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)
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AI Verdict
This is a 15.8-ounce, fully manual 85mm f/1.8 lens for Canon EF/EF-S mount DSLRs, best for photographers wanting precise focus control and artistic bokeh on a budget.
This 15.8-ounce manual focus 85mm f/1.8 lens is a specific tool for those who understand and embrace its limitations. Its fully manual operation means it's not a casual snap-and-shoot lens, but it offers a wide f/1.8 aperture for creative control over depth of field.
If you need faster operation and convenience, look for an 85mm lens with autofocus (AF) and electronic contacts for camera control.
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Pros
- The f/1.8 maximum aperture allows for shallow depth-of-field and low-light shooting conditions.
- Features 6 rounded aperture blades for smooth background blur effects.
- Includes hybrid aspherical lens (H-ASP) and ultra multi-coating (UMC) technology to reduce aberrations and glare.
- Compatible with a wide range of Canon EOS Rebel and higher-end DSLR cameras with EF/EF-S mounts.
- Weighs 15.8 ounces, making it relatively light for an 85mm prime lens.
Cons
- Requires fully manual focus, with no autofocus capabilities.
- Lacks electronic contacts, meaning the camera won't detect the lens automatically and requires specific camera settings adjustments.
- Aperture adjustments must be made directly on the lens via its aperture ring.
- May trigger a "no lens" error on the camera if not set to full manual (M) mode or if "Release shutter without lens" is not enabled.
Dimension Scores
The lens features 6 rounded aperture blades, hybrid aspherical lens, and ultra multi-coating to reduce aberrations and glare, contributing to image clarity and bokeh.
This is a fully manual focus lens and does not have any autofocus capabilities.
While the manual focus allows for precise control, the lack of image stabilization and manual-only operation can make smooth video capture challenging without external stabilization.
Weighing 15.8 ounces, it's a relatively light prime lens, making it easy to carry for extended periods.
Best For
- Learning manual photography techniques and understanding exposure triangles.
- Portrait photography where precise, deliberate focus and shallow depth of field are desired.
- Photographers on a tight budget seeking an 85mm f/1.8 focal length.
- Controlled studio environments where subjects are stationary and lighting is consistent.
Not Recommended For
- Fast-paced photography like sports or wildlife due to manual focus.
- Beginners who rely on autofocus and automatic exposure modes.
- Situations requiring quick adjustments to aperture or focus.
Watch Out For
- You'll need to manually set your camera to 'M' mode and enable 'Release shutter without lens' in the menu, otherwise you'll get a 'no lens' error.
- Focusing is entirely manual, meaning you rotate the focus ring on the lens to achieve sharpness, which can be slow for moving subjects.
- Aperture is also adjusted manually on the lens, not through the camera body.
- There are no electronic contacts, so your camera won't record lens data like aperture in EXIF information.
Full Specifications
| ASIN | B00VZYR2LA |
| Brand | lightdow |
| Lens Type | Standard |
| Item Weight | 15.8 ounces |
| Manufacturer | Lightdow |
| Item model number | KD-8518C |
| Product Dimensions | 4.33 x 2.76 x 2.76 inches |
| Compatible Mountings | Canon EF, Canon EF-S |
| Camera Lens Description | 6 Elements in 6 Groups |
| Focal Length Description | EF 85mm f1.8 Portrait Lens |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
What Buyers Say
This lens is a manual-only experience, so be prepared to dive into your camera's settings to even get it to fire. The product descriptions emphasize the f/1.8 aperture for background blur and the 85mm focal length for portraits. You'll be adjusting everything by hand, from focus to aperture, which is a deliberate choice for this lens. The compatibility with a wide range of Canon DSLRs is a plus, but the lack of electronic communication means no lens data in your photo files.
“Look, if you want to learn manual photography and get that blurry background for cheap, this thing works, but don't expect it to just 'work' out of the box, you gotta mess with your camera settings first.”
Common Praise
- The f/1.8 aperture creates a shallow depth of field with background blur.
- The 85mm focal length is suitable for portrait photography.
- The lens construction includes hybrid aspherical elements and multi-coating for image quality.
- The manual focus ring is designed for smooth operation.
Common Complaints
- Requires manual focus, which can be slow and challenging for moving subjects.
- No electronic contacts mean the camera doesn't recognize the lens, requiring specific camera settings.
- Aperture must be adjusted on the lens itself, not through the camera body.
- Users need to enable 'Release shutter without lens' to avoid errors.
Ownership Tips
- You'll quickly learn the importance of focus peaking if your camera has it, or you'll be chimping a lot to check focus.
- Setting your camera to 'M' mode and enabling 'Release shutter without lens' becomes second nature after a few uses.
- The manual aperture ring feels different than controlling it electronically, requiring a physical adjustment for every change.
- You'll find yourself slowing down your shooting process, which can be a pro or con depending on your style.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this lens have autofocus?
No, this is a fully manual focus lens. You will need to rotate the focus ring on the lens to achieve sharp images.
Will this lens work on my Canon Rebel T7i?
Yes, it is compatible with Canon EOS Rebel T7i and a wide range of other Canon EF/EF-S mount DSLR cameras.
How do I change the aperture?
You adjust the aperture directly on the lens using its aperture ring, as there are no electronic contacts to communicate with the camera body.
Why am I getting a 'no lens' error?
Because it lacks electronic contacts, you need to set your camera to full manual (M) mode and enable the 'Release shutter without lens' option in your camera's menu.
What kind of photos is this lens best for?
The 85mm focal length and f/1.8 aperture make it suitable for portraits, offering a flattering perspective and the ability to create background blur.
Buying Guide
When looking at a lens like this, you need to understand that 'manual focus' isn't just a suggestion; it's the only way it works. This means you're in full control of getting your subject sharp, which can be tough with a moving target. The f/1.8 aperture is a big deal because it lets in a lot of light and creates that blurry background look everyone loves for portraits, but it also makes precise focusing even harder.
85mm Focal Length
f/1.8 Aperture
Manual Focus (MF)
Alternatives
If you need faster focusing or camera-controlled aperture, look for an 85mm lens with 'autofocus' (AF) and 'electronic contacts' in its specifications.
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