Katelyn I follow quite a few photographers on the internet and you are imo, hands down the best educator out there. You have the rare quality of teaching and getting your point across without making things complicated. You also have such a beautiful personality and your voice is easy to listen to. Thank you for sharing your knowledge with us all.

Your style with this lens makes your photos seem like a fairytale or like a dream come true moment and I honestly can’t wait until I get one of my own. TY

These are fantastic suggestions! Especially how to bring the 85 out when the clients are comfortable and you prep them by saying its your fancy, favorite lens. I love my 85 and my 135 for the reasons you said ~ the clients really pop off of the background, but I really appreciate thinking more about how to use them and help my clients feel more comfortable. Thanks, Katelyn! Appreciate your amazing resources.

I just purchased this lens and when I tell you I'm in love is a understatement. I watched you use it so much and how you bragged on it i want to purchase something new and this was what i purchased dont know how i lived without it omg . My husband said is this the only lens you own now because everytime he sees me going back to it wow wow is all i can say when i seen the first portrait i used it on i cried my photography has jumped to the KJ level thank you for being a teacher and giving up your knowledge you are one in a million. I joined KJ all access and glad i did worth every penny

I have the 85mm too and i noticed right away the difference in sharpness and the amazing bokeh it gives! 👏🏻 Its amazing! Awesome review im loving all your videos

I agree, it's my fav too. I love it because your photos look cinematic. I'm happy with the 1.8. You're fab Katlyn ❤️

That lens is my favorite too! Between the 35 mm 1.4 and the 85 mm 1.4 I could be happy all day long!

Thank you so much for the clarity and explanation! Diving into the 85mm world this weekend; thank you for being a great teacher!

That lens is amazing! Love it so much!!! Though I personally have an obsession with the new RF 50mm 1.2, the EF 85mm 1.4 is also one of my favorites! Great review Katelyn! Thank you so much for investing so much into other photographers.

This review helped me to decide on the Canon 85mm 1.4! It's on my R6 and never coming off! I love, love and dare I say it again...Love this lens for my portrait work. It's amazing!

Love this video. I actually shoot landscape/environmental professionally here in Utah with my Canon 85mm 1.2. It's definitely not the norm. But that's why I use it ! And love it!

Love it! Such a helpful review!

I agree. The 85 is absolutely not like the 50. My favorite images are the ones i have shot with this beautiful lens. I drove from Cincinnati to columbus a week before the pandemic shut down the country to purchase this for $1000 as an open box item from a camera store in Columbus. I wasn’t able to use until April but when I did I was in LOVE!

I LOVE my 85! I never want to take it off my camera! I started my session last night with it but now after watching this going forward, I think I'm going to start my sessions with the 50 and then switch when we're all warmed up!

I want to love my 85 SO bad. I literally got it because of watching your videos and listening to you and admiring your work. There are things I love about it but there are things I absolutely hate about it. You’re right- the compression is amazing and I absolutely love that! I also love the low light capabilities and almost always shoot at 1.2 and love its ability to focus even at 1.2! I love the bokeh too! But I HATE that I can’t move anywhere near my subjects! I would be right up in people’s faces if I could. I really hate standing so far away. And I feel like sometimes I stand too far away because the subject isn’t as sharp if I stand too far away so that’s frustrating. I so badly want to love this lens though!

I have an 85 and I've barely used it because my 50 never comes off the camera! Your enthusiasm is contagious though - once the lockdown is finally over I'll have to try again!

That is the next on my list! The lens that I feel the same as you do about the 85 mm is my 100mm 2.8L.💕

I hated my first 85 (it was the 1.8) and after listening to how much you loved yours and seeing all the gorgeous images you took with it , I upgraded to the Sigma Art 1.4 and it's now my FAVOURITE lens - hands down. I absolutely love it and am so glad I invested in it.

You are awesome! Love your photography! I have this lens but my go to lens seems to be my 70-200 bc I am more comfortable with it. I need to play with my 85 exclusively to get more comfortable with it. Thanks for the great, informative video. I look forward to your KZfaq postings!

Thank you! I have the 1.8 and love it. Can’t wait to invest in the 1.4.

I seriously LOVE my 85. I have the 1.8, but still...it's a great lens and creates a completely different look than ANY of my other lenses. I love the tips you shared though and going to apply some of them to the way I use my 85. Like being more intentional with the times I use it.

