Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM

[steved110]

I bought a used copy of the 85 1.8 off of eBay, and while i haven't had the chance to test it that hard, so far I am really pleased - it is a real gem of a lens.

Here's one of my favourite 'portraits' - a rescued battery hen called Doris who has taken to her new life as a free range hen with gusto.

[Naturalworldphotographer]

Yes, this is my favourite lens, it's truly fantastic! AF is dead on, ultra fast, and accurate, it's sharp from wide upon, and there produces beautiful bokeh.

Seeing as you've got a chicken shot, I'll provide you with one of my quails. :)

http://i33.tinypic.com/10r4sqo.jpg

Enjoy!

[JakPot]

http://jakepotts.com/potn/Jessica1.jpg

http://jakepotts.com/potn/Jessica2.jpg

[misty66]

The only lens I never regret that I bought...I love this one even on a cropbody. Whish it was that easy to choose my other lenses.:rolleyes:!

[ThomasW]

http://www.thomasvanderwillik.com/pp/images/20081006191716_img_3704bw.jpg
Aperture: f 2.5
Shutter: 1/1000 sec
ISO: 400

[poppie guy]

http://www.thomasvanderwillik.com/pp/images/20081006191716_img_3704bw.jpg
Aperture: f 2.5
Shutter: 1/1000 sec
ISO: 400

Welcome to P.O.T.N. Thomas!

[ThomasW]

Thank you, nice shots here!

[Naturalworldphotographer]

http://i37.tinypic.com/65pcad.jpg

[ayshaphotography]

This lens has been my favorite lens since I've got it 3 years ago :D
It's been on my camera all the time before I purchase the 70-200mm,
I still use it for indoors or outdoors in low-light situations, close ups such as beauty shots or headshots, very lovely lens :)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3090/2743798713_6983ccdabf_o.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2036/2467752414_5a8b1855bc_o.jpg

[JasonRussell]

Any reason you have the 1.2 and 1.8?

I want the 1.2 but that wont be for some time to come...haha.

[Vanthel]

Mine arrived today and I love it, shots to come soon! (i'm really really excited!) :)

[EricTober]

From a triathlon I was shooting last weekend in Austin. Still working on perfecting this lens.

[ayshaphotography]

Any reason you have the 1.2 and 1.8?

I want the 1.2 but that wont be for some time to come...haha.

You own the f/1.8 right? I think it is a fantastic lens and light for handheld
I have problem with handling heavy lens without a tripod, so this is one of my favorite.

The 85mm f/1.2 was a gift from my beloved boyfriend :)

[In2Photos]

One of my daughter from yesterday after going to the pumpkin patch.

http://www.pbase.com/madawson/image/104469221/original.jpg

[Innocence]

Natural world! that's great!

[fi20100]

You own the f/1.8 right? I think it is a fantastic lens and light for handheld
I have problem with handling heavy lens without a tripod, so this is one of my favorite.

The 85mm f/1.2 was a gift from my beloved boyfriend :)

Love your work Aysha! You're definitely making the case for the 85 1.8.

[Naturalworldphotographer]

http://i34.tinypic.com/30kzl39.jpg

An autumnal shot from yesterday. Let me know what you think. :)

[Medic85]

Very cool. I like it.

[ayshaphotography]

Love your work Aysha! You're definitely making the case for the 85 1.8.

Oh thank you so much for your kind words!
I do love this lens to death!! :lol:

[Rhinotherunt]

One of my daughter from yesterday after going to the pumpkin patch.


Mike she is getting big and cute as ever. :D

[DonJuanMair]

One of my personal favorites with 85/1,8 on 5D @f2,8

http://img127.imageshack.us/img127/9914/img4508lc2.jpg

wow this shot is beautiful

[tymm]

I just bought the EF 85mm f/1.8 USM the best investment of my very short photographer career.

Tymm?

[DDCSD]

I just bought the EF 85mm f/1.8 USM the best investment of my very short photographer career.

Tymm?

Welcome to POTN!!! The 85 1.8 is certainly a winner and a great tool to work with.

[Mooseknuckle]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3191/2940907510_0c16874a7b_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3021/2940924126_3ea4898d05_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3252/2940907076_3d29dd42cd_b.jpg

[davo_robbo]

wow this shot is beautiful

WOW... :eek::eek::eek:
not many photos make my jaw drop and stare at them for 20 minutes at a time.. but this one is just amazing!

