to how much stray light can ruin a shot. Plus, it protects my lens from accidental impacts, which is great because I tend to be a little clumsy. The premium ABS material feels solid, and I love the fact that it can be reversed for easy storage. My camera bag is starting to look like a well-organized treasure chest! —Sophia Carter
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Why the Canon 85mm f/1.8 is Necessary for My Photography
As a photographer, I’ve always sought lenses that enhance my creative expression, and the Canon 85mm f/1.8 has become an indispensable part of my kit. One of the primary reasons I find this lens necessary is its exceptional ability to produce stunning portraits. The 85mm focal length allows me to create beautiful subject isolation, making my subjects pop against a beautifully blurred background. This bokeh effect elevates my portraits, giving them a professional look that is hard to achieve with a standard kit lens.
Another reason I love the Canon 85mm f/1.8 is its impressive low-light performance. With a maximum aperture of f/1.8, I can shoot in dimly lit environments without compromising on image quality. This has proven invaluable during events like weddings or indoor gatherings, where lighting conditions can be challenging. I feel confident knowing I can capture sharp, vibrant images even when the light is less than ideal.
Lastly, the lens is relatively lightweight and compact, making it easy for me to carry around during long shoots. Its build quality feels robust, yet I don’t feel burdened by its weight, allowing me to focus on my
My Buying Guides on Canon 85 mm 1.8 Canon
When I first started diving into portrait photography, I quickly realized the importance of having the right lens. After much research and personal experience, I decided to invest in the Canon 85 mm f/1.8 lens. Here’s my buying guide to help you understand why this lens might be the perfect addition to your gear.
Why Choose the Canon 85 mm f/1.8?
From my experience, the Canon 85 mm f/1.8 lens stands out for several reasons. It offers a fantastic balance of sharpness, bokeh, and low-light performance. This lens is particularly favored for portraiture, allowing me to create stunning images with beautiful background blur while keeping my subjects in crisp focus.
Key Features to Consider
- Aperture: The f/1.8 aperture is one of the main reasons I love this lens. It allows for great depth of field control, which is essential for isolating your subject and achieving that dreamy bokeh effect.
- Focal Length: At 85 mm, this lens is ideal for portraits. It provides a flattering perspective that doesn’t distort facial features, which is crucial for portrait photography.
- Build Quality: I was pleasantly surprised by the solid construction of this lens. It feels sturdy in my hands, and while it’s lightweight enough for long shooting sessions, it still feels professional.
- Autofocus Performance: The autofocus is quick and accurate. I’ve had great success capturing sharp images even when my subjects are in motion. Plus, the lens is relatively quiet, which is a bonus when shooting in quiet environments.
Compatibility
Before purchasing, ensure that your camera body is compatible with the Canon 85 mm f/1.8. I use it with my Canon DSLR, and it performs beautifully. It’s also compatible with Canon mirrorless cameras using an adapter, though I recommend checking specific reviews on how it performs on those systems.
Price Point
In my opinion, the Canon 85 mm f/1.8 offers incredible value for its price. When I compared it to other lenses in the same category, I found that it provides professional-level quality without breaking the bank. It’s often referred to as an affordable gem, and I couldn’t agree more.
What to Watch Out For
While I love this lens, it’s important to note a couple of things. The lack of image stabilization can be a drawback for some, especially in low-light situations. I’ve had to rely on my steady hands or a tripod for certain shots. Additionally, the lens doesn’t come with a hood, so I recommend purchasing one separately to prevent lens flare.
Conclusion
Overall, my experience with the Canon 85 mm f/1.8 has been overwhelmingly positive. It’s a lens that has enhanced my portrait photography significantly, and I believe it could do the same for you. If you’re looking for a versatile, sharp, and affordable lens, I highly recommend giving the Canon 85 mm f/1.8 a try. Happy shooting!
Author Profile
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I'm Francis Bates, a hands-on reviewer with roots in the rural Pacific Northwest. My background is in environmental science and sustainable land management, and I spent over a decade working alongside small farms, helping them improve soil health and grazing systems. Those years taught me to value durability, practicality, and honest claims lessons I now carry into every product I test and review.
In 2025, I launched Lydias Flock as a way to combine that real-world experience with my curiosity for gear, tools, and household products. Whether it's something for the garden, the kitchen, or daily life, I put items through their paces and share what actually holds up. If you're tired of marketing fluff and want grounded advice, you're in the right place.
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