The 85mm f/1.8 lens is one of the best prime lenses in the Canon lineup.  The price is moderate, it's fairly compact, and it delivers great image quality for portraits and for shots requiring subject isolation and strong bokeh.  When there are days I'm looking to cut weight out of my pack for a day hike, this and the 135mm f/2L are the two I leave home, though.  Sometimes I will walk around town and local trails with just the 85mm as it offers a ton of versatility and is very light!

The 85mm focal length is often referenced as the ideal portrait focal length.  Enough compression for subject isolation, but not so much that you need to stand 30 feet away. While a perfect inexpensive and clear portrait lens, I also often find myself using it for many other contexts!  The resulting images below show just how versatile it can be.  That, and it doesn't draw a ton of attention out in public like the other bulbous L lenses, and it focuses much quicker than the 85mm f/1.2L.

If portraiture is your specialty, then this lens is a great addition..   It can deliver amazing head shots as well as perfect subject isolation at any distance.  I only wish I had this one sooner!  There are photo shoots I've done that would have really benefitted with this lens as an option.

I picked my copy up second hand for a ridiculously great value for a prime lens.  If you prefer a new model, it can still be had for less than $500.  If you are a fan of the sharpness and brightness of prime lenses that can be used for both portraits and landscapes, this is a great addition!

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