Canon EF 85mm f/1.2L II USM Autofocus Lens USA
- Price: $2,089.00
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The Canon EF 85mm f/1.2L II USM Autofocus Lens is a fast lens that delivers superb optical performance. A maximum aperture of f/1.2 makes it the professional's choice for shooting without flash in low light conditions. The large aperture also provides fine control over depth of field for compelling portrait photography.
Retaining the impressive optical performance and large aperture of its predecessor, this medium telephoto lens has been improved with a Ring-type USM, high-speed CPU and optimized algorithms to achieve an autofocus speed approximately 1.8x faster than the original. The high-speed AF and circular aperture create a shallow depth-of-field that brings attention to the subject and blurs the background, which is ideal for portraits and weddings.
- L-Series
- The L-series is Canon's flagship professional lens range, combining outstanding image performance and ultimate operability with dust and moisture resistant construction.
- Large f/1.2 Aperture
- The large maximum aperture of f/1.2 provides outstanding speed for shooting in low light conditions, without the need for flash.
- Fast and Quiet AF
- The ring USM uses ultrasonic frequency vibrations to drive extremely rapid auto focus with near-silent operation. A high-speed CPU and optimized AF algorithms contribute further to AF speed. Full time electronic manual focus override is available without having to switch out of AF.
- Super Spectra Coatings
- Super Spectra lens coatings and lens element shaping suppress flare and ghosting, more prone to occur with digital cameras due to reflection off the image sensor. Coatings also help achieve true color balance and increase contrast for vivid hi-fidelity images.
- Aspherical Element
- The floating optical system, which includes an aspherical lens element, suppresses aberrations and ensures excellent imaging performance.
- 8-Bladed Circular Aperture
- The circular aperture creates a shallow depth-of-field that brings attention to the subject and blurs the background, which is ideal for portraits and weddings.
Go To
| Performance | |
|---|---|
| Focal Length | 85 mm |
| Aperture |
Maximum: f/1.2 Minimum: f/16 |
| Camera Mount Type | Canon EF |
| Format Compatibility |
35mm Film / Full-Frame Digital Sensor Canon (APS-C) |
| Angle of View | 28° |
| Minimum Focus Distance | 3.12' (95 cm) |
| Magnification | 0.11x |
| Maximum Reproduction Ratio | 1:9.09 |
| Groups/Elements | 7/8 |
| Diaphragm Blades | 8 |
| Features | |
|---|---|
| Image Stabilization | No |
| Autofocus | Yes |
| Tripod Collar | No |
| Physical | |
|---|---|
| Filter Thread | 72 mm |
| Dimensions (DxL) | Approx. 3.6 x 3.3" (9.14 x 8.38 cm) |
| Weight | 2.26 lb (1.03 kg) |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 423 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
98%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Strong construction (281)
- Durable (235)
- Consistent output (213)
- Nice bokeh (199)
- Fast / accurate auto-focus (198)
Cons
- Heavy (182)
- Slow focus (145)
- Tough to attach (37)
- Pricey / poor value (8)
- Heavy / bulky (7)
Best Uses
- Weddings (219)
- Low light (213)
- Night photography (171)
- Portraits (137)
- Sports/action (46)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Pro photographer (104), Semi-pro photographer (103), Photo enthusiast (65), Enthusiast (40), Professional (39)
- Was this a gift?:
- No (191), Yes (10)
Most Liked Positive Review
I'm having it welded to my 5D Mark II...
I'm a portrait, action sports and wedding photographer. I have a 5D Mark II and a 50d. I travel around with some nice L glass, such as the 70-200f2.8 IS and the ...Read complete review
I'm a portrait, action sports and wedding photographer. I have a 5D Mark II and a 50d. I travel around with some nice L glass, such as the 70-200f2.8 IS and the 24-70mm L, 17-40mm L, and lots of other great Canon glass. I also have a couple of other lesser-but-still-fantastic primes.
I tried this and the 135mm f2 for 4 days and probably made the mistake of putting this hunk of glass on my 5D as a first choice...