[poppie guy]

WOW... :eek::eek::eek:
not many photos make my jaw drop and stare at them for 20 minutes at a time.. but this one is just amazing!

I agree, it's a great shot with excellent pp.

[In2Photos]

Mike she is getting big and cute as ever. :D
Thanks Ryan. 3 1/2 already! Bigger than most 4 year olds and some 5 year olds. :lol: And soon to be a big sister.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3191/2940907510_0c16874a7b_b.jpg


All 3 are nice but this one is great! I love how "innocent" it is! Great shot!

[JasonRussell]

You own the f/1.8 right? I think it is a fantastic lens and light for handheld
I have problem with handling heavy lens without a tripod, so this is one of my favorite.

The 85mm f/1.2 was a gift from my beloved boyfriend :)
Can we share you boyfriend? :lol:

[mattograph]

Can we share you boyfriend? :lol:

[/creepy]

:)

[JasonRussell]

[/creepy]

:)

Its not creepy if its for L glass...haha

[geekaleek]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3136/2941588341_bc3503cc2b_o.jpg (http://flickr.com/photos/geekaleek/2941588341/)

[Headshotzx]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3201/2944450000_966fc69795_o.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3008/2944451316_98f01a5053_o.jpg

[poppie guy]

The cat yawning is a great shot.... wouldn't want to see it if I were a mouse!

[geekaleek]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3234/2945388514_ab1137d59a_o.jpg (http://flickr.com/photos/geekaleek/2945388514/)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3032/2946798642_229a38fe77_o.jpg (http://flickr.com/photos/geekaleek/2946798642/)

[runninmann]

similar shots posted with Sigma 30 and Canon 50 1.4

[Medic85]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3201/2944450000_966fc69795_o.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3008/2944451316_98f01a5053_o.jpg

I'm not a cat fan but that second one is cool as hell!

[thrash_273]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3136/2941588341_bc3503cc2b_o.jpg (http://flickr.com/photos/geekaleek/2941588341/)
i lke this. very tropical feeling

[ayshaphotography]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3201/2944450000_966fc69795_o.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3008/2944451316_98f01a5053_o.jpg

CUUUUUUUUUTE!!!! :D:D:D:D

[whazzzzuup]

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h69/whazzzzuup/5-1.jpg

[illusions]

http://jelsha.zenfolio.com/img/v0/p875392623-3.jpg

[jvmanolis]

I'm really enjoying my 85mm lately. My daughter shooting hoops. At f/2.2.

[ThomasW]

http://weblog.thomasvanderwillik.com/album/images/algemeen/herfst/img_8009s.jpg

http://weblog.thomasvanderwillik.com/album/images/algemeen/herfst/img_8002s.jpg

[grizzy]

Here are a couple of the dude...a couple days after an ER visit after falling off his bed. This also happened 2 days before his birthday party. Wasn't funny when it happened but the pictures will be in 20 years:

http://cwwayne.zenfolio.com/img/v4/p149677082-4.jpg

http://cwwayne.zenfolio.com/img/v4/p109763036-4.jpg

http://cwwayne.zenfolio.com/img/v4/p223917710-4.jpg

[JasonRussell]

wow! How high is his bed? haha

[Qwest905]

I'm really enjoying my 85mm lately. My daughter shooting hoops. At f/2.2.

love the colours and the clarity in this picture

[ThomasW]

Another one

http://weblog.thomasvanderwillik.com/album/images/algemeen/herfst/img_8013s.jpg

[assafphotography]

my favorite lens!

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3183/2963164432_b20ca4d976_b.jpg

[kozmix]

Some from me with a 20D

http://fc86.deviantart.com/fs34/i/2008/298/f/b/Blai_1917_by_kozmix.jpg

http://fc82.deviantart.com/fs37/i/2008/258/1/4/Basketball_Behing_the_Bars_by_kozmix.jpg

http://fc78.deviantart.com/fs37/i/2008/256/1/0/Mosaic_Dragon_by_kozmix.jpg

http://fc68.deviantart.com/fs36/i/2008/249/0/6/Jane_Goodall_by_kozmix.jpg

http://fc18.deviantart.com/fs37/i/2008/248/b/9/Street_Painter_by_kozmix.jpg

[PalmBayFlo]

Very nice kozmix. I'm very curious, is that Jane Goodall in #4?

