This lens just came up on my radar - the Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 lens.

I'm always looking for the best equipment for my Canon Digital SLR. And when I find one, I always want it. Unfortunately, I can't always give in to my desires because the lenses are not cheap. I mean, let's face it, my family really needs to come first, in spite of my intense desires. After all, I am a family guy, first and foremost.

Bottom line is that my photography hobby has financial limitations. I am not a pro, so I can't use that as an excuse to buy the newest and best. That makes me a kind of "window shopper" most of the time. But every so often, there a Canon lens that is so compelling it can't be overlooked.

For me, one of those "must have" lenses is the Canon 85mm f/1.8. It simply must be in my camera case (or on my Canon camera). It isn't just a desire, it's a necessity. Maybe my viewpoint is a bit skewed by visions of wonderful images, but this lens is good enough to "seem" like a necessity.

My passion stems from the following observations about the Canon 85mm f/1.8 lens.

1. User reviews at the online stores. This is my main source of reading material. Call me a nerd, if you want, but I read equipment reviews like others read the daily news. It's just what I do. When I came across the reviews for the Canon 85mm f/1.8 I felt as if I had made one of the most exciting discoveries since beginning my digital SLR experience. You really should do yourself a favor and read these review at Amazon.

2. The Canon 85mm lens has the perfect focal length for a Canon Portrait lens. Perhaps you have read that 135mm is the perfect portrait focal length. Me too. In fact, a Canon 135mm L lens is on my wish list, and it is the lens choice of many pro portrait shooters. But they are using cameras that are full frame, much more expensive cameras than I can afford. So with my digital SLR, there is an APS-C sensor. If you own a Canon entry-level DSLR, or even a mid-level model, you have the same kind of sensor. You are probably familiar with this as it relates to your lens choices. The sensor changes the focal length of any lens by a factor of 1.6x. That 1.6x applied to an 85mm lens gives an effective focal length of 136mm. Can you get any closer to 135?

3. Great price for a super wide aperture. Aperture is arguably the most important feature of a lens (aside from the quality of the glass, of course) because it is the opening width of the lens to let in light. In "lens speak," the smaller the aperture number, the wider the opening. In this case, f/1.8 is extremely wide, letting in lots of light. What is the significance of a wide aperture? "Bokeh," my photographic friend. When you speak of portrait lenses, bokeh is a term that comes up all the time. It refers to that beautifully blurred background that pros seek when shooting head shots. The wide aperture of the Canon 85mm f/1.8 lens really lends itself to those professional looking photos with great bokeh. And at a price that is a fraction of what you have to pay for that Canon 135mm L lens.

That's why I am so stoked about this lens. Of course there are some technical specifications you may be interested in. It's always a good idea to completely research a lens prior to spending. I personally feel that one of the best things to consider when buying a lens is that they can be used even if you upgrade your digital camera. Manufacturers do not upgrade lenses as often as cameras. The Canon 85mm lens has been around for quite a while, and it still satisfies those who buy it. It will bring a smile to your face, as well.