85mm Lens for Canon RF - 85mm f1.8 Portrait Lens Manual Focus(MF) for Canon EOS R/Ra/RP/R3/R5/R5 C/R6/R6 Mark II /R7/R8/R10/R50/R100 Mirrorless Camera (for Canon R Series)
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AI Verdict
This 85mm f/1.8 manual focus lens, weighing 1.15 pounds, is for Canon RF users ready to embrace a fully manual photographic process on a budget.
This lens is a situational fit for Canon RF users who prioritize a large f/1.8 aperture and an 85mm focal length for portraits, and are comfortable with a fully manual workflow. Its lack of autofocus, image stabilization, and electronic contacts means it demands a hands-on approach to photography.
If you need autofocus, image stabilization, or electronic communication with your Canon RF camera, look for an RF-mount lens with 'STM' or 'USM' in its name and a higher price point.
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Pros
- The f/1.8 aperture delivers significant background blur (bokeh) for portrait photography.
- The 85mm focal length is suited for half-body, full-body, and close-up portraits, and street photography.
- It is compatible with a wide range of Canon EOS R series mirrorless cameras, including R, Ra, RP, R3, R5, R5 C, R6, R6 Mark II, R7, R8, R10, R50, and R100.
- The lens is lightweight at 1.15 pounds, making it relatively portable for an 85mm prime.
- Features a smooth, large focus ring for precise manual focusing.
- The entry-level price point, typically between $50-$99, makes it an accessible option.
Cons
- It is a fully manual focus lens, lacking any autofocus capabilities.
- The lens does not have image stabilization, which can lead to shake in handheld shots or video.
- There are no electronic contacts, meaning the camera will display 'F00' for aperture and 'no communication' if not set up correctly.
- Users must manually adjust aperture via the lens ring and set shutter speed and ISO on the camera for proper exposure.
- Vignetting and color fringing can be noticeable at f/1.8, improving when stopped down to f/2.8 or f/4.
- Can exhibit glare when shooting into bright light sources.
Dimension Scores
The f/1.8 aperture allows for significant background blur, but expect some vignetting and color fringing at its widest setting.
This is a fully manual focus lens and has no autofocus capabilities.
Video requires manual focus and exposure adjustments, and the lack of optical image stabilization means a stabilized camera body or external stabilization is crucial to avoid shaky footage.
Weighing 1.15 pounds, it is relatively light for an 85mm f/1.8 prime lens, making it easy to carry.
Best For
- Learning manual photography techniques on a Canon RF system.
- Budget-conscious photographers seeking shallow depth of field for portraits.
- Controlled studio portrait sessions where manual focus is feasible.
- Experimenting with a fixed 85mm focal length for creative compositions.
Not Recommended For
- Fast-paced events or subjects requiring quick autofocus.
- Users who prefer the convenience of electronic communication and automatic exposure.
- Run-and-gun video shooting without a stabilized camera body or external stabilization.
- Photographers unwilling to manually adjust all exposure parameters.
Watch Out For
- The camera will not fire if 'Release shutter w/o Lens' is not enabled in the camera menu, displaying a 'no communication' error.
- Images will be completely blurred if the manual focus ring is not rotated to achieve focus.
- Photos may appear too dark or too white if shutter speed and ISO are not manually adjusted according to the shooting environment.
- The lens is incompatible with Canon M-series EF-M mount mirrorless cameras and EF/EF-S mount DSLRs.
- Expect noticeable vignetting and potential purple color fringing when shooting wide open at f/1.8.
Full Specifications
| ASIN | B0DPFYPN2Z |
| Brand | BENOISON |
| Lens Type | Standard |
| Item Weight | 1.15 pounds |
| Manufacturer | BENOISON |
| Item model number | B-85 |
| Product Dimensions | 6.3 x 2.8 x 2.8 inches |
| Compatible Mountings | Canon RF |
| Camera Lens Description | 85mm F/1.8 Prime Lens Manual Focus (for Canon RF) |
| Focal Length Description | 85mm |
What Buyers Say
Many users find the learning curve steep due to the entirely manual operation, requiring them to enable 'Release shutter w/o Lens' and manually set all exposure parameters to avoid 'no communication' errors or improperly exposed photos. The f/1.8 aperture is consistently praised for its ability to create creamy background blur, making it a popular choice for portraiture despite the manual challenges. However, the absence of autofocus and image stabilization means precise focusing and steady hands are essential, especially for moving subjects or in low light. Some report that the manual focus ring operates smoothly, which helps with the focusing process.
