Best 85mm Lens for Canon

Short answer: Which 85mm lens is best for Canon?

The Canon EF 85mm f/1.4L IS USM is the best 85mm lens for most Canon portrait shooters: it combines a fast f/1.4 aperture with image stabilization and sharp optics. The Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM is the affordable option, the EF 85mm f/1.2L II USM is the "king of bokeh" with slower autofocus, the Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art is extremely sharp but large, and the Tamron SP 85mm f/1.8 Di VC offers stabilization at a lower price. Mirrorless owners can use these on RF cameras with an adapter or choose native RF lenses.

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Why choose an 85mm lens?

The 85mm focal length is a classic portrait choice for good reasons:

• Flattering compression that isolates the subject.
• Creamy bokeh that melts the background away.
• Natural perspective with little distortion of facial features.
• Comfortable distance that lets the photographer stand back without losing connection.

For more on focal length choice, see the best focal length for portraits.

Canon EF 85mm f/1.4L IS USM

The Canon EF 85mm f/1.4L IS USM is the upgrade pick for serious portrait work.

1. Sharpness wide open. Even at f/1.4, details are sharp, especially around the eyes.
2. Image stabilization. It helps handheld shooting in dim light.
3. Smooth bokeh. A 9-blade aperture creates soft backgrounds.
4. Build quality. The lens is weather-sealed and solid.

It is a premium lens and weighs about 950 g, so it is larger than the f/1.8 version. Alternate Amazon listings for the same lens: listing 1 and listing 2.

Other great 85mm options for Canon

• Canon EF 85mm f/1.2L II USM — the "king of bokeh", with a very wide aperture, but slower autofocus and no stabilization.
• Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM — a light, affordable lens with fast autofocus, popular with beginners.
• Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art — very sharp, but bulky.
• Tamron SP 85mm f/1.8 Di VC — a budget alternative with stabilization.

How do they compare?

The specifications come from the makers' published information; check each page for weights and pricing.

Canon mirrorless users

The EF lenses above fit Canon RF bodies with the EF-EOS R adapter. Canon's native RF 85mm f/2 Macro IS STM and RF 85mm f/1.2L USM are designed for the mirrorless system. See the best lens for portraits on Canon and the best Canon lens for headshots.

Frequently asked questions

Is an 85mm f/1.8 enough for portraits? Yes. It gives a lot of the look of the f/1.4 lens at a much lower price.

Is image stabilization important for 85mm? It helps in low light, but portrait lighting often allows fast shutter speeds.

Does 85mm work on APS-C Canon cameras? Yes, but it frames like about 136mm, which is tight for portraits.

What is the best budget 85mm for Canon? The EF 85mm f/1.8 USM is the usual starting point.