At the top of the canon Rumors homepage is a link to the review for the Canon 85mm 1.8. I read through it, and also through the discussion thread that followed. This topic really got under a lot of peoples skin. People generally disagreed with some part of the review. A lot of people bashed the 1.8, and a lot bashed the 1.2L. I think I have a pretty good relationship with both lenses and a lot of the bashing is unnecessary.
So why am I bringing this up now? In the discussion of the review, someone even called the entire 85mm 1.8 review irrelevant because the lens was so old. The reason is that this lens is still very relevant. in certain circumstances it is an almost perfect 85mm prime. Why would this be? Read on.
First off when comparing the two lenses, they really both are capable of similar things. Creamy bokeh, Sharp images, good contrast, 85mm focal length. So what is the difference that some people would pay so much for the 85mm 1.2L? There are perfectly good reasons for some people.
Pros for 85mm 1.2L:
[list type=decimal]
[*]Red Ring Prestige
The impressive look of the Glass Canon ball. Even if you don't know what the red ring means, that huge chunk of glass is quite striking.
the look of the large aperture. It creates unique looking images wide open. It just does.
It is f1.2. and has lower light abilities. This can be very important.
Build Quality
[*]
[/list]
If you need or want any of these attributes of the 85 1.2L then have at it. It is a great lens. If I had the money, I would own it instead of rent it when I need it.
So after that, why would you want to have the 85mm 1.8.
The attributes of the 85 1.8 that make it desirable:
weight, it is insignificant when holding it for long periods of time.
The Auto Focus is very quick.
The Auto Focus accuracy, for me this lens has one of the highest keeper rates compared to all of the lenses I have ever used.
Cost, It is relatively inexpensive. I picked mine up used for $300.
So related to Portraits, I need to take a lot of portraits. I will shoot 3-5 photos of up to 150 people in one day. It is not possible with the 85 1.2L. I would miss a lot of shots, and lifting that weight would kill me. My keeper rate with the 1.8 is above 95%. I shoot at 5.6, and use studio lighting. If I was shooting one or two portrait sessions a day, I might consider the 1.2L, because it has a more interesting look when needed. but for what I do, I can't see carrying the extra weight and expense of the L.
What do you think? Do third party options even come into the picture at this level of value?
So why am I bringing this up now? In the discussion of the review, someone even called the entire 85mm 1.8 review irrelevant because the lens was so old. The reason is that this lens is still very relevant. in certain circumstances it is an almost perfect 85mm prime. Why would this be? Read on.
First off when comparing the two lenses, they really both are capable of similar things. Creamy bokeh, Sharp images, good contrast, 85mm focal length. So what is the difference that some people would pay so much for the 85mm 1.2L? There are perfectly good reasons for some people.
Pros for 85mm 1.2L:
[list type=decimal]
[*]Red Ring Prestige
The impressive look of the Glass Canon ball. Even if you don't know what the red ring means, that huge chunk of glass is quite striking.
the look of the large aperture. It creates unique looking images wide open. It just does.
It is f1.2. and has lower light abilities. This can be very important.
Build Quality
[*]
[/list]
If you need or want any of these attributes of the 85 1.2L then have at it. It is a great lens. If I had the money, I would own it instead of rent it when I need it.
So after that, why would you want to have the 85mm 1.8.
The attributes of the 85 1.8 that make it desirable:
weight, it is insignificant when holding it for long periods of time.
The Auto Focus is very quick.
The Auto Focus accuracy, for me this lens has one of the highest keeper rates compared to all of the lenses I have ever used.
Cost, It is relatively inexpensive. I picked mine up used for $300.
So related to Portraits, I need to take a lot of portraits. I will shoot 3-5 photos of up to 150 people in one day. It is not possible with the 85 1.2L. I would miss a lot of shots, and lifting that weight would kill me. My keeper rate with the 1.8 is above 95%. I shoot at 5.6, and use studio lighting. If I was shooting one or two portrait sessions a day, I might consider the 1.2L, because it has a more interesting look when needed. but for what I do, I can't see carrying the extra weight and expense of the L.
What do you think? Do third party options even come into the picture at this level of value?
)
