Buy wisely
Buy wiselyBuy wisely
For RetailersFor developers
  1. Home
  2. Electronics
  3. Cameras
  4. Camera Accessories
  5. Camera lenses
  6. Canon EF 85mm f/1.4L Is USM Lens
Buy wisely

BuyWisely is your one stop price comparison platform, delivering the best deals from over 5,000 online stores. We empower shoppers to make smart, cost-effective choices by offering transparent pricing, price history, and the latest deals across a broad range of products. With BuyWisely, your money goes further.

Popular Shops
Best Buy
Amazon
Walmart
Target
Home Depot
Costco
Newegg
Lowe's
Contact Us
andrew@buywisely.com.au
Affiliate Disclosure
Legal Information
Privacy Policy
Logos provided by Logo.dev
© 2026 BuyWisely•Price data powered by pricesAPI.io•Retailers: SellWisely.io
Canon EF 85mm f/1.4L Is USM Lens
Canon EF 85mm f/1.4L Is USM Lens
Canon EF 85mm f/1.4L Is USM Lens
Canon EF 85mm f/1.4L Is USM Lens
Canon EF 85mm f/1.4L Is USM Lens
Canon EF 85mm f/1.4L Is USM Lens
Canon EF 85mm f/1.4L Is USM Lens
Canon EF 85mm f/1.4L Is USM Lens
Canon EF 85mm f/1.4L Is USM Lens
Canon EF 85mm f/1.4L Is USM Lens
Canon EF 85mm f/1.4L Is USM Lens
Canon EF 85mm f/1.4L Is USM Lens
Canon EF 85mm f/1.4L Is USM Lens
Canon EF 85mm f/1.4L Is USM Lens
Canon EF 85mm f/1.4L Is USM Lens

Canon EF 85mm f/1.4L Is USM Lens

A fast aperture of f/1.4 allows precise focusing and faster shutter speeds even in low light. The shallow depth-of-field afforded by a wide maximum aperture gives pleasing bokeh, adding extra depth to portraits. Challenging light can make or break a good picture. The 4-stops of image stabilisation will help negate camera shake and give photographers and filmmakers working in difficult shooting conditions an added advantage, just when they need it most. Thanks to latest AF technology the lens reacts quickly and accurately, allowing near-silent focusing. Clear focus markings and full AF compatibility with all EOS systems makes this lens the perfect companion for photographers and filmmakers.

A fast aperture of f/1.4 allows precise focusing and faster shutter speeds even in low light. The shallow depth-of-field afforded by a wide maximum aperture gives pleasing bokeh, adding extra depth to portraits. Challenging light can make or break a good picture. The 4-stops of image stabilisation will help negate camera shake and give photographers and filmmakers working in difficult shooting conditions an added advantage, just when they need it most. Thanks to latest AF technology the lens reacts quickly and accurately, allowing near-silent focusing. Clear focus markings and full AF compatibility with all EOS systems makes this lens the perfect companion for photographers and filmmakers.

Canon EF 85mm f/1.4L Is USM Lens

A fast aperture of f/1.4 allows precise focusing and faster shutter speeds even in low light. The shallow depth-of-field afforded by a wide maximum aperture gives pleasing bokeh, adding extra depth to portraits. Challenging light can make or break a good picture. The 4-stops of image stabilisation will help negate camera shake and give photographers and filmmakers working in difficult shooting conditions an added advantage, just when they need it most. Thanks to latest AF technology the lens reacts quickly and accurately, allowing near-silent focusing. Clear focus markings and full AF compatibility with all EOS systems makes this lens the perfect companion for photographers and filmmakers.

A fast aperture of f/1.4 allows precise focusing and faster shutter speeds even in low light. The shallow depth-of-field afforded by a wide maximum aperture gives pleasing bokeh, adding extra depth to portraits. Challenging light can make or break a good picture. The 4-stops of image stabilisation will help negate camera shake and give photographers and filmmakers working in difficult shooting conditions an added advantage, just when they need it most. Thanks to latest AF technology the lens reacts quickly and accurately, allowing near-silent focusing. Clear focus markings and full AF compatibility with all EOS systems makes this lens the perfect companion for photographers and filmmakers.