Thanks! I learned something from this video and will definitely try it when standing far back when I've found the right background and composition. My 85mm 1.2 is the least used lens and has been mostly a dead weight in my storage bag for the 3+ years of owning it and the 12 years of wanting to own one. I didn't know what to shoot other than standard portraits, which I realized I shoot the least amount after buying it.

Awesome video...amazing pictures...I Skipped the nifty 50 and grabbed the great 85.. lol a must have, gorgeous bread n butter lens...lol

I love my canon 85mm 1.4. Love it, love it.❤️

Enjoyed this video. I purchased a Rokinon 85mm 1.4 Aspherical for Nikon. Pretty impressive, thanks again.

absolutely understand why the 85mm is the lense for gorgeous moments

I just rented this lens for an event. Looking forward to trying it out. Anyone who thinks it is like a 50 should study Jay Maisel NYC photography with his telephoto shots of NYC. Also shows why a telephoto helps in isolating for more impact and to see differently.

Great video, Katelyn, and so helpful as always! How far do you need to be from your subjects using this lens? It looked like you were approximately 30-40 feet?

I have had the 85 1.2 for many years and it's my absolute favorite lens. My images are tack sharp (I do not have the problem you describe about soft images). It is also incomparable in low light, indoor situations, though a tad slow to focus. Is there a discernible difference in focus speed between the 1.4 and the 1.2? Thank you Katelyn.

Great recommendation! What would you say is your second favorite lens?

Dear Katelyn, I have purchased this lens some months ago and have been enjoying it a lot. I must say from the comparison you made between the two pictures, the 85 mm is certainly my favourite! I wondered whether your settings like aperture were identical in both shots and whether you are willing to share them. I seem to struggle with aperture when shooting with the 85mm. Any tips on this would be great! By the way I only found your channel a few days ago but have been enjoying your enthousiastic way of showing what you use and why a lot!

I specialize in senior portrait photography! I definitely lean more toward close up shots than ones with more "zero" space around them. If I want to stay closer to my subjects, would you still use your 85 (stay close) or go with the 50?

I don't have this lens and you have convinced me to get it for sure! I do have a question for you... If you would have come in closer with the 50mm and framed it the exact way you did with the 85, would the background still look that different between the 2? Especially if they are both wide open? Is the bokah that much better with the 85mm?

I'm just starting out as a paid photographer and I bought the "cheap" version of the 85mm two days before I had my first shoot. I said, look this is an investment I am doing for the rest of my career. It might not be my only lens, it sure as heck won't be my last lens. But I will need to have this lens because I need that creamy background in my portraits. My wife looked at me, said: I have no idea what you're talking about, it's all the same to me, but if you say you need it, get it. And I was right, holy moly that lens is amazing. The client loved the pictures and I actually, before seeing this video, explained him: Look, I'm going to need to back up in a second, because this is a lens that can't zoom in, but you will LOVE the photos its going to give you for your business. Trust me on that. And I was right, they loved the shots. Are happy and will be coming back soon with wife and kid to do a photoshoot with the whole family. So I get your enthusiasm. And I second it all the way Katelyn. :)

So beautiful! I have been contemplating getting the Canon 85mm 1.8 and have seen good reviews. Obviously, it is also much cheaper than the 1.4L. Would you say there is a significant difference in quality between them that's worth the price difference? Is it worth investing in the 1.4L instead?

Thank you for this video - it was very helpful! I particularly liked to see the pull backs and see how far you had to go to get the environmental portrait. The 85mm is also my favorite lens! I have a question about shooting indoors. I am just a mommy photographer documenting my family's life. Most of other moms I know use the 35mm for indoors, but I honestly like the results with the 50mm and even with the 85mm. Can you do a similar video on how to maximize the 50mm (and 85mm) indoors? I searched it everywhere but couldn't find it. The LLL course is on my wish list!! :)

Hello Katelyn, I've taken photography classes in college, currently I've taken portraits and a couple of weddings, however, I still don't seem to find my own style. I've looked at you images and I love the pastel colors and the brightness of them. After watching this video I ordered a 85mm and Im loving it! Thank you for sharing all your knowledge. I'm thinking about starting with one of your classes but I can't decide which one to start with. What is your advise? Looking forward to your response.

Great information! I've been looking for a good higher mm lens

Awesome! I have a 50mm lens already but wasn’t sure which lens to get next, whether it be the 35mm or 85mm, but this helped me so much! Do you have a preference on the 85mm 1.2 vs the 1.4? I’ve heard mixed reviews on the 1.2 and wanted to know your thoughts on it.

