Canon announced the release of its new 85mm f/1.4L IS lens, which is impressive in that it's not only Canon's first 85mm lens with image stabilization (IS), but it's also the company's first full-frame lens with a 1.4 aperture.
Canon does have a faster 85mm lens (Canon EF 85mm f/1.2 L II), but this new 85mm f/1.4 is still very fast. With four stops of image stabilization, the newer lens is also potentially more useful for run-and-gun film makers who are often shooting handheld, and more affordable at $1,599.00 than the 85mm f/1.2 which retails for $1,899.99.
Credit: Canon Rumors
Also, if you're shooting on an APS-C sensor camera (like the Canon EOS 7D), you get all of the fast-glass-goodness of this Canon lens with a crop factor that gives it a focal length equivalent of almost 135mm (a staple focal length for many filmmakers).
This new Canon 85mm f/1.4 IS lens has all the professional features you'd expect (9-blade rounded aperture, dust and water resistance, fast auto-focusing, an aspherical element which reduces chromatic aberration and lens distortion, and ASC coating on the lens to reduce ghosting and lens flares). It is also lighter than its 85mm f/1.2 counterpart. Weighing in at just 2.09lbs it's about .17lbs lighter despite being nearly 30% longer (4.1" vs 3.3").
With expected availability in mid-November, you can pre-order the 85mm f/1.4L IS lens now.
Tech Specs:
- EF Mount
- 85mm Focal Length
- f/1.4 Maximum Aperture
- Image Stabilization
- 77mm Front Diameter