Price comparison

Price data powered by pricesAPI.io

Last updated at 06/09/2026 06:23:26

Camera West

$1,270.64

Canon 85mm f1.4 L IS USM 112000242

Camera West

$1,348.72

Canon 85mm f1.4 L IS USM, Hood 8100000473

Camera West

$2,057.16

Canon EF 85mm f1.4 L IS USM

Everyday Rewards

$1,399.95

2ND HAND - Canon EF 85mm f1.4 L

Delivery between 12–16 June $10

Everyday Rewards

$2,099.00

Canon EF 85mm f/1.4 L IS USM

Delivery between 12–16 June $10

eBay.com.au

$1,491.47

【exc++】 Canon Ef 85mm F1.4l Is Usm Dslr Camera Lenses B3655-2o3c

Free delivery

Affiliate Disclosure: We may receive a small commission for purchases made through this link at no extra cost to you. This helps support our site. Thank you!

eBay.com.au

$1,499.00

Used Canon Ef 85mm F1.4 L Is Usm Prime Lens S/n 218100000298

Free delivery

Affiliate Disclosure: We may receive a small commission for purchases made through this link at no extra cost to you. This helps support our site. Thank you!

eBay.com.au

$1,632.65

[top Mint W/ Hood] Canon Ef 85mm F/1.4 L Is Usm Lens Ef Mount From

Free delivery

Affiliate Disclosure: We may receive a small commission for purchases made through this link at no extra cost to you. This helps support our site. Thank you!

eBay.com.au

$1,654.26

[top Mint W/ Hood] Canon Ef 85mm F/1.4 L Is Usm Lens Ef Mount From

Free delivery

Affiliate Disclosure: We may receive a small commission for purchases made through this link at no extra cost to you. This helps support our site. Thank you!

eBay.com.au

$1,664.24

Near Mint Canon Ef 85mm F/1.4 L Is Usm Standard Prime Lens Made In

Free delivery

Affiliate Disclosure: We may receive a small commission for purchases made through this link at no extra cost to you. This helps support our site. Thank you!

Price history

Price history

Reviews

Big, Heavy Lens that Disappears on Camera
18 October 2018Eoin

originally posted on bhphotovideo.com

This lens does not disappoint. It seems, so far, to do everything well, just as the early reviews of it suggested.I'm using it primarily for product work, so no wide apertures, and mostly manual focus on a tripod. There's a bit of axial CA fringing at wide apertures around the edges, but absolutely non-existent for what I use it for. You really have to pixel-peep to see this. Geometric distortion is minimal; contrast and detail is great and it's uniformly sharp from f4 through f11. I can dig out all my 77mm filters that were usurped by the rash of 82s that seemed to have become the new standard of late. To a large extent, the IS has freed me from the need to chain myself to a tripod, though old habits die hard. The minimum focus is about what you'd expect for a ... MoreThis lens does not disappoint. It seems, so far, to do everything well, just as the early reviews of it suggested.I'm using it primarily for product work, so no wide apertures, and mostly manual focus on a tripod. There's a bit of axial CA fringing at wide apertures around the edges, but absolutely non-existent for what I use it for. You really have to pixel-peep to see this. Geometric distortion is minimal; contrast and detail is great and it's uniformly sharp from f4 through f11. I can dig out all my 77mm filters that were usurped by the rash of 82s that seemed to have become the new standard of late. To a large extent, the IS has freed me from the need to chain myself to a tripod, though old habits die hard. The minimum focus is about what you'd expect for a lens like this - around 26" from the front of the lens and at that distance, you'll need narrow apertures and good light. Frankly, there are better lenses for close-up work, but it does work well enough with extension tubes. You can't fit teleconverters.For portraits and other more common uses for this focal length, autofocus is accurate and fast (instantaneous compared to the 1.2) and out-of-focus backgrounds are nicely soft. Skin tones are excellent. It's quite a large lens and makes for quite a large package, especially if you're using a 1DX or gripped 5D series body; however, the balance on a larger body is good and to a large extent, the bulk disappears in use. Whilst it's only a couple of ounces or so lighter than the 1.2, it feels much lighter in the hand - the balance is very different.Price considerations apart, I struggle to see why you'd want to go off-brand when this is available. The 1.2 has a unique look for portraits, certainly different to the 1.4, but the AF is so slow and no IS. If you already have the 1.2 and studio portraits are your thing, it's perhaps a harder choice; wedding photographers will love the 1.4; but at the very least, rent this before you make a decision.

