Canon's f/1.2's: What is really going on?

[YuengLinger]

Hi, Ripley,
The sharpness and color rendition of the 135mm is, in my opinion, even better than the 85mm--but, as our "studio space" is so confined, the 135mm is an outdoor and larger venue lens for us. Since the 135mm focuses so extremely fast and has such a wide aperture, it is a great combination of super-flattering portrait lens and action stopper.

But for working intimately with subjects for a portrait that reflects mood and character, and for which the subject is posing, the 85mm somehow brings a contemporary and timeless feel that cannot be surpassed. The ability to go to a truly workable 1.2, and when at minimum focus distance get just the plane of a single eye perfectly in focus, while all else dissolves into a dreamy softness, was just too much for this photographer to resist.

I believe that you can't go wrong with either, provided you find the scenarios better suited to each.

 

[CarlTN]

I have the 85 1.2 and love love it
and I also have the 24/70 II 2.8 With those two you will have it going on LOL

I was not very happy with several copies of the 24/70 II 2.8. I found it very soft at 70mm and the AFMA was not linear across the focus distance which made it extremely difficult to get consistent focus with. I've seen this issue with some fixed lenses like the 24 F1.4 II but it's a bigger problem on a zoom.

I returned them all and kept my 24/70 I 2.8...which has it's own issues but so far so good.

I've never used the 50 1.2 but the 85 1.2L II gets the most use out of all of my lenses. 600 F4 is #2.

I seen a small number say that but mine is so sharp it will cut your eyes it looks almost 3D THE 85 1.2 & THE 24/70 II Will never be sold l I Die with them they are that good !

I don't have the 85L, but I have the 24-70 II and it's the best lens I've ever had. I'm thinking about getting the 85L or the 135L because I'm getting tired of lugging the 70-200 II to portrait shoots.

But if your clients don't see a big white lens, will you be able to charge as much?

 

[sagittariansrock]

I have the 85 1.2 and love love it
and I also have the 24/70 II 2.8 With those two you will have it going on LOL

I was not very happy with several copies of the 24/70 II 2.8. I found it very soft at 70mm and the AFMA was not linear across the focus distance which made it extremely difficult to get consistent focus with. I've seen this issue with some fixed lenses like the 24 F1.4 II but it's a bigger problem on a zoom.

I returned them all and kept my 24/70 I 2.8...which has it's own issues but so far so good.

I've never used the 50 1.2 but the 85 1.2L II gets the most use out of all of my lenses. 600 F4 is #2.

I seen a small number say that but mine is so sharp it will cut your eyes it looks almost 3D THE 85 1.2 & THE 24/70 II Will never be sold l I Die with them they are that good !

I don't have the 85L, but I have the 24-70 II and it's the best lens I've ever had. I'm thinking about getting the 85L or the 135L because I'm getting tired of lugging the 70-200 II to portrait shoots.

I got the 135L for the same reason (well, almost- I was also getting tired of lugging the 70-200 II whenever I needed a tele lens).
And it works great.
135L worked better for me because I needed the extra reach as a tele, and it is much cheaper- which is a big bonus.

 

[Ripley]

I have the 85 1.2 and love love it
and I also have the 24/70 II 2.8 With those two you will have it going on LOL

I was not very happy with several copies of the 24/70 II 2.8. I found it very soft at 70mm and the AFMA was not linear across the focus distance which made it extremely difficult to get consistent focus with. I've seen this issue with some fixed lenses like the 24 F1.4 II but it's a bigger problem on a zoom.

I returned them all and kept my 24/70 I 2.8...which has it's own issues but so far so good.

I've never used the 50 1.2 but the 85 1.2L II gets the most use out of all of my lenses. 600 F4 is #2.

I seen a small number say that but mine is so sharp it will cut your eyes it looks almost 3D THE 85 1.2 & THE 24/70 II Will never be sold l I Die with them they are that good !

I don't have the 85L, but I have the 24-70 II and it's the best lens I've ever had. I'm thinking about getting the 85L or the 135L because I'm getting tired of lugging the 70-200 II to portrait shoots.

I got the 135L for the same reason (well, almost- I was also getting tired of lugging the 70-200 II whenever I needed a tele lens).
And it works great.
135L worked better for me because I needed the extra reach as a tele, and it is much cheaper- which is a big bonus.

I've been going back and forth, but I'm leaning towards the 85L right now. Even though that means I'll have to be patient for a bit while I save up the difference.

So for an event it would be the 24-70/70-200, but for a group/portrait shoot it would be the 24-70/85... seems like the right combinations to have it all without carrying too much.

 

[mackguyver]

I've been going back and forth, but I'm leaning towards the 85L right now. Even though that means I'll have to be patient for a bit while I save up the difference.

You won't regret the 85L purchase, even if it means that you have to wait a bit longer to save up for it. I don't think I've ever heard of anyone regretting the 85

 

[DRR]

My 85mm f/1.2L II almost never comes off the camera.

 

[Menace]

My 85mm f/1.2L II almost never comes off the camera.

+1

Its always on one of my bodies. The 2nd body would either have 70-200 or 24-70 etc