JINTU vs Canon EF

Overview of the 85mm f1.8 Portrait Lens and Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens

The 85mm f1.8 Portrait Lens is priced at $94.99, while the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens is available for $169.00. This makes the 85mm lens about 44% cheaper than its Canon counterpart. Both lenses cater to photographers seeking to enhance their portrait photography, yet they come with distinct features and build quality that may influence your purchase decision.

The 85mm f1.8 Portrait Lens, manufactured by JINTU, promises exceptional sharpness and a robust metal construction. In contrast, Canon's EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens is well-known for its compactness and superior autofocus capabilities. This article delves into various aspects of both lenses, helping you decide which one fits your needs better.

Build Quality and Design

The 85mm f1.8 Portrait Lens boasts a strong metal body construction, making it feel durable and reliable in various shooting conditions. Its design is focused on providing exceptional clarity with minimal distortion, appealing to photographers who prioritize image quality. However, it's important to note that this lens is manual focus only, which may deter some users.

On the other hand, the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens is designed to be compact and lightweight, weighing approximately 5.6 ounces. The lens features a rugged metal mount and an improved focus ring, making manual adjustments easier. Additionally, it incorporates a stepping motor (STM) that allows for near-silent autofocus, enhancing the user experience, especially during video recording.

Focal Length and Aperture

The 85mm f1.8 Portrait Lens has a focal length of 85mm, making it ideal for portrait photography due to its ability to create beautiful background blur. Its large f/1.8 aperture allows for excellent light intake, enabling photographers to shoot in low-light conditions while still achieving artistic depth of field effects.

Conversely, the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens offers a focal length of 50mm, which is more versatile for everyday photography, including landscapes and street photography. The f/1.8 aperture also performs well in low light, but its effective focal length converts to approximately 80mm on APS-C cameras, making it somewhat akin to the 85mm lens in certain scenarios. This feature allows photographers to fill the frame comfortably while capturing sharp images.

Autofocus and Manual Control

The 85mm f1.8 Portrait Lens features manual focus and aperture control, giving photographers total control over their images. This lens does not have electronic contacts, which means it will show "lens not attached" when mounted on a camera. While this may appear inconvenient, it allows for more precise focal adjustments, which can be beneficial for experienced photographers who prefer full control.

In contrast, the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens provides automatic focusing with full-time manual focus capability. This means that photographers can quickly switch between autofocus and manual control as needed. The STM technology allows for smooth transitioning during video shooting, making it an excellent choice for content creators who need quiet and efficient focus.

Image Quality

The 85mm f1.8 Portrait Lens is designed to deliver exceptional sharpness due to its high index and low dispersion elements. It effectively minimizes distortion, ensuring that images maintain a high level of quality, especially for portraits where detail is crucial. The manual focus feature can be a double-edged sword; while it offers precision, it might require an adjustment period for those used to autofocus systems.

Meanwhile, the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens also focuses on delivering sharp, vibrant images. Its new lens arrangement and coatings minimize ghosting and flare, which can significantly enhance image quality. This lens excels in low-light scenarios, capturing atmospheric images without compromising on quality, thanks to its effective aperture design.

Price and Value

The 85mm f1.8 Portrait Lens is priced at $94.99, making it a budget-friendly option compared to the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens, which retails for $169.00. This price difference of about $74 signifies that the JINTU lens is approximately 44% less expensive. For photographers on a budget or those who are just starting with portrait photography, the 85mm lens offers excellent value without sacrificing quality.

However, the Canon lens justifies its higher price with features such as STM autofocus, improved build quality, and versatility for various types of photography. The additional cost may be worthwhile for users who require a reliable autofocus system and a lightweight design for everyday shooting.

Versatility in Use

The 85mm f1.8 Portrait Lens is primarily designed for portraits, but its capabilities extend to landscapes, architecture, and even sports photography. The ability to create beautiful bokeh makes it a favorite among portrait photographers who wish to isolate their subjects against blurred backgrounds.

In contrast, the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens is widely regarded as a "walk-around" lens, suitable for a variety of photography styles, including portraits, action shots, and nighttime photography. The 50mm focal length offers versatility, allowing photographers to easily transition from one type of scene to another without changing lenses.

Which should you buy?

Choosing between the 85mm f1.8 Portrait Lens and the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you prioritize manual control and are looking for a budget-friendly option primarily for portrait photography, the 85mm f1.8 Portrait Lens is an excellent choice. However, if you value autofocus efficiency, a compact design, and versatility for various photography styles, the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens is worth the investment. Both lenses offer unique advantages, making them solid options in the realm of portrait photography.