2 best 85mm lens

An 85mm lens, often referred to as an 85mm prime lens or portrait lens, is a popular type of lens used in photography, especially in the context of SLR (Single-Lens Reflex) and mirrorless cameras. Here's what you need to know about it:

Focal Length: The "85mm" in the lens name refers to its focal length. Focal length determines the lens's field of view and the magnification it provides. An 85mm lens is considered a short telephoto lens, which makes it ideal for portraits and certain other types of photography.
Portrait Photography: The 85mm lens is highly favored by portrait photographers because of its ability to produce flattering and natural-looking portraits.It allows you to capture subjects with a shallow depth of field, resulting in a beautifully blurred background (bokeh) while keeping the subject in sharp focus.
Low Light Performance: Many 85mm lenses have a wide maximum aperture, typically around f/1.8 or even wider (e.g., f/1.4 or f/1.2). This wide aperture enables excellent performance in low-light conditions and allows for creative control over depth of field.
Isolation: Due to its longer focal length and wide aperture, an 85mm lens can isolate subjects from their background effectively. This is valuable for creating a strong subject-background separation, making the subject stand out.
Portability: 85mm prime lenses are often compact and lightweight, making them suitable for both studio and on-location portrait photography.
Versatility: While 85mm lenses are most commonly used for portrait work, they can also be used for other types of photography, such as candid shots, street photography, and even certain types of landscape photography where a compressed perspective is desired.
Autofocus Options: Many 85mm lenses offer fast and accurate autofocus capabilities, which are especially important for capturing moving subjects or achieving precise focus in portrait photography.
Lens Mount Compatibility: 85mm lenses are available in various mounts to fit different camera brands and models. Make sure to choose a lens that is compatible with your camera system.
Price Range: The price of 85mm lenses can vary widely, depending on factors like brand, aperture size, and features. High-quality lenses with wider apertures tend to be more expensive.

In summary, an 85mm lens is a versatile and popular choice for portrait photographers due to its flattering perspective, ability to create creamy background blur, and good performance in low-light conditions. It's also a valuable addition to the kit of photographers who appreciate creative control over depth of field and composition.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best 85mm lens on the market

Samyang SY85M-C 85mm F1.4 Fixed Lens for Canon

Samyang

Based on 238 reviews Check latest price

Product description

The Samyang 85mm lens is made with mostly glass and aluminum components and the build quality is superb. Its focusing is silky smooth with an internal focusing (IF) mechanism so that the physical size remains constant during focusing. There are little or no chromatic aberrations and Bokeh is just about perfect. The lens comes complete with a removable lens hood, lens caps, lens pouch, instruction manual and one year warranty. The lens is available in the following mounts: Canon, Nikon with auto confirm chip, Pentax, Sony & Olympus 4/3.

User questions & answers

Question:	Is the Olympus model for an Olympus 4/3 mount
Answer:	Yes, the flame is adjustable to lower the heat output.
Question:	Works with Sony A
Answer:	My literature is long gone. Look up your order on Amazon and try going thru them.
Question:	Says manual focus...will this focus automatically on a D7100? D7100 has built-in focus motor
Answer:	Yes, but it will require an adapter. I bought this one and it works just fine. https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B07VHJ4ZD7/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 This gives you the uption of using either type canister.
Question:	Is this lens compatible with a PENTAX k-r DSLR camera
Answer:	The "Lixada Camping Stove Adapter 1LB Propane Small Tank Input EN417 Lindal Valve Output/Propane Gas Tank Conversion Head Backpacking Stove Convert Connector" works just fine to adapt this stove to a generic 1 lg. propane cylinder.

Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM Medium Telephoto Lens for Canon SLR Cameras - Fixed

Canon

Based on 1 reviews Check latest price

Product description

The Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM Standard & Medium Telephoto Lens is highly practical and ideal for a range of applications including portraiture. Its fast f/1.8 maximum aperture is effective in low light and ideal for shallow depth of field focus control. An ultrasonic autofocus motor (USM) provides fast, smooth and quiet AF action and because the front lens group does not rotate during focusing, polarizing and special filter effects can be used effectively.

From the Manufacturer

Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM Medium Telephoto Lens

85 millimetre standard lens with f/1.8 maximum aperture for Canon SLR cameras, Lens Type:Telephoto Zoom Lens
Ring-type ultra-sonic monitor (USM) brings subject quickly into focus, Focal length: 85 millimetre, closest focusing distance: 2.8 feet
Natural angle of view and perspective is ideal for portraits and natural images
Designed to produce beautiful background blur; weighs 15 ounces
Measures 3 inches in diameter and 2.8 inches long; 1-year warranty. Refer User manual for troubleshooting steps.
Lens not zoomable

User questions & answers

Question:	What do the green numbers on the top mean in the slider
Answer:	Measurement in feet. You will not go wrong if you purchase this lens. I love it! The clarity is excellent. It takes a while to get the focus exact, but once you work with the lens you will not know how you did not buy this sooner.
Question:	Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM or Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM? What distances can you shoot from the subject for each (trying to determine best for my needs
Answer:	Closest focusing distance is 0.85m or 2.8 ft. for the 85mm f/1.8 and the closest focusing distance for the 50mm f/1.8 is 1.15 ft. or 0.35m. Depends on your style of shooting but the 85mm f/1.8 it's better for portrait.
Question:	Does it come with the lens hood
Answer:	No, must be purchased separately. I have understood the ET65III hood is the only that fits on the 85mm f1.8
Question:	So many reviews! Can someone semi pro tell me if this focal distance is worth the purchase if you already own the canon 50mm f 1.4? I have a 7D and a full frame 5D and I use the 50mm on both. I am looking to gain that "better bokeh" mainly. Thoughts? Thank you
Answer:	This is one of my favorite primes that I own. It not only has a really nice bokeh, and great contrast and color rendering. But it also has a very flattering perspective. It also makes most peoples faces look a bit better. Something about 85mm makes the face a little skinnier, while also compressing the area that is in focus a bit. It's heavier than most other 'Ultrasonic' EF primes. But this just makes it balance well on a 5D, 6D or 7D. Until you step up to L series you will have to deal with a bit of chromatic aberation and vignetting. Though that is a simple task if shooting raw. The 50mm is a bit more natural perspective compared to 85. But you also have to get right up on a subject with it. The 85 lets you get a similar shot from a few more feet away, which makes the subject more comfortable.