The EF 85mm f/1.4L IS USM from Canon stands out for its fast aperture and image stabilization capabilities, making it an excellent choice for portraiture. This L-series lens features a sophisticated optical design with a glass-molded aspherical element that effectively reduces spherical aberrations and distortion, resulting in enhanced sharpness and clarity. The lens is also equipped with an Air Sphere coating (ASC) that effectively minimizes lens flare and ghosting, ensuring improved contrast and color accuracy, particularly in challenging backlight situations.
In addition to its optical attributes, this lens incorporates a four-stop optical image stabilization system, reducing the impact of camera shake and enabling sharper handheld shooting. The ring-type Ultrasonic Motor (USM) provides quick and accurate autofocus performance, with the added benefit of full-time manual focus override for precise control. Like other L-series lenses, this 85mm f/1.4 lens features a durable construction that is resistant to dust and weather, and it includes a fluorine coating on exposed elements to protect against adverse environmental conditions.