Mixing a short-telephoto focal length with a bright maximum aperture, the EF 85mm f/1.2L II USM is a Canon L-series lens well-suited for portraiture. The impressively fast f/1.2 maximum aperture affords a great degree of control over depth of field for isolating subjects and producing desirable selective focus effects. Complementing these qualities is a sophisticated design that includes one aspherical element to suppress spherical aberrations and notable sharpness and clarity, and a floating optical system is used that maintains image quality throughout the focusing range. A Super Spectra coating has also been applied to limit flare and ghosting and promote greater contrast and color accuracy in a variety of lighting conditions. Complementing the imaging attributes, a ring-type USM is employed to deliver quick and quiet autofocus performance along with full-time manual focus control.
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Key Features
- EF-Mount Lens/Full-Frame Format
- Aperture Range: f/1.2 to f/16
- One Aspherical Element
- Super Spectra Coating
Mixing a short-telephoto focal length with a bright maximum aperture, the EF 85mm f/1.2L II USM is a Canon L-series lens well-suited for portraiture. The impressively fast f/1.2 maximum aperture affords a great degree of control over depth of field for isolating subjects and producing desirable selective focus effects. Complementing these qualities is a sophisticated design that includes one aspherical element to suppress spherical aberrations and notable sharpness and clarity, and a floating optical system is used that maintains image quality throughout the focusing range. A Super Spectra coating has also been applied to limit flare and ghosting and promote greater contrast and color accuracy in a variety of lighting conditions. Complementing the imaging attributes, a ring-type USM is employed to deliver quick and quiet autofocus performance along with full-time manual focus control.
More DetailsCanon EF 85mm f/1.2L II USM Overview
Short-telephoto, portrait-length prime is designed for full-frame Canon EF-mount DSLRs, however can also be used with APS-C models where it provides a 136mm equivalent focal length.
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.
One aspherical element helps to suppress spherical aberrations and distortion for a high degree of sharpness and accurate rendering.
Floating optical system maintains clarity and sharpness throughout the focusing range.
Super Spectra coating has been applied to individual elements to minimize ghosting and flare for greater contrast and color neutrality when working in strong lighting conditions.
A ring-type Ultrasonic Motor (USM), along with optimized focusing algorithms and a high-speed CPU, is employed to deliver fast, precise, and quiet autofocus performance as well as full-time manual focus override.
Rounded eight-blade diaphragm contributes to a pleasing out of focus quality that benefits the use of shallow depth of field and selective focus techniques.
As a member of the esteemed L-series, this lens is sealed against dust and moisture for working in inclement environmental conditions.
Canon EF 85mm f/1.2L II USM Specs
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Packaging Info
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Canon EF 85mm f/1.2L II USM Reviews
Extremely sharp lens
By Larry
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2021-06-14
This is an awesome lens for portraiture shots. The 1.2 is extremely fast and the details are evident in every shot. A tripod is necessary to take full advantage of the wide open features. Focus is fast and accurate, and you can really dial in on the subject and blur the background. Highly recommend if you can handle a bit of weight.
They're going like hotcakes!
By Michael
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2021-02-17
Learn, learn, and learn! I can't stress it enough. Learn your gear. Do not buy this lens, spend 2 or 3 hours, or an entire weekend in your backyard, then, when you get back to your computer, complain about your pictures not looking razor-sharp. It does not work like that! Does the Canon EF 85mm 1.2L have chromatic aberration problems? Yes. Correctable? Yes. I correct mine in camera because DSLRs come with a feature that makes the correction if you choose to activate it. I shoot with a Canon 5Ds R, a very unforgiving camera; and I absolutely love it! 50 megapixels will teach you things about a lens that no book, classroom, or pixel-peeping critic can teach. When you nail your shot with this lens, bragging rights, baby, bragging rights! Remember, at f/1.2, if you or your subject moves just a tad forward or backwards, you'll miss the shot. Your eye-hand coordination has to become fine-tuned to the point where you snap the picture instinctively. That takes practice, lots of practice. Technical 'types' can find something wrong with anything, even if it's a Zeiss 100mm f1.4 Otus, the finest of its kind in the world! If you're spending your time criticizing, you are not shooting! In closing, let me say this. Any lens, in the hands of an artist, is a formidable tool! Take your time; and learn to take good pictures at 1.2!
