Lens Review, Camera ReviewMorten ByskovFebruary 13, 2023Fringer EF-GFX Pro Adapter, EF 85mm on GFX, Fujifilm GFX 50R, Canon EF 85mm f/1.4L IS Adapted to Fujifilm GFX, Canon EF 85mm f/1.4 on GFX, Canon 85mm 1.4 on Fuji GFX, Canon EF 85mm f/1.4L IS Adapted to Fujifilm GFX sample images, Canon EF 85mm f/1.4L IS Adapted to Fujifilm GFX sample photosComment

Canon EF 85mm f/1.4L IS Review - Adapted to Fujifilm GFX

Canon EF 85mm f/1.4L IS adapted to a Fujifilm GFX 50R using a Fringer EF-GFX Pro adapter — The Canon EF 85mm f/1.4L IS adapted to the Fujifilm GFX 50R with a Fringer EF-GFX Pro adapter

Adapting the Canon EF 85mm f/1.4L IS to Fujifilm GFX With the Fringer EF-GFX Pro Adapter

When I took a look at the Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM a few weeks ago (adapted to the GFX 50R), I was slightly torn as I found it somewhat limiting on the GFX. Vignetting was an issue when stopped down and corner sharpness was also a challenge.

I decided to move up a notch in the hierarchy of Canon EF 85mm lenses and rented the Canon EF 85mm 1.4L IS for a weekend expecting and hoping it would perform better than the f/1.8 version

For almost a decade, I used the Canon EF 85mm f/1.2L II on a series of Canon 5D cameras and it was a workhorse lens that I used in my photography business for a variety of topics.

I always found the EF 85mm f/1.4L IS tempting with its sleek modern design but never did get around to trying it. The fact that it has IS (image stabilization), is certainly appealing, especially considering that my GFX 50R does not have IBIS.

The EF 85mm f/1.4L IS version is slightly lighter at 2.09 lb, 950 g, versus 2.26 lb, 1025 g, for the f/1.2L II version but in reality, the difference is rather minimal.

Now that I have moved on to a Fujifilm GFX camera I was curious to see how the EF 85mm f/1.4L IS would perform on the larger than full-frame sensor and in this review, I used it with the Fringer EF-GFX Pro adapter on my GFX 50R.

Outdoor lights are strung by the Wicked Cafe on West 6th Ave in Vancouver. Sample image from a Canon EF 85mm f/1.4L IS adapted to Fujifilm GFX using a Fringer EF-GFX Pro adapter. — West 6th Ave., Vancouver, Fujifilm GFX 50R, Fringer EF-GFX Pro Adapter, Canon EF 85mm f/1.4L IS @ f/1.4, ISO 100, 1/400s, slightly cropped

Handling

Initially, I was enthused by the look of the EF 85mm f/1.4L IS on the GFX 50R. The lens has the same diameter as the Fringer adapter and the combination looks well-matched. The filter size is 77mm.

There is no getting around that this is a large lens in my paradigm and after a couple of hours of shooting it started to dawn on me how big it really is and I would be lying if I didn’t mention that the weight bothered me somewhat. The EF 85mm f/1.8 was much easier to deal with when it comes to bulk and weight.

When I first attached the lens to the camera autofocus speed was horrendously slow but as soon as turned the camera off and on and reattached the lens things improved drastically and in single-shot mode, I had no problems with the sample images you will see in this review.

The entrance to Granville Island in Vancouver. Sample image from a Canon EF 85mm f/1.4L IS adapted to Fujifilm GFX using a Fringer EF-GFX Pro adapter. — Granville Island, Fujifilm GFX 50R, Fringer EF-GFX Pro Adapter, Canon EF 85mm f/1.4L IS @ f/2.5, ISO 100, 1/240s, full sensor, no correction of vignetting

EF 85mm f/1.4L IS on Fujifilm GFX - Vignetting

Along with the Canon EF 40mm f/2.8 STM, the EF 85mm f/1.4L IS is excellent in how well it covers the GFX sensor and I basically shot it throughout the entire f-stop range without worrying too much about it.

Vignetting is certainly visible at f/1.4 but with a pleasing transition and it is useable wide open even without corrections. Already by f/2, it gets better and it is hard to see at f/4 and f/5.6.

Please see the vignetting examples below in the range from f/1.4 to f/8.

Please click to view a larger image.

Vignetting of the Canon EF 85mm f/1.4L IS on Fujifilm GFX using the Fringer EF-GFX Pro Adapter. f/1.8-11.

Image Quality

I could see a difference in the files compared to the EF 85mm f/1.8 I tested a few weeks ago, even on the back LCD. Most noticeable was the behavior when it comes to vignetting where the EF 85mm f/1.8 was vignetting more so when stopped down.

Later during post-processing, it also became apparent that the EF 85mm f/1.4 is an “L” lens from Canon with a signature that I recall from my time with a number of “L” lenses. The colors are rich, the bokeh is wonderful, and there is a wonderful sharpness to the images without being too clinical.

There is smearing to a small degree in the corners when shooting at lower f-stops but I never found it too distracting unless pixel peeping. But it is certainly there so keep in mind that if you want really clean files you would need to crop photos slightly.

Check the sample images in this article which can be viewed up to 2500 pixels wide depending on the size of your monitor.

Conclusion

The EF 85mm f/1.4L IS pairs nicely with a GFX camera without too many sacrifices. The image quality is very good and short of buying a Fujifilm GF 80mm f/1.7 R WR it provides a more affordable option that includes image stabilization and is quite capable of producing very pleasing images.

You should be able to find used copies for around $1,200.00 whereas a new copy will set you back $1,599.00. In comparison, the GF 80mm f/1.7 R WR is $2,299.00 new and probably a bit harder to find used for around $1,600.00.

I would probably opt for a used GF 80mm f/1.7 R WR or wait for a sale. If spending this kind of money I would rather go the extra mile and have a seamless operation without the adapter in a more compact and lighter package at a very similar focal length.

The scenario is different if you already own the EF 85mm f/1.4L IS and perhaps consider adding a GFX camera to your kit. In such a case the EF 85mm f/1.4L IS could be a good option for you until you move towards exchanging your lenses for native Fujifilm glass.

Please see more sample images below.

Price / Availability

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Canon EF 85mm f/1.4L IS Adapted to the Fujifilm GFX 50R - Sample Images

Please see the sample images below. Editing was done in Capture One and I used Fujifilm film simulations for some of the photos. Some of the images are cropped slightly.

Please click to view larger images.