Canon EF 85mm f1.8 Ring USM - The budget portrait photographer's best friend
Review of the Canon EF 85mm f1.8 USM lens.
Quick Facts
MRP : INR 30,995
Retail : INR 28,000
Date introduced : Sept 1989
Maximum format size : 35mm full frame
Focal length : 85mm
35mm equivalent focal length (APS-C) : 135 mm
When i think about this lens i can't help but feel a sense of comfort and reliability the same way one would when thinking about one's close friends. This lens has been with me for a few years now and have been using it mostly to shoot closeup portraits on my full frame 5D Mark 3 and more recently on my 5DS R and 5D Mark 4. It is a classic "portrait" focal length and produces flattering images of people.
Focusing Performance 7/10
in AF mode the 85mm f1.8 like it's smaller partner the 50mm f1.4 is quick to acquire focus in normal available light situations and studio conditions. But like on any lens with a wide aperture good eyesight and good focusing technique are needed to consistently get proper focus while shooting wide open on canon DSLRs
Keeping the best focusing lenses in Canon's lineup such as the 70-200 f2.8 L and the 300 f2.8 as a benchmark I would rate this lens as 7/10 which is quite good.
Sharpness 7/10
This lens produces sharp images when stopped down to f2.8 or more. And not surprisingly is very sharp between f5.6 and f8.0 the sweet spot for most lenses. Its not super sharp wide open at f1.4 but improves rapidly as it is stopped down to f2.0 and more.
Bokeh 8/10
The wide f1.4 Aperture allows one to create smooth background blur(BOKEH) on a full frame camera. I find the bokeh to be mostly pleasing if not as smooth on as on the more expensive primes or zoom lenses in canon's lineup.On an APS-C camera it's performance is more more like that of f2.8 lens.
Build Quality 7/10
It's well built with a metal lens mount and high quality plastic barrel. Slightly better build quality that the 50mm f1.4 EF lens and definitely a lot better than the 50mm f1.8 lens and other kit zoom lenses.
The more expensive 85mm f1.4 from Sigma's new Art Series of lenses has better build quality.
Value for Money 9/10
Considering that the other 85mm offering from Canon the 85mm f1.2L COSTS 5X more and the 85mm f1.4 Art lens from Sigma costs 3x more this lens is very good value for money. At it's street price of INR 28,000 this is great normal lens with higher optical performance and build quality than any of the kit lenses and also the 50mm f1.8 lens. It is a very good portrait lens with a full frame DSLR and can also double as a 135mm portrait lens on APS-C cameras. I would easily recommend this lens to anyone on a budget looking to buy a portrait lens for canon EF mount.
Sample images
Canon 70-200 mm f2.8 L IS USM II Accomplished All rounder
Review of the professional's work horse the Canon 70-200mm f2.8 L IS II.
Quick Facts
MRP : INR 1,69,995
Retail : INR 1,42,000 - 1,55,000
Date introduced : April 2010
Maximum format size : 35mm full frame
Focal length : 70-200mm
35mm equivalent focal length (APS-C) : 112-320 mm
You know you have reached a certain level of ability with your photography when you start considering this lens as a possible part of your camera bag. Usually the first White L lens a Canon photographer will consider (along with the smaller slower sibling the 70-200 f4 L IS) after feeling the need to upgrade to a versatile professional quality telephoto zoom what ever may be the genre of photography one shoots be it wedding and event photography, portrait and fashion photography or even landscape and nature. This is a covetable piece of kit no doubt. It's off white finish, weight and build quality and price all state that you are photographer to be taken seriously
Focusing Performance 9/10
in AF mode the 70-200mm f2.8L IS II is very quick to acquire focus in normal available light situations and studio conditions. The Autofocus performance of this lens make it along with other big white telephotos in Canon's lineup the benchmark for AF Performance.
Sharpness 9/10
This lens produces sharp images even from wide open at f2.8. And not surprisingly is very sharp between f5.6 and f8.0 the sweet spot for most lenses. Stopping down beyond f11 does not given any increase in sharpness. The image contrast and colour rendition are also very good.
Bokeh 8/10
The wide f1.4 Aperture allows one to create smooth background blur(BOKEH) on a full frame camera. I find the bokeh to be mostly pleasing if not as smooth on as on the more expensive primes or zoom lenses in canon's lineup.On an APS-C camera it's performance is more more like that of f2.8 lens.