See any errors on this page?
How suitable would this lens be for shooting ...
How suitable would this lens be for shooting lower-light evening outdoor performances with my D7 Mark II?
The Canon EF 85mm f/1.2L II USM Lens (B&H #CA8512LEF2) has a wide aperture range that will allow for more light to enter the camera. This would make it ideal for low light scenarios for most EF mount cameras, like the Canon EOS 7D Mark II DSLR Camera (B&H # PPSPEDPUFL).
Date published: 2023-12-20
Unfair question, but how does this lens compare ...
Unfair question, but how does this lens compare to the Pentax Takumar 85mm 1.8 in color, etc.?
I have not used the Pentax. Colors on the Canon 85 1.2L II are characteristic of the series—rich yet natural; good but not exaggerated contrast. Fully open the contrast between focus and unfocus creates a nearly 3D effect which even a 1.8 could not match.
Date published: 2021-07-02
question
Would this lens be compatible with the Panasonic GH4 with a Metabones Speed Booster and what focal length would it be when mounted on a mft system with the adapter?
Metabones has two different Speed Booster lens adapters that are compatible for use with Canon EF lenses, both which have different crop factor compensation for each. The Metabones T Speed Booster XL 0.64x Adapter for Full-Frame Canon EF-Mount Lens to Select Micro Four Thirds-Mount Cameras, B&H # MESPEFM43BT3, has a crop factor of 0.64x on Canon full-frame lenses. As such, the lens would become the equivalent of a 54.4mm f/0.8 lens, as 85mm x 0.64 = 54.4mm. This is the equivalent focal length/angle of view for the Micro Four Thirds sensor. If you are looking for the full-frame equivalent with this adapter, then as the Micro Four Thirds sensor has a 2x crop factor, the Canon 85mm f/1.2 lens would have the equivalent angle of view of a 108.8mm lens used on a full-frame camera.Likewise, the Metabones T Speed Booster Ultra 0.71x Adapter for Canon Full-Frame EF-Mount Lens to Micro Four Thirds-Mount Camera, B&H # MESPEFM43BT4, has a crop factor of 0.71x on Canon full-frame lenses. As such, the lens would become the equivalent of a 60.35mm f/0.9 lens. This is the equivalent focal length/angle of view for the Micro Four Thirds sensor. If you are looking for the full-frame equivalent with this adapter, then as the Micro Four Thirds sensor has a 2x crop factor, the Canon 85mm f/1.2 lens would have the equivalent angle of view of a 120.7mm lens used on a full-frame camera.
Date published: 2018-08-27
question
Is this the USA made version?
In situations where B&H offers both a USA and an imported version of a product, we label each version clearly and explicitly. If a product does not have an indication either way, it is understood to be by default a USA product. In situations where only a USA version is offered it will not be labeled USA. According to the information we have, our current inventory's Country of Origin is Japan. Please be aware this can change over the product's production life without notice.
Date published: 2022-10-07
question
Does an instruction manual come with the lens? Many thanks for your reply
An instruction manual is not included with the Canon ER 85mm f/1.2L lens, however, you can also find an online version of the instructions here: http://bit.ly/1ycxPhj
Date published: 2020-09-28
question
I am a tourist here in America and I really want to buy those lens. am I eligible for the $200 refund? How does the process work and how long till I get the money back? thank you so much!
The rebate is only valid for customer's located in the USA.
Date published: 2018-08-27
Is this lens weather sealed? Thank you.
Is this lens weather sealed? Thank you.
Yes, the Canon pro series L lenses are weather sealed.
Date published: 2020-06-30
question
Does this work with the Canon 7D?
Yes, this works on a Canon 7D. As the 7D is a Crop Sensor Camera, this lens will be the equivalent of a 136mm lens on this body. It is an excellent lens. If you ever go to a full frame body, it will be an 85mm on that body.
Date published: 2022-10-07