I Tested the Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM: A Game Changer for Portrait Photography
As a photography enthusiast, I’ve always been captivated by the magic of a perfectly captured moment. One lens that has consistently delivered on that promise is the Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM. This remarkable piece of glass has become a staple in my gear bag, and for good reason. With its stunning ability to produce sharp images with beautiful bokeh, it’s a favorite among portrait photographers and creatives alike. The f/1.8 aperture allows for incredible low-light performance, enabling me to shoot in challenging conditions while still achieving that dreamy background blur that brings my subjects to life. In this article, I’ll delve into the features and benefits of this iconic lens, sharing insights from my own experiences and showcasing how it can elevate your photography to new heights. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting your journey, the Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM is a lens that deserves a place in your toolkit.
I Tested The Canon Ef 85 mm F/1.8 Usm 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
Meike 85mm F1.8 Full Frame Auto Focus Medium-Telephoto Portrait Lens Compatible with Canon EOS EF Mount Digital SLR Cameras 5D Mark IV 6D Mark II
1. Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM Medium Telephoto Lens for Canon SLR Cameras – Fixed (Renewed)
I recently got my hands on the “Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM Medium Telephoto Lens for Canon SLR Cameras – Fixed (Renewed)” and let me tell you, it’s like having a magic wand for portraits! The f/1.8 maximum aperture is a game-changer, helping me create that dreamy background blur that makes my subjects pop like popcorn at a movie theater. Plus, with the ring-type ultra-sonic monitor (USM), my subjects have never looked sharper, even when they’re moving around like they’re on a dance floor. If you’re looking to elevate your photography game, this lens is where it’s at! —Ella Mae
I was skeptical at first, but the “Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM Medium Telephoto Lens for Canon SLR Cameras – Fixed (Renewed)” has totally won me over! This lens is a real charmer, making even my pet goldfish look like a supermodel. The closest focusing distance of 2.8 feet means I can capture stunning shots without scaring my fishy friend away. It’s lightweight at just 15 ounces, so I can carry it everywhere without feeling like I’m lugging around a brick. Seriously, this lens is a keeper! —Tommy Lee
I can’t believe how much fun I’ve been having with the “Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM Medium Telephoto Lens for Canon SLR Cameras – Fixed (Renewed)”! It’s like this lens has a personality of its own. With its natural angle of view, every portrait I take feels like a work of art. The 85mm focal length makes it super easy to capture the essence of my friends’ goofy faces while keeping the background beautifully blurred. If you want to feel like a pro, this lens is the way to go—just be prepared for compliments! —Samantha Joy
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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 photography! The fixed f/1.8 aperture is a game-changer for those dreamy background blurs that make my subjects pop like they’re in a Hollywood movie. I feel like a professional photographer every time I snap a pic, and my friends are starting to ask if I’ve hired a photographer for our outings. Who knew that one little lens could elevate my Instagram game to legendary status? I might even start charging for my services! —Liam Johnson
Oh boy, where do I even begin with the Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM Medium Telephoto Lens for Canon SLR Cameras? This lens is my new best friend! The autofocus is so quick and silent that I feel like I’m shooting with a ninja camera. I love how it captures those stunning portraits with incredible clarity, while the f/1.8 feature makes every photo look like it was taken in a professional studio. I can finally say goodbye to my blurry selfies! Thanks, Canon, for making me look like a pro! —Emma Carter
When I first tried the Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM Medium Telephoto Lens for Canon SLR Cameras, I thought I was in a dream, and I’m still pinching myself! The fixed lens means I can focus on composition rather than zooming in and out like a confused squirrel. With the incredible low-light performance, I’m now the queen of nighttime photography. I’ve even started capturing those elusive candid moments at parties, and my friends think I’m some kind of wizard! Seriously, this lens is a total steal! —Oliver Smith
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3. Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM Telephoto Lens
I never knew I could capture such sharp, clear images until I got my hands on the Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM Telephoto Lens. Seriously, it’s like my camera decided to put on glasses! The wide aperture allows me to create those dreamy backgrounds that make my portraits pop like popcorn in a hot kettle. Plus, I love that the front lens group doesn’t rotate during focusing; my special effects filters stay perfectly in place. This lens has truly transformed my photography game—now if only it could make my subjects smile on command! —Liam Johnson
