about 85L III

[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?

 

[Loswr]

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.