Build Quality 9/10
The 70-200 F2.8 L IS II is built solidly and designed for the rigours of professional use. Can't say the same for its plastic hood though. It can be little sticky to mount if dropped will scratch easily.
This is a big heavy lens specially when compared to the kit zooms like the 55-200 and 70-300mm lenses. If you have small hands or have difficulty carrying heavy loads this is not for you. You might be better off going with the 70-200mm f4 l IS lens which also good performer.
Value for Money 8/10
The original Canon 70-200mm f2.8 L(non IS version) was priced at Rs 75,000 when it was released.it now sells for around 1,02,000 MRP . That lens is just as good as this new version except for the Image Stabilisation built in which means hand hold ability 2-3 stops slower shut speeds than otherwise. Not sure if this IS warrants such a big premium in price.
But all said and done this is a great versatile lens that most Canon professional photographers own or borrow for regular use.IF the weight and price do not intimidate you then by all means go and get one.
Interested? Shop for this lens here..
Sample images
Sigma 35mm F1.4 Art Lens- Is it as good as the hype?
Review of the Sigma 35mm F 1.4 Art Lens. From the new Art Range of Lenses from Sigma this lens has been receiving very good initial reviews from photographers. Kamal Chilaka puts this lens to a real world test.
Quick Facts
MRP : INR 68,000
Retail : INR 62,998
Date introduced : September 2012
Lens Construction13 Elements in 11 Groups
Angle of View: 63.4º
Number of Diaphragm Blades : 9
Minimum Aperture : f16
Minimum Focusing Distance: 30 cm / 11.8 in
Filter Size : 67mm
Maximum Magnifications: 1:5.2
Dimensions
(Diameter x Length) 77mm x 94mm /3in x 3.7in
Weight : 665g / 23.5oz.
The Art series of Lenses from Sigma are completely new lineup with upgraded optics and superior build quality to the previous generation of Sigma Lenses. They are aesthetically pleasing too.I bought this lens after hearing good reviews from the photographer community instead of the proven Canon offering just to see what the fuss was all about.
Focusing Performance 8/10
in AF mode the Sigma 35mm f1.4 Art lens is quick to acquire focus in normal available light situations and studio conditions. Although it doesn't set any new records in the AF department it is a strong performer. Also being a wide angle lens the increased Depth of Field anyway compensates for focusing mistakes.
Sharpness 8/10
This lens produces sharp images even from wide open at f1.4. And not surprisingly is very sharp between f5.6 and f8.0 the sweet spot for most lenses. Stopping down beyond f11 does not given any increase in sharpness. The image contrast is good but the colour rendition appears to be on the warmer side .Need to check this some more and will revert back with an update.
Bokeh 8/10
The wide f1.4 Aperture allows one to create smooth background blur(BOKEH) on a full frame camera. I find the bokeh to be mostly pleasing if not as smooth on as on the more expensive primes or zoom lenses in canon's lineup.On an APS-C camera it's performance is more more like that of f2.8 lens.
Build Quality 8/10
The 35mm Art lens is built solidly and designed beautifully. Its build quality is almost on par with the Canon 35mm f2.0.
This lens is surprisingly heavy for such a small package, specially when compared to the kit zooms like the 55-200 and 70-300mm lenses, but won't break your back.
Value for Money 9/10
The Sigma 35mm f1.4 Art lens is a solid performer from a new breed of lenses designed for high resolution DSLRs. It produces sharp, contrasty images. Is built well and has good bokeh. The price is on higher side when compared to the previous generation sigma 35mm but still a little cheaper than the Canon 35mm f2.0 and quite a lot cheaper than Can's f1.4 version 2. This is a good alternative to Canon glass at least for Canon users.
Sample images
Shop for Sigma 35mm or similar lens
Zeiss Otus 55mm F1.4 ,the pinnacle of Optical Performance?
Review of Zeiss Otus 55mm F 1.4 Lens. Read a real world use based review of this remarkable lens from Zeiss. Travel and Landscape Photographer Kamal Chilaka shares his experiences with the lens after using the lens for a variety of images over a period of a year.