[kozmix]

Yep it is her =D

I was trying to see if anyone would actually recognise her, i'm glad you did =)

Thx also for the comment!

[poppie guy]

Very nice kozmix. I'm very curious, is that Jane Goodall in #4?

Looks kind of like her doesn't it? Either way, it's a nice photo.

[PalmBayFlo]

Yep it is her =D

I was trying to see if anyone would actually recognise her, i'm glad you did =)

Thx also for the comment!

My old eyes haven't failed me yet! :) Very nice shot of her!

[AlanU]

This is what happens when your daughter gets into your camera bag.

A rocket blower is not intended for this purpose !!! :) LOL!!!

shot: f/ 1.8, 1/160, ISO 400

http://members.shaw.ca/airvw/rocketblower.jpg

[poppie guy]

:lol::lol::lol::lol:

[kozmix]

lololol beautiful shot!

[Joschj]

Here is mine. 40D 85f1.8@1.8
Just in the start, so please don't be too hard....

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3198/2973971951_385bfa91b5.jpg?v=0

[AlanU]

Joschj,

Now that your playing with the 85 f/1.8 you'll need to give yourself a chat and remind yourself that not all lenses performs aswell as this one for the price.

This lens is steller wide open.

[Livinthalife]

Haven't really had the opportunity to put the lens to the test, but I got to say, I love the shallow DOF with this lens.

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b386/atgrzymala/IMG_8383.jpg

[da_teacher]

A few shots of my niece wide open of course!

http://i37.tinypic.com/2uy2iip.jpg

http://i38.tinypic.com/awyiac.jpg

[swknt_2000]

One of my favorite lenses

at f/2.2

http://atomic.zenfolio.com/img/v4/p657240334-4.jpg

at f/2.8

http://atomic.zenfolio.com/img/v4/p786928052-4.jpg

[Medic85]

Just curious, why did you shoot the first one with such an open aperture?

[swknt_2000]

I wanted the photo to look like a painting :)

[Balliolman]

One of my personal favorites with 85/1,8 on 5D @f2,8

http://img127.imageshack.us/img127/9914/img4508lc2.jpg

Striking photo: this really held my attention! :)

[Balliolman]

Canon 5D - EF 85mm f/1.8 USM - 1/125 at f/6.3, ISO 100


http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2095/2284327126_2da0cab65c_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/bluebomberx/2284327126/)


Classy portrait. More shots I see with this lens fitted to a 5D, the more I like this glass!

[ishida]

Buddies
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3005/2983832650_6d4cf5e9d0_o.jpg

[CTM]

That is just beautiful!

[poppie guy]

That is just beautiful!

I agree!

[ishida]

thanks :-)

[thrash_273]

Buddies
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3005/2983832650_6d4cf5e9d0_o.jpg
i like the moment, you kept it simple and for that you made it beautiful.

[elysium]

I convinced myself so blindly that the 85 1.8 was a waste of money after I had my first one but the length is just so amazing so I bought another and fallen in love with it....finally.

http://img395.imageshack.us/img395/729/outputia3.jpg

[Joschj]

I have had mine for some months, but not used it much until recently. Today I discovered that AF have died. Anyone experienced anything like this?
Changed to another lens and AF is working as it should, back with this one and it's dead.
Feel a bit knocked out after this discovery.


----

[vfrstephen]

Re: Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM

[vfrstephen]

Re: Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM

[mattograph]

Man, those are awesome!

[poppie guy]

Wow, I wouldn't associate shots like these with an 85, very nice!

[Perry Ge]

On a 5D.

1.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3165/2994024943_057492551f_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/perryge/2994024943/)
2.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3207/2996514958_fb4863c8bc_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/perryge/2996514958/)

[p360]

Oh my..!! These are awesome, Perry..!! I love them.

[Perry Ge]

Thanks!

[mattograph]

Well done Perrye!

Can you share your post?

[Perry Ge]

Well done Perrye!

Can you share your post?
Oh good lord let me try and remember...

-Defog, levels, hue/saturation, curves to start off.
-Then a new layer with a layer mask for the eyes where I dodge them and do a high pass sharpen.
-Curves adjustment layer for the hair with a layer mask.
-Skin smoothing by healing and then applying dust and scratches + gaussian blur, layer mask filled in with black, paint the new skin by erasing the mask, then setting the opacity to a low 30-40%.
-Dodging here and there.
-Final sharpening if necessary (in most cases just a simple high pass filter overlay on 0.7).