Dropped my 85 1.2L... was devastated.
12 April 2022Thomas S.

originally posted on bhphotovideo.com

To find out my go-to portrait lens, one of the best ever manufactured, could not be repaired (well, it could be but Canon has abandoned it) was heartbreaking. It's been my primary lens for thousands of clients, so I was in a pickle.I read the reviews, accepted reality and spent the money on the 1.4.To be brief, it's a remarkable piece of engineering. Many will argue, but the bokeh on the 1.2 is so magical and honestly I would challenge anyone to look at images from both lenses and be able to distinguish which is which.The focal speed is SO much faster, the IS is remarkable, rock solid sharpness at 1/15 of a second, for goodness sake. I primarily shoot headshots and theatre... and this will be my go-to from now on.The romantic thing about the old cannonball ... MoreTo find out my go-to portrait lens, one of the best ever manufactured, could not be repaired (well, it could be but Canon has abandoned it) was heartbreaking. It's been my primary lens for thousands of clients, so I was in a pickle.I read the reviews, accepted reality and spent the money on the 1.4.To be brief, it's a remarkable piece of engineering. Many will argue, but the bokeh on the 1.2 is so magical and honestly I would challenge anyone to look at images from both lenses and be able to distinguish which is which.The focal speed is SO much faster, the IS is remarkable, rock solid sharpness at 1/15 of a second, for goodness sake. I primarily shoot headshots and theatre... and this will be my go-to from now on.The romantic thing about the old cannonball (1.2) is a real thing but honestly, I don't feel like I've lost anything and in a way I'm glad I dropped it. The 1.4 is making my life easier. It's fantastic.I highly recommend this terrific lens.

Excellent for Photo - Very Good for Video
20 January 2021David K.

originally posted on lensrentals.com

The lens itself is very sharp, even wide open. The AF is probably the thing that amazed me the most, as it nailed every shot. It is the first time that I ever got 100% of my shots as keepers. Also, the IS is very effective for bodies that do not have IBIS, for example the Sigma fp. There are only two negatives that I experienced with this lens. The first is the weight, which makes hand holding difficult after awhile, and the heft also takes its toll when lugging it around all day. The second negative is when using this lens for video, there is some IS noise that gets picked up by the camera audio mics. So, you must use external mics and make sure they are not mounted close to the lens. The IS noise is not too bad, especially when compared to the other stabilized ... MoreThe lens itself is very sharp, even wide open. The AF is probably the thing that amazed me the most, as it nailed every shot. It is the first time that I ever got 100% of my shots as keepers. Also, the IS is very effective for bodies that do not have IBIS, for example the Sigma fp. There are only two negatives that I experienced with this lens. The first is the weight, which makes hand holding difficult after awhile, and the heft also takes its toll when lugging it around all day. The second negative is when using this lens for video, there is some IS noise that gets picked up by the camera audio mics. So, you must use external mics and make sure they are not mounted close to the lens. The IS noise is not too bad, especially when compared to the other stabilized 85mm lens (the Tamron 1.8), which has much worse noise. Also, as with any non-cinema lens, you will get some focus breathing with this lens when shooting video. Overall, a very worth lens.As for lensRentals, their packaging, and shipping efficiency is superb. Most of all, their customer service is truly outstanding, and it can really make a difference in your photography (or videography), whether for personal or professional needs.

