Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM

Compact, fast-aperture portrait prime lens

Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM
82/100
LENS SCORE
Features 15
Performance 18
Durability 15
Price 18
Usability 16
Brand Canon
Model 2519A003

Key Features

OPTICS 9 elements in 7 groups with Gaussian optics
APERTURE 8-blade circular aperture for smooth bokeh
AUTOFOCUS Ring-type Ultrasonic Motor (USM) with full-time manual override
MOUNT Canon EF mount compatible with full-frame and APS-C
MIN FOCUS 0.85m (2.8 ft) minimum focusing distance
FILTER 58mm front filter thread diameter
SIZE Compact design measuring 75mm x 71.5mm
WEIGHT Lightweight construction at approximately 425g
COATING Super Spectra coating to minimize ghosting and flare
STABILIZATION None (relies on camera body stabilization if available)
BUILD High-quality plastic barrel with metal mount
WEATHER SEALING Not weather-sealed
COMPATIBILITY Compatible with all Canon EOS DSLR cameras

The Most Important Rings & Switches — Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM

Ring / Switch / Control Status Note
Focus Ring ✓ Present Manual focus override
Zoom Ring ✗ Not Present Prime lens
Aperture Ring ✗ Not Present Controlled via camera body
AF/MF Switch ✓ Present
Image Stabilisation Switch ✗ Not Present
Focus Limiter Switch ✗ Not Present
Function (L-Fn) Button ✗ Not Present
Zoom Lock Switch ✗ Not Present
Optical Image Stabilisation (OIS) ✗ Not Present
Weather Sealing ✗ Not Present

How-to Use Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM

Welcome to the How-to section of the lens. In this Light & Composition University website, each page for a lens has a how-to section and a section for learning. The rings, switches and controls of each lens are placed differently between brands and models. The how-to section helps you operate the lens; however, if you are interested in learning photography, you also need to know what each control changes and why you would change it. Click the “Learn” or scroll down.

Learn & Master Photography with Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM

For over a decade, we have been teaching photography following a university standard. No one does it better than us. We have a selection of courses, diplomas, graduate and post-graduate programs, as well as some of our best-selling university press publications, to guide you in the best possible way for your lens. Enroll in the fundamentals and then move to the genres you want to master.

Technical Specification

Focal Length 85mm
Max Aperture f/1.8
Min Aperture f/22
Lens Construction 9 elements in 7 groups
Min Focus Distance 0.85m
Max Magnification 0.13x
Diaphragm Blades 8
Filter Size 58mm
Focus Motor Ring-type USM
Weight 425g
Dimensions 75mm x 71.5mm
Mount Canon EF
Format Full Frame
Hood ET-65III (Optional)
Case LP1014 (Optional)