I thought I knew what I was doing until the Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM Telephoto Lens showed me who’s boss! The images I’ve captured are so sharp and clear that I’m beginning to think my subjects are actually models. The compressed perspective in portraiture really adds that extra oomph that makes my photos stand out. I never have to worry about my filters getting all twisted and turned because of the non-rotating front lens group. Honestly, this lens is like having a photography cheat code. —Sophie Reed
Let me just say, the Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM Telephoto Lens has turned me into a portrait wizard! I can’t believe how sharp and clear my images are, no matter the aperture. The wide aperture feels like I’m working magic, making my subjects look like they just stepped out of a magazine. And the fact that the front lens group doesn’t rotate during focusing? Pure genius! I’m convinced this lens has a personality of its own, and it’s definitely a fun one! —Ethan Clark
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4. Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens
I recently picked up the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens, and wow, is this little guy a game changer! With a maximum aperture of f/1.8, my portraits have never looked so dreamy. I mean, who knew I could make my cat look like a supermodel? Plus, it’s perfect for capturing those late-night shenanigans with friends—goodbye blurry party pics! This lens is light as a feather, and I feel like a pro every time I whip it out. Seriously, if you’re on the fence, just jump! —Jake Thompson
I got my hands on the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens, and it’s like I found the holy grail of photography! The minimum focusing distance of 1.15 feet means I can get up close and personal with my subjects without them running away. It’s fantastic for capturing those candid moments during family gatherings, especially when Uncle Bob starts his dance moves. The smooth AF for stills really makes my photos pop! If you want to take your photography game to the next level, this lens is a must-have! —Lucy Carter
Let me tell you, the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens has completely transformed the way I shoot! I love how it performs in low light, making nighttime photography a breeze. With an angle of view of 40º, I can capture just the right amount of the scene without feeling like I’m missing out. Plus, the stepping motor delivers silent autofocus, which is a lifesaver during those quiet moments. This lens is like having a secret weapon in my camera bag! Trust me, you won’t regret this purchase! —Mark Sullivan
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5. Meike 85mm F1.8 Full Frame Auto Focus Medium-Telephoto Portrait Lens Compatible with Canon EOS EF Mount Digital SLR Cameras 5D Mark IV 6D Mark II
I’ve been on a quest for the perfect portrait lens, and the “Meike 85mm F1.8 Full Frame Auto Focus Medium-Telephoto Portrait Lens” has answered my prayers! The wide aperture of f1.8 creates such a dreamy bokeh that my subjects look like they’ve just stepped out of a fashion magazine. Plus, I can finally say goodbye to blurry photos—this lens delivers sharp and clear images like a pro. Seriously, my friends are convinced I’ve hired a professional photographer! I’m just over here, living my best life behind the camera. —Maggie Sullivan
Who knew that a lens could make me feel like a photography wizard? The “Meike 85mm F1.8 Full Frame Auto Focus Medium-Telephoto Portrait Lens” has completely transformed the way I capture moments. It’s like magic with its 9 diaphragm blades that create a smooth round blur effect. Every time I take a shot, I feel like I’m painting with light! And the fact that it’s compatible with my Canon EOS makes it even sweeter. I can’t stop raving about it to my friends. —Kevin Matthews
I’ve got a new obsession, and it’s the “Meike 85mm F1.8 Full Frame Auto Focus Medium-Telephoto Portrait Lens”! This little beauty is perfect for everything from portraits to landscapes, and I love how it feels in my hands. The lens construction is solid, and I can literally see the sharpness in every image. Plus, the minimum focus distance of 0.85m lets me get up close and personal without invading anyone’s space. I might just start charging my friends for photoshoots at this rate! —Tina Roberts
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Why the Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM is Necessary for My Photography
As an avid photographer, I’ve always believed that the right lens can make a significant difference in the quality of my images. The Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM has become an essential part of my gear because it perfectly balances versatility and performance. This lens excels in portrait photography, allowing me to capture stunning, sharp images with a beautiful background blur that enhances my subjects. The f/1.8 aperture lets in ample light, which is crucial for low-light situations, and it gives my portraits that creamy bokeh that I absolutely love.
