about 85L III

[RichATL]

My only complaint with the 85L is that the lens extends to focus...
Functionally it's not a problem, I just have an OCD habit of wanting all the lenses set to their smallest profile when they go back into my bag (un-zoomed, etc), and if you don't focus the 85 to infinity before removing it, you can't get it back in by turning the focusing ring.

The AF for me (on the 5d3) is a non issue... It's "slow" because the gearing has to be precise for the 1.2 aperture, but with the badass AF system on the 5d3, it's really splitting hairs calling it "slow".  Granted... when on a weaker AF system, if the 85 would start searching back and forth, it was frustrating...but so far (3 weeks of 5d3 ownership) I've been nothing but pleased with the 85L

I don't think an update is necessary...Maybe IS, but that would just make that lens unwieldy and not to mention even MORE expensive.
If anything I'd make it IF... but that's not enough to warrant an upgrade

[cezargalang]

I had the pleasure of using this lens for a few days (Burrowed from a friend) and i must say, this lens really impressed me. Build quality is really good, Images are sharp, bokeh is amazing! But when i tried shooting moving subjects, it focused really slow, couldn't keep up. But then again, this lens is mainly for portraits and non moving subjects. Even if the AF is slow sometimes, i wouldn't want an update to this.

[ecka]

I really hope 85LII can be upgraded.
Not for the reason of its IQ, but its build quality regarding dust-proof, drip-proof, mechanical loose and front extension.....
If mk3 can solve some of these especially dust proof and loose...I shall buy it.
I don't expect to buy a L toy but has to worry about its build quality.

85L II is only 6 years old... what are you talking about? I'd rather see a new (downgrade) 85/1.4(L?)USM (smaller, faster AF and weather-sealed) in $1000-$1500 price range. There are many old primes (15-20 years) waiting for an update and 85L II isn't one of them.

[GND]

Not only is it 6yo it ranks among the best 3-4 lenses in the entire EF line. King of the portrait realm. On the other hand we have a 50/1.4, the standard bearer, that's badly outdated. I don't know if it's the tsunami, these seem like erratic priorities.

Having said that, the only reason fit for an improvement (not "upgrade") is its weight (1kg). Canon have shown they can considerably reduce weight with the super-tele lineup. Also, focusing at razor thin f/1.2 is a tough assignment for the A/F system, this could be further adjusted. In all, this may just be another rumor...

[Viggo]

Not only is it 6yo it ranks among the best 3-4 lenses in the entire EF line. King of the portrait realm. On the other hand we have a 50/1.4, the standard bearer, that's badly outdated. I don't know if it's the tsunami, these seem like erratic priorities.

Having said that, the only reason fit for an improvement (not "upgrade") is its weight (1kg). Canon have shown they can considerably reduce weight with the super-tele lineup. Also, focusing at razor thin f/1.2 is a tough assignment for the A/F system, this could be further adjusted. In all, this may just be another rumor...

I'm thinking if the really upgrade the 50mm f1,4 in a way that the 24 L has been updated, or the TS 24, or 70-200 2,8, the 50 f1,4 would be way better than the 50 L, so I would love to see those upgraded together Get the 85 L IQ in the 50 with non of the 50 issues and same AF as the 24 L II =epic lens.

[RLPhoto]

I know this is an 85mm III thread but isnt the 85 II such an awesome lens as it is right now? I hope prices don't start at 3 grand for the version III because then I still won't be able to afford the the version II when prices drop.

Isn't the 135mm f2 already due for an update? I'd much rather have a 135 f1.8L like the sony/zeiss counterpart. IS would be even better!(as long as no IQ is lost)

[prestonpalmer]

The 85 is a great lens.  I can see some improvements with regards to Video compatibility when V3 is released.

[Jakontil]

I gave up my 50mm 1.2 in place of an 85 1.2 II for its lens effects, bokeh and range regardless its front extention focusing and non weather resistant.... IQ i definetely go for 82 1.2 II

[Mt Spokane Photography]

Be sure you never pick up the EF 500mm f/4.5L USM (predecessor to the 500mm f/4L IS) - released in 1992 and it, too, has electronic manual focus (aka focus by wire) - I'm sure you'd find it feels nothing like a $6000 lens in the hand. 

I had the old 600mm f/4L, it had the focus by wire and I loved it.  Two focusing speeds, so for fine manual focus, the slow speed let me tweak the focus on a stationary object until it was perfect.  I only used it with stacked TC's, but when I did, it was fantastic.

[Daniel Flather]

Why does the 85 ii have focus by wire?  Why does it not have a "normal" focus mechanism? 

[neuroanatomist]

Why does the 85 ii have focus by wire?  Why does it not have a "normal" focus mechanism?

Why is the sky blue?  Why is the ocean salty? 

Ok, so there are real explanations for those, and I assume for electronic manual focus on the 85L II as well - but Canon hasn't said.  If I were to speculate, I'd guess that engineering two sets of gearings (USM and manual) for such a large focusing element (since the 85L uses a front focus mechanism, and that front element is huge) was a significant challenge, and Canon decided it would be easier just to have a single gearing to move the focus, and two ways to activate it.

[CHpatent]

Functionally it's not a problem, I just have an OCD habit of wanting all the lenses set to their smallest profile when they go back into my bag (un-zoomed, etc)

hahaha, that makes (at least) two of us...

and if you don't focus the 85 to infinity before removing it, you can't get it back in by turning the focusing ring.

I found that if you focus with the lens cap on it will hunt and stop at its shortest extension.