Specification

Camera MountCanon EF
Lens Format35mm Film / Full-Frame Digital Sensor
Minimum Focusing Distance1.61’(49 cm)
Focus TypeAutofocus
Image StabilizerYes

Price comparison

Updated 1 day ago
Camera West

$1,270.64

Out of stock

Canon 85mm f1.4 L IS USM 112000242

Camera West

$1,348.72

Out of stock

Canon 85mm f1.4 L IS USM, Hood 8100000473

Camera West

$2,057.16

Out of stock

Canon EF 85mm f1.4 L IS USM

Everyday Rewards

$1,399.95

Out of stock

2ND HAND - Canon EF 85mm f1.4 L

Delivery between 12–16 June $10

Everyday Rewards

$2,099.00

Out of stock

Canon EF 85mm f/1.4 L IS USM

Delivery between 12–16 June $10

Price history

Price history

Reviews

Big, Heavy Lens that Disappears on Camera
18 October 2018

This lens does not disappoint. It seems, so far, to do everything well, just as the early reviews of it suggested.I'm using it primarily for product work, so no wide apertures, and mostly manual focus on a tripod. There's a bit of axial CA fringing at wide apertures around the edges, but absolutely non-existent for what I use it for. You really have to pixel-peep to see this. Geometric distortion is minimal; contrast and detail is great and it's uniformly sharp from f4 through f11. I can dig out all my 77mm filters that were usurped by the rash of 82s that seemed to have become the new standard of late. To a large extent, the IS has freed me from the need to chain myself to a tripod, though old habits die hard. The minimum focus is about what you'd expect for a ... MoreThis lens does not disappoint. It seems, so far, to do everything well, just as the early reviews of it suggested.I'm using it primarily for product work, so no wide apertures, and mostly manual focus on a tripod. There's a bit of axial CA fringing at wide apertures around the edges, but absolutely non-existent for what I use it for. You really have to pixel-peep to see this. Geometric distortion is minimal; contrast and detail is great and it's uniformly sharp from f4 through f11. I can dig out all my 77mm filters that were usurped by the rash of 82s that seemed to have become the new standard of late. To a large extent, the IS has freed me from the need to chain myself to a tripod, though old habits die hard. The minimum focus is about what you'd expect for a lens like this - around 26" from the front of the lens and at that distance, you'll need narrow apertures and good light. Frankly, there are better lenses for close-up work, but it does work well enough with extension tubes. You can't fit teleconverters.For portraits and other more common uses for this focal length, autofocus is accurate and fast (instantaneous compared to the 1.2) and out-of-focus backgrounds are nicely soft. Skin tones are excellent. It's quite a large lens and makes for quite a large package, especially if you're using a 1DX or gripped 5D series body; however, the balance on a larger body is good and to a large extent, the bulk disappears in use. Whilst it's only a couple of ounces or so lighter than the 1.2, it feels much lighter in the hand - the balance is very different.Price considerations apart, I struggle to see why you'd want to go off-brand when this is available. The 1.2 has a unique look for portraits, certainly different to the 1.4, but the AF is so slow and no IS. If you already have the 1.2 and studio portraits are your thing, it's perhaps a harder choice; wedding photographers will love the 1.4; but at the very least, rent this before you make a decision.

Eoin originally posted on bhphotovideo.com
Dropped my 85 1.2L... was devastated.
12 April 2022