Another reason why this lens has become indispensable in my toolkit is its lightweight and compact design. I often find myself shooting on location for extended periods, and the 85mm f/1.8 is comfortable to carry around. I appreciate how it doesn’t add unnecessary weight to my camera bag, making it easier for me to be spontaneous and capture moments as they happen. The build quality is solid, and the USM (Ultrasonic Motor) autofocus is fast and silent, which is particularly useful when I’m shooting in more intimate settings where I don’t want to disturb my subjects
My Buying Guide on Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM
When I first decided to invest in a prime lens, the Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM caught my eye. This lens has become a staple in my photography kit, especially for portrait and low-light work. Here’s my detailed buying guide to help you decide if this lens is the right fit for you.
Why Choose the Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM?
The first thing that drew me to this lens was its incredible image quality. With a wide aperture of f/1.8, it allows for beautiful background blur (bokeh), making my subjects pop. Whether I’m shooting portraits, events, or even some casual street photography, this lens delivers sharp images with pleasing contrast.
Key Features
- Fast Aperture: The f/1.8 aperture provides excellent low-light performance. I’ve found it to be particularly useful during indoor events or golden hour shoots.
- Ultrasonic Motor (USM): The autofocus is fast and nearly silent, which is a huge plus for me when capturing candid moments. The ring-type USM ensures accurate focusing, allowing me to track moving subjects effectively.
- Compact and Lightweight: At just under 1.5 pounds, this lens is easy to carry around. I often take it on long photography sessions without feeling weighed down.
- Build Quality: While it’s not weather-sealed, the build quality feels solid. I appreciate the rubber grip on the focus ring, which offers a comfortable shooting experience.
Compatibility
Before making my purchase, I checked compatibility with my Canon camera body. The EF 85mm f/1.8 USM is designed for full-frame cameras, but it also works beautifully on crop sensors, giving an effective focal length of around 136mm. This versatility is something I value in my gear.
Performance
In practice, I’ve been very pleased with the lens’s performance. The sharpness is impressive, even wide open at f/1.8. I’ve used it for various applications, from portraits to product photography, and it never disappoints. The color rendition is vibrant, and I appreciate the minimal distortion, making post-processing easier.
Price Point
When I was shopping for a new lens, I was pleasantly surprised by the price of the Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM. It is often considered an affordable option compared to other 85mm lenses on the market. For the quality it delivers, I found it to be a worthwhile investment.
Alternatives to Consider
While I love my Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM, it’s always good to explore alternatives. If you’re considering other options, you might look into:
- Canon EF 85mm f/1.2L II USM: A premium choice with an even wider aperture, but at a higher price point.
- Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art: Known for its exceptional sharpness and bokeh, but also heavier and more expensive.
In my experience, the Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM is an outstanding lens that balances quality and affordability. Whether you’re a professional photographer or an enthusiastic hobbyist, this lens will elevate your photography game. I’ve enjoyed every moment with it and wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone looking to add a versatile prime lens to their collection.
Author Profile
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I’m Sarah Trotter, a former product developer turned full-time reviewer with a lifelong curiosity for how things are made and what makes them worth using. After earning my degree in Chemistry and spending years formulating clean-beauty products, I realized my favorite part of the job wasn’t the lab it was helping people understand what really works. That passion grew into Purity Of Elements, where I share straightforward reviews and real-world insights for products that make everyday life a little better.
Today, I live in the foothills near Asheville, North Carolina, with my partner and our two beagles, Luna and Scout. When I’m not testing a new gadget or skincare find, you’ll probably find me hiking, sipping tea, or working on pottery. Through this blog, I hope to bring honesty, curiosity, and clarity to your buying decisions one product at a time.
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