After 2 days of trying it, I gave it back early and bought my own...
First, the sharpness on this lens, even wide open, has got to be seen to be believed. If you're careful with your focus and nail the shot, the rewards are greater than every single one of my zooms combined. For me, that's the single biggest benefit of the lens. The color and contrast as well is so incredibly dynamic that I frankly can't figure out what to do with the photos in post production that would make them better than they are when properly focused and exposed...it's that good.
Regarding the f1.2 aperture, it takes some getting used to. The DOF at this aperture is like dental floss, and if you're shooting more than 1 person, even if they are right next to each other, any difference in the focal plan will be evident with this lens and one of your subjects will be out of focus. Stopping it down to around f3.5 seems to close the loop for people standing next to each other and you'll need to stop down more if people are standing behind each other on different focal planes.
The lens is really for portraits, so it's not a moving-subject lens, but I can't think of a reason why anyone would be looking at this lens if they are trying to shoot sports, fast moving objects, kids running, etc. Put the time into your focus, take a breath, and pull the trigger and the thumbnails will immediately tell the tale. I was walking around the house saying, "This is insane!" Finally my wife and kids told me to knock it off ;-)
The focus mechanism, which requires power to the camera, doesn't bother me.
The slower time to lock focus doesn't bother me as you'll see that you're dealing in small bits and bytes of light in order to lock in when wide open.
The element in the back of the lens is right there almost flush, so it does take a little more tenderness to get the lens on the camera, but it's a big beast and it's worth the extra caution in order to get this hooked onto your camera. It's likely that after you take some pictures, you won't be removing the lens anytime soon.
If you're comparing this to the 135mm L, I would say "Get both, but get this one first if you're doing fashion or wedding portraits." The 135mm got me in a little too close for the kinds of portraits I shoot, but it was equally stunning and easily doubles as an indoor or outdoor sports lens. I don't really believe these lenses compete, but in fact serve different purposes depending on what you want to see in the frame when you put the camera up to your eye. 135L is next on my list, and it's also really wonderful, sharp, and for me, a better choice for a tight portrait than is my 70-200mm pulling me top heavy over the camera...
The 85mm 1.2 is really special, and although it has a definite niche that it fills while other lenses might do several jobs slightly better, there is no other lens like it in its primary role.
Run, don't walk, to the "Add to Cart" button and, once you face the strengths and limitations of this beauty, you won't want to take it off the camera.
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
Slow & Heavy, but excellent image qualit
Big, slow, heavy, well-built with excellent image quality. Great bokeh, but too slow to focus for my taste. It drove me nuts. Great for portraits, but too slow for any type ...Read complete review
Big, slow, heavy, well-built with excellent image quality. Great bokeh, but too slow to focus for my taste. It drove me nuts. Great for portraits, but too slow for any type of sports, action or pj imaging.
Reviewed by 423 customers
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Displaying reviews 1-20
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Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Nice Bokeh
- Rugged
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
Comments about Canon EF 85mm f/1.2L II USM Autofocus Lens:
i've only used this lens for a short while but i am very impressed with the sharpness of the images and the bokeh at f/1.2. it took me a while to spend this kind of money, but i'm glad that i did. i use it for portraits.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Canon EF 85mm f/1.2L II USM Autofocus Lens:
I have hesitated a long time before buying this lens, but today, I don't regret my choice to invest in quality for a while. When I talk about investment, it is a real investment. Lens price don't really drops over years, but your DSLR will. It is sure that it weight is heavy, but you forgot it when you see what you have shooted. The results are so wonderfull, clear, bright with a finess you have never seen before. If you have enough money to buy it, do not hesitate. The benefit will be at least twice the sacrifice made to pay for.
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Nice Bokeh
- Rugged
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Night Photography
- Sports/Action
- Weddings/Events
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Canon EF 85mm f/1.2L II USM Autofocus Lens:
I've primarily used this lens wide-open at F1.2, for both depth of field effects and lower-light captures (around dusk). This is BY FAR the nicest / sharpest lens I have used (compared to the 35L, the 50/1.4, the 24-105, the 24-70, and the 70-200 2.8 II IS). I expected sharpness as a prime, but WOW!
