My first look at Canon's new 85 mm

At a camera equipment show on October 1st, just outside London, Ont, Canada, I had a chance to use Canon's new 85mm lens, even though it was not yet available to purchase. The rep said it was the first day they were allowed to let members of the public see and use the lens. My first impressions were that the lens was light (compared to my Sigma 85), focused very fast and was a pleasure to use. I know the pictures aren't anything to write home about, but I thought I'd share them just the same.

Were these actually at f/1.6 or is that an EXF bug?

They were probably at f/1.6. To tell you the truth, I was so exciting about using it, I really can't remember. I was like a kid in a candy store for the twenty minutes I was allowed to use it.

nice bokeh, pretty smooth!

I'm writing home about it as we speak. Good stuff.

vengence wrote in post #18464597
Were these actually at f/1.6 or is that an EXF bug?

I don't understand the question. Wouldn't you expect f/1.6 to be available on an f/1.4 lens?

Bassat wrote in post #18464742
I don't understand the question. Wouldn't you expect f/1.6 to be available on an f/1.4 lens?

It is a fair question, the lens is so new, it may not have a LR profile yet, and even if the lens was actually wide open at F1.4, it is possible that it might have read F1.6. Since it is Canon on Canon, and not Tamron / Sigma on Canon, it is extremely likely that the lens was at F1.6. The question no doubt was asked so that one could try and ascertain if one was looking at F1.4 or F1.6 bokeh and CA.

wallstreetoneil wrote in post #18464759
It is a fair question, the lens is so new, it may not have a LR profile yet, and even if the lens was actually wide open at F1.4, it is possible that it might have read F1.6. Since it is Canon on Canon, and not Tamron / Sigma on Canon, it is extremely likely that the lens was at F1.6. The question no doubt was asked so that one could try and ascertain if one was looking at F1.4 or F1.6 bokeh and CA.

Thanks. Really, I don't think I could tell the difference.

Man, that tripod looks awful uncomfortable to be held horizontal with that setup....

Very best,

wallstreetoneil wrote in post #18464759
It is a fair question, the lens is so new, it may not have a LR profile yet

LR reads the info from the EXIF. The OP probably stopped down the lens inadvertently.
I am not crazy about that bokeh.
Have you tested CA ? I may be wrong (and I hope so), but the lens does not seem very well corrected for longitudinal CA.

not smooth bokeh... busy bokeh reminds me of the 85 1.8 and where is all the canon blacks

I hate hate hate this lens because hating this lens makes me feel better about my overhyped awesome sigma lens which will always be portrayed as inferior to the canon but still it's larger and you know what they say larger is better right i mean go ask your wife i mean well nevermind she will agree that no matter what this canon does we will always argue to the millionth degree on every detail even something like i don't like this lens because it's made of glass or it has glass or the rubber ring is made of more awesomer rubber then your girls rubbers darnit

nevermind

Talley wrote in post #18464831
not smooth bokeh... busy bokeh reminds me of the 85 1.8 and where is all the canon blacks

I hate hate hate this lens because hating this lens makes me feel better about my overhyped awesome sigma lens which will always be portrayed as inferior to the canon but still it's larger and you know what they say larger is better right i mean go ask your wife i mean well nevermind she will agree that no matter what this canon does we will always argue to the millionth degree on every detail even something like i don't like this lens because it's made of glass or it has glass or the rubber ring is made of more awesomer rubber then your girls rubbers darnit

nevermind

ahahaha

I was just going to comment that it looks like an 85mm 1.8 bokeh

2 pictures don't a bokeh profile make.... Still an interesting lens, but I have a special place in my heart for the venerable 85L.

If it’s not 400 2.8 it’s incapable at any decent bo’ kahhh

umphotography wrote in post #18464868
I was just going to comment that it looks like an 85mm 1.8 bokeh

Canon finally has a replacement for the 85/1.8. After 25 years, they just adjusted the price for inflation