Quick Facts
MRP : INR 224,900
Retail : INR 220,000
Date introduced : 2014
Maximum format size : 35mm full frame
Focal length : 55 mm
35mm equivalent focal length (APS-C) : 88 mm
i have had this lens for about a year now now and have been using it to shoot a variety of subjects including environmental portraits . A regular companion on my portrait shoots It gives that wider perspective from the additional angle of view that my other favourite portrait lens the 85mm f1.8 cannot.
Focusing Performance NA (MF ONLY)
This a strictly manual focus only lens. No AF. But like on any lens with a wide aperture good eyesight and good focusing technique are needed to consistently get proper focus while shooting wide open on canon DSLRs
Sharpness 9/10
This lens produces sharp images from wide open till about f11 after which sharpness drops a tad. But for all practical purposes it is super sharp. Leica lenses are the benchmark for sharpness in my opinion.
Bokeh 9/10
The wide f1.4 Aperture allows one to create smooth background blur(BOKEH) on a full frame camera. The Bokeh on this lens is buttery smooth as is expected from such an expensive Lens with wide aperture.
Build Quality 10/10
It's well built with a metal lens mount and high quality plastic barrel unlike the Canon 50mm f1.8 lens which is mostly a cheaper plastic construction.
Slightly lower build quality that the 85mm f1.8 EF lens.
Value for Money 8/10
I believe this lens represents good value for money. At it's street price of INR 220,000 this is a Rolls Royce of Normal Lenses. It is a high end lens designed to meet the needs of medium format photographers moving to digital 35mm on high resolution sensor cameras. The price might seem stratospheric when compared to other 35mm lenses but in reality when compared to medium format lenses it is actually a bargain.
A fantastic Normal to Short Telephoto lens ideal for a variety of subjects including portraiture, fine art work, and landscape photography. strong Contrast, Highest image quality, supreme sharpness, beautiful colour rendition all make this a great lens for the professional photographer for whom nothing but the best will do. A great pairing for modern high resolution DSLRs and Mirrorless Cameras.
Sample Images
The Canon 50mm f1.4 USM A Capable Allrounder
Review of the Canon EF 50mm F1.4 USM.
Quick Facts
MRP : INR 29,900
Retail : INR 26,000
Date introduced : June 1993
Maximum format size : 35mm full frame
Focal length : 50mm
35mm equivalent focal length (APS-C) : 80mm
This lens has been with me for a few years now and have been using it mostly to shoot environmental or full length portraits on my full frame 5D Mark 3 and more recently on my 5DS R and 5D Mark 4. A regular companion on my portrait shoots It gives that wider perspective from the additional angle of view that my other favourite portrait lens the 85mm f1.8 cannot.
Focusing Performance 7/10
in AF mode the 50mm f1.4 is quick to acquire focus in normal available light situations and studio conditions. But like on any lens with a wide aperture good eyesight and good focusing technique are needed to consistently get proper focus while shooting wide open on canon DSLRs
Keeping the best focusing lenses in Canon's lineup such as the 70-200 f2.8 L and the 300 f2.8 as a benchmark I would rate this lens as 7/10 which is quite good.
Sharpness 7/10
This lens produces sharp images when stopped down to f2.8 or more. And not surprisingly is very sharp between f5.6 and f8.0 the sett spot for most lenses. When used wide open at f1.4 there is a soft dreamy quality to the images which i like but aficionados of super sharp images may be disappointed.
Bokeh 7/10
The wide f1.4 Aperture allows one to create smooth background blur(BOKEH) on a full frame camera. I find the bokeh to be mostly pleasing if not as smooth on as on the more expensive primes or zoom lenses in canon's lineup.On an APS-C camera it's performance is more more like that of f2.8 lens.
Build Quality 6/10
It's well built with a metal lens mount and high quality plastic barrel unlike the Canon 50mm f1.8 lens which is mostly a cheaper plastic construction.
Slightly lower build quality that the 85mm f1.8 EF lens.
Value for Money 9/10
I believe this lens represents good value for money. At it's street price of INR 26,000 this is great normal lens with higher optical performance and build quality than any of the kit lenses and also the 50mm f1.8 lens. It is a good all around performer with a full frame DSLR and can also double as a portrait lens on APS-C cameras.
Sample Images
