Canon EF-M 85mm f/1.8 IS STM lens may be on its way

Canon is allegedly working on an EF-M 85mm f/1.8 IS STM telephoto prime lens for EOS M mirrorless cameras that will be announced in the near future.

When Canon announced the EOS M3 in anticipation of the CP+ 2015 event, digital industry fans have assumed that the Japan-based company will start releasing more products for the mirrorless market. So far, there have not been any indications that this will become true, as the official announcements have been absent, while the rumor mill has only said that the manufacturer will launch a new 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 kit lens soon. However, sources are back with new Information; it seems like a Canon EF-M 85mm f/1.8 IS STM lens is in development and it is not so far from being unveiled.

Canon could be working on an 85mm f/1.8 lens for EOS M mirrorless cameras which could be announced soon

Canon EF-M 85mm f/1.8 IS STM lens rumored to be unveiled in the near future

EF-M-mount users have only one prime lens at their disposal out of a total of four available lenses. It is hard to use any of them for portrait photography, so Canon will have to address this shortcoming at some point.

It is likely that this moment is close as the rumor mill is claiming that a Canon EF-M 85mm f/1.8 IS STM lens is on its way. The exact timeframe for the announcement is unknown, but the optic could be introduced soon.

It will be compatible with all EOS M cameras and it will offer a 35mm focal length equivalent of approximately 135mm. Its telephoto focal length and bright aperture combination will turn it into an ideal portrait photography tool for EOS M mirrorless camera owners.

If it does become a reality, then the Canon EF-M 85mm f/1.8 IS STM lens will join the following four EF-M-mount lenses:

• 11-22mm f/4.5-5.6 IS STM offering a 35mm equivalent of 17-35mm;
• 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM offering a 35mm equivalent of 29-88mm;
• 55-200mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM offering a 35mm equivalent of 88-320mm;
• 22mm f/2 STM offering a 35mm equivalent of 35mm.

Another possibility: this lens could be aimed at EF cameras instead of EF-M models

There is a chance that the source is mistaken and that the lens is actually an EF-mount model. It could replace the existing EF 85mm f/1.8 lens which has been around for ages.

The lens is available at Amazon for full-frame EOS cameras for a price around $350. A replacement is long overdue and it would not surprise anybody if it became official soon.

Either way, it is worth keeping an eye on this story to see how it unfolds. Stay tuned!