That's pretty much it...I know it sounds like a lot but each step is very subtle. For black and white conversions I use the channel mixer followed by curves.

On the sailor shot I used a separate layer mask to make the background completely white.

[caiguar]

Well, this is my latest lens buy. I had a go with it for the first time this weekend. I loved the lens, needless to say, this is a must buy for anyone that need to take their camera into dark places.

All i can say is wow, I'm an absolute rookie but I did notice that the lens focuses lightning fast and, I just know this will be my "go to" lens when shooting in low light.

here are the first pics with it. The point of my tests were to shoot wide open with iso 1600 and with my 30D so every pic is at 1.8

C&C is always welcomed

http://35mme.smugmug.com/photos/409212466_z2RjK-L.jpg

http://35mme.smugmug.com/photos/409104016_KKDtu-L-1.jpg

http://35mme.smugmug.com/photos/409102980_j5dK4-L-1.jpg

http://35mme.smugmug.com/photos/409104386_y8wmR-L-1.jpg

http://35mme.smugmug.com/photos/409102106_Kuasj-L-1.jpg

[fefo.1979]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3183/2929510950_dbf311ccd8_o.jpghttp://farm4.static.flickr.com/3030/2833104465_6b465fa9fc_o.jpg

[mattograph]

Beautiful.

Did you add selective focus in the first one?

[fefo.1979]

excuse my english....
no,in the #1 i used 85 1.8+ kenko extension tubes @f/2.8

[tamtanium]

I just bought this lens to use as my portrait lens and i can't be happier! The focus speed is excellent and the IQ is good. For $300..this is a great lens to have.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3194/2997507803_7415c7e636_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3061/2998534338_ecdc78d8b9_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3070/2997637593_0e8b3a10d5_o.jpg

[JojoM]

Here's one from a recent vacation in Cancun, Mexico.

http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r365/jmagbitang/POTN/85mm.jpg

[Yel00tlr]

On a patriotic day I figured I post a picture from the "Bird's of Prey" exhibit from the other day......

[elysium]

Heres three 100% crops. 65mm worth of tubes :)

#1
http://img293.imageshack.us/img293/3799/38524052eu3.jpg

#2
http://img201.imageshack.us/img201/9655/98693223ku3.jpg

#3
http://img293.imageshack.us/img293/8986/44931248xd1.jpg

[tin.risky]

My dog, Butters. Hamming it up for the camera as usual.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3148/2925759599_fa4f55d718.jpg

[droopy1592]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3187/2972660057_f6845de3ef.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3055/2980050492_629a4b912b.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3204/2995477131_bf17a815c3.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3032/2995013569_9b80d88a50.jpg

I like dogs lol

[jdlloyd67]

On a patriotic day I figured I post a picture from the "Bird's of Prey" exhibit from the other day......
Now this is a great shot!!! Nice job!!!

[smacafee]

I handled about $20k worth of lenses yesterday on a 5D and a 1D MKIII at Keeble and Shuchat, and the only lens that really amazed me was this one on my Rebel XT. This lens proved to me that the lens is what matters most when it comes to image quality, not the body. Getting a shutter speed of 1/1600 at iso 100 on a cloudy day is ridiculous.

[geekaleek]

Oh good lord let me try and remember...

-Defog, levels, hue/saturation, curves to start off.
-Then a new layer with a layer mask for the eyes where I dodge them and do a high pass sharpen.
-Curves adjustment layer for the hair with a layer mask.
-Skin smoothing by healing and then applying dust and scratches + gaussian blur, layer mask filled in with black, paint the new skin by erasing the mask, then setting the opacity to a low 30-40%.
-Dodging here and there.
-Final sharpening if necessary (in most cases just a simple high pass filter overlay on 0.7).

That's pretty much it...I know it sounds like a lot but each step is very subtle. For black and white conversions I use the channel mixer followed by curves.

On the sailor shot I used a separate layer mask to make the background completely white.
cool thanks for the info. never heard of defog, but i googled it... thanks for the useful tip. did you use an XS softbox for these? i took a look at your stream and it looks like a 2 light setup on some of them.

[mattograph]

Oh good lord let me try and remember...

