JINTU vs Canon EF-S 18-

Overview of the 85mm f1.8 Portrait Lens and Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM

The 85mm f1.8 Portrait Lens is priced at $94.99, making it about 72% cheaper than the Canon EF-S 18-135mm, which retails for $329.95. This price difference could significantly influence a photographer's decision, particularly those on a budget. The two lenses cater to different photography needs and styles, which will be explored in detail.

Design and Build Quality

The 85mm f1.8 Portrait Lens features a strong metal body construction with a hybrid aspherical element, promising exceptional clarity and minimal distortion. This lens is designed for manual focus, allowing photographers more control over their images. In contrast, the Canon EF-S 18-135mm boasts an inner focusing system, which contributes to its compact design while offering a longer zoom range. The 18-135mm lens also includes a zoom ring lock to prevent accidental extension, showcasing a practical design feature. Overall, while both lenses are built well, the 85mm f1.8 emphasizes manual artistry, whereas the Canon lens leans towards versatility and ease of use.

Focal Length and Aperture

The 85mm f1.8 Portrait Lens provides a fixed focal length of 85mm with a large aperture of f1.8, ideal for creating beautiful blurred backgrounds and emphasizing subjects. This makes it a great choice for portrait photography, where depth of field is crucial. On the other hand, the Canon EF-S 18-135mm offers a versatile zoom range from 18mm to 135mm, with a maximum aperture of f3.5-5.6. This allows for a wider range of shooting scenarios, from landscapes to portraits. However, the smaller maximum aperture means it may not achieve the same level of background blur as the 85mm lens.

Image Quality

The image quality from the 85mm f1.8 lens is enhanced by its large aperture and high index glass, which minimizes distortion and enhances clarity. Photographers can expect sharp images, particularly in portrait settings where the lens excels. In contrast, the Canon EF-S 18-135mm utilizes one UD and one PMO aspheric lens to deliver high-resolution images with reduced chromatic aberration. While both lenses are capable of producing quality images, the 85mm f1.8 is specialized for portraits, whereas the 18-135mm is designed for a variety of photography styles, including video.

Autofocus and Operation

One of the key differences lies in the autofocus capabilities. The 85mm f1.8 Portrait Lens is a manual focus lens, which requires the photographer to set the focus manually, providing total control but demanding more skill and patience. This might deter some users who prefer the convenience of autofocus. In contrast, the Canon EF-S 18-135mm features a high-speed autofocus system, aided by a refined image stabilization system that is particularly beneficial for video shooting. This makes the Canon lens more user-friendly, especially for those who may not have extensive experience with manual focusing.

Versatility and Use Cases

The 85mm f1.8 Portrait Lens is particularly suited for portrait photography, but it is also versatile enough for landscapes and wedding photography. Its ability to create a shallow depth of field enhances the artistic quality of images, making it a favorite among portrait photographers. On the other hand, the Canon EF-S 18-135mm is designed for a wide range of applications, from scenic landscapes to dynamic portraits and video recording. Its zoom capability allows photographers to adapt quickly to varying shooting conditions, making it a more versatile all-in-one lens.

Price Comparison

At $94.99, the 85mm f1.8 Portrait Lens is significantly more affordable than the Canon EF-S 18-135mm, which costs $329.95. This represents a price difference of approximately $234, making the 85mm lens about 72% cheaper. For those who are budget-conscious or new to photography, the lower price point of the 85mm lens might be very appealing. However, the added features and versatility of the Canon lens could justify its higher price for more experienced photographers seeking a flexible solution.

Which should you buy?

Ultimately, the choice between the 85mm f1.8 Portrait Lens and the Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM depends on your specific photography needs and budget. If you are focused on portrait photography and desire manual control for artistic shots, the 85mm f1.8 is an excellent choice at a fraction of the cost of the Canon lens. However, if versatility and ease of use are your priorities, especially for video and various photography styles, the Canon EF-S 18-135mm may be worth the investment. Consider what type of photography you plan to pursue, and choose accordingly.