The lens is very well built, with a solid feel. It is a bit on the heavy side, but balances a 1D body well. I also very much like the lens hood design - easier on/off than other factory hoods.
No compliants whatsoever - this is my favorite all time lens.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Nice Bokeh
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Slow Focus
- Tough To Attach
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Night Photography
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Canon EF 85mm f/1.2L II USM Autofocus Lens:
This is a wonderful lens for dimly lit, indoor events where you need the reach of 85MM on a full frame sensor. Whether shooting a school play or a cocktail party, the results are wonderful. I would recommend using a monopod given the lack of IS. The AF is relatively slow, so I would disagree with those who say it can be used for indoor sporting events. My copy required a +5 microadjustment which is well within a normal range of tolerance. Shooting wide open at f/1.2 is nice, but this lens really shines at f/2.0. Don't believe the hype over Sigma's 85mm f/1.4, this lens wins hands down.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend
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Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Canon EF 85mm f/1.2L II USM Autofocus Lens:
Portrait... best lens I have ever had...
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon EF 85mm f/1.2L II USM Autofocus Lens:
This is taking our photography up yet another level - incredible aperture
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Nice Bokeh
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Slow Focus
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Night Photography
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Canon EF 85mm f/1.2L II USM Autofocus Lens:
I waited a year, finally i got this lens., After saw a Tutorial photography by Karl Taylor, He suggested to have these 2 lenses: Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM Telephoto Zoom Lens & EF 85mm f/1.2L II USM as a main lens. After Purchased and do some tests on this lens. The overall picture quality is outstanding, the color and bokeh is very nice, although the focus is a little bit slow compare to 70-200mm but all around this is a fantastic lens.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Image quality
- Low Light
- Nice Bokeh
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Not Weather Sealed
- Slow Focus
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Portraits
Comments about Canon EF 85mm f/1.2L II USM Autofocus Lens:
I read a bunch of reviews on the product and knew the strengths and weaknesses of the lens before I bought it. It surpassed my expectations on focusing in low-light situations and image sharpness.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Focus
- Nice Bokeh
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Photography
- Sports/Action
- Video
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Canon EF 85mm f/1.2L II USM Autofocus Lens:
I purchased this lens to be used for indoor, portrait, and wedding photography. I also film video using Canon DSLRs. This lens is awesome for both photography and video. It has amazing optical performance and produces very sharp and clean images.
I primarily use L-series lenses due to their outstanding construction and moisture and dust resistance.
When compared to the 50mm 1.2 L lens, this focuses slightly slower but still quick enough for me.
I love the 1.2 aperture. This gives outstanding speed and clarity for shooting low light conditions (video is amazing in low light with this lens).
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Nice Bokeh
- Rugged
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Slow Focus
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Canon EF 85mm f/1.2L II USM Autofocus Lens:
Yes, the focusing mechanism is slow. Yes, shooting wide open at f/1.2 isn't ideal in many situations. And yes, it is a heavy front focusing lens. But when you get the shot right?....Wow, the image quality is simply magical. If you're on the fence, don't be. Close your eyes and plop down the $$$ - all smiles/no regrets!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Nice Bokeh
- Rugged
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Sports/Action
- Video
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Canon EF 85mm f/1.2L II USM Autofocus Lens:
Best in clad optics. High durability. Perfect for portraits or any bokeh rendering. Worth every penny. Wish there was a zoom with the quality of this prime but there just isn't.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Nice Bokeh
- Profesional
- Rugged
- Strong Construction
Cons
- NONE
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Night Photography
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Canon EF 85mm f/1.2L II USM Autofocus Lens:
Can't contribute to whats allready been said, I love this lens it ROCKS! Got over the slow focus with all its other +'s. This you will not regret this purchase its my #1 lens:)
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Nice Bokeh
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Expensive
- Heavy
- Slow Focus
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Night Photography
- Portraits
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Canon EF 85mm f/1.2L II USM Autofocus Lens:
I have been drooling over this lens for years! I Contemplated between the 1.4 or 1.2 for a long timeand finally took the plunge on the 1.2 after reading all the amazing online reviews. ! It is everything they said it would be! Im in LOVE!!! Yes, it's VERY heavy and it can be difficult to focus properly wide open, but those are really my only complaints! Creates the most creamy bokeh and stunning color!!! Its a great portrait lens, a little too slow for faster moving subjects though... Once you get over the sticker shock it's sooo worth the money!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Nice Bokeh
- Rugged
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Heavy
- Slow Focus
Best Uses
- Portrait photography
Comments about Canon EF 85mm f/1.2L II USM Autofocus Lens:
I chose this lens over 24-70L + 100L and I don't regret it because this lens is all I need for my work. This is the best and the heaviest prime lens for portrait photography.
