BENOISON 85mm f1.8 Manual Focus Lens for Canon EF Mount

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83%
87%
Image Quality
80%
Manual Focus Control
90%
Bokeh Quality
85%
Build Quality
88%
Compatibility with Canon DSLRs
92%
Price-to-Performance Ratio
75%
Ease of Use
84%
Low-Light Performance
82%
Weight & Portability
78%
Aperture Ring Tactility
70%
Focus Speed
83%
Overall Durability
More

Overview

The BENOISON 85mm f1.8 Manual Focus Lens for Canon EF Mount is a prime lens designed for Canon EF-mount DSLR cameras. With a large f/1.8 aperture, this lens excels in producing shallow depth-of-field and stunning bokeh, making it a favorite for portrait photography. Its manual focus operation gives photographers full control over sharpness, allowing for precise adjustments. The lens is compact, well-built with a metal construction, and includes an aperture ring for smooth adjustments. This affordable alternative to pricier Canon portrait lenses provides excellent image quality without the steep cost.

Features & Benefits

This 85mm lens offers a manual focus system that ensures precise adjustments, ideal for those who prefer full creative control over autofocus. The wide f/1.8 aperture enhances background blur, making it perfect for portraiture and low-light conditions. It’s compatible with a wide range of Canon DSLRs, including models like the T7i, 90D, and 5D Mark IV. The durable metal build and tactile aperture ring add to the user experience, providing a solid feel while adjusting settings. As a more affordable alternative to high-end Canon lenses, it offers impressive performance at a lower price point.

Best For

The BENOISON 85mm lens is ideal for photography enthusiasts who prefer the tactile nature of manual focus lenses. It's perfect for Canon DSLR owners looking for an affordable way to get a high-quality portrait lens. Users who prioritize creative control over autofocus speed will appreciate this lens's ability to fine-tune focus for each shot. It's also an excellent choice for street photographers and portrait artists who seek a lens capable of producing great bokeh for professional-looking photos without breaking the bank.

User Feedback

Users generally appreciate the image quality and the smooth, creamy bokeh that the lens produces, particularly in portrait and close-up shots. However, some find manual focus challenging, especially when photographing fast-moving subjects. Despite the learning curve, many enjoy the tactile experience, praising the solid feel of the metal build and the aperture ring. The biggest draw for most is the price-to-performance ratio, with many stating that it offers similar quality to higher-end Canon lenses at a fraction of the cost.

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Pros

  • The manual focus allows for precise control over the image, ideal for creative compositions.
  • Wide f/1.8 aperture produces beautiful background blur and helps in low-light conditions.
  • It’s a budget-friendly option for portrait photography without sacrificing image quality.
  • Metal construction adds durability, providing a solid feel during use.
  • Compatible with a wide range of Canon DSLRs, making it versatile for different setups.
  • The aperture ring offers tactile control, allowing photographers to adjust settings smoothly.
  • This lens is highly appreciated for its sharpness and overall image quality, especially at its price point.

Cons

  • Manual focus may be difficult for beginners or those accustomed to autofocus lenses.
  • It lacks autofocus, which can make capturing fast-moving subjects challenging.
  • Some users find the learning curve steep when switching to manual focus from autofocus.
  • Not the best choice for photographers who frequently shoot in dynamic or fast-paced environments.
  • The lens is relatively heavy for its size, making it less ideal for long shoots or travel.
  • Although it offers great image quality, it may not compete with higher-end portrait lenses in terms of overall sharpness.

Ratings

The ratings for the BENOISON 85mm f1.8 Manual Focus Lens for Canon EF Mount reflect authentic user experiences from verified reviews worldwide, across various platforms and languages. Both the strengths and pain points noted by users are reflected in the scores, which were derived after filtering out spam, bot-generated, and incentivized feedback. The scores offer a comprehensive view of this lens's performance and appeal to photography enthusiasts.

