BENOISON vs lightdow EF/EF-S 420-

Overview of the 85mm f1.8 Portrait Lens and EF/EF-S 420-800mm F8.3 Telephoto Zoom Lens

The 85mm f1.8 Portrait Lens is priced at $96.22, while the EF/EF-S 420-800mm F8.3 Telephoto Zoom Lens comes in at $65.69, making it about 31.7% cheaper than the 85mm lens. This price difference reflects the distinct capabilities and target uses of each lens. The 85mm lens is designed primarily for portrait photography, emphasizing sharpness and aesthetic bokeh, while the 420-800mm lens caters to wildlife and distant subject photography with a telephoto zoom capability.

Intended Use and Photography Style

The 85mm f1.8 Portrait Lens is tailored for photographers who focus on portraiture and street photography. Its large f1.8 aperture allows for stunning background bokeh, an essential feature for creating beautiful depth-of-field effects in portrait shots. On the other hand, the EF/EF-S 420-800mm F8.3 Telephoto Zoom Lens is designed for capturing distant subjects, such as wildlife or landscapes, making it ideal for photographers seeking to shoot from a distance. This difference in intended use is crucial when deciding which lens to purchase based on your primary photography interests.

Focus Mechanism

Manual focus is a key feature of both lenses, but they implement it differently. The 85mm f1.8 Portrait Lens requires the camera to be set to manual mode, which may trigger a "Lens not attached" error if not properly configured. Users must manually adjust focus, which can help develop focusing skills but may present a learning curve for beginners. The EF/EF-S 420-800mm F8.3 Telephoto Zoom Lens also utilizes a fully manual focus design and offers a similar requirement for manual camera settings. This feature can enhance creative control but may not suit everyone, particularly those accustomed to auto-focus systems.

Compatibility

The 85mm f1.8 Portrait Lens is compatible with a wide range of Nikon DSLR cameras, including models like the D3500, D850, and D7500. In contrast, the EF/EF-S 420-800mm F8.3 Telephoto Zoom Lens is specifically designed for Canon cameras, supporting numerous models such as the EOS Rebel series and the 5D Mark IV. This distinct compatibility is essential for users to consider, as it determines which lens can be effectively used with their existing camera systems.

Aperture and Light Gathering

The 85mm f1.8 Portrait Lens features a large aperture of f1.8, which allows it to gather more light and perform well in lower-light conditions. This is particularly beneficial for portrait photography, where soft lighting can enhance the subject's features. Conversely, the EF/EF-S 420-800mm F8.3 Telephoto Zoom Lens has a narrower maximum aperture of f8.3 at its shortest focal length and f16 at the longest, making it less effective in low-light situations. This difference in aperture can significantly affect image quality based on the shooting environment.

Price Comparison

The 85mm f1.8 Portrait Lens retails at $96.22, while the EF/EF-S 420-800mm F8.3 Telephoto Zoom Lens is priced at $65.69. This price difference of approximately $30.53 highlights a significant factor for budget-conscious photographers. While the 85mm lens offers specific advantages for portraiture, the affordability of the 420-800mm lens may appeal to those looking for versatility without spending a premium.

Build Quality and Features

Both lenses are designed with a focus on durability and ease of use. The 85mm f1.8 Portrait Lens emphasizes manual focus and exposure control, which allows photographers to learn and grow their skills. It is particularly noted for its large focus ring that aids in precision. The EF/EF-S 420-800mm F8.3 Telephoto Zoom Lens includes internal focus mechanisms and UMC technology to minimize aberrations, ensuring high-quality images. Both lenses are built to withstand the rigors of photography, appealing to amateur and professional photographers alike.

Which should you buy?

Choosing between the 85mm f1.8 Portrait Lens and the EF/EF-S 420-800mm F8.3 Telephoto Zoom Lens ultimately depends on your photography needs. If you are focused on portrait and street photography, the 85mm lens with its large aperture and ability to create stunning bokeh may be the better choice, despite its higher price. However, if you require a versatile lens for capturing distant subjects or wildlife photography, the EF/EF-S 420-800mm lens offers greater flexibility at a lower cost. Consider your camera compatibility and shooting style to make the best decision for your photography endeavors.