Fast 85mm range lens?

[glaebhoerl]

I believe they're not - EF version has more elements (perhaps due to autofocus?).

[orly_andico]

You're right, they are different. A surprise. Since the 50/1.4 FD and EF are the same (7 elements / 6 groups) I assumed the 85's would be as well.

[orly_andico]

Hm. The Olympus OM 85/2 costs way more than the Pentax 85/1.9, which in turn costs more than the Canon EF 85/1.8 !!

So fond memories of manual focusing aside, I think my sanest option for a lens I will actually use a lot, is the EF 85/1.8

[calvin83]

If you don't refuse AF lens, the EF 85 1.8 should be your best opinion. It is relatively cheaper than the new Canon primes.

[iangreenhalgh1]

The build quality (or lack of it) has to be taken into account when considering a modern Canon lens. If you want a lens to last for many years of good service, don't buy a modern Canon, the quality is shocking, disposable grade almost.

[calvin83]

For best value, Samyang 85 1.4.
For AF, EF 85 1.8.
For durability, get the old metal ones.
For fun, get the Mitakon 85 2.
...


For me, I go for the these two.

[Olivier]

Not fast but very good lens for a very good price : the Volna-3B 2.8/80mm MC.
It's a P6 mount, so made for medium format. It's very good on Canon Full format like the 5D Mark II.

[RemcoR]

Have a look at the Pentax 85/1.8 K or M42 Mount

http://www.pentaxforums.com/lensreviews/Super-Multi-Coated-TAKUMAR-Auto-Takumar-85mm-F1.8.html

RemcoR

[orly_andico]

Incidentally, in terms of build quality.. I agree that modern Canon lenses can have poor build quality particularly at the consumer end.

But the older ones (and the 85/1.8 is one of the older ones) are pretty decent. I have this circa-1990's almost all-metal, tank-like 300mm f/4L (non-IS) which gives up nothing to these old manual focus lenses.

I used to own the EF 85/1.8 and while it's not up to L class, it's pretty OK.

While on the topic of the Volna 3, has anyone used the Mamiya 80mm f/2.8 for 645 mount? used prices are in the same range or even lower than the Volna 3.

[Lightshow]

For ~85mm on EF mount, I'd look at Nikkor 85's, Contax, CZJ, Pentax/Takumar, Leica R, Jupiter 9, OM, Helios 40...
My faves: Leica 90, Topcor 85(that Calvin posted), Pentax/Takumar, FD 85L, Konica AR

[Olivier]

[Teo]

[jamaeolus]

I have the rolleinar 85 2.8 which I used one of the "replace the mount" type adapters on. It is nice. I think those were made by mamiya? I paid a little over a 100 usd for it. 85 is a tough FL to find good glass for at reasonable prices. I have a Oly 100 2.8 and a topcor 100 2.8 that are both super nice to use and take great photos. I sold my 60D though recently and have gone to the dark side (A7ii). I will put the bayonet back on the rollei as soon as I get the proper adapter for it. As far as the "the good times" since I just bought the A7 they are now restarting!

[cooltouch]

James is right about it being tough to find a good 85mm for a good price. My first inclination would be to go for a Nikkor 85mm f/1.8 or f/2. You can find the latter on eBay for less than $200US. If you can put up with another 20mm of focal length, then you can pick and choose from all the Nikkor 105/2.5s available, many of which are substantially cheaper than $200US.

I don't happen to own a Nikkor 85mm, but I do own a 105/2.5 and I love it for portraits. I also like 135mm for portraits too. A lot. It gives you a bit more compression, which can be a good thing, plus there's more working distance between you and the subject, which often puts the subject more at ease. 135/2's and 135/1.8's are not cheap, but 135/2.8s are and they are extremely common, so you can save quite a bit if you go that route.

[orly_andico]

I don't think I can live with a 105mm.

It's too close to 135mm. And I have a lot of those (well, four), including the Canon 135mm f/2, which is what I used to drool about when all I had was a Pentacon.

Actually of my 135mm's, the best by far is the Canon - it's big, it's fast, it autofocuses silently and quickly, and it has really nice bokeh. The CZJ Sonnar is also pretty good and has a similar color cast to the Canon.

IMHO the Pentacon is overrated, although I don't have the multi-blade preset version "bokeh monster" - it's soft wide open even in the center, and doesn't sharpen up appreciably till f/5.6. The CZJ is sharp at f/3.5 - and almost matches the big Canon at f/4.

[tb_a]

orly_andico, have you already looked at this option?

http://forum.mflenses.com/new-cheap-chinese-opteka-85-1-8-t62887,start,15.html#1442437

[cooltouch]

There is a Vivitar brand 85mm f/1.8 Aspherical available new on eBay for about $100. MF only. The example photos look decent. See it here:

Click here to see on Ebay

[calvin83]

[rudolfkremers]

Pentacon six mount Biometar 80mm is a lovely creamy bokeh lens and still affordable.

[cooltouch]

[iangreenhalgh1]

1960s single coated CZJ Biometar 2.8/80 on Sony a850. Lens cost me 24ukp plus shipping from Norway.



Thomas insists these old eastern Zeiss are junk you shouldn't pay more than 5eu for from the flea market, but I can tell you that this Biometar has silky smooth focus and a perfectly functioning aperture and has never been serviced. Build quality and materials make the modern cheap alternatives look like cheap plastic toys. This Biometar is still going strong after half a century, it will serve me the rest of my life most likely, making it quite a bargain.

[calvin83]

[newst]

[tb_a]

[iangreenhalgh1]

You need both a sense of humour and some humility. Jeez.