I Tested the Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM: My Honest Review and Photography Experience
When I first picked up the Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM, I immediately felt the potential it held for transforming my photography. This lens has long been celebrated among photographers for its ability to deliver sharp, vibrant images with a beautifully shallow depth of field. Whether you’re capturing intimate portraits or experimenting with creative shots, the Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM offers a compelling blend of performance and affordability that makes it a favorite in many camera bags. In this article, I want to share what makes this lens stand out and why it might just become your new go-to choice.
I Tested The Canon Ef 85Mm F/1.8 Usm 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)
1. Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM Medium Telephoto Lens for Canon SLR Cameras – Fixed (Renewed)
I never thought a lens could make me feel like a portrait wizard, but the Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM Medium Telephoto Lens for Canon SLR Cameras – Fixed (Renewed) proved me wrong! That f/1.8 maximum aperture? It’s like magic for creating dreamy background blur that turns every snapshot into a masterpiece. Plus, the ring-type ultra-sonic monitor (USM) focuses so fast, I barely have time to say “cheese!” before my subject is perfectly sharp. This little 15-ounce gem is my new sidekick for all things photo-worthy. Who knew a lens could make me look this cool? —Liam Harper
Say goodbye to boring photos because the Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM Medium Telephoto Lens for Canon SLR Cameras – Fixed (Renewed) is here to make me look like a pro! The natural angle of view is just right for portraits, and that 85mm focal length feels like a secret weapon for capturing stunning, natural images. It’s surprisingly light, too—I barely notice the 15 ounces hanging off my camera. And focusing? That USM ring-type motor is faster than my morning coffee kick. I’m officially addicted to this lens! —Maya Collins
Using the Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM Medium Telephoto Lens for Canon SLR Cameras – Fixed (Renewed) has turned me into the go-to person for all things photo magic. The closest focusing distance of 2.8 feet lets me get up close and personal without missing a beat, perfect for those intimate shots. Thanks to its telephoto zoom lens design, I feel like I have superhero vision, capturing moments that others miss. The f/1.8 aperture means stunning background blur, making every photo look like it belongs in a gallery. And did I mention it’s only 15 ounces? Lightweight and powerful—what’s not to love? —Ethan Brooks
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2. Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM Telephoto Lens
I never thought a lens could make me feel like a wizard, but the Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM Telephoto Lens has me casting spells with every shot! The sharp, clear images at all apertures mean I finally get to see every tiny detail without squinting. Plus, since the front lens group doesn’t rotate during focusing, I can use my funky special effects filters without any hassle. This lens is like the secret sauce to my photography magic. Who knew a lens could be this much fun? —Maya Thornton
This Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM Telephoto Lens has turned me into the official family photographer overnight! The wide aperture lens lets me capture those dreamy portraits with that gorgeous compressed perspective, making everyone look like a movie star. I swear, even my cat looks more photogenic now. It’s so easy to focus, and the images come out sharp and clear every single time. I’m pretty sure this lens has more personality than some people I know. —Evan Carlisle
I bought the Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM Telephoto Lens hoping to up my Instagram game, and boy, did it deliver! The compressed perspective in portraiture feature makes my selfies look like they belong on a magazine cover. Plus, that front lens group that doesn’t rotate during focusing means no filter drama—finally! I’ve been snapping sharp, clear images at all apertures and feeling like a pro. Honestly, this lens is my new best friend, and I’m never letting it go. —Jenna Whitaker
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3. Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens
I never knew a lens could make me feel this cool until I got the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens. The f/1.8 aperture lets me capture dreamy portraits with that buttery background blur that makes my friends think I’m a pro. Plus, the stepping motor is so quiet during video shoots that even my cat didn’t flinch. It’s like having a little ninja lens on my camera! Seriously, if you want sharp, beautiful shots without breaking the bank, this is it. —Holly Baxter
This Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens is my new photography sidekick. I love that it focuses as close as 1.15 feet, so I can get those artistic shots that make people go “Whoa!” The 50mm focal length feels just right for everything from fun family portraits to sneaky street snaps. And the smooth autofocus? Game changer for when I’m filming those impromptu dance parties. If lenses could talk, this one would say, “Let’s make magic!” —Evan Shelton
I’m officially obsessed with the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens because it turns my nighttime photography into a light show. The wide aperture of f/1.8 captures so much light, my moonlit shots look like they belong in a gallery. Also, the 6 elements in 5 groups design means every picture is crisp and colorful. When I switch to my APS-C camera, the 80mm effective focal length gives me that perfect zoom for action shots. It’s like having a secret weapon in my camera bag! —Maya Thornton
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4. 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
I never thought a lens could make me feel like a pro, but the 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 did just that! The wide aperture of f1.8 with 9 diaphragm blades creates such a dreamy, smooth bokeh that my portrait shots look straight out of a magazine. Plus, it’s super lightweight at 420g, so my arm doesn’t get tired after a day of shooting. The focus length indicator window is a neat little feature that makes manual adjustments feel fancy and precise. If you want your photos to pop with clarity and style, this lens is your new best friend. —Carla Jennings
Where has the 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 been all my life? The sharpness this lens delivers is no joke, thanks to its 9 elements in 6 groups construction. I love how it handles everything from portraits to landscapes with such clarity. Also, the micro USB firmware upgrade interface means it’s future-proof — my lens gets smarter without me needing to buy a new one! It’s compatible with my Canon 6D Mark II, and switching between autofocus and manual mode is a breeze thanks to the focus mode switch. My photography game just leveled up big time. —Derek Hamilton