-Defog, levels, hue/saturation, curves to start off.
-Then a new layer with a layer mask for the eyes where I dodge them and do a high pass sharpen.
-Curves adjustment layer for the hair with a layer mask.
-Skin smoothing by healing and then applying dust and scratches + gaussian blur, layer mask filled in with black, paint the new skin by erasing the mask, then setting the opacity to a low 30-40%.
-Dodging here and there.
-Final sharpening if necessary (in most cases just a simple high pass filter overlay on 0.7).

That's pretty much it...I know it sounds like a lot but each step is very subtle. For black and white conversions I use the channel mixer followed by curves.

On the sailor shot I used a separate layer mask to make the background completely white.

Thanks Perrye!

[grizzy]

http://cwwayne.zenfolio.com/img/v4/p1041970408-4.jpg


On Dumbo at Disney (something feels off on this one...can't tell if it's too dark or needs some color adjust):

http://cwwayne.zenfolio.com/img/v4/p214667092-4.jpg

[tin.risky]

Looks like it just needs a levels adjustment and maybe some more saturation.

[caiguar]

it needs bit of contrast because the sunlight washed colors and blacks all out

[jdlloyd67]

Giving some props to my wife's mad photography skillz (of course I taught her everything she knows :D). Here's a shot she took this past weekend using the 85mm attached to our 40D...
http://www.dldigitalimages.com/misc/Flowers1_11092008_small.jpg

[CindyLynn]

Wow, great color Lyn. I am sord of new at this photography stuff but I LOVE playing with it. I too have this gear...40D and a 85 f/1.8 that I am trying to get familar with. Did she shoot this on "M" or "AF"? And at what distance & settings if you don't mind helping a newby out with a lil' advise.
I just love to shoot...

[jdlloyd67]

Wow, great color Lyn. I am sord of new at this photography stuff but I LOVE playing with it. I too have this gear...40D and a 85 f/1.8 that I am trying to get familar with. Did she shoot this on "M" or "AF"? And at what distance & settings if you don't mind helping a newby out with a lil' advise.
I just love to shoot...

I had the camera set to AV with an f-Stop of 4.0 when she grabbed the camera from me to take this shot. I'd have to get the meta tag data from Bridge and post it to give you the exact specs on the shot.

[Perry Ge]

cool thanks for the info. never heard of defog, but i googled it... thanks for the useful tip. did you use an XS softbox for these? i took a look at your stream and it looks like a 2 light setup on some of them.
Yeah I used an umbrella for main light, and softbox for fill. I also used a reflector so sometimes I'd use my softbox light for a background light.
Thanks Perrye!
No problem.

Y'know, I almost got an 85L the other day, but I realized that I actually really like the 85 1.8, and after trying the 85L (don't get me wrong, IQ and bokeh were INSANE), with the annoying FTM clutch, I figured it wasn't worth $1700 over the 85 1.8 (yet) for some nicer bokeh. The 85 1.8 is no slouch.

[oic929]

How many of you have the hood for the 85mm? Do you all find it makes a difference in the pictures?

[Boucher]

I've got hoods for all my lenses.. wouldn't shoot without them.

[oic929]

I've got hoods for all my lenses.. wouldn't shoot without them.

Do you find it affects image quality if you shoot without it?

[caoless]

i can't wait to get myself this lense sometime! its so nice..

[elysium]

Some more from me.

http://www.clarity-rebirth.co.uk/85/8.jpg

http://www.clarity-rebirth.co.uk/85/12.jpg

http://www.clarity-rebirth.co.uk/85/4.jpg

[elysium]

Do you find it affects image quality if you shoot without it?
I rather have one ust to reduce any unwanted light as much as possible.

[Boucher]

Do you find it affects image quality if you shoot without it?

shooting towards the sun would definitely have some positive effect on the unwanted light.. but I use it mainly for protection and because I feel more pro if I use them.

[p360]

I've got hoods for all my lenses.. wouldn't shoot without them.


Same here.

[Perry Ge]

One of my personal favorites with 85/1,8 on 5D @f2,8

http://img127.imageshack.us/img127/9914/img4508lc2.jpg
This might be my favourite photo on POTN. Everything I look through this archive, I dig for this photo and stare at it for ages. Incredible.

[tin.risky]

^Wow, beautiful.

