Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM

Canon · EF

EF 85mm f/1.8 USM

Released July 1992

A Canon EF portrait prime with an f/1.8 maximum aperture, USM autofocus with manual override and a 425 g body.

Mount
Canon EF
Focal length
85 mm
Max aperture
f/1.8
Stabilisation
No
Weight
425 g

What reviewers say

Both reviewers praise sharpness, fast quiet autofocus, construction and value. ePHOTOzine measures little lateral colour fringing and less corner darkening than Photozone. Photozone also finds conspicuous longitudinal colour fringing, occasional purple fringing and polygonal highlights when stopped down, despite pleasing blur at f/1.8. Both consider it a capable portrait lens; ePHOTOzine notes the missing hood.

From photozone.de, photozone.de and ephotozine.com

Optics

Lens type
Prime
Focal length
85 mm
Maximum aperture
f/1.8
Minimum aperture
f/22
Optical construction
Nine elements in seven groups
Coatings
Super Spectra coatings according to Canon UK
Diaphragm
Eight blades according to Canon

Mount and compatibility

Mounts
Canon EF
Image circle
Full frame
Compatibility
Canon EF cameras with full-frame or APS-C sensors
Adaptor support
Canon UK confirms EOS M compatibility using the EF-EOS M adapter

Focus and stabilisation

Autofocus
Yes
Minimum focus distance
0.85 m
Maximum magnification
0.13×
Optical stabilisation
No
Autofocus detail
USM autofocus with full-time manual override according to Canon UK; Photozone identifies ring-type USM and rear focusing
Focus distance detail
Lens length stays constant during focusing according to Photozone; front lens group does not rotate according to Canon Camera Museum
Stabilisation detail
No optical stabilisation according to ePHOTOzine's exact-model specification

Design

Filter diameter
58 mm
Maximum diameter
75 mm
Length
71.5 mm
Weight
425 g
Controls
AF/MF switch, focus ring, distance window and depth-of-field markings
Dimensions detail
75 mm maximum diameter × 71.5 mm length; 425 g according to Canon Camera Museum
Lens hood
Hood is sold separately according to Photozone and ePHOTOzine
In the box
Lens, E-58II front cap, Lens Dust Cap E and user manual according to Canon UK
Release detail
Canon Camera Museum records July 1992 marketing; a first-sale day is not given

Pros and cons

Pros

  • f/1.8 maximum aperture
  • Full-time manual focus override
  • 425 g weight

Cons

  • No optical stabilisation
  • Hood sold separately

Closest rivals

Model
MountFocal lengthMax apertureStabilisationWeightReleased
Canon EF85 mmf/1.2No1,025 gSept 1989
Canon EF100 mmf/2.8–650 gApr 1990
Canon EF50 mmf/1.8No130 gDec 1990

Sources

  1. canon.co.uk/store/canon-ef-85mm-f-1-8-usm-lens/2519A012
  2. global.canon/en/c-museum/product/ef313.html
  3. photozone.de/canon_eos_ff/419-canon_85_18_5d
  4. photozone.de/canon_eos_ff/419-canon_85_18_5d
  5. ephotozine.com/article/canon-ef-85mm-f-1-8-usm-lens-review-16998

Photo: i1.adis.ws

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