“Look, for the price, the bokeh is insane, but I spent like 20 minutes figuring out why my camera wouldn't even take a picture, and then another hour trying to get anything in focus. It's a project, not a point-and-shoot.”
Common Praise
- The f/1.8 aperture produces a pleasing, blurred background effect.
- The 85mm focal length is effective for isolating subjects in portraits.
- The manual focus ring feels smooth during operation.
- Provides a cost-effective way to achieve a fast 85mm prime lens look on Canon RF cameras.
Common Complaints
- Difficulty with achieving sharp focus manually, especially with moving subjects.
- The camera displaying 'F00' and 'no communication' until specific settings are changed.
- Lack of image stabilization makes handheld video or low-light photography challenging.
- Requires constant manual adjustment of aperture, shutter speed, and ISO for correct exposure.
- Vignetting is visible at f/1.8, and color fringing can appear on high-contrast edges.
Ownership Tips
- You'll need to dedicate time to learning manual exposure and focus techniques to get usable images.
- Enabling 'Release shutter w/o Lens' is a one-time setup, but crucial for the lens to function.
- A tripod is highly recommended for video or low-light photography due to the lack of image stabilization.
- Practicing with static subjects first will help master the manual focus before attempting portraits.
- Stopping down to f/2.8 or f/4 can significantly reduce optical imperfections like vignetting and color fringing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this lens have autofocus?
No, this is a fully manual focus lens. You must rotate the focus ring on the lens to achieve focus.
Why does my camera say 'F00' or 'no communication'?
This is normal because the lens has no electronic contacts. You need to enable 'Release shutter w/o Lens' in your camera's menu and set your camera to Manual (M) mode.
Does this lens have image stabilization?
No, this lens does not have image stabilization. You will need to rely on your camera's in-body image stabilization (IBIS) if it has it, or use a tripod.
Is this lens compatible with my Canon DSLR or M-series camera?
No, this lens is only compatible with Canon EOS R series mirrorless cameras (RF mount). It will not work with EF/EF-S mount DSLRs or EF-M mount mirrorless cameras.
How do I adjust the aperture?
You must manually rotate the aperture ring located on the lens itself. The aperture value will not display on your camera.
Buying Guide
When looking at a lens like this, you need to understand that 'manual focus' means you, not the camera, are responsible for getting your subject sharp. 'No electronic contacts' means your camera won't know what aperture you're using, and you'll have to set everything manually. This isn't a flaw; it's how these budget lenses work, offering a specific experience for a lower cost.
85mm Focal Length
This is a 'telephoto' focal length, meaning it magnifies your subject and compresses the background. It's often called a 'portrait lens' because it allows you to stand a comfortable distance from your subject while still filling the frame, and it creates a flattering perspective without distorting facial features.
f/1.8 Aperture
The 'aperture' is how wide the lens can open to let in light. An f/1.8 aperture is considered 'fast' or 'wide,' meaning it lets in a lot of light, which is great for low-light situations. More importantly for portraits, a wide aperture creates a very shallow depth of field, blurring the background beautifully and making your subject stand out.
Manual Focus (MF)
Unlike lenses that automatically focus, with MF, you turn a ring on the lens to bring your subject into sharpness. This gives you precise control, but it's slower and requires practice, especially with moving subjects or very shallow depth of field. Your camera won't help you focus, so you're entirely on your own.
Alternatives
If you need autofocus, look for an 85mm RF-mount lens with 'STM' or 'USM' in its name. If you need image stabilization, seek lenses with 'IS' in their designation, or ensure your Canon RF camera has in-body image stabilization.
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