My very first lens was the 50 mm 1.8. The nifty 50 for only $125. I heard all the raves and how this is the lens to start learning photography. And sure, I started learning on it. But I never really felt any of my photos were magical. I then got a 15-30 mm lens 2.8 Tamron. A good lens but again, nothing ever made me go wow. I then got a Canon-refurbished 85 1.8 for only $250. And that was my first magical moment. It seemed like whatever photo I took had something amazing about it. And then my friends thought I took a huge step up in skill. So then everyone kept raving about the 70-200 2.8 II and so I decided to save up for it. And then I borrowed my friend's 70-200. And I had such a hard time with that lens. All the switches and whatnot. It wasn't a fast focusing lens. So I held off on buying it. I then eyed the 85 mm 1.2 and figured I would buy it. But then I borrowed that and that was such a slow focusing lens. And with no IS built in. I had such a hard time getting sharp images. People said that experts know how to get fantastic images from it, but at my skill level, it wasn't meant to be. Then I bought the 85 1.4 because it was much cheaper, had image stabilization, etc. And this lens is just plain GORGEOUS. It focuses so fast. It has IS so I don't need such a steady hand. The images are tack sharp. It's not the most practical lens covering all shooting scenarios, but if I have to have only 1 lens ever, it would be 85 mm. I had the Canon EOS R and loved that camera (yes, it does shoot slow but that wasn't such a huge deal to me). But I had $9K of camera gear stolen from my car, including that camera and that 85 mm 1.4. I still had a Canon 6D2 as a second cam and decided to buy the EF 85 mm f 1.4 again. But now I'm eyeing the Canon R5. During the time when I lost so much gear, I borrowed my friend's Sony A7R3 to do some photoshoots. That camera was touted as such an amazing camera. The resolution got me. It was just detailed. But I didn't enjoy the shooting experience because it had so many little problems here and there, especially the crazy buffering. I hadn't stepped into RF glass yet because I liked my EF glass. but I'm almost starting over with lenses and I did try out the RF lenses. they're so amazing and you can tell a difference between EF and RF glass. But now I'm wondering if i should step up to the RF 85 mm. long story short, that how much I love 85 mm. I've bought it so many times. I do want to get a quality 35 mm. I feel that's in the focal range that I need when I need a wider angle. My 15-30 just brings a bit too much distortion even though it can be mitigated in post.

I am starting out and have a crop (t7i), but I am collecting EF lens to be prepared for upgrade. I currently have 50mm and the kit lens. Would you still recommend this lens as next purchase for portrait?

the solution i did for the backing up and client engagement i have my assistant carry a 2way radio. i pose and direct the couple through radio XD

I use my 85mm-1.8 and the photo's are great.I even use it on my Z50 w/ an adapter.

I love love this lens! I seem to get a lot of chromatic aberration with it though. Any suggestions?!

Thanks for this video! I have the 1.8 and really like it but from your images, I realized I haven't been using it to it's fullest capabilities. I haven't been backing up far enough!! 🤯 Afraid of getting too far from clients, I'd switch to my 35mm instead. Something to work on! Thank you!!

hi katelyn ... I recently bought the eos R6 too and I think it's a little gem. now buying the 85 f2 is a bit too expensive for me. do you think the new RF 85 f2 is a good choice? have you already been able to have it in your hands? obviously there is a big difference in price between the two but f2 is an RF for the R6. what do you think about it? sorry for my English.

I TOO LOVE this lens, most of my favorite photos were shot with the 85mm 1.8. they are almost silky smooth, I can see a HUGE difference in what I shoot with my 85mm vs 24/70 or my 50mm. I can see a big difference in your examples above, LOVE the 85 shot, not so much on the 50, I feel the customer got lost in the 50. Could not agree with you more.

How well would this lens work on a crop sensor camera?

Thank you for all you all do! My question may be off beat. Do you think its possible to find a way to use an 85 and a 35 throughout a wedding day while maintaining a consistent style? I want my work to lean heavier on the feeling of intimacy/journalism the 35 provides, but I also love the impact the 85 creates especially in portraits and ceremonies.

Do you have a video on the 85mm 1.8? Mine I feel is nearly so super slow :/ I use it on the R6 and it just feels super slow and misses focus so much :( I'm getting ready to sell it and just save up for something else.

Any reason why you didn’t frame the 50mm exactly as the 85mm by closing the distance when shooting the 50mm? That would give better comparison of subject isolation right?

