Canon EF 85mm f/1.4L IS USM Review
Image stabilization has long been a must-have feature on zoom lenses, but it's not a given on primes, especially not ones with an f/1.4 aperture. The Canon EF 85mm f/1.4L IS USM ($1,599) bucks that trend. Not only does it include stabilization, it offers strong image quality, an excellent build, and does it all in a design that's not obnoxiously huge. We like it a lot, although there are compelling alternatives out there for less money, like the Sigma 85mm F1.4 DG HSM Art. Or you may want to really push shallow depth of field to its limits with Canon's own EF 85mm f/1.2L USM. Both are Editors' Choice winners, though neither offers image stabilization.
Design: Canon L Series
The EF 85mm f/1.4L IS USM is rather squat, measuring 4.2 by 3.5 inches (HD) without the included hood attached; the hood adds about two inches to the height. It weighs 2.1 pounds, a bit less than the 2.5-pound Sigma 85mm F1.4 Art. In addition to the hood, Canon includes front and rear caps and a soft carrying ...
The Canon EF 85mm f/1.4L IS USM is a sharp lens with a sturdy build, a bright design, and an angle of view that's ideal for portraiture.
Very sharp; Optical stabilization; Dust and splash resistant; Fluorine lens coat; Relatively light and compact
Pricey; Dim corners at wide apertures