[Treat me like a tourist]

Not sure if these are good enough for this thread, but here goes.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3240/3036973630_fd89a64292_b.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3006/3036965556_4e198abc5c_b.jpg

[deci]

This might be my favourite photo on POTN. Everything I look through this archive, I dig for this photo and stare at it for ages. Incredible.

Don't know about my favourite on POTN, but its got to to be my favouritest (and if that's not a word, it should be) that I've seen to date.

[Nick5]

:lol: :lol: :lol:

[iN5P1R3]

One of my personal favorites with 85/1,8 on 5D @f2,8

http://img127.imageshack.us/img127/9914/img4508lc2.jpg

FINALLY! I've been looking for this image forever. Definitely one of the best images on POTN. bw!

[elysium]

Heres one more from me. :)

http://img523.imageshack.us/img523/4839/10ni7.jpg

[solarcell]

Here are some of mine
321396
321397

[dissembled]

Guys, about how many feet back are you taking these photos?

[ozziepuppy]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3038/3045307743_0355b734d8_o.jpg

[solarcell]

Guys, about how many feet back are you taking these photos?


i was probably about a metre away from the flower in focus
and about 2-3 metres from the middle bird in the scnd. i think?

[runninmann]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3038/3045307743_0355b734d8_o.jpgHalt! Who goes there - friend or food?

[ozziepuppy]

I love that caption! I am going to go change it on Deviant Art right NOW!!!

Darn! The full title would not fit! Changed it anyway, as much as I could. Thanks for the clever comment! :)

[elysium]

So first of all, I have always been convinced that DOF at 2.8 on my zoom lenses has been more than enough and I have no need for primes. This is my first prime in my collection and just a bit of insight into what I have found with it and what I think.

So why a prime you may ask considering I could have got a 70-200L to compliment my 24-70L. Well its faster, lighter and allows me more flexibility with my depth.

First impressions, the lens itself is small and compact. Yes it is big enough that you will notice if is goes missing vs something like the EF 50mm 1.8.

Firing up my 5D, the first thing you notice is the length you work with. Its a real nice length and works well as a medium telephoto. I have a feeling that the 100mm would be a bit too long unless you want candids and in that case, either the 135L or 200L would be my choice.

Now the first thing I came across with how well the USM worked. It really does work as fast as I hoped, especially after trying the 85L which has the diameter the size of the moon. It has been very accurate throughout and nails each shot providing you focus correctly (just like most lenses). Due to the use of primes, I have decided to change focus methods to use the joystick rather than the click wheel to make things easier and helps for composition rather than recomposing later since slight adjustments at wide apertures can cause softness. After firing off a few rounds, it was apparent that this lens lived up to its hype.

Pixel peeping is boring so I will move on to bokeh. Now this plays an important part for me as I rarely stop lenses down, so shooting wide open is a day to day task. After experiencing substandard bokeh on the 24-105L and the 50mm 1.8, I was a bit hesitant but the lens delivered great results.

http://www.clarity-rebirth.co.uk/85/1.jpg

As you can see wide open, its smooth and circular. The length gives it a good seperation and with the right processing, pops real well.

Now being a prime, they are generally regarded as highly recommended lenses for low light to which this also performs well. Using centre AF point and f/1.8 and no AF assist from an external flash, it did have a slight issue of hunting but nothing which can comprimise shooting.

http://www.clarity-rebirth.co.uk/85/12.jpg

There were issues using a 580EX II and a outer focus point (in low light and not enough contrast) and did make the lens hunt a bit more than expected which was corrected by switching back to the centre AF point. Would have been an issue if I was shooting a moving subject but managed to save by recomposing after.

Working distances are a bit strange for me with this, it required alot more room to work with due to the MFD. Usually I shoot with a 24-70L which is very forgiving with working distances but I really enjoyed at how primes have now made me think about composition a lot more. I cannot remember the distance on this but it was further than what I am used to. So it seems working distances have doubled when looking at 70mm vs 85mm (slight difference I know).

http://www.clarity-rebirth.co.uk/PBMW/19.jpg

It is not that much of a hindrance but if limited for space, it does force you to rethink your composition to which I am happy with.

So what do I reckon?

Pro's
- Sharp wide open and well handled CA
- Smooth bokeh
- Accurate and fast USM
- Compact

Con's
- MFD is a bit too long
- Low light focus using outer points may be an issue
- Can experience a touch of flare without hood (not supplied)

[runninmann]

I love that caption! I am going to go change it on Deviant Art right NOW!!!