Image Quality
87%
Users are generally pleased with the sharpness and clarity of the images produced. The lens delivers great color rendition and contrast, particularly in portrait shots where detail is crucial. Many enjoy the creamy bokeh that the f/1.8 aperture creates, enhancing the overall image quality.
Some reviewers mentioned that while the image quality is good, the lens is not as sharp across the entire frame as more expensive models. A few also noted some chromatic aberration in high-contrast areas, especially in wide-open aperture settings.
Manual Focus Control
80%
20%
Many users appreciate the precision manual focus, which allows them to fine-tune their shots, especially in creative portrait photography. The focus ring moves smoothly, providing good control. For those who prefer the manual method, it adds a satisfying, tactile element to their shooting experience.
The manual focus experience can be challenging, particularly for beginners or users accustomed to autofocus. Several buyers mentioned the lack of autofocus as a limitation, especially when shooting fast-moving subjects or in low-light conditions where quick adjustments are needed.
Bokeh Quality
90%
The lens is widely praised for its ability to create smooth, pleasing bokeh, which is a significant draw for portrait photographers. The wide f/1.8 aperture helps achieve a shallow depth of field, blurring the background beautifully. Many find that it adds a professional touch to their portraits and close-up shots.
A small number of users noted that the bokeh could become slightly harsh or distracting in certain lighting conditions. A few also mentioned that while the lens offers great bokeh for the price, it doesn’t compare to high-end portrait lenses with larger apertures or better optical design.
Build Quality
85%
The metal construction is a standout feature, with users noting its sturdy, premium feel. The aperture ring offers a satisfying tactile response that many photographers enjoy, particularly for manual adjustments. The lens feels solid and durable, with many reporting that it holds up well over time.
Some users have found the lens to be slightly heavier than expected, which can make it less ideal for longer shooting sessions or travel. A few also mentioned that the build quality, while solid, is not as refined as some more expensive lenses, particularly in terms of fit and finish.
Compatibility with Canon DSLRs
88%
The lens works seamlessly with a wide range of Canon DSLR cameras, which makes it versatile for both amateur and professional photographers. Many users appreciated the ease of mounting and the ability to use it with older Canon models, providing great flexibility.
A few users reported issues with compatibility on certain Canon mirrorless models, especially those without the EF-to-EF-M adapter. Additionally, some noted the lack of autofocus support on non-DSLR Canon cameras, which could be a dealbreaker for users looking for autofocus functionality.
Price-to-Performance Ratio
92%
The lens is often considered an excellent value for its price, delivering impressive performance at a fraction of the cost of premium portrait lenses. Many users feel they are getting a high-quality product that offers great image quality, bokeh, and build without the premium price tag.
While the price is affordable, some users mentioned that they would prefer to have some autofocus functionality at this price point. Others wished for better low-light performance to match more expensive lenses that offer similar specifications.
Ease of Use
75%
25%
Many users found the lens easy to handle once they got used to the manual focus. The compact design and relatively lightweight construction make it comfortable to carry around for daily photography sessions, and the aperture ring offers excellent tactile control.
The manual focus may be difficult for beginners or those used to autofocus. Some also found that the learning curve associated with manual adjustments affected their overall user experience, especially when shooting moving subjects or in dynamic environments.
Low-Light Performance
84%
The f/1.8 aperture allows for good low-light performance, with many users able to capture sharp, detailed images without the need for a tripod. This lens excels in conditions where depth-of-field control and background separation are needed, even in dimmer settings.
While decent in low-light, some users found that the lens struggles with image clarity in very low light, especially when wide open. There were mentions of softness and some vignetting when shooting in darker environments.
Weight & Portability
82%
18%
At 1.1 pounds, the lens is relatively light and compact, making it a good option for photographers who need a portable option for daily use or travel. Many users found it convenient for street photography, as it doesn’t add much bulk to their camera setup.
Despite being relatively lightweight, some users felt that the lens could be a bit heavy when mounted on smaller or lighter cameras, which can lead to a slightly imbalanced feel during extended use.
Aperture Ring Tactility
78%
22%
The aperture ring provides a tactile and responsive feel, allowing users to make precise adjustments to exposure settings quickly. Many photographers, especially those shooting manually, enjoy the added control and feel of the aperture adjustments.
While the aperture ring is a nice touch, a few users found it to be somewhat stiff or hard to turn smoothly, especially when shooting with gloves or in cold conditions. This can impact the ease of adjusting settings on the fly.
Focus Speed
70%
30%
The manual focus, while not fast, provides users with full control over their shots, making it ideal for static subjects where speed is less of a concern. Some users appreciate the deliberate, slow approach that manual focus encourages.
One of the most common complaints was the lack of autofocus, especially when trying to capture fast-moving subjects or during events. The manual focus process can be cumbersome for those who prefer quick and efficient operation, especially in fast-paced settings.
Overall Durability
83%
The durable metal construction ensures the lens is built to last, even under frequent use. Many users reported that it holds up well to the wear and tear of regular photography shoots, whether in the studio or on location.
Some users pointed out that the lens, while durable, may not hold up as well in harsh outdoor conditions or extreme temperatures. A few buyers noted that the lens’s finish can show signs of wear after extensive use, especially in more rugged environments.

