Canon CN-E 85mm T1.3 LF Cine Lens
The Canon 85mm T1.3 LF is a 85mm f/1.3 lens designed for Canon EF mount cameras. Used copies start from $1,354.56 on GearFocus, with buyer protection on every purchase.
Canon CN-E 85mm T1.3 LF Cine Lens
Used Canon 85mm T1.3 LF Listings on GearFocus
Lens Overview — Canon 85mm T1.3 LF
Key Features — Canon 85mm T1.3 LF
85mm Prime Focal Length: A dedicated standard focal length well-suited to portraiture, interviews, and medium close-up cinematic compositions.
T1.3 Maximum Aperture: A fast maximum aperture that allows shooting in low-light conditions and produces shallow depth of field with pronounced subject separation.
T-Stop Calibration: Rated in T-stops rather than f-stops, meaning the aperture value reflects actual measured light transmission for reliable exposure matching across a lens set.
Full-Frame Coverage: Designed to cover full-frame sensors, making it compatible with modern large-format cinema and hybrid camera systems.
Canon EF Mount: Mounts via the Canon EF standard, offering broad compatibility with EF-mount cinema bodies and adaptable to other systems with the appropriate mount converter.
Manual Focus Design: Purpose-built for cinema workflows where a focus puller operates the lens via a follow focus rig for precise, repeatable focus control.
Lens Specifications — Canon 85mm T1.3 LF
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Use Cases | Video / Cinematography, Portrait, Studio |
| Lens Type | Cine |
| Format | Full Frame |
| Zoom/Prime | Prime |
| Focal Length | 85mm |
| Maximum Aperture | f/1.3 |
| Camera System | Cinema / Video |
| Lens Mount | Canon EF |
| Autofocus | No |
| Focus Type | Manual |
| Image Stabilization | None |
| Weight | 1100g |
Description — Canon 85mm T1.3 LF
The Canon CN-E 85mm T1.3 LF is a prime cinema lens with an 85mm focal length and a maximum aperture of T1.3, calibrated using the T-stop system for accurate, real-world light transmission measurement. Built to cover full-frame sensors, it mounts via the Canon EF mount and is classified under Canon's dedicated cinema lens range. It is a manual focus lens with no autofocus capability, designed for use in structured professional production environments where focus control is handled by a dedicated operator.
With no image stabilization, the lens is intended for use on stabilized rigs, dollies, or tripod-based setups. Weighing 1100g, it carries the physical presence expected of a professional cinema prime. The 85mm focal length sits in the standard focal length range, well-suited to interview work, portraiture-style cinematography, and medium close-up framing on full-frame cinema cameras.
Pros — Canon 85mm T1.3 LF
- ✓Fast T1.3 maximum aperture delivers strong light-gathering performance for demanding shooting conditions
- ✓T-stop rating ensures accurate, measurable light transmission for consistent exposure across productions
- ✓Full-frame coverage (lensFormat: Full Frame) supports modern large-sensor cinema cameras
Cons — Canon 85mm T1.3 LF
- ✗No image stabilization (imageStabilization: None) means the lens relies entirely on external stabilization solutions
- ✗Manual focus only — no autofocus capability, which limits use in run-and-gun or solo shooting scenarios
- ✗At 1100g, the weight demands a properly rigged support system for extended handheld use
Videos — Canon 85mm T1.3 LF
Canon Sumire CN-E Lenses - First look & Test Footage — CVP
Frequently Asked Questions — Canon 85mm T1.3 LF
What camera mount does the Canon CN-E 85mm T1.3 LF use?+
The lens uses a Canon EF mount. This makes it compatible with cinema and hybrid camera bodies that accept the Canon EF mount standard.
Does this lens support autofocus?+
No. The Canon CN-E 85mm T1.3 LF is a manual focus only lens. It is designed for professional cinema productions where a dedicated focus puller operates a follow focus rig.
What does the T1.3 aperture rating mean compared to an f-stop?+
T-stops measure actual light transmission through the lens rather than the theoretical aperture geometry that f-stops represent. A T1.3 rating gives cinematographers a precise, real-world exposure value, which is especially useful when matching exposures across multiple lenses in a cinema set.
Will this lens cover a full-frame sensor?+
Yes. The lens is specified with a Full Frame lens format, meaning it is designed to cover full-frame sensors without vignetting.
Does the Canon CN-E 85mm T1.3 LF have image stabilization?+
No. The specifications confirm the image stabilization is listed as None. For stable footage, this lens should be used with a gimbal, tripod, or other external stabilization system.
How heavy is this lens?+
The lens weighs 1100g. This is a substantial weight appropriate for rigged cinema camera setups, and it should be accounted for when planning a camera rig and support configuration.