Comments about Canon 85mm F1.8 USM Lens:

I purchased this lens for use taking pictures at volleyball games. I expected it to improve the autofocus more than it did, but it is faster than other lens which did not have as wide of an aperture. The f/1.8 allows you to use a lower ISO for less noise, and better clarity. This lens is great for low light situations and portraits where you want the background out of focus (bokeh).

Comments about Canon 85mm F1.8 USM Lens:

I use this lens for portraits mostly, but a fixed focal length is actually great for composing many kinds of shots. It is supremely predictable with great clarity and contrast and a very nice blur when the aperture is opened up. Having a fixed focal length, it forces you to move around and really think about what you are seeing through the lens. This leads to much more thoughtful and interesting shots. For me, the weight and general usability of this lens make it a better choice than the f1.2 that costs so much more.

I have not found any downside to this lens. It would be a good deal even at a much higher price. Keep in mind it's not a macro lens and won't focus much closer than a meter.

Comments about Canon 85mm F1.8 USM Lens:

Although I have yet to use it for the prime use I purchased it for, night dirt track racing, the use I have used it for the results are fantastic. Even when zooming in the photos on areas where I was not focused, the clearity is unbelievable. Eager to use it at the track.

Comments about Canon 85mm F1.8 USM Lens:

I debated about this lens for a while, but now that I have it I am thrilled. It take gorgeous portraits on my kids (and everyone) and that is priceless to me. Don't hesitate on this one. It is super sharp and has a versatile focal length.

Comments about Canon 85mm F1.8 USM Lens:

Great for sports photography in low light situations. Nice portrait lens and fun for intimate shots in indoor/low light party settings.

Comments about Canon 85mm F1.8 USM Lens:

Have had this lens for several weeks now. My primary use is for indoor sports for the kids: wrestling and basketball. The other lens I have is the stock SLR and zoom lens which came with the Rebel kit. This lens takes much better pictures in low light conditions. Earlier problem (ex. basketball was when I took an action shot, the basketball or person was in blur. Not now. Only downfall is it won't zoom, but the price also dictates that feature. Pictures are very good in low light conditions. Camera is set on center focus, and the pictures blur objects outside of the focus point. Looks very cool.

In an indoor gym - basketball. Works well from the side, little too close if you're under the shooting basket and fine on the opposite side of the court.

Comments about Canon 85mm F1.8 USM Lens:

This is definitely the sharpest lens I own. I cannot believe how crisp my pictures are. I love the shallow focus, perfect for portraits. Plus it's very sturdy and just feels good in your hands. I'll definitely get my money's worth out of this lens and I'll be loving every minute of it.

Comments about Canon 85mm F1.8 USM Lens:

The lens is every bit as sharp as people said it would be. Not small or light, but relatively compact for the capabilities it provides. I'm using it more than I thought I would.

Comments about Canon 85mm F1.8 USM Lens:

This lens gives me lower ISO's which, for me, produce clearer shoots of kids in motion. Color is fine with back round blur to bring your eye straight to the subject of the shot. I was using canon's 1D Mark III with the 70 - 200mm L IS, and it worked ok but had to use higher ISO setting and more times than not produced a grainy picture.(IE 2500 ISO with 250 shutter, F2.8) Now I'm shooting ISO 1000 shutter 620 F1.8. True, I gave up distance shots. But I live with that for the under the basket shots are so much better now. I can only think that maybe someday soon someone will make a F1.5/1.8 50 - 135mm lens. It would be the perfect lens from half court to the basket

Comments about Canon 85mm F1.8 USM Lens:

I ordered this lens after reading all the great reviews about it. When I got it in the mail, I tried it out and found the 85 mm to be a little too long for comfortable indoor shots. I take a lot of pictures at parties and while the 1.4 aperture size is great for taking no-flash shots, I had to get really far back in order to take a good shot. I returned this for the 50 mm 1.4 lens, which I found to be a great compromise.

That being said, the lens was very solidly built and it felt really good in my hand. Highly recommend, save for the length. If you're doing a lot of shooting of a stage while you're in the audience, this could be the ideal lens.

Comments about Canon 85mm F1.8 USM Lens:

I bought this lens after doing many reseach. I need a lens which can do portrait and in door sport. This is a perfect lens for these purpose. With a large appenture, you can take a really good light indoor sport, with high speed shuttle speed. This is also a really good portrait lens with perfect bokeh. Finally, this is not a lens with the price of L lens but this lens has the quality of a L lens.

Comments about Canon 85mm F1.8 USM Lens:

I have this lens for a couple of weeks now. So far it is performing as expected. Very nice bokeh effect and nicely built. I dont see any other problem right now with this lens.

Comments about Canon 85mm F1.8 USM Lens:

Use lens in taking baskeball game shots where the lighting conditions in the gym are dim; use the "A" priority on my Canon EOS Rebel XSI at 1.8 and photos come out blurred even though it's set to auto focus. I have taken a few still portrait photos with existing light and they come out great.

Comments about Canon 85mm F1.8 USM Lens:

I had read that the 85 was a better lens than the 50mm 1.4, so I decided to gamble (I loved the 50mm on my Sony dSLR.) So far, I have found that the extra distance from the subject takes some getting used to, but I'm very happy with the lens performance. For studio portraits, it is perfect. Now I will get the Sigma 50mm which is receiving phenomenal reviews.

Comments about Canon 85mm F1.8 USM Lens:

I love the lens. It is fully functional and provides sharp images for a dynamic photographer. I recommend anyone to look at this lens as your choice before going to the L. The L is a fantastic product line but out of the touch for many photographers.

Comments about Canon 85mm F1.8 USM Lens:

This lens is the best bang for your buck. This is my only NON L lens and it is sharp as my L glass. just not as durable

Comments about Canon 85mm F1.8 USM Lens:

After reading many reviews here and on other sites I pulled the trigger on this lens...glad I did! If your thinking about getting this lens...stop...and get it...now!

Comments about Canon 85mm F1.8 USM Lens:

Great basketball and volleyball action shots from the stands and full-court. Tight for near-court-- better for close-ups. Great to freeze the action.

Comments about Canon 85mm F1.8 USM Lens:

needed a fast lens for my studio work because i sometimes use available light from windows. could not ask for a better lens and the price was great. i use it on my 1ds mark II and it was a perfect match.

Comments about Canon 85mm F1.8 USM Lens:

Light weight companion for the 5D and 40D. Great for indoor shots with low light. Beautiful bokeh, does not intimidate even with lens hood. Lens hood needed for out door use.

Comments about Canon 85mm F1.8 USM Lens:

great lens starting from f/2.8. recommend to all who is broadly educated.