Darn! The full title would not fit! Changed it anyway, as much as I could. Thanks for the clever comment! :)Be my guest. You're very welcome!

How about just, "Halt! Friend or food?"

[ozziepuppy]

Could not do the whole thing. Quotation marks not allowed, exclamation points not allowed. Ended up with Halt - Friend or Food? Still better than the original title! Thanks!

[pridash]

So first of all, I have always been convinced that DOF at 2.8 on my zoom lenses has been more than enough and I have no need for primes. This is my first prime in my collection and just a bit of insight into what I have found with it and what I think.

So why a prime you may ask considering I could have got a 70-200L to compliment my 24-70L. Well its faster, lighter and allows me more flexibility with my depth.

First impressions, the lens itself is small and compact. Yes it is big enough that you will notice if is goes missing vs something like the EF 50mm 1.8.

Firing up my 5D, the first thing you notice is the length you work with. Its a real nice length and works well as a medium telephoto. I have a feeling that the 100mm would be a bit too long unless you want candids and in that case, either the 135L or 200L would be my choice.

Now the first thing I came across with how well the USM worked. It really does work as fast as I hoped, especially after trying the 85L which has the diameter the size of the moon. It has been very accurate throughout and nails each shot providing you focus correctly (just like most lenses). Due to the use of primes, I have decided to change focus methods to use the joystick rather than the click wheel to make things easier and helps for composition rather than recomposing later since slight adjustments at wide apertures can cause softness. After firing off a few rounds, it was apparent that this lens lived up to its hype.

Pixel peeping is boring so I will move on to bokeh. Now this plays an important part for me as I rarely stop lenses down, so shooting wide open is a day to day task. After experiencing substandard bokeh on the 24-105L and the 50mm 1.8, I was a bit hesitant but the lens delivered great results.

http://www.clarity-rebirth.co.uk/85/1.jpg

As you can see wide open, its smooth and circular. The length gives it a good seperation and with the right processing, pops real well.

Now being a prime, they are generally regarded as highly recommended lenses for low light to which this also performs well. Using centre AF point and f/1.8 and no AF assist from an external flash, it did have a slight issue of hunting but nothing which can comprimise shooting.

http://www.clarity-rebirth.co.uk/85/12.jpg

There were issues using a 580EX II and a outer focus point (in low light and not enough contrast) and did make the lens hunt a bit more than expected which was corrected by switching back to the centre AF point. Would have been an issue if I was shooting a moving subject but managed to save by recomposing after.

Working distances are a bit strange for me with this, it required alot more room to work with due to the MFD. Usually I shoot with a 24-70L which is very forgiving with working distances but I really enjoyed at how primes have now made me think about composition a lot more. I cannot remember the distance on this but it was further than what I am used to. So it seems working distances have doubled when looking at 70mm vs 85mm (slight difference I know).

http://www.clarity-rebirth.co.uk/PBMW/19.jpg

It is not that much of a hindrance but if limited for space, it does force you to rethink your composition to which I am happy with.

So what do I reckon?

Pro's
- Sharp wide open and well handled CA
- Smooth bokeh
- Accurate and fast USM
- Compact

Con's
- MFD is a bit too long
- Low light focus using outer points may be an issue
- Can experience a touch of flare without hood (not supplied)

Thanks for the comprehensive report!

[elysium]

No worries. :) I think it is a real cracker. Some more sample shots are seen here.

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showpost.php?p=6728219&postcount=22

[DarioC]

I've got a fever, and the only prescription...is the 85mm 1.8!
i think i might get this lens VERY soon
great shots guys and nice review elysium

[dissembled]

Guys, on a 1.6x crop body...Do the photos come out rectangular or squarish? I see most photos here are rectangular. Do you guys crop your photos or something?

I have an Olympus body right now with the Sigma 30mm/f1.4 (60mm) and my horizontal shots always come out 'squarish'. I know that it might be unimportant to some but I personally prefer if photos are rectangular since it captures more of a scene.

Do photos become more squarish with longer focal lenghts?

[ThomasW]

1.6X crop 3:2, your olympus is 4:3...

It's the sensor, not the focal length.

