DANGIT! I rented the 85 1.2ii

[beckstoy]

...and now I literally DREAM about owning it! I'm hoping that Sigma comes out with their new 85 ART, but I'm realizing it's probably not happening soon.

I was happy with my current lens kit of:

35 1.4 Art
50 1.4 Art
70-200 2.8 USM IS II
135 2
24-70 2.8 II

and now, I'm literally losing my mind wanting the 85.

Anyone else considering pulling the trigger? Those who did, please share your photos with this lens to further torment me (and probably push me over the edge into 85 1.2 bliss).

Thanks!

 

[BozillaNZ]

Even if the Sigma produces an Art version of 85 it will still be a f1.4.

f1.2 is f1.2, now you tried it and you know you want it. Another saying, don't touch it if you don't plan to own it.

It's funny that 1-2 weeks before I bought mine, I was in my dream playing with it too! I remember clearly the feel of the focus ring IN MY DREAM ;D ;D ;D

 

[wickidwombat]

i tested the sigma 85 current one side by side with the 85II i felt they were so close for the money and faster af speed i took the sigma. however if i used a 1D i might have taken the 85II since it seems to have better AF performance than on a 5D. i'm also looking forward to the 85 ART

 

[SiHoang]

I love it enough to buy two of them !!! In hoping to keep only the best one. However, they are both great !!!

 

[Ryan85]

I feel your pain but you do have a nice kit now.

 

[Ryan85]

it´s a nice lens sure.

i like mine.. even with it´s slow focus.

but soft bokeh is often just an excuse for photographers with no ideas.

some people seem to think "i use the 85mm f1.2 and the portrait will be great".
well no....

+1

 

[andrewflo]

Looks like such a terrific lens and it has a renowned reputation. I love the 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II for portraits it feels perfect for me.

Obviously f/1.2 is a different world... but is it really a $2,100 world of difference? Obviously a subjective question but since you're captivated by your recent touch with the lens, I'd love to hear your thoughts

 

[Besisika]

it´s a nice lens sure.

i like mine.. even with it´s slow focus.

but soft bokeh is often just an excuse for photographers with no ideas.

some people seem to think "i use the 85mm f1.2 and the portrait will be great".
well no....

+1

Good advice but not in the case of the OP.
Looking at what he has, he passed already that stage.
I am sure he knows what he wants.

If money can afford it, buy it.
This is the reason I am with Canon.
Paired with 1DX, words can't express the feeling.
As opposed to what said above, it can make a somehow photo to one that makes people watch it - you are not a novice.
As for examples; go to flickr.com
Just talk to the wife, if you have one, before pulling the trigger. She may not share your GAS; because if you really pay attention to what you already have it is really a GAS. Good news is, you are not alone.

If you pull the trigger, my suggestion: assign some time for special projects where you shoot whole events only with it (i mean unpaid events). You will get to know it better; then you will make the right choice when choosing the right tool for the right moment.

 

[Dylan777]

It will melt 85mm f1.8 and 135L in second.

Your next best is 200mm f2 IS

 

[jdramirez]

Even if the Sigma produces an Art version of 85 it will still be a f1.4.

f1.2 is f1.2, now you tried it and you know you want it. Another saying, don't touch it if you don't plan to own it.

It's funny that 1-2 weeks before I bought mine, I was in my dream playing with it too! I remember clearly the feel of the focus ring IN MY DREAM ;D ;D ;D

Before I had my mkiii, I had a dream that I got one... and I was so happy... and when I woke up... I felt sad... It was one of the worst feelings I have ever had as a photographer.

 

[jdramirez]

Looks like such a terrific lens and it has a renowned reputation. I love the 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II for portraits it feels perfect for me.

Obviously f/1.2 is a different world... but is it really a $2,100 world of difference? Obviously a subjective question but since you're captivated by your recent touch with the lens, I'd love to hear your thoughts

I own the 85L mkii and the 70-200L mkii, and I LOVE the 85L... sure I still use the 70-200mm when appropriate but I try and shoehorn the 85L into everything I shoot. And not just at f/1.2, but at f/8 and place in between. I might pick up a 135L for indoor sports... and maybe a 200L f/2 for shits and gigs... but I'm a very happy boy with my 85L.

 

[jdramirez]

It will melt 85mm f1.8 and 135L in second

Your next best is 200mm f2 IS

I hope that's not the wife... :/

 

[Dylan777]

It will melt 85mm f1.8 and 135L in second

Your next best is 200mm f2 IS

I hope that's not the wife... :/

LOL...that is my co-worker and his wife

 

[Ripley]

I rented the 85L a month ago and yeah, it's pretty incredible. I ended up going with the Sigma 50mm Art for now. Which, by the way, just got delivered today.

 

[sagittariansrock]

It will melt 85mm f1.8 and 135L in second.

Your next best is 200mm f2 IS

I disagree that the bokeh you posted cannot be achieved with a 135L. You should try a comparison with yours
What the 85L can do is achieve that with a much wider field of view

 

[beckstoy]

In Sedona. On that amazing day I rented this amazing lens.

 

[NancyP]

Just be grateful you didn't rent the Zeiss Otus 85mm f/1.4. That would have been a REALLY expensive gear lust.

 

[Hjalmarg1]

it´s a nice lens sure.

i like mine.. even with it´s slow focus.

but soft bokeh is often just an excuse for photographers with no ideas.

some people seem to think "i use the 85mm f1.2 and the portrait will be great".
well no....

+1, I agree that f1.2 is not for every situation and environment. Even though you own it, very frequently you'll find stopping down a little. I shoot with my 70-200mm f2.8L IS II and very happy with the results.
I also agree that the 85L is in another league, particularly on low light situations.
I had the current Sigma 85mm f1.4 and I was very please with the results, just I sold it to finance the purchase of my 70-200mm. Hopefully, it'll be a 85 Art in near future.

 

[Dylan777]

It will melt 85mm f1.8 and 135L in second.

Your next best is 200mm f2 IS

I disagree that the bokeh you posted cannot be achieved with a 135L. You should try a comparison with yours
What the 85L can do is achieve that with a much wider field of view

I wish I had brought 135L and taken same shot to compare the two :

I'm going to skip the debate about bokeh between 85L II Vs 135L - we all know which lens has upper hand. The photo was to demonstrate how 85L II can be at f1.2 in low light. This photo was taken at f1.2 1/125 I believe ISO is about 2000.

With 135L, I'm more likely to be f2 1/160min ISO=????

 

[martti]

I have been dreaming about the 85mm L for years now and I finally got it.
It is a lovely piece of magical engineering. It is way too expensive, too heavy, slow focusing and not very useful for other purposes than taking portraits of people you like and who like you.

I am happy with it.