Distinguished by its fast design and IS capabilities, the EF 85mm f/1.4L IS USM from Canon is a short telephoto prime well-suited to portraiture applications. As an L-series lens, it is characterized by a sophisticated optical layout that includes one glass-molded aspherical element to greatly reduce spherical aberrations and distortion for improved sharpness and clarity. Individual elements also feature an Air Sphere coating (ASC) to suppress lens flare and ghosting for greater contrast and color fidelity in backlit situations.

Complementing the optical attributes, this lens also incorporates a four stop-effective optical image stabilization system that minimizes the appearance of camera shake for sharper handheld shooting. A ring-type Ultrasonic Motor (USM) also affords quick and accurate autofocus performance, along with full-time manual focus override for fine-tuned control. Additionally, as with all L-series lenses, this 85mm f/1.4 has a dust- and weather-resistant construction, as well as a fluorine coating on exposed elements, to benefit its use in harsh environmental conditions.

EF-Mount Lens/Full-Frame Format    Aperture Range: f/1.4 to f/22    One Aspherical Element    Air Sphere Coating    Ring-Type Ultrasonic Motor AF System    Optical Image Stabilization    Weather-Sealed Design, Fluorine Coating    Rounded 9-Blade Diaphragm

Portrait-length prime is designed for full-frame Canon EF-mount DSLRs, however can also be used with APS-C models where it will provide a 136mm equivalent focal length.

Notably fast f/1.4 maximum aperture offers extensive control over depth of field for working with selective focus techniques. This bright design also benefits working in low-light conditions.

One glass-molded aspherical element helps to reduce distortion and spherical aberrations for improved sharpness and clarity.

An Air Sphere Coating (ASC) has been applied to lens elements to reduce backlit flaring and ghosting for maintained light transmission and high contrast in strong lighting conditions.

A ring-type Ultrasonic Motor (USM), along with optimized focusing algorithms and a high-speed CPU, is employed to deliver fast, precise, and quiet autofocus performance as well as full-time manual focus override.

Optical image stabilization minimizes the effects of camera shake by compensating for up to four stops of shutter speed.

Rounded nine-blade diaphragm contributes to a pleasing out of focus quality that benefits the use of shallow depth of field and selective focus techniques.

As a member of the esteemed L-series, this lens is sealed against dust and moisture for working in inclement environmental conditions.

Fluorine-coating on exposed elements affords protection to the optical system, resists smudging and fingerprints, and is easier to clean.

Related Questions and Answers

Q: 1. What would be a good adapter to use for this lens on my Sony a6000?

A: Sigma MC-11 , B&H # SIMC11C or Metabones , B&H # MEMBEFEBT5

Q: 2. How is this lens with the canon 5d mark iv?

A: Sharp images, heavy but well balanced with the 5D4.

Q: 3. how does this lens' focusing speed compare with the 70-200 f4L?

A: i actually don't have the F4L but I'm going to assume it has comparable speed to the 70-200 ii F2.8L and I'm going to say honestly that this lens was probably one of the best and worst things that has ever happened to me. Best because it gives amazing pictures! PERIOD. Worst because if you do move to a 85 F 1.2 you will be so used to the speed of this lens that you will get frustrated with others. So if you're considering getting this lens... the only two lenses I would say purchase over it would be the 85 F1.2L and the 70-200 ii 2.8 (or third option the 50mm F1.2L) because few other lenses have quite same bokeh! Fast lens. Great pics!

Q: 4. is this lens sharp wide open?

A: Hi Jim, I have answered you question ealier but I am not sure if yoi got it.My name is Mauricio Gusson Bovi, Iam from Brazil. I visited NYC and had opportunity to got my 85mm lens at B&H. That lens isn't sharp wide open but you can take nice pictures. It is used for portraits.You can use outside to photograph people, or kids playing...If you have opportunity visit my Instagram. During may visit in NYC I took a picture of a street band performing at George Washington Park. The picture is nice.Hope I've helped you. Nice Clicks!!!

Q: 5. is this compatible with a rebel xti?

A: Yes, this lens is fully compatible with the Canon EOS Rebel XTi camera. The XTi is compatible with any autofocus lenses made by Canon or for the EOS system by other manufacturers.

Q: 6. Works with canon T6

A: This lens will work with a Canon T6.

Q: 7. Does the hew 85mm f1.4 IS lens come with a hood and pouch like most all other L lenses?

A: pooh and hood included

Q: 8. Will the autofocus be significantly faster when compared to the 85mm f1.2 which has poor/slow autofocus? Would be great to see a comparison in this regard.

A: Yes! Speed is comparable to other USM lenses.

Q: 9. Does this lens cause any vignetting in a crop sensor camera like the 80D?

A: The lens is awesome but I am using it on two full frame cameras. I do not know how it will work on a crop sensor camera. Usually vignetting only occurs on wide angle lenses.

Q: 10. This lens won't work on my brand new 80D? Is it not compatible?

A: You're doing something seriously wrong.