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 409 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
98%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Strong construction (268)
- Durable (225)
- Consistent output (204)
- Fast / accurate auto-focus (193)
- Nice bokeh (188)
Cons
- Heavy (178)
- Slow focus (139)
- Tough to attach (36)
- Heavy / bulky (7)
- Pricey / poor value (7)
Best Uses
- Weddings (209)
- Low light (201)
- Night photography (165)
- Portraits (135)
- Sports/action (43)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Pro photographer (100), Semi-pro photographer (98), Photo enthusiast (61), Enthusiast (40), Professional (39)
- Was this a gift?:
- No (179), 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 409 customers
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Displaying reviews 1-20
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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
Pros
- Nice Bokeh
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Portraits
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Canon EF 85mm f/1.2L II USM Autofocus Lens:
For portraits and low light situations - wide open.
- Was this a gift?:
- Yes
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Nice Bokeh
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
- Macro Photography
- Night Photography
- Sports/Action
- Weddings/Events
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Canon EF 85mm f/1.2L II USM Autofocus Lens:
Fantastic. Clear! Quick. Slightly heavy, but worth the wait. And worth every penny. An important investment.
- Was this a gift?:
- Yes
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon EF 85mm f/1.2L II USM Autofocus Lens:
It is great, bought it for portraits, and my first use was for my new grandson, only 2 weeks old, and good memories captured. The way you can introduce bokeh when you want is unreal, as good as it says on the tin, it makes a great difference, create a portrait not a picture. But don't expect to lug this around all day, it is very heavy lens, could be like a gym workout and its expensive. Its uses may be a be a bit constrained, unlike a telephoto but taking the plus's and minus's you still have a 5 star product and I do not think you will be dissapointed
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Nice Bokeh
Cons
Best Uses
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Canon EF 85mm f/1.2L II USM Autofocus Lens:
I love this lens! The images are stunning, good contrast, sharp, wonderful colors.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon EF 85mm f/1.2L II USM Autofocus Lens:
First shot with this lens on my Canon D50 so sharp you could cut yourself. I can see why the reviews were so good before I brought it. Brilliant lens period.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Nice Bokeh
- Rugged
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Night Photography
- Sports/Action
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Canon EF 85mm f/1.2L II USM Autofocus Lens:
This lens is nothing short of amazing. The fastest piece of glass I have ever stuck to my 5D Mark II. I utilize this along with my 24-70mm F2.8L. The 85mm 1.2 is definitely a specialty lens and NOT for everyone. Also, if you have no idea what an F1.2 is, you have no business buying this lens. The ability to run such a shallow depth of field does not mean you should always try to do each shot down to 1.2. For close up Portrait work, this is really amazing. However, depending on how your studio is setup, a fixed 85mm will of course (for obvious reasons) not replace other lens to take good full body shots.
I do find I play around in the F1.8 to 2.0 range probably more than the 1.2. No matter how you use this lens, it is a solid solution...with a price tag to match the performance.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Nice Bokeh
- Rugged
- 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:
Sharp wide open with amazing bokeh!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Nice Bokeh
- Rugged
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Slightly Heavy
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Night Photography
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Canon EF 85mm f/1.2L II USM Autofocus Lens:
I am so in love with this lens ....it has now become my most favourite lens in my kit! Love the sharpness, the tones, the way it handles in low light ....it was definitely well worth the wait! I had put it on my dream list for two years .....and i am in totally satisfied with it!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend
Images shared by Jo-Ann
Images shared by Jo-Ann
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Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Nice Bokeh
- Rugged
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Photography
- Weddings/Events
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Canon EF 85mm f/1.2L II USM Autofocus Lens:
Been using this glorious lens with my 5D mark II, and can't say enough good things about it. The sharpness is out of this world, and the bokeh.....I'll just leave it at that. I highly recommend this lens to anyone who wants nothing but perfection!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Nice Bokeh
- Strong Construction
- Superb Image Quality
Cons
- Expensive
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Night Photography
- Portraits
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Canon EF 85mm f/1.2L II USM Autofocus Lens:
This lens is as good as advertised: construction is L-class, image bokeh is phenominal and the aperture is as wide as it gets in the current Canon lineup. Sure, the auto-focus is not as fast as some other lens. But that should not be the excuse you couldn't take good pictures. It takes practice to understand how to best utilize this tool. Once you master it, it will open up new world on how you take your pictures and you won't be disappointed. Some say this is a portrait lens; but I've used it to shoot objects and events with great results. I'm planning to use it for more creative photography as well. Only complaint I have is the price. But this is what I have to pay for for a lens this fast.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Heavy
- Slow Focus
Best Uses
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Canon EF 85mm f/1.2L II USM Autofocus Lens:
I am a portrait photographer. you need this lens. It gives some awesome blurred backgrounds.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Rugged
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Night Photography
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Canon EF 85mm f/1.2L II USM Autofocus Lens:
-How you use the product
For family, nature, and various other pictures
-Things that are great about it
Superior Bokeh
-Things that aren't so great about it
Not a multiple use lens
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Nice Bokeh
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Photography
- Sports/Action
- Weddings/Events
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Canon EF 85mm f/1.2L II USM Autofocus Lens:
I've used the 85mm 1.8 lens for three years and I was very happy with it. But the f1.2 II is more than awesome. The focus and its bokeh is great.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Nice Bokeh
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
Comments about Canon EF 85mm f/1.2L II USM Autofocus Lens:
I really love this lens. This is good addition to my gears. :)
- Was this a gift?:
- No
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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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