To find out my go-to portrait lens, one of the best ever manufactured, could not be repaired (well, it could be but Canon has abandoned it) was heartbreaking. It's been my primary lens for thousands of clients, so I was in a pickle.I read the reviews, accepted reality and spent the money on the 1.4.To be brief, it's a remarkable piece of engineering. Many will argue, but the bokeh on the 1.2 is so magical and honestly I would challenge anyone to look at images from both lenses and be able to distinguish which is which.The focal speed is SO much faster, the IS is remarkable, rock solid sharpness at 1/15 of a second, for goodness sake. I primarily shoot headshots and theatre... and this will be my go-to from now on.The romantic thing about the old cannonball ... MoreTo find out my go-to portrait lens, one of the best ever manufactured, could not be repaired (well, it could be but Canon has abandoned it) was heartbreaking. It's been my primary lens for thousands of clients, so I was in a pickle.I read the reviews, accepted reality and spent the money on the 1.4.To be brief, it's a remarkable piece of engineering. Many will argue, but the bokeh on the 1.2 is so magical and honestly I would challenge anyone to look at images from both lenses and be able to distinguish which is which.The focal speed is SO much faster, the IS is remarkable, rock solid sharpness at 1/15 of a second, for goodness sake. I primarily shoot headshots and theatre... and this will be my go-to from now on.The romantic thing about the old cannonball (1.2) is a real thing but honestly, I don't feel like I've lost anything and in a way I'm glad I dropped it. The 1.4 is making my life easier. It's fantastic.I highly recommend this terrific lens.

Thomas S. originally posted on bhphotovideo.com
Excellent for Photo - Very Good for Video
20 January 2021

The lens itself is very sharp, even wide open. The AF is probably the thing that amazed me the most, as it nailed every shot. It is the first time that I ever got 100% of my shots as keepers. Also, the IS is very effective for bodies that do not have IBIS, for example the Sigma fp. There are only two negatives that I experienced with this lens. The first is the weight, which makes hand holding difficult after awhile, and the heft also takes its toll when lugging it around all day. The second negative is when using this lens for video, there is some IS noise that gets picked up by the camera audio mics. So, you must use external mics and make sure they are not mounted close to the lens. The IS noise is not too bad, especially when compared to the other stabilized ... MoreThe lens itself is very sharp, even wide open. The AF is probably the thing that amazed me the most, as it nailed every shot. It is the first time that I ever got 100% of my shots as keepers. Also, the IS is very effective for bodies that do not have IBIS, for example the Sigma fp. There are only two negatives that I experienced with this lens. The first is the weight, which makes hand holding difficult after awhile, and the heft also takes its toll when lugging it around all day. The second negative is when using this lens for video, there is some IS noise that gets picked up by the camera audio mics. So, you must use external mics and make sure they are not mounted close to the lens. The IS noise is not too bad, especially when compared to the other stabilized 85mm lens (the Tamron 1.8), which has much worse noise. Also, as with any non-cinema lens, you will get some focus breathing with this lens when shooting video. Overall, a very worth lens.As for lensRentals, their packaging, and shipping efficiency is superb. Most of all, their customer service is truly outstanding, and it can really make a difference in your photography (or videography), whether for personal or professional needs.

David K. originally posted on lensrentals.com
Fine Lens, but Beware Chromatic Aberration
9 January 2020

When making my decision to buy this lens, I read several reviews which indicated that, whatever its plentiful virtues, the lens exhibits chromatic aberration (CA) fringing to a degree which should not be expected of a Canon L Series lens. I saw this clearly at apertures of f/2.8 and faster in high-contrast edges, particularly when processing from RAW files. I have awarded only 4 rather than 5 stars for that..I have been able to mitigate, albeit not completely eliminate, the CA using editing software equipped to do so. I have more recently downloaded Canon data for the lens into all of my camera bodies and found that, in JPEG recordings, with chromatic aberration correction enabled in the camera body, that correction provides a substantial reduction in the CA ... MoreWhen making my decision to buy this lens, I read several reviews which indicated that, whatever its plentiful virtues, the lens exhibits chromatic aberration (CA) fringing to a degree which should not be expected of a Canon L Series lens. I saw this clearly at apertures of f/2.8 and faster in high-contrast edges, particularly when processing from RAW files. I have awarded only 4 rather than 5 stars for that..I have been able to mitigate, albeit not completely eliminate, the CA using editing software equipped to do so. I have more recently downloaded Canon data for the lens into all of my camera bodies and found that, in JPEG recordings, with chromatic aberration correction enabled in the camera body, that correction provides a substantial reduction in the CA fringing, which can almost be eliminated in post processing. Here, when I say almost eliminated, it means I might be able to detect it (because I know it is there), but others would likely not incidentally notice it..On the plus side for the lens, the stabilizer really is a 4-stop stabilizer. This to me this is invaluable as I bought the lens for wildlife-shots in low light (morning and evening) at relatively close range, where 85 mm is sufficient telephoto. That allows me to keep my ISO at relatively low levels for optimum picture quality.All in all, that was the lens attribute that persuaded me to buy this lens in preference to competitor lenses none of which had ANY image stabilization.The resolution is outstanding..I've attached a picture, from a RAW file, which shows uncorrected chromatic aberration. That was shot at f/2.