Do you always use high iso natural light outdoor photos

Great vid Katelyn. Can you possibly talk sometime about making it through the wedding day in one piece. Keeping “on it” and giving your best all the way through. Pacing yourself. Snacks. Getting through a 10 hour day and getting the best out of every moment it tough. (maybe that’s just because I’m 50.😂)

I have debated between the 85 and a 35 because of the distance....I love my 70-200 because the images are amazing but boy do I have to be a field away! Thanks for this...love the Lighting and Location course!

Hey I’m only 13 I just started my photography business and I just shot my first wedding it was super exciting and couldn’t have made it without your videos helping me along the way! But I have a question. Can I buy any 85mm lens? Or does have to be this one? Ps. I’m a huge fan and I definitely look up to your work!!

Quick question . . . just started using the 85mm - whenever I focus on one person anyone else in the pic is blurred (soft). So if I focus on one person and recompose anyone else in the pic is "soft." What am I doing wrong?

Have you ever used a 135, I use mine a lot and really like it as well I finally got the 50 and like it also, just not sure how the 85 would fall into the mix.

Im Not sure why but purchased my 85 1.8..I have a different type of excitement with this lens .. I am not a pro , but just using it Makes me feel it will put me on the right path for my vision ..

I'm curious if you have used the 135 mm and how you would compare the 85 to it. Worth getting the 85 if you already own the 135??

If you’re on a budget would you suggest the 85 1.8 or holding out and saving for the 1.4?

I used to do wedding with hasselblad for 20 years + during film age... if I pick my system again now, I will go for M43...

Do you think it is worth to change this lens for the new RF 85 1.2?

90% of my work is from my 85 1.4. It does not compare to any other lens and I will shoot entire sessions with it, only pulling out another lens if absolutely necessary. It’s beyond amazing!!!

I started shooting as a kid with a 50mm on a fully manual film Praktica in the 80's and, as a kid, I'd says that the 50mm suited me just fine. However, as an adult, I like the 85mm better. Not sure why, but the distance from the subject, I feel, is more appropriate in the adult world.

So I have the Canon 70-200 L series lenses. Everyone loved it, so many great reviews. But it is heavy. Regretting the purchase. I need to work more with lens. How do compare it to your favorite. Do you prefer your 85 more?

I got a 85mm nikon lens i like to know how to use it better please explain to me

Why do you choose the 1.4 over the 1.2?

Okay, I have the 85 1.2 - is there a big difference between that and the 85 1.4?

I'm guessing (judging from your style), that you don't use filters or polarizers at all? Thanks for sharing your knowledge with us!

I have always wanted to get an 85mm. The 135mm is my favorite portrait lens but I need to be pretty far back.

I also use 85mm for weddings, and guess what, I rarely switch to another focal length… 👍

I really like my 85mm too

Hi! How do you feel about the 105mm?

When you're at home inside what is the lens that stays on your camera to catch those moments.

Why the 1.4 vs 1.2? Tried looking in your videos but couldn't find if you've done one

What are your thoughts on using the 85mm for large group photos?

Here because I’m trying to like 85 lol 50 is my baby. The example shot is a little confusing. Would have liked to see the 50 with the same composition as the 85, but it’s a good point that the 85 will continually force you to be more intentional.

Do you shoot with this lens generally wide open? Or is there a sweet spot you have discovered?

I have this lens and the 85mm 1.8 also. I was never happy with the clarity of the 1.8 but the 1.4 is amazing. I got it for it's IS which is very uncommon on such a fast lens. I use it on a 7D2 so it works out to be about 135mm, very good for subject separation and background control. I tend to get in close with it so I use it different to you but I think I love it just as much! My insta for anyone interested: instagram.com/tonygrantpix

Do you ever use the 85mm during wedding ceremonies? Do you find yourself preferring something wider like a 24mm instead?

I wonder how many 85s you've sold with this video lol.. I have the canon 85mm 1.8 and have been trying to use it more. But since switching to the R6 I've been wanting the 50 1.2... but... hmmm...

How is the 85 different than a 100? I have a 100mm.

I havent used mine very often because I am afraid to use it with families since I would have to be so far away. Do you have examples with families?

I don’t think of the 50mm as a distance lens. It’s a closer up portrait lens. It has a purpose. Different from the 85mm

Do you love the 85mm 1.4 more than the 1.2?

So...the 85 1.4 is newer and better, but it’s less expensive than the 85 1.2?🤔

And why 85 more than 135?

Is it just me or Do they seem a bit over exposed! I could be wrong!