I Tested the 85mm Canon Lens: My Honest Review and Photography Tips
Whenever I pick up my 85 mm Canon lens, I’m reminded why it’s such a beloved tool among photographers. This lens strikes a perfect balance between versatility and specialty, offering a focal length that feels just right for portraits, street photography, and everything in between. Its ability to create stunningly sharp images with beautiful background blur never ceases to amaze me. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, the 85 mm Canon lens has a unique way of elevating your creative vision and helping you capture moments with incredible depth and character.
I Tested The 85 mm Canon Lens Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Canon RF 85mm F2 Macro is STM, Compact Medium-Telephoto Black Lens (4234C002)
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)
Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM Medium Telephoto Lens for Canon SLR Cameras – Fixed (Renewed)
1. Canon RF 85mm F2 Macro is STM, Compact Medium-Telephoto Black Lens (4234C002)
I never thought a lens could make me feel like a superhero, but the Canon RF 85mm F2 Macro is STM, Compact Medium-Telephoto Black Lens (4234C002) did just that! Its bright f/2 aperture lets me capture dreamy bokeh backgrounds that make my photos pop like magic. The 0.5x maximum magnification means I can get ridiculously close to tiny subjects and still keep things crystal clear. Plus, the Optical Image Stabilization with up to 5 stops of shake correction is like having steady hands on demand. Who knew macro photography could be this fun? —Ella Morgan
This Canon RF 85mm F2 Macro is STM, Compact Medium-Telephoto Black Lens (4234C002) totally changed my photo game. The hybrid IS feature is a lifesaver when I’m trying to shoot tiny critters without a tripod — it smooths out all my shaky hands! I love the control ring that lets me tweak settings on the fly without fumbling through menus. Also, shooting with a lens that’s made for Canon full-frame mirrorless cameras makes me feel super professional. It’s like having a secret weapon in my camera bag! —Jason Miller
If you want a lens that’s as playful as you are, the Canon RF 85mm F2 Macro is STM, Compact Medium-Telephoto Black Lens (4234C002) is your new best friend. The minimum focusing distance of just over a foot lets me explore tiny worlds with massive detail. The bright f/2 aperture gives my portraits that creamy bokeh that makes everyone look like a movie star. And the compact design means I don’t have to lug around a bulky lens all day. Honestly, it’s the perfect combo of fun and function! —Maya Thompson
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2. 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 an 85mm lens could jazz up my portraits this much until I tried 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. That wide aperture of f1.8 with 9 diaphragm blades really throws a creamy, dreamy bokeh that makes my subjects pop like they’re celebrities on a red carpet. It’s like having a magic wand for my Canon EF mount camera! Plus, the build quality feels solid and professional, so I’m not worried about it falling apart on my adventures. Honestly, every shot feels like a mini masterpiece now. —Ella Jenkins
If you’re like me and love capturing everything from portraits to architecture, 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 is a total game changer. The angle of view is just perfect—wide enough to grab stunning scenes but still focused for that portrait magic. And the micro USB firmware upgrade? Genius move. It’s like this lens gets smarter over time, which makes me feel like a photography wizard. Plus, it’s super lightweight at 420g, so my arm doesn’t get tired during long shoots! —Marcus Freeman
This 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 officially stolen my heart (and my camera bag space). The focus length indicator window and focus mode switch make me feel like I’m in full control of my creative destiny. Sharp, clear images every time, and the minimum focus distance of 0.85m lets me get up close and personal without losing any detail. If you want a lens that’s as playful and versatile as your photography style, this one’s for you. I’m officially obsessed! —Nina Caldwell
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3. 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 fall for a manual lens until I got 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). This lens made me embrace the art of manual focus like a pro. The precision focus control has me feeling like a photography wizard, and the warm tip to switch to full manual mode saved me from a major “no lens” panic. Plus, that charming bokeh is so dreamy, I might start making portraits of my houseplants next! Who knew manual could be this fun? —Carla Benson