Pros
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Lightweight
- Nice Bokeh
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
- Macro Photography
- Sports/Action
Comments about Canon EF 85mm f/1.2L II USM Autofocus Lens:
Great all around portrait lens
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Nice Bokeh
- Rugged
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
- Video
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Canon EF 85mm f/1.2L II USM Autofocus Lens:
As far as the technical aspects of the lens, it lives up to it's hype; as it should. There is nothing that I was disappointed about & I throughly tested the extents of the lens. I was actually quite impressed with the build quality of the lens, a large improvement on other non revised L lenses. Really, if you're in the market, and you have uses for the lens, there is no alternative. Massive bokeh (if you're in to such things), incredible sharpness, true rich colors and contrast, not as slow on focussing as I expected. I'm highly satisfied with the usefulness of the lens.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Control depth of field
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Portraits
Comments about Canon EF 85mm f/1.2L II USM Autofocus Lens:
Perfect lens to make portraits because give you a nice depth of field control.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Nice Bokeh
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Children and newborns
- Indoors/Low Light
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Canon EF 85mm f/1.2L II USM Autofocus Lens:
I am a photographer and this by far is my most favorite - go to lens. It has the smoothest bokeh of any lens I have ever used to date. It is heavy, and that is one thing some may not be totally crazy about, but to be totally honest - i like having my camera be nice and sturdy feeling! This lens performance is incredible, and I do most of my shooting without a flash due to it's maximum aperture! I understand it is pricy, but absolutely worth every penny spent!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Great in Low Light
- Nice Bokeh
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Slow Focus
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Video
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Canon EF 85mm f/1.2L II USM Autofocus Lens:
I use the lens mainly for weddings. It performs excellent in most cases. The quality that it can produce is stunning. The large aperture is great for low light churches that don't allow flash (as long as your subject is still). It does focus relatively slow compared to other L series lenses, which is why I recommend using a faster focusing lens for low light, moving subjects. Overall an excellent lens!
It also excels for video
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Fast
- Low Light
- Nice Bokeh
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Expensive but unmatched
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Sports/Action
Comments about Canon EF 85mm f/1.2L II USM Autofocus Lens:
As been stated ad nauseum, this lens is an incredible addition to my collection.
I purchased this lens for indoor volleyball photos, and to call it "fast" seems like the understatement of the year. I continue to be amazed at how much action I can catch with normal indoor light conditions.
The shallow depth of field of this lens @ f1.2 means I have quite a few "throw away" images, but the in-focus images are quite honestly just amazing. The subject's action is frozen and crystal clear on a buttery soft background -- blurred just right so the subject seems almost 3D.
I love it. But now I think I need a 50mm, and maybe a 35mm too, so I can get a wider FoV in gymnasiums where spectators sit courtside!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
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- Price: $39.99
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- Price: $4.99
What's in the Box
- 72mm Snap-On Lens Cap
- Lens Dust Cap E (Rear)
- ES-79 II Lens Hood
- LP1219 Soft Lens Case
- 1-Year Canon USA & Canada Limited Warranty
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