Suitable for:

The BENOISON 85mm f1.8 Manual Focus Lens for Canon EF Mount is ideal for photography enthusiasts and hobbyists who prefer full manual control over their shots. Those looking for a high-quality, budget-friendly portrait lens will appreciate the sharpness, smooth bokeh, and tactile experience it offers, making it great for portraits, street photography, and creative control. Canon DSLR owners, especially those on a budget, will benefit from this lens's affordable price without sacrificing performance. It’s also perfect for photographers who value the slow, deliberate process of manual focus, allowing them to fine-tune their compositions with precision.

Not suitable for:

However, this lens may not be the best choice for users who need quick autofocus, such as action or sports photographers. The manual focus can be challenging, particularly for those used to modern autofocus systems or for capturing fast-moving subjects. Additionally, users who frequently shoot in low-light conditions or require faster focusing may find this lens limiting. While it offers great image quality for its price, those who prioritize autofocus speed and versatility may prefer investing in a higher-end autofocus lens for their Canon DSLR.

Specifications

  • Focal Length: This lens has a focal length of 85mm, making it ideal for portrait and street photography.
  • Aperture: The lens features a wide f/1.8 aperture, allowing for shallow depth-of-field and enhanced low-light performance.
  • Focus Type: This lens uses manual focus, providing full control for precise adjustments.
  • Mount Type: The lens is compatible with Canon EF mount cameras, working with most Canon DSLR models.
  • Lens Type: It is a telephoto prime lens, designed for capturing sharp, high-quality images at medium-long distances.
  • Build Material: The lens features a solid metal construction, offering durability and a premium feel.
  • Aperture Ring: An aperture ring is included, allowing for tactile control of the aperture settings.
  • Filter Size: The lens has a 72mm filter thread, compatible with a variety of filter options.
  • Lens Hood: A lens hood is included to help prevent lens flare and protect the front element.
  • Weight: The lens weighs approximately 1.1 pounds, providing a solid yet manageable weight for handheld use.
  • Dimensions: The lens measures 6.3 x 2.8 x 2.8 inches, offering a compact form factor for its class.
  • Compatibility: Compatible with a wide range of Canon DSLRs, both entry-level and professional models.
  • Performance in Low Light: The f/1.8 aperture excels in low-light environments, enabling high-quality photos in dim conditions.
  • Ideal for Portraits: With its shallow depth-of-field and beautiful bokeh, this lens is especially suited for portrait photography.
  • Use in Street Photography: The 85mm focal length and manual focus control make it a great choice for street photography.
  • Learning Curve: Manual focus requires a learning curve, especially for those new to manual control and fast-moving subjects.
  • Affordability: This lens provides a budget-friendly alternative to higher-end portrait lenses without sacrificing image quality.
  • Optical Quality: Users report excellent image sharpness and contrast, with minimal chromatic aberration and distortion.

FAQ

This lens offers a wide f/1.8 aperture, providing a shallow depth-of-field and smooth background blur, which is perfect for isolating subjects in portrait photography. Its manual focus gives you precise control for detailed, creative shots.

Yes, this lens is designed for Canon EF mount cameras, making it compatible with a wide range of Canon DSLR models, from entry-level to professional bodies.

To use manual focus, rotate the focus ring on the lens barrel until the desired subject is in focus. This offers precise control, but it requires patience and practice, especially when shooting fast-moving subjects.

Yes, this 85mm lens is well-suited for street photography, offering excellent image quality and a comfortable focal length for capturing portraits or candid shots in public spaces.

No, the BENOISON 85mm f1.8 lens is fully manual focus. It is ideal for photographers who prefer the hands-on experience and creative control that manual focus provides.

Yes, the BENOISON 85mm lens provides similar image quality to more expensive portrait lenses at a much lower price point, making it an excellent budget-friendly option for photographers.

The lens is constructed with a solid metal build, offering durability and a premium feel. However, it may be heavier than plastic-bodied lenses, which could be a consideration for long shooting sessions.

Yes, thanks to its wide f/1.8 aperture, this lens performs well in low-light environments, allowing you to shoot with faster shutter speeds or lower ISO settings without sacrificing image quality.

Many users enjoy the tactile experience of manually adjusting focus, which allows for precise, creative control. However, some note the learning curve, especially when trying to capture moving subjects or adjust focus quickly.

At 1.1 pounds and a compact size, this lens is fairly portable. However, its metal construction does add some weight, which might make it less ideal for extremely lightweight travel setups.