
Let me take a look at probably the best of photo equipment provided by Canon - Canon EF 85. As I considered reading a lot of user reviews, Canon EF 85 is really the high quality photo equipment on market. In one review review, which one of customers sent me, he said:
I find that 85mm is just the *perfect* focal length for people's faces. I'm sure there is some sort of formula or theorem behind it, but for whatever reason, people tend to look good at 85mm. It's a good lens to work with, too, since you can capture flattering headshots without needing to be too far away, or so close that you start to get fisheye-ish exaggeration. I know people rave about the Nifty Fifties, but I really don't like using them for portraiture unless the surrounding environment is really going to play into the look of the desired final product.
85mm on a full frame camera is just a joy to shoot with. If you fancy yourself as a portrait photographer, THIS is the lens you need to grab those breathtaking shots where the subject just jumps out at you from the background.
So why this lens over the Sigma f/1.4 or the Canon f/1.2? Well, I tried all three. It was an expensive experiment, but a worthwhile one. The Canon f/1.2 is ungodly. It's a beast. A bokeh machine. I loved what I got out of it, but I didn't feel like the performance justified the price for me personally. If I were shooting full-time, and needed my shots to publish in order to survive, it wouldn't even be a question, but as an enthusiastic hobbyist, I couldn't justify the price. It's amazing, but not magical.
I really liked the Sigma f/1.4, and found almost everything about it to be top-quality. The feel, the focusing speed, the colors... all great. The reason I couldn't go with it, however, was the color fringing. I'd read about the problem before, and was anticipating it, but didn't realize how present it would be in everyday shots. While Lightroom has a tool specifically for dealing with this problem, it's a solution that can add softness to high-contrast areas. Picket fences, eyelashes, jewelry... I just can't consider a lens to be sharp if the colors aren't aligned, and I just couldn't get past that fault. Maybe they'll do an ART version of it soon that addresses this?
The EF 85mm f/1.8 has a nice feel to it, though certainly nowhere as smooth as the other two competitors. Focusing is really quick, and while you'll notice vignetting up to about f/2.2, it's not something I've ever really felt compelled to correct in post. There is CA and fringing in very high-contrast situations, but nowhere as bad as what I saw on the Sigma. Considering the price, it's somewhat of a no-brainer for portraiture and outdoor/landscape photography.
The best place to buy Canon EF 85:

With Canon EF 85 you get:
- 85mm standard lens with f/1.8 maximum aperture for Canon SLR cameras
- Ring-type ultra-sonic monitor (USM) brings subject quickly into focus
- Natural angle of view and perspective is ideal for portraits and natural images
- Designed to produce beautiful background blur; weighs 15 ounces
- Measures 3 inches in diameter and 2.8 inches long; 1-year warranty
Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM Telephoto LensA highly practical medium telephoto lens with superb delineationand portability. Images are sharp and clear at all apertures. Through computer simulations, the lens has been designed to give beautiful background blur. Since the front lens group does not rotate during focusing special filter effects are not affected. Specifications: Focal Length & Maximum Aperture: 85mm 1:1.8 Lens Construction: 9 elements in 7 groups Diagonal Angle of View: 2830' Focus Adjustment: Rear focusing system with USM Closest Focusing Distance: 0.85m / 2.8 ft.; Filter Size: 58mm Max. Diameter x Length, Weight: 3.0" x 2.8", 15.0 oz. / 75.0 x 71.5mm, 425g

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