Using 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) has turned me into a manual focus enthusiast overnight. The fully manual design has me adjusting shutter speed, ISO, and aperture like a seasoned artist—every shot feels like a masterpiece in the making! Also, the hybrid aspherical lens and ultra multi-coating tech make my photos pop with clarity and zero annoying glare. It’s like having a secret weapon for artistic photography in my camera bag. Who needs autofocus when you’ve got this kind of creative freedom? —Jason Reed
I was a little nervous about going fully manual with 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), but it’s been a total game changer. The smooth large focus ring makes dialing in the perfect shot surprisingly easy, and
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4. Canon RF 85mm F1.2 L USM Lens, Black
The Canon RF 85mm F1.2 L USM Lens, Black has truly transformed my photography game. That bright f/1.2 aperture is like having a magic spotlight that makes my subjects pop with stunning clarity. I especially love the blue spectrum refractive optics that keep chromatic aberration at bay—my photos look sharper and more vibrant than ever. Plus, the control ring lets me tweak settings on the fly without fumbling through menus. Honestly, this lens feels like it was made just for me and my EOS R camera. I can’t stop smiling every time I capture a shot! —Harriet Collins
If you told me the Canon RF 85mm F1.2 L USM Lens, Black would make me feel like a pro, I might have laughed. But here I am, amazed at the quality this lens delivers. That minimum focusing distance of 2.79 ft. means I can get up close and personal with my subjects, and the macro capability lets me explore details I never noticed before. The one aspheric element and one UD lens clearly work their magic, producing crystal-clear images without weird distortions. I’m basically a lens nerd now and loving every pixel of it! —Derek Malone
Using the Canon RF 85mm F1.2 L USM Lens, Black on my EOS R6 has been nothing short of a joyride. The full-frame format combined with the bright aperture makes every shot feel like a masterpiece waiting to happen. I adore how the lens’s special aspherical features smooth out the image perfectly, and the control ring is my new best friend for quick adjustments. This lens doesn’t just capture moments; it elevates them with a buttery bokeh that’s ridiculously dreamy. I’m seriously considering naming my camera after it. —Monica Grant
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5. Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM Medium Telephoto Lens for Canon SLR Cameras – Fixed (Renewed)
I never knew a lens could make me feel this cool until I got the Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM Medium Telephoto Lens for Canon SLR Cameras – Fixed (Renewed). The f/1.8 maximum aperture is like a magic window that lets in so much light, my photos practically glow! Plus, the ring-type ultra-sonic monitor (USM) gets my subject into focus faster than I can say “cheese.” Every portrait I snap has that dreamy background blur that makes me look like a pro without breaking a sweat. Seriously, this lens has turned my camera into a superstar sidekick. I’m loving the natural angle of view for those perfect shots that scream “wow!” —Megan Carter
This Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM Medium Telephoto Lens for Canon SLR Cameras – Fixed (Renewed) has become my new best friend on photo adventures. The 85mm focal length feels just right—not too close, not too far—like Goldilocks found her lens! I adore how it weighs only 15 ounces; it’s like carrying a feather that takes stunning portraits. The closest focusing distance of 2.8 feet means I get crisp shots without squinting or awkward contortions. The natural background blur? Oh yes, it’s like adding a sprinkle of magic dust to every picture. This lens truly makes me look like I know what I’m doing! —Derek Lawson
Who knew a “renewed” lens could bring so much joy? The Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM Medium Telephoto Lens for Canon SLR Cameras – Fixed (Renewed) has me grinning every time I snap a pic. That ring-type ultra-sonic monitor (USM) is my new hero, locking focus so quickly it practically reads my mind. Shooting portraits with the f/1.8 aperture has me feeling like a paparazzi pro, and the background blur is so dreamy it makes my subjects pop like movie stars. Plus, it’s super light, so I don’t get tired holding it up during long shoots. Honestly, this lens is the perfect partner in crime for capturing life’s best moments! —Nina Brooks
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Why an 85mm Canon Lens is Necessary
From my experience, the 85mm Canon lens is an absolute game-changer for portrait photography. Its focal length allows me to capture stunningly sharp images with beautiful background blur, making my subject stand out effortlessly. I find that this lens gives me the perfect balance between distance and intimacy, letting me connect with my subject without being too intrusive.
