Over the years, increasing in most (amateur) photographers and photographers of the claim in itself and usually also on the equipment. For example, many people start with a set of construction lights, switch hereafter often to compact flashes and eventually end up at a studio flash system. This is similar in lenses. At some point you just realize that one was once beloved home Equipment restricts more and more (whether the light intensity, a poorer image quality, etc.) and you begin to wonder why others achieve a much better picture quality. The Canon 85mm F / 1.8 was literally for me a teachable moment! Not with regard to the relatively large aperture, but especially the fast autofocus and the very good sharpness knew to impress me literally. Even at full aperture it remember to convince. By now I've owned a lot of lenses. Starting with the kit lens (18-55mm), on the 50mm f / 1.8 II up to the Tamron 17-50 VC 2.8 to just to name the best known, because they are always pronounced as recommendations. There were also various lenses from Canon and Tamron. Today I have arrived at the L versions. The 85mm f / 1.8 has some advantages, though restrictions against most of these (entry and midrange) lenses. Among the disadvantages is one in many situations, certainly the lack of flexibility due to the lack of zoom functionality. Therefore be as striving even when 50mm, Sock Zoom You have to walk just more, but can (eg in the wedding photography) comply with a certain distance to be portraying what is comfortable for them often. In rooms are the 85mm, even be on a full frame camera, usually much too long. At parties this is just as bad, but often worse. Because if you stand on the wall with your back, you can simply not zoom out further. People in the crowd can be similar hindrance. And since then also helps an aperture of 1.8 no longer would be somewhat pointless (better) alternative in this focal length range? Flexible one is with a Canon 70-200m. But you want to take pictures, for example on wedding parties in enclosed spaces, you need again the version with 2.8er panel and here is me, as an amateur photographer, the price too high. The 70-200 4L already has in my view again too little light intensity, if you want / have to do without a flash. Another disadvantage is certain that one is often employed as a user of fixed focal lengths with the objective change. This takes time and you miss fast good pictures.
But with all these disadvantages What are the advantages? Who of the above objectives (apart from the L lenses) is accustomed to will be happy like a little kid on the autofocus. Whether it is light or dark, whether you have artificial or natural light, the autofocus is racing, is whisper quiet and meets almost 100% always right on target. And-shoot No Chasing focus more, no failure in bad light plan! Especially on my 6D makes the lens a good figure. If I take the center focus field, I can not focus at night under the moonlight perfectly. In addition, so well known that all their lenses optimum focus only dimmed reach (for beginners: the panel is easily connects / larger f-number). However, the 85mm f / 1.8 is fully open already very sharp and is even sharper with each aperture step. At first I really did the mouth open. I am thinking, for example, on my Tamron 17-50mm, come to me almost in tears. Here the autofocus is comparatively terribly slow especially in low light and the image quality at maximum aperture is let's say borderline. And although the Tamron has forever the No. 1 chip leaderboard occupied!
In addition to portrait photography, the lens is particularly well suited for taking pictures of objects / food. Here I use actually only manual focus, which can be adjusted excellently and very fine. One can see every detail and even a distortion correction is usually hardly necessary. Watching one must, however, that photos no later than hones, as the initial focus is really impeccable.
A special feature, which I would like to mention, is the principle of the lens hood. For the first time I bought any Canon lens hood, so I do not know whether this is to be described principle is the same. Because the iris is not as usual screwed, but clipped. This makes the installation very simple indeed, but the thing is shaking slightly. When shooting you is not noticed, but I do not find that so successfully.
My personal conclusion:
Who I would recommend the lens?
Beginners?
Only partly. Here I would recommend first time to gain some experience with kit lenses and the like. Check and scrutinize please once whether this hobby is really something for you. Finally, around 340 euros are a different number than the 90-100 Euro Who but may not be for a 50mm 1.8 II., But also the need to be afraid no dead capital because the prices used for this lens are quite acceptable.
Advanced (amateur) photographers who have realized that this hobby is really something for them?
Definitely! Here goes my special recommendation. Currently I take the 85mm F / 1.8 actually getting with, in addition to a Canon 24-105 4L and a Canon 70-200 4L. Alternatively I pack only a 50mm, 85mm are too long or if I need Aperture 1.4. In my opinion, this is by the lenses L-siblings in terms of imaging performance, bokeh and autofocus in nothing. Yes, it even makes a lot better, I think! So if times L-feeling would have at an affordable price, should strike. The greatest, in my opinion, existing benefit is that you can always continue to use this lens Even if one already owns L lenses. Other lenses go, this remains. I'll at least my never easily give up and with a defect I would certainly buy it again. In my opinion this is one of the best lenses you can get.
Professional photographer?
I would not presume to judge here than me. But if it must be no L version (Prestige in terms of clientele is not to be underestimated. And I mean certainly not derogatory!), This is certainly worth a look even if you need a 85 mm lens.
Overall, a lens at L-level with great clarity, good intensity and great bokeh at a very fair price. In my opinion this is one of the few lenses, which do not constitute an interim solution, but will stay with many even later in the camera bag. Especially for lovers of prime lenses in my eyes is a must. I let myself just got carried away, but the Canon 85mm F / 1.8 deserves full 5 stars.