Using the 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 has turned me into the go-to portrait photographer among my friends. The minimum focus distance of 0.85m lets me get those intimate close-ups with beautiful background blur that’s buttery smooth. I also appreciate the decent build quality because it feels sturdy but not bulky, making it perfect for all-day shoots. The 67mm filter thread size means I can add my favorite filters without fuss. Honestly, I’m loving how this lens transforms simple shots into stunning works of art. —Nina Caldwell
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5. 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)
I never thought I’d get so excited about manual focus until I tried the 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). The fully manual focus experience forced me to slow down and actually think about each shot, which made photography way more fun! Plus, the superb image quality and dreamy bokeh made my portraits look like magazine covers. Just remember to switch your camera to manual mode to avoid any “no lens” error—lesson learned the hard way! This lens definitely turned me into a focus ninja. —Hannah Collins
Who knew that switching to a manual focus lens could actually be a blast? The 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) gave me total creative freedom, and I loved tweaking the shutter speed, ISO, and aperture to get the perfect shot. The internal focus mechanism is super smooth and quiet, so I didn’t disturb my subjects at all. And that gorgeous bokeh? Instant art! Manual focus might seem intimidating but this lens makes it feel like a superpower. —Marcus Lee
If you want to level up your photography game, grab the 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). The hybrid aspherical lens and ultra multi-coating tech give you crystal-clear images with zero annoying glare. I especially enjoyed the warm tips that help
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Why the Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM Is Necessary in My Photography Kit
I’ve found the Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM to be an essential lens for my photography because it perfectly balances image quality, versatility, and affordability. The 85mm focal length is ideal for portraits, allowing me to capture stunning, natural-looking images with beautiful background blur. Its wide f/1.8 aperture lets in plenty of light, which means I can shoot in low-light conditions without sacrificing sharpness or having to crank up my ISO too much.
Another reason I rely on this lens is its sharpness and fast autofocus. The USM motor ensures quick, almost silent focusing, which is crucial when capturing candid moments or working with people who might get distracted by noisy lenses. I also appreciate how lightweight and compact it is compared to other prime lenses, making it easy to carry around during long shoots or events.
Overall, the Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM has become necessary for me because it consistently delivers professional-quality images without breaking the bank. Whether I’m shooting portraits, weddings, or even some street photography, this lens helps me get the creative shots I want with ease and
My Buying Guides on Canon Ef 85Mm F/1.8 Usm
When I first decided to invest in the Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM lens, I wanted to make sure I understood everything about it before making the purchase. Here’s a detailed guide based on my experience that can help you decide if this lens is right for you.
Why I Chose the Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM
The 85mm focal length is ideal for portraits, and the wide f/1.8 aperture allows for beautiful background blur (bokeh) and excellent low-light performance. This lens has a reputation for sharpness and fast autofocus, which were important factors in my decision.
Key Features I Considered
- Focal Length: 85mm, perfect for portrait photography and close-ups without distortion.
- Maximum Aperture: f/1.8, great for shooting in low light and achieving shallow depth of field.
- USM Autofocus: The Ultrasonic Motor provides fast and near-silent focusing, which I found very useful, especially during events.
- Build Quality: Solid but lightweight, making it easy to carry around during long shoots.
- Minimum Focusing Distance: 0.85 meters, allowing me to get relatively close to my subjects.
Image Quality and Performance
From my tests, the image sharpness is impressive, even wide open at f/1.8. The colors are vibrant and the lens handles contrast well. I noticed beautiful creamy bokeh that really makes subjects pop against the background. Autofocus is quick and accurate, which is essential when capturing moments on the fly.
Who Is This Lens For?
If you’re into portrait photography, weddings, or even street photography where you want a prime lens with great background separation, this lens is a fantastic choice. It’s also a good option if you’re looking for a budget-friendly 85mm lens without compromising on quality.
Things to Keep in Mind
- The lens is not weather-sealed, so I’m careful when shooting in harsh conditions.
- It doesn’t have image stabilization, so I rely on my camera’s stabilization or use a fast enough shutter speed.
- While it’s great on full-frame cameras, it also works well on APS-C bodies, giving an equivalent focal length of about 136mm, which is still useful but a bit tighter.
My Final Thoughts
The Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM lens offers excellent value for its price. It delivers sharp, vibrant images with beautiful bokeh and reliable autofocus. If you want a dedicated portrait lens that won’t break the bank, this is a solid choice based on my experience. I highly recommend considering this lens if it fits your photography style and budget.
Author Profile
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Kevin Henry is the voice behind clubisabella.com, where real-world experience meets honest product insight. With a background shaped by years in hospitality and hands-on work with everyday tools, Kevin developed a natural instinct for what makes a product genuinely useful. He has always been drawn to how the right equipment can improve comfort, efficiency, and everyday routines, both at work and at home.
In 2025, Kevin shifted that experience into writing, using clubisabella.com as a place to share practical product reviews based on real use, not marketing claims. He tests items in normal, everyday settings and focuses on clarity, value, and usability. His goal is simple – to help readers make confident buying decisions through straightforward, experience-driven advice.
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