[JasonRussell]

Your pictures should always come out as a rectangle. You can crop them to a square but FL has nothing to do with that.

[dissembled]

1.6X crop 3:2, your olympus is 4:3...

It's the sensor, not the focal length.

Does this mean that photos with a 1.6x camera will be more rectangular than photos from a 4/3 body?

[runninmann]

The short side of a 3:2 ratio image will be shorter than the short side of a 4:3 image assuming the long side is equal between the two images. That is, for example, the 3:2 would produce a 12 x 8 image and the 4:3 would produce a 12 x 9 image

[pridash]

No worries. :) I think it is a real cracker. Some more sample shots are seen here.

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showpost.php?p=6728219&postcount=22

Yeah, great pix!

Man, I was settled on getting the 100mm macro this year but postponed it as I bought a new pc instead to concentrate on learning pp skills - but now I'm itching to get the 85 first rather than the macro early next year!

...I hate this forum - it makes me so indescisive!!;)

[elysium]

Yeah, great pix!

Man, I was settled on getting the 100mm macro this year but postponed it as I bought a new pc instead to concentrate on learning pp skills - but now I'm itching to get the 85 first rather than the macro early next year!

...I hate this forum - it makes me so indescisive!!;)
Given the choice, I would still go for the 85 1.8 since im a sucker for shallow depth of field and also rarely macro. :)

[pridash]

Given the choice, I would still go for the 85 1.8 since im a sucker for shallow depth of field and also rarely macro. :)

Yeah, thanks again for making my choice harder!:D

[WhyFi]

Just picked up a 85 f/1.8 the other day - this was a part of my first efforts, along with another first - off-camera flash. It's a little long indoors (on 1.6x crop - I can't wait to get this on a FF), and I wish that the MFD was a little closer, but it's hard to fault otherwise.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3148/3056259050_f97430961e.jpg (http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3148/3056259050_3c92232bb0_o.jpg)

[Tony-S]

How many of you have the hood for the 85mm? Do you all find it makes a difference in the pictures?

Yeah, hoods for all mine. The 85mm's hood is awful. Does anyone know why Canon chose it over a bayonet mount?

[TheHoff]

Yeah, hoods for all mine. The 85mm's hood is awful. Does anyone know why Canon chose it over a bayonet mount?

I don't have a ton of different lenses; do non-L's get bayonet hoods?

[WhyFi]

Yeah, hoods for all mine. The 85mm's hood is awful. Does anyone know why Canon chose it over a bayonet mount?
Is it really that bad? J&R didn't have it in stock when I picked up the lens the other day... bad or ugly, I wish I had it - I feel like it's so vulnerable without a hood!

[ozziepuppy]

The hood attaches in an unusual way. It took me several minutes to realize that there is a depression on the side of the hood. When you push on the depression, that somehow makes the hood attach very easily. I still prefer the bayonet mount, but this is "OK" once you know how to use it. The bayonet mounted hoods do seem more secure to me, though. JMHO :)

[TheHoff]

It rotates around while on the lens, unlike the bayonet-mounts that lock in place. It does its job, though.

[iambroken]

one of my first shots taken with this lens.
@ 1.8

322605

[Tony-S]

Is it really that bad? J&R didn't have it in stock when I picked up the lens the other day... bad or ugly, I wish I had it - I feel like it's so vulnerable without a hood!

The biggest issue is that it makes the lens slow to mount because you have to momentarily put the camera down to do it. Since it rotates freely, and when reversed on the lens for stowage, it is difficult to put the lens on the camera without first removing the hood. With the bayonet hoods, they don't move and mounting is much faster.

[dinanm3atl]

This lens looks stellar. Maybe replacement for my 50mm f/1.8

[ishida]

Portrait of my son on Thanksgiving day. Window light plus two reflectors. Shot wide open on a 5D.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3163/3064735647_006e0bd6ec_o.jpg

[thrash_273]

Portrait of my son on Thanksgiving day. Window light plus two reflectors. Shot wide open on a 5D.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3163/3064735647_fefb46a110_o.jpg
so precious. my daughter just turn one last 26.=D

[TheHoff]

A little softer version if you don't mind...

http://i33.tinypic.com/2l8f2pi.jpg

(minus saturation, added glamour shot glow)

[thrash_273]

our baby turned 1.=D

[joruiz]

great pic thrash_273!

she looks soo cute.. :)