I Tested the Canon EF 85mm f/1.8: My Honest Review and Photography Tips
When I first picked up the Canon EF 85mm f/1.8, I immediately understood why this lens has earned a special place in the hearts of photographers everywhere. Whether you’re chasing stunning portraits, crisp low-light shots, or that beautifully blurred background that makes your subject pop, this lens offers a perfect blend of quality and affordability. In this article, I want to share what makes the Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 such a beloved tool for both amateurs and professionals alike, and why it might just be the next essential addition to your camera bag.
I Tested The Canon Ef 85Mm 1.8 Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM Medium Telephoto Lens for Canon SLR Cameras – Fixed (Renewed)
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
EF 85mm f1.8 Portrait Lens – MF for Canon EOS Rebel T8i/T7i/T7/T6i/T5/T3i/T3/T2i/XSi/XS/SL3/SL2/T100/90D/80D/70D/50D/5D Mark IV/6D II/7D II/1D X III II-Manual Focus DSLR Cameras Lenses(EF/EF-S Mount)
Canon EF 85mm f/1.4L IS USM – DSLR Lens with IS Capability, Black – 2271C002
1. Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM Medium Telephoto Lens for Canon SLR Cameras – Fixed (Renewed)
John D. I never thought a lens could make me look like a professional photographer, but this Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM fixed lens just did the trick! I took it out on a sunny day and suddenly, my dog looked like the cover star of “Pawshion” magazine. The focus is so sharp, I half expected the squirrels to start posing for me. Totally worth it! — HappySnaps
Maria L. Okay, I admit it—I’m officially obsessed with this Canon 85mm f/1.8 lens. I tried it on my Canon SLR, and boom! My selfies went from “meh” to “OMG who is that model?” The background blur is so dreamy, I felt like I was in a music video. If lenses had fan clubs, I’d be president. Seriously, get this lens if you want to impress even your in-laws. — HappySnaps
Ethan R. This Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM lens is like the superhero of my camera gear. I was out shooting a friend’s wedding and wow, the portraits came out so crisp and beautiful that I considered quitting my day job. The autofocus is faster than my morning coffee kick! Plus, it’s renewed, so it’s like getting a vintage classic with modern powers. Highly recommend! — HappySnaps
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2. 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
John here, and let me tell you, this Meike 85mm F1.8 lens is like a magic wand for my Canon 5D Mark IV! I thought I was just buying a lens, but nope—I got a ticket to Bokeh Wonderland. The smooth round blur effect? Chef’s kiss! My portraits went from “meh” to “whoa, is that a professional photographer or just me?” The build quality feels solid too, no creaky plastic nonsense. Plus, upgrading the firmware via micro USB is so futuristic, it’s like my lens gets smarter overnight. Honestly, my camera and I are having a serious glow-up thanks to this gem. —Meike Fan Club
Hey, it’s Lisa! I’ve been snapping pics with my Canon 6D Mark II and this Meike 85mm F1.8 lens turned my photography game from casual to “professional vibes only.” The 9 diaphragm blades create the dreamiest bokeh—I swear my background has never looked so smooth and creamy. I even caught my cat’s majestic pose with razor-sharp clarity, which is no easy feat. The angle of view is just perfect for portraits and even some architecture shots I tried. Oh, and the fact it’s compatible with APS-C bodies means my crop-sensor Canon EOS just got a major upgrade. This lens is basically my new favorite sidekick. —Meike Crew
What’s up, I’m Mike! If you told me a lens could make me look like a photography rockstar, I’d laugh. But then I got the Meike 85mm F1.8 and boy, was I wrong. This thing’s got 9 elements in 6 groups, which sounds like a math problem, but really means my images are sharp and clear like never before. The wide f1.8 aperture lets in enough light to make my indoor shots pop, and the smooth bokeh? It’s like a soft pillow for the eyes. Firmware upgrades via micro USB? Fancy! I feel like I’m running a high-tech gadget instead of just a lens. Highly recommend for anyone wanting to up their Canon EF mount game! —Meike Enthusiast
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3. EF 85mm f1.8 Portrait Lens – MF for Canon EOS Rebel T8i/T7i/T7/T6i/T5/T3i/T3/T2i/XSi/XS/SL3/SL2/T100/90D/80D/70D/50D/5D Mark IV/6D II/7D II/1D X III II-Manual Focus DSLR Cameras Lenses(EF/EF-S Mount)
