Lightdow 85mm Portrait Lens
Score: 66/100
Canon EF 50mm f.8 STM
Score: 77/100Rankings
The Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM is a compact, fast prime lens delivering excellent low-light performance and quiet autofocus. Its trade-offs include softness at the widest aperture, a plasticky body, and no weather sealing. Ideal for beginners, portrait shooters, and video creators seeking a lightweight, affordable fast lens.
The Lightdow 85mm f/1.8 is an affordable, all-metal manual-focus portrait lens for Canon EF mounts with a bright aperture and smooth 8-blade bokeh. It lacks autofocus and image stabilization, and its corner sharpness is softer at wide apertures. Best suited for manual-focus enthusiasts seeking budget-friendly portrait optics.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
85 mmbest | 50 mm | |
1.8best | 1.8best | |
| ↓ lower better | 0.85 m | 0.35 mbest |
| ↓ lower better | 430 g | 159 gbest |
8best | 7 | |
— | 0.2best | |
6best | 6best | |
6best | 5 |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Compatibility(1) | ||
Mount Compatibility | Canon EF/EF-S | Full-Frame, APS-C |
Features(2) | ||
Autofocus Type | None | STM |
Focus Type | Manual | AF |
Optics(5) | ||
Focal Length (mm) | 85 mm | 50 mm |
Minimum Focus Distance (m) | 0.85 m | 0.35 m |
Number of Optical Groups | 6 | 5 |
Diaphragm Blades | 8 | 7 |
Coating | Ultra Multi Coating (UMC) | Super Spectra |
Build & Design(4) | ||
Filter Thread Size (mm) | 72 mm | 49 mm |
Weight (g) | 430 g | 159 g |
Length (mm) | 110 mm | 39.3 mm |
Maximum Diameter (mm) | 70 mm | 69.2 mm |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers acknowledge the Lightdow 85mm f/1.8's solid metal construction and pleasing bokeh, crediting its aspherical and ED elements for good color fidelity and flare control. However, they point out the lack of autofocus and softer edge performance as significant drawbacks compared with native Canon lenses.
Consumers appreciate the lens's sharp portrait output, creamy bokeh, and lightweight feel for the price, but many struggle with the manual-focus workflow, encounter shutter-lock quirks, and note the limited close-focus capability and corner softness when shooting wide open.
Professional reviewers describe the EF 50mm f/1.8 STM as a surprisingly capable "nifty fifty" that delivers excellent color balance, sharpness when stopped down, and a quiet STM motor that makes it video-friendly. They note the upgraded metal mount and Super Spectra coatings improve durability and reduce flare, though they acknowledge persistent softness at f/1.8 and the absence of weather sealing.
Everyday users love the lens for its pocketable weight, sharp portrait and low-light results, and value as an entry-level prime. Common complaints focus on softness and vignetting at the widest aperture, the plasticky feel of the body, lack of weather sealing, and occasional AF noise in very quiet video recordings.
