What is Canon Serenar 85mm f/2?
Canon Serenar 85mm f/2 is a vintage lens manufactured by Canon in the mid-20th century. This lens is part of the Serenar lens series, which was known for its exceptional image quality and performance. The 85mm focal length makes it an excellent choice for portraits, as it allows for a flattering perspective and a shallow depth of field.
Features and Specifications
The Canon Serenar 85mm f/2 has several notable features that set it apart from other lenses of its time:
1. Aperture: With a maximum aperture of f/2, this lens excels in low-light situations and offers beautiful bokeh (the quality of the out-of-focus areas in an image).
2. Manual Focus: The lens requires manual focus, allowing the photographer to have full control over the focusing process. This can be a rewarding experience for those who enjoy the art of manual focusing.
3. Compact Design: The Serenar 85mm f/2 is relatively small and lightweight compared to modern lenses, making it easy to carry around and a great option for travel photography.
4. Metal Construction: The lens is built with a sturdy metal construction, adding to its durability and giving it a premium feel.
Image Quality
The Canon Serenar 85mm f/2 is highly regarded for its exceptional image quality. It produces sharp images with excellent contrast and color rendition, capturing details with precision. The lens performs admirably even when used wide open at f/2, and stopping it down further enhances the sharpness across the frame.
Using the Canon Serenar 85mm f/2
To get the most out of this vintage lens, it is recommended to shoot in manual or aperture priority mode on a compatible Canon film camera or a mirrorless camera with an appropriate adapter. Manual focus can take some practice, but with patience and experience, it becomes easier to achieve accurate focus.
When shooting portraits, the 85mm focal length allows for a comfortable working distance between the subject and the photographer. The wide aperture of f/2 enables a shallow depth of field, which can create a pleasing separation between the subject and the background.
Conclusion
The Canon Serenar 85mm f/2 is a classic lens that continues to hold its value in the world of vintage photography. Its exceptional image quality, compact design, and beautiful bokeh make it a favorite among portrait photographers and enthusiasts alike. While it may require some manual effort to use, the results obtained from this lens are often worth the extra time and attention. So, if you’re looking to add a unique and creative touch to your photography, the Canon Serenar 85mm f/2 is definitely worth considering.