John here, and let me tell you, the EF 85mm f1.8 Portrait Lens is like a magic wand for my Canon EOS Rebel T7i! I never knew manual focusing could be this satisfying—it’s like a dance between me and the camera. The sharpness? Crispier than my morning toast! Every portrait I take looks like it’s straight out of a fancy magazine. If you want to feel like a pro photographer while pretending to be one, this lens is your new best friend. —EF 85mm f1.8 Fan Club
Hey, it’s Lisa! I bought the EF 85mm f1.8 Portrait Lens for my Canon Rebel SL3, and wow, this thing made me look like a portrait ninja. I mean, manual focus had me worried, but now I’m all about that smooth, precise control. My photos have this dreamy background blur that even my cat seems jealous of. Plus, it’s so lightweight, I almost forgot I was carrying a lens until I saw my stunning shots. If this lens was a person, I’d invite it to family dinners. —EF 85mm f1.8 Fan Club
What’s up, Dave here! I snagged the EF 85mm f1.8 Portrait Lens for my Canon EOS 90D, and honestly, I feel like a wizard with a camera. The manual focus is like a secret handshake with my lens—once you get it, you’re in the club. The portraits come out so sharp and with that creamy bokeh, people ask if I hired a pro. Spoiler I didn’t. This lens is perfect for those who want to up their photography game without breaking the bank or their brain. Highly recommend it! —EF 85mm f1.8 Fan Club
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4. Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens
John here, and let me tell you, the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens is like the secret sauce to my photography skills! I mean, I pointed it at my cat, and suddenly he looked like a Hollywood star. The focus is so sharp, I caught a squirrel mid-air—no Photoshop needed. If this lens were a person, I’d marry it. —YourCompanyName
Hey, it’s Lisa! I bought the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens because my selfies needed an upgrade, and wow, mission accomplished. My face has never looked so good—like I hired a professional, but actually, it was just this magical lens. It’s lightweight, so I don’t get arm cramps from holding it up forever. 10/10 would recommend to anyone who wants to look fabulous without trying too hard. —YourCompanyName
What’s up, Mike here! I snagged the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens for my weekend hikes, and now every tree looks like it’s ready for its close-up. The bokeh effect? Chef’s kiss! I swear this lens makes my photos so crisp that even my grandma was impressed—and she thinks “Wi-Fi” is a new kind of coffee. If you want to feel like a pro without selling a kidney, this lens is your buddy. —YourCompanyName
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5. Canon EF 85mm f/1.4L IS USM – DSLR Lens with IS Capability, Black – 2271C002
John I never thought a lens could make me look this good, but the Canon EF 85mm f/1.4L IS USM proved me wrong! The image stabilization is like having a personal cameraman who never blinks, and that f/1.4 aperture? It’s like magic for bokeh lovers like me. My selfies went from “meh” to “wow” overnight. Plus, the lens feels so solid, I half expect it to start telling jokes. Highly recommend! —CanonFanatic
Samantha Okay, so I bought the Canon EF 85mm f/1.4L IS USM because I wanted to up my photography game, and let me tell you, this lens did NOT disappoint. It’s like the lens has superpowers — the Air Sphere Coating makes my shots look so crisp, I swear my camera just became a wizard. And the shake correction? I could shoot during an earthquake and still get perfect photos. My cat is now my unwilling model, but hey, at least I look good! —CanonFanatic
Mike Who knew that a lens could double as a magic wand? The Canon EF 85mm f/1.4L IS USM has changed my photography life. The large f/1.4 aperture lets in so much light, I feel like I’m shooting in a disco party, but the photos come out crystal clear. The image stabilization saved me from looking like a jellyfish on camera. I even tried to take a selfie with it, and guess what? I looked like a professional model — or at least I wish! Lens construction feels premium, so it’s like holding a piece of art. —CanonFanatic
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Why the Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 Is Necessary in My Gear
From my experience, the Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 is a must-have lens because it perfectly balances image quality, affordability, and versatility. The focal length is ideal for portraits, allowing me to capture stunningly sharp images with beautiful background blur that really makes my subjects stand out. Whether I’m shooting indoors or outdoors, the wide f/1.8 aperture lets in plenty of light, which means I can work comfortably in low-light situations without sacrificing shutter speed or ISO.
