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How sharp is the Canon 85mm f1.8 wide open?

Started Oct 1, 2016 | Questions thread
bigfatron Contributing Member • Posts: 777
Re: How sharp is the Canon 85mm f1.8 wide open?

SonyArtisan wrote:

I have seen many mixed opinions and samples from this lens ranging from tack sharp wide open, to soft, to horrible CA in any sort of backlit situation. What is your experience? I would be using this on my 24mp Sony A7II, most likely with an MC-11 adapter. I found some samples recently on Flickr that show excellent results wide open (f1.8-f2.5). It looks just slightly soft at f1.8 but tack sharp at f2. If these results are the norm I will definitely be picking one up. Are the results below in line with what you have experienced?:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/123382894@N04/29735471580/

https://www.flickr.com/photos/123382894@N04/25541439310/

https://www.flickr.com/photos/123382894@N04/27005617505/

https://www.flickr.com/photos/123382894@N04/26333298714/

All credit to Claudio Murolo for the stunning photographs.

Stopping down, even a little, does help.  Looking back on my old shots I seemed to use it f2-f4 mostly because that was the DoF I wanted. As for CA, yes it can be a problem if shooting into the light.

I had one of these and sold it after a few years, partly because I wasn't shooting much portrait stuff and had the 100 macro in a similar focal length which was more versatile (MFD on the 85 and most other 85s isn't great for doing tighter shots). Although I am actually considering picking one up again as I will probably be doing more portraity stuff in time. If you shoot to its strengths then it produces some great results. As others have said, its an absolute bargain in terms of bang for buck.

 bigfatron's gear list:bigfatron's gear list
Canon EOS 5D Mark IV Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro USM Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM Canon Extender EF 1.4x III Canon EF 35mm F2 IS USM +3 more
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