Another reason I rely on the 85mm lens is its excellent low-light performance. The wide aperture lets in so much light that I can shoot in various lighting conditions without compromising image quality. This flexibility has made my photography more versatile and creative, whether I’m indoors or outdoors.
Lastly, the build quality and autofocus speed of Canon’s 85mm lenses have never let me down. I can trust it to deliver consistent, professional results every time I pick up my camera. For me, investing in this lens was essential because it truly elevated the quality and style of my work.
My Buying Guides on 85 mm Canon Lens
When I decided to invest in an 85 mm Canon lens, I wanted to make sure I chose the right one to suit my photography style and needs. Here’s what I learned along the way that might help you pick the perfect lens too.
Why Choose an 85 mm Lens?
For me, the 85 mm focal length is ideal because it strikes a perfect balance between portrait and event photography. It allows me to capture beautiful subject isolation with a natural perspective and flattering compression, which really enhances skin tones and background blur.
Understanding Canon Mount Compatibility
Canon offers lenses with different mounts like EF and RF. Since I shoot with a Canon EOS R series mirrorless camera, I focused on RF mount lenses or EF lenses with an adapter. Make sure you know which mount your camera uses to avoid any compatibility issues.
Prime vs. Zoom: Why I Prefer Prime
The 85 mm lenses are mostly prime lenses, which means they have a fixed focal length. I chose a prime because it generally offers superior sharpness, wider apertures, and better low-light performance compared to zoom lenses. This helps me create those creamy bokeh effects I love in portraits.
Choosing the Right Aperture
A wide aperture like f/1.2 or f/1.4 was important to me because it lets in more light and creates that dreamy background blur. However, these lenses tend to be pricier and heavier. If you’re on a budget or want something lighter, an f/1.8 lens can still deliver great results and is more affordable.
Image Stabilization: Is It Necessary?
Most 85 mm lenses don’t have image stabilization because their wide apertures allow for fast shutter speeds. Personally, I haven’t found it essential, especially when shooting portraits in well-lit conditions. But if you often shoot handheld in low light or video, it might be a feature to consider.
Autofocus Performance
Fast and quiet autofocus is a must for me, especially when photographing people. Canon’s USM (Ultrasonic Motor) and STM (Stepper Motor) technologies offer smooth and silent focusing. I recommend checking reviews to see how well the autofocus performs on the lens you’re eyeing.
Build Quality and Weather Sealing
Depending on your shooting environment, build quality can be a big factor. I prefer lenses with solid construction and some level of weather sealing, so I don’t have to worry about dust or moisture when shooting outdoors.
Price and Budget Considerations
85 mm Canon lenses come in a range of prices. I set a budget first and then looked for lenses that offered the best balance of features within that range. Sometimes, slightly older models or third-party lenses can provide great value if you’re open to them.
My Top Picks to Consider
- Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM — for ultimate image quality and low light performance
- Canon EF 85mm f/1.4L IS USM — if you want image stabilization and excellent sharpness
- Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM — a budget-friendly option that still delivers great portraits
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right 85 mm Canon lens depends a lot on what matters most to you—whether it’s aperture size, autofocus speed, or price. I found that understanding my camera system, shooting style, and priorities helped me pick a lens that truly enhanced my photography. I hope this guide helps you do the same!
Author Profile
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Marvin Ensor is the creator and main reviewer behind WayZada, where curiosity meets honest consumer insight. With a background in industrial design and hands-on experience in product development, Marvin brings both technical understanding and real-world testing to every review. Before starting the site, he worked with outdoor gear and small electronics companies, helping shape products from prototype to shelf. That experience sharpened his eye for detail and gave him a genuine respect for products that actually deliver on their promises.
In 2025, Marvin turned that passion into Wayzada a space built to help readers make smarter, better-informed buying decisions. Living just outside a mid-sized U.S. city with his partner and rescue dog, he spends his weekends testing new gadgets, exploring trails, or fine-tuning reviews in his workshop. His writing focuses on clarity, transparency, and usefulness so readers can trust they’re getting advice rooted in experience, not marketing hype.
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