Russel originally posted on bhphotovideo.com
Greatest portraits lens ever ++
9 January 2019

This is literally the best portrait lens ever made, period. The build is solid and top notch quality, the image stabilization is cutting edge, auto-focus is spectacular.Opened all the way up to f/1.4 you can really create those "dreamy" backgrounds, not just bokeh, but something magical to it (about 95% of the f/1.2 counterpart). Stopped down to f/1.8 - f/4 and you can still get great subject to background separation with excellent bokeh, while keeping your subject entirely sharp. At f/2.8 - f/4 you can get pretty much your entire subject sharp, with still a great blurred background.The color rendition, contrast, natural saturation, are all fantastic right out of camera.While it's a touch on the heavy side, the ergonomics are great and it's way better than the ... MoreThis is literally the best portrait lens ever made, period. The build is solid and top notch quality, the image stabilization is cutting edge, auto-focus is spectacular.Opened all the way up to f/1.4 you can really create those "dreamy" backgrounds, not just bokeh, but something magical to it (about 95% of the f/1.2 counterpart). Stopped down to f/1.8 - f/4 and you can still get great subject to background separation with excellent bokeh, while keeping your subject entirely sharp. At f/2.8 - f/4 you can get pretty much your entire subject sharp, with still a great blurred background.The color rendition, contrast, natural saturation, are all fantastic right out of camera.While it's a touch on the heavy side, the ergonomics are great and it's way better than the 85mm f/1.2 predecessor. It's definitely a tank compared to the old school 85mm f/1.8 but the difference in quality, build, and versatility with the wider aperture are night and day and worth the weight/size trade-off.In addition to portraits, I actually find the 85mm a great focal length for lifestyle and walking around photography, the quality of this lens really adds an extra punch to just about anything, even distant landscapes.The best part about this lens is you can shoot hand held in just about any condition thanks to the IS and wide aperture.For any serious portrait photographer you can probably buy this lens and not need to purchase anything else for the rest of your career. It's also a great addition to any other professional genre of photography.

Loveland Photo originally posted on canon.com
My new go to lens
4 March 2023

Love this prime lens! Perfect for what I wanted it for, and that was a good walk around lens and street photography. I am new at the later and I can't get myself to get that close to people, yet. This lens is built like a tank and yes that comes with weight, but you feel like you got something as opposed to a light piece of plastic. I did several hours of research before I purchased this lens and you can read some real technical reviews that talk about this or that. I am not one of those guys so all I can really say is the photos are sharp, autofocus is fast, image stabilizer works great (my own test), and the lens seems to be well built.

Michael originally posted on bhphotovideo.com
Noisy lens, but I know that’s not all 85mm.
26 May 2023

I was so excited to borrow this lens! I’ve borrowed once before from another sight and loved it. However this lens I received made a constant clicking/noisy sound as if it were constantly adjusting focus, even when I wasn’t adjusting the focus. It was very obvious to me, and when I’m trying to be silent during photographing a wedding, I found it distracting. The shipping and handling part of everything was great.

