Opteka 85mm f/1.8 Manual Focus Aspherical Medium Telephoto Lens for Canon EOS 80D, 70D, 60D, 60Da, 50D, 7D, 6D, 5D, 5DS, 1Ds, Rebel T6s, T6i, T6, T5i, T5, T4i, T3i, T3, T2i and SL1 Digital SLR Cameras

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This is a manual lens. You can only use the lens in “M” manual exposure mode or “A” aperture-priority mode
Designed to produce beautiful background blur, ideal for portraits and natural images
10 lens elements in 7 groups of high index, low-dispersion multi-coated HD optical glass
All-metal body standard lens with f/1.8 maximum aperture and internal focus for Canon SLR cameras
Lens hood, caps, pouch and 5 year warranty included

This is a manual lens. It works on both “full frame” cameras as well as the “APS-C” style digital SLR cameras. You can only use the lens in “M” manual exposure mode or “A” aperture-priority mode.

A highly practical medium telephoto lens with superb delineation and portability, the Opteka 85mm lens produces sharp and clear images at all apertures. Employing a re-designed optical system that includes Opteka’s exclusive HD super multi coating, the 85mm f/1.8 inherits its predecessor’s ultra-fast f/1.8 maximum aperture and rounded six-blade diaphragm for superior depth-of-field control and background blur (bokeh). Engineered to inspire new levels of creativity and artistry, the Opteka 85mm f/1.8 will unleash the full potential of your digital camera in the studio or in the field. And because the front lens group does not rotate during focusing, special filter effects are not affected. Best of all, the standard zoom lens with its natural angle of view and perspective, captures the subject plainly, making it excellent for portraits and images that require a natural depth of field.

One of the advantages of the Opteka 85mm is its build quality. The materials are glass and metal, there is no plastic used in this lens. It deliberately does not contain any electronics. It is 100% manual. The less parts it has, the less chances that something will break down. Opteka’s super multi-layer lens coating reduces flare and ghosting, a common problem with digital cameras and also creates an optimum color balance.

Specifications Lens Construction: 10 Elements in 7 Groups Angle of View: 28.5 Degrees Filter Size: 55mm Lens Hood: Yes; screw in Aperture Range: F1.8 ~ 22 Minimum Focusing Distance: 2.78 ft / 0.85m Length: 70mm / 2.7 in. Weight: 13.4 oz (380g) Warranty: 5 Years

Product Reviews

Updated with more image samples

Update 2. I’ve started using this lens with live view on my 5D. Now I’m always 100% in focus, and the images ae blowing me away. Look at the link below to see what this thing can do. I’ve also started using it for my studio photography, and…well, the results speak for themselves.Update: After heavy usage, this lens is still amazing. I’m adding more photos to this review, as well as a link to my flickr album that will be updated with photos taken with this lens.https://www.flickr.com/photos/117279548@N08/sets/72157651737459088

How can you not love this lens?

After doing a lot of research, I decided to give this lens a try. I have a Canon 7d and I wanted a nice portrait lens on the cheap. This is a manual lens. After attatching it to my Canon 7d, I set my dial to manual and started shooting. I was amazed at the quality of this lens! At 1.8, it gives very nice depth of field. As far as sharpness goes, it is very sharp. However, I think modern photographers have gotten use to image stabilization in their lenses and maybe their technique is not as strong when you using a manual lens. If you are shooting in low light and your hands are not steady, you will not get sharp images. Yes the focus ring is stiff, but it did not hamper my shooting in any way. I could not be more pleased with this lens and its performance. I have 3 Canon L lenses and I love them dearly, but this little gem has some unique magic to it. It will be in my bag for a while. Also, this lens is not the fastest, but for portrait work, it is awesome. If you need a lens for portrait work and you cannot afford a top branded lens, this is an excellent choice.Thank you for reading my review and happy shooting. :)

This lens is awesome! I received it today and couldn’t wait to …

This lens is awesome! I received it today and couldn’t wait to test it out. It is a solid lens with good weight. It’s fully manual but I actually love the old school feel. My handsome husband was a good sport and let me take some shots. I was impressed how crisp the pictures came out! Great price , awesome lens. Well worth the extra time to manual focus!

