Canon FL 85-300mm lens

The Canon FL 85 - 300mm lens is part of the FL series of lenses produced by Canon between 1964 and 1971. The 85 - 300 is a zoom lens with a maximum aperture of 5 and minimum aperture of 22.

The FL range of lenses was replaced by the FD range of lenses but had the same mounting system so could be used on FD mount cameras. FL and FD lenses were replaced by the current EF range and cannon be mounted on any Canon EF cameras. For this reason the FL range became redundant and second hand lenses became very affordable.

With the introduction of Canon's 5D Mark II digital SLR the FL 85 - 300 has made a comeback. The 5D Mark II is the first Canon digital SLR to record high definition video and the FL 85 - 300 has quickly become highly sought after because of its high quality optics and ability to be used on the modern EF body through a simple adaptor. 5D film makers are also buying up FD and FL lenses for their ability to have the aperture open and closed manually. The FL 85 - 300 has become the most desirable lens in the FL range for modern day 5D filmmakers because at 300mm f.5 it offers superb depth of field with manual aperture control.

The 85 - 300 is also popular with users of Bolex 16mm film camera but must be mounted with an adaptor.