Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM

The Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM is widely regarded as an excellent mid-range portrait lens, offering a balance of affordability, sharpness, and fast autofocus. Here’s a breakdown of its strengths and weaknesses:

Pros

• Sharpness: Delivers impressive image quality, especially when stopped down to f/2.8 or smaller.

• Fast Autofocus: The Ultrasonic Motor (USM) ensures quick and accurate focusing, making it great for portraits and action shots.

• Compact & Lightweight: At 425g, it’s relatively small for an 85mm lens, making it easy to carry.

• Beautiful Bokeh: The 8-blade aperture produces smooth, pleasing background blur, ideal for isolating subjects.

• Affordable: Compared to Canon’s 85mm f/1.2L, this lens offers excellent performance at a fraction of the price.

Cons

• No Weather Sealing: Unlike Canon’s L-series lenses, it lacks protection against dust and moisture.

• Edge Sharpness: While center sharpness is excellent, the edges can be slightly softer, especially wide open.

• No Image Stabilization: Handheld shooting in low light may require higher ISO or careful technique.

Ideal Use Cases

• Portrait Photography: The 85mm focal length is perfect for flattering headshots and full-body portraits.

• Low-Light Shooting: The f/1.8 aperture allows for great performance in dim conditions.

• Event & Wedding Photography: Fast autofocus and subject isolation make it a strong choice.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly, high-quality portrait lens, the Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM is a fantastic option. It’s not as premium as the 85mm f/1.2L, but it delivers excellent results for most photographers.