Sydney A. originally posted on lensrentals.com
Not for old EOS Film camera?
29 March 2022

The image quality of this lens was fantastic. The only reason I gave it 4 stars is due to the lack of 100% compatibility with all canon EOS. I mounted the lens to an old A2 and the image stabilization made a clicking sound. Not a normal quiet click but rather one too loud to use the lens in IS mode with drawing attention. When I mounted it via adapter to my R5 it worked perfectly. I can only speculate that the lens needs more power than the A2 delivers. I have read that many others have commented about the clicking but none offered reasons why. So if you have a modern EOS, EF camera, this is a fantastic lens.

Ronald M. originally posted on lensrentals.com
Probably the best lens ever made
19 March 2023

So there's this thing about this lens where if you have some leading lines it'll do the bokeh but it'll blur the objects closer to the focus point less than the objects farther away. It does this incrementally and very noticeably.The images are stunningly three dimensional.There's no other lens i know about where this effect is as apparent.It's a little tough to find a shot with enough background and foreground context at 85mm but it can be done even on a crop sensor.Sometimes the best art is created with tools that are difficult to use.

Jackson originally posted on adorama.com
Quite the optical celebrity in my equipment bag!
3 June 2018

Gearing up for a long-term portrait project compelled me to consider adding an 85 mm focal length to my prime lens stable. I’ve used the Canon EF 135 mm f/1.4L, sometimes also pressing my Canon EF 100 mm f/2.8L Macro into service, for past portraiture work, but lots of experience with a [then] very capable Canon 85mm f/1.8 manual lens back in the ancient days of film told me that a shorter focal length would provide more versatility for the variable conditions under which I’d be working. Given the demands imposed by the sensors in my current equipment (5D MkII & MkIV, 5DS R), it was a no-brainer that stepping up to excellent glass was the only way to do these cameras justice. I was fortunate enough to be able to evaluate the Canon EF 85 mm f1/4L IS USM and Sigma’s ... MoreGearing up for a long-term portrait project compelled me to consider adding an 85 mm focal length to my prime lens stable. I’ve used the Canon EF 135 mm f/1.4L, sometimes also pressing my Canon EF 100 mm f/2.8L Macro into service, for past portraiture work, but lots of experience with a [then] very capable Canon 85mm f/1.8 manual lens back in the ancient days of film told me that a shorter focal length would provide more versatility for the variable conditions under which I’d be working. Given the demands imposed by the sensors in my current equipment (5D MkII & MkIV, 5DS R), it was a no-brainer that stepping up to excellent glass was the only way to do these cameras justice. I was fortunate enough to be able to evaluate the Canon EF 85 mm f1/4L IS USM and Sigma’s 85 mm DG HSM Art lenses in controlled studio settings as well as some limited testing in the field, and found that both lenses yielded comparable image quality with respect to edge acuity, color contrast, CA and pleasing bokeh, as well as equivalently fast AF response times in single-shot mode (both seeming to work a bit more hesitantly in AF servo mode). Despite the significantly higher price point, the deciding factors that spurred me to go with Canon were its image stabilization and dust/weather sealing. I’ve used the lens regularly for about 4 months now, and it has exceeded my expectations in every regard. The IS has proven itself an absolute blessing when working under challenging ambient lighting conditions, especially considering the difficulties involved in obtaining critically focused results when using wider aperture settings on a short telephoto in relatively cramped environments. I also quickly adapted to the bulk and weight of the lens; for me, it balances nicely in the hand and isn’t much of a burden to tote around on the camera. My only minor complaint lies with the lens hood: it could be a bit deeper for better control of flare when shooting into the light; I’ve used several third-party solutions to good effect in such situations, including the nifty Flex Lens Shade that B&H threw in with the lens at no extra cost. This lens will continue to be a regular optical celebrity in my equipment bag!

csspada originally posted on bhphotovideo.com

Specification

Camera MountCanon EF
Lens Format35mm Film / Full-Frame Digital Sensor
Minimum Focusing Distance1.61’(49 cm)
Focus TypeAutofocus
Image StabilizerYes