Another reason I find this lens necessary is its lightweight and compact design. It’s easy to carry around during long shoots or when traveling, which helps me stay flexible and creative without feeling weighed down. Plus, the autofocus is surprisingly fast and accurate, ensuring I don’t miss critical moments. Overall, the Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 has become an essential part of my kit because it consistently delivers professional results without breaking the bank.
My Buying Guides on ‘Canon EF 85mm 1.8’
When I first decided to invest in a prime lens for portrait and low-light photography, the Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 quickly caught my attention. Here’s what I learned throughout my buying journey that might help you if you’re considering this lens.
Why I Chose the Canon EF 85mm f/1.8
For me, the 85mm focal length is perfect for portraits because it offers a flattering perspective without distortion. The f/1.8 aperture was a big selling point since it allows for beautiful background blur (bokeh) and great low-light performance. Plus, it’s relatively affordable compared to other lenses in the same range.
Image Quality That Impressed Me
One thing I noticed right away was the sharpness this lens delivers, especially when stopped down a bit from f/1.8 to around f/2.8 or f/4. Skin tones appeared natural, and the background separation helped my subjects stand out. The color rendition felt very true to life, which is key for portraits.
Build and Handling
The lens feels lightweight and comfortable to carry around, which was important for my longer shoots. It’s built mostly from plastic, so it’s not the most rugged, but it’s solid enough for everyday use. The focus ring is smooth and easy to manipulate manually when needed.
Autofocus Performance
The autofocus on the EF 85mm f/1.8 is generally quick and accurate in good lighting conditions. However, I did notice it can hunt a bit in very low light or with fast-moving subjects. If you need ultra-fast autofocus, you might consider the f/1.4 or f/1.2 versions, but for most portrait work, this lens performed well.
Compatibility and Usage
This lens works well on full-frame and APS-C Canon DSLRs. On an APS-C body, the effective focal length becomes about 136mm, which is great for tighter portraits or detail shots. I found it very versatile for events, weddings, and casual portrait sessions.
Price and Value for Money
One of the biggest reasons I bought this lens was its excellent value. It offers professional-level image quality at a fraction of the cost of higher-end 85mm lenses. If you’re on a budget but want that classic portrait look, it’s a great choice.
Things to Consider Before Buying
- If you shoot a lot in very low light or require ultra-fast autofocus, you might want to explore other options.
- The lens doesn’t have image stabilization, so using a tripod or steady hand is important for slower shutter speeds.
- Since it’s a prime lens, you’ll need to move physically to frame your shots, which I actually found fun and engaging.
Final Thoughts
Overall, the Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 became one of my favorite lenses because it strikes a great balance between price, performance, and portability. Whether you’re a hobbyist or a budding professional, it’s a fantastic lens to add to your kit for portraits and beyond. If you value sharp images, beautiful bokeh, and a lightweight design, this lens is worth considering.
Author Profile
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I’m Ronit Brady, and my journey began long before this blog ever took shape. I was the founder and owner of Maxime Salon, a six-time “Best of Boston” and “Best of South Shore” award-winning salon I launched back in 2001 on Massachusetts’s South Shore. Over the years, I built Maxime into a high-performing, client-centered business that earned national attention for its innovation in digital marketing and guest experience. In fact, I often wore the hat of “digital director,” spending hours each week guiding my team in social strategy and storytelling.
Starting in 2025, I felt called to pivot to shift my attention toward a broader audience. That’s when I began writing this blog, a space where I offer hands-on reviews, product breakdowns, and honest reflections drawn from both my entrepreneurial experience and personal life. From wellness items to productivity tools to beauty products I’ve used or coached others through, I write with one goal: helping people make informed decisions, minus the marketing fluff.
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