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Canon RF 85mm f/1.2 L USM DS Lens

BH #CA8512DSRF • MFR #3450C002
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Canon RF 85mm f/1.2 L USM DS Lens
Key Features
  • RF-Mount Lens/Full-Frame Format
  • Aperture Range: f/1.2 to f/16
  • Defocus Smoothing Coating for Soft Bokeh
  • Blue Spectrum Refractive Optics Element
Prioritizing bokeh, the Canon RF 85mm f/1.2 L USM DS is a unique portrait-length prime, characterized by its flattering focal length, exceptionally bright maximum aperture, and advanced optical design. Differentiating itself from Canon's other RF 85mm f/1.2 lens, this version features a DS (Defocus Smoothing) coating that helps to soften and smooth the bokeh quality when working at wider aperture settings, making it particularly suitable for shallow depth of field applications.
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Canon RF 85MM F/1.2L USM DS Overview

Prioritizing bokeh, the Canon RF 85mm f/1.2 L USM DS is a unique portrait-length prime, characterized by its flattering focal length, exceptionally bright maximum aperture, and advanced optical design. Differentiating itself from Canon's other RF 85mm f/1.2 lens, this version features a DS (Defocus Smoothing) coating that helps to soften and smooth the bokeh quality when working at wider aperture settings, making it particularly suitable for shallow depth of field applications.

Beyond the bokeh-optimized design, the optical layout of this lens incorporates a Blue Spectrum Refractive Optics element; a specially developed element that helps to nearly eliminate chromatic aberrations and color fringing for notable clarity and color accuracy. In addition to this, an ultra-low dispersion element and one aspherical element are also featured to further control various aberrations and distortion for great sharpness and resolution. Individual elements also feature an Air Sphere Coating to suppress flare and ghosting for high contrast and color fidelity when working in bright and backlit conditions.

Complementing the imaging capabilities is an apt ring-type Ultrasonic Motor, which delivers fast, near-silent autofocus and full-time manual focus override. A unique Control Ring is also integrated into the lens design for intuitive control over exposure settings from the lens itself.

Portrait-length prime is designed for full-frame Canon RF-mount mirrorless digital cameras.
Exceptionally bright f/1.2 maximum aperture affords extensive control over depth of field for selective focus applications and also benefits working in low-light situations.
Defocus Smoothing coating helps to achieve an especially soft and smooth bokeh quality when working at wide aperture positions. While this coating softens the look and feel of the out-of-focus regions in an image, sharpness is still retained on the in-focus portions for noticeable subject separation and an overall three-dimensional quality. The effect is greatest when working at f/1.2, however the DS coating requires approximately 1.3 stops more exposure than the standard version of the lens when shooting wide open. By f/3.2, the two versions of the lens have nearly identical light transmission and performance.
Blue Spectrum Refractive Optics element virtually eliminates color fringing and chromatic aberrations by refracting shorter wavelengths of the visible spectrum (blue light).
One aspherical element and one UD element also help to control aberrations and distortions for sharper, clearer image quality.
An Air Sphere Coating (ASC) has been applied to lens elements to reduce backlit flaring and ghosting for maintained light transmission and high contrast in strong lighting conditions.
Ring-type Ultrasonic Motor (USM), along with optimized focusing algorithms, a high-speed CPU, and an internal focusing design, is employed to deliver fast, precise, and quiet autofocus performance as well as full-time manual focus override.
Configurable Control Ring can be used to adjust a variety of exposure settings, including aperture, ISO, and exposure compensation.
As a member of the esteemed L-series, this lens has a weather-resistant design that protects against dust and moisture to enable its use in inclement conditions.
Rounded 9-blade diaphragm contributes to a pleasing bokeh quality.
UPC: 013803326758

Canon RF 85MM F/1.2L USM DS Specs

Color
Black
Focal Length
85mm
Aperture
Maximum: f/1.2
Minimum: f/16
Lens Mount
Canon RF
Lens Format Coverage
Full-Frame
Angle of View
28° 30'
Minimum Focus Distance
2.79' / 85 cm
Magnification
1:8 Macro Reproduction Ratio
0.12x Magnification
Optical Design
13 Elements in 9 Groups
Aperture/Iris Blades
9, Rounded
Focus Type
Autofocus
Image Stabilization
No
Filter Size
82 mm (Front)
Dimensions
ø: 4.06 x L: 4.62" / ø: 103.2 x L: 117.3 mm
Weight
2.63 lb / 1195 g
Packaging Info
Package Weight
3.5 lb
Box Dimensions (LxWxH)
11 x 10 x 6"

Canon RF 85MM F/1.2L USM DS Reviews

All in one

By Omi
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2025-06-11

The best 85mm in the market and B&H as always with the best service both in delivery and attention

My new favorite balloons

By Scott
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2024-12-13

It did not take long to realize what an improvement this lens is over the EF version it is an amazing, sharp lens with a beautiful bokeh. I am so glad I purchased it. I wish I had made the changes sooner. It is my go to Lynn’s. It is always on my camera. It’s low light capabilities are outstanding. It is a real money maker. B&H was so helpful with my purchase.

See any errors on this page?

How is "defocus smoothing" different from an ...

How is "defocus smoothing" different from an apodization filter? Does defocus smoothing slow the lens down in all apertures, or just wide open?
Asked by: Edward
After seeing another video on this, Canon has lens darkening towards the edge on 2 different lenses, both of which must be near (
Answered by: John
Date published: 2019-12-22

what's the difference between defocus smoothing ...

what's the difference between defocus smoothing and image stabilization? why eos r doesn't have built in stabilizer which option is the best for me
Asked by: Karla
Defocus Smoothing (DS) is a coating on the lens that smooths out of focus areas/bokeh when shooting at wide apertures. It is purely for looks. Image Stabilization (IS) is a mechanism in the lens (and/or body) that reduces blurriness from vibrations, especially when shooting at lower shutter speeds.
Answered by: Kevin
Date published: 2022-01-18

is defocus smoothing same as image stabilizer? I ...

is defocus smoothing same as image stabilizer? I have a canon eos r which doesn't come with built in image stabilizer...
Asked by: Karla
Defocus Smoothing just makes the bokeh (out of focus areas) look smoother than usual. It is not related to Image Stabilization which is indicated by "IS" in lenses that have it.
Answered by: Kevin
Date published: 2020-12-13

Is this lens good for astrophotography?

Is this lens good for astrophotography?
Asked by: Colin
It all depends on the type of composition you prefer shooting. Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM DS Lens angle of view is 28° 30' which may be too narrow for Astrophotography compositions. I will recommend starting with a 35mm. There aren't any Canon L series 35mmprime lenses yet. Canon has a 15-35mm ultra wide angle lens on the RF L series.
Answered by: Llinelva D
Date published: 2021-05-10

I am deciding between the DS vs non-DS 85 mm ...

I am deciding between the DS vs non-DS 85 mm lens. How much aperture speed/ stops am I losing in getting the DS version?
Asked by: Ramilo
Would there a good reason to go for the Standard version over the DS version??
Answered by: Ryan
Date published: 2023-04-23
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