Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM

Classic portrait prime with fast aperture

Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM
79/100
LENS SCORE
Features 16
Performance 16
Durability 16
Price 14
Usability 17
Brand Canon
Model 2519A003

Key Features

OPTICAL 9 elements in 7 groups with one Gaussian-type optical system
APERTURE 8-blade circular diaphragm for smooth background blur
AUTOFOCUS Ring-type Ultrasonic Motor (USM) for fast, quiet AF
PHASE DETECTION Full compatibility with all EOS phase detection systems
VIDEO Compatible with all EOS video modes
STABILIZATION None (relies on camera body IBIS if available)
BURST RATE Supports high-speed continuous shooting
VIEWFINDER N/A
DISPLAY N/A
CONNECTIVITY N/A
MEMORY CARD N/A
WEATHER SEALING No official weather sealing rating
BATTERY LIFE N/A

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

Ring / Switch / Control Status Note
Focus Ring ✓ Present Manual focus override available
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 (2.8 ft)
Max Magnification 0.13x
Filter Size 58mm
Diaphragm Blades 8
Focus Motor Ring USM
Weight 425g
Dimensions 75 x 71.5 mm