Updated to 5 stars

Updated Review:I had bought one of these awhile ago. Recently I purchased another one. For some reason construction seemed to be better or different. Originally the front element was very loose and seemed to wiggle in the case. Now it is all straight with no movement. The image quality seems to benefit a little by this.This biggest change is when I installed the ‘dandelion’ AF confirm chip from ebay (version 4). For about 20$ it adds the ability to use the focus confirmation when manually turning the focus ring (since this is a manual lens). This has made the usability infinity easier since I dont need to use live view. This combination makes it a great lens for portraits at a great cost.Original review:At 1.8 the lens is soft, and being 85mm the depth of field is shallow, making it hard to get a sharp image. At 5.6 the lens is sharp across the image. I uploaded two example photos cropped to 100%. The 12 sign is showing the lens at f5.6 on the right, against the canon 28-135 USM at 90mm f5.6. The eye is comparing the 50mm f1.8 on the left, against the 85mm on the right at f1.8. It also has some purple at 1.8 in strong light. For the price, its a good prime lens to have stopped down at 2.0 or 2.5.

You won’t find a better deal

If you are looking for a 85mm prime lens, this is the best deal you can find. It is completely manual, so be aware. You can purchase an AF confirmation chip and install in separetly. I have not done this yet, but I am considering it. I haven’t used it too much yet, but after first use, the images appear very sharp and produces quality photos.The focus ring is fairly stiff, but I see this as a positive. It is much easier to get a finely tuned focus this way rather than a very loose focus ring. It is consistently stiff throughout the focus range.The lens itself fit perfectly on my 70d, no issues there at all. It is compact, yet feels very sturdy and solid.Update: More than a year later, and I am still loving this lens. This is my go to lens for any portraits. The images are clear and sharp and provide beautiful bokeh. Highly recommend this lens. If you are still having any doubts….don’t, just buy it already!Again, for this price, you won’t find anything better. I am sure there are better 85mm lenses, but you will pay 3-10 times as much also.

Minimum necessary for minimum price

The lens performs what it needs to, and has quality where it needs to, but little else. The images are sharp and bright. However, you get what you pay for. The focus mechanism is VERY stiff at around 4-8 feet. Almost stuck stiff. Manual aperture ring is a nice touch for me personally. The minimum focus is claimed at 2.78 feet and I measured at about 4 feet. This longer minimum focus occurs across the entire range so the numbers printed on the lens are useless for measuring. That said, if you need an 85mm and have no money to spare, this will get the job done and the final product will be satisfactory - you’ll just get frustrated along the way.

Can we say WOW!!!!

The photos say it all! Very nice for the price, I’m very pleased with the lens!

Very Nice Lens

Really nice little lens at a good price. Opteka has been a “go-to” brand for years, for a multitude of photo products. I’m never disappointed in either quality or value. Sure, this isn’t a top shelf lens and is manual-only, but with today’s cameras, this adds a nice addition to any photo gear. Especially great for street photography and portraits because of its wide aperture.

Five Stars

Amazing for the price. Order came on time. Thank You!!!

I love it!

This is a great lens! I must say if you are only gonna buy one prime, go get the Canon 50mm 1.8. It is around the same price, and has some clear advantages.

Great

Great lens for the price. It’s become my primary portrait lens.

Difficult lens

I’ve only recently had time to use this lens. Not great. Takes too much time to configure when attaching to camera. Also very difficult to get and keep in focus.

Five Stars

the best mannual lens i,ve ever owned; the clarity is awesome!!!!

Great lens for the price. Well worth the money.

I wanted to wait a bit before I posted a review on this lens, and I still feel as if I’m posting too soon.

Opteka 85mm f/1.8

When I received this, the cover looked like drink had been spilled on it. It was sticky and the lens was smeared. I returned the item for a full refund!