I have the 85L Mk2 as well as the 85 1.8 and the 135L. I use them with a 5D Mk2. I find I can nail the focus at 2.0 with the 135L and 85 1.8 consistently. Shooting the 85L Mk2 at 2.0 I do not nail the focus nearly as consistent. Using the center point at 1.2 up close, I get good results. Shooting full body shots at 1.2 I do not get nearly as consistent of focus.
Sing4U, that is my experience so far with the 85mm 1.2 AF at 1.2 from afar. Thought the micro adjustment on the camera would help but did not. A bit frustrating, but I think it is the nature of this lens, unless someone else can say otherwise?
I might add that sometimes the focus was dead on sometimes it was not even though I stayed at the same spot with the same static subject at 1.2, wonder why this is. I think possibly because of the very think DOF and just mm change from my hands, that would make a difference on the target area such as eye of the subject.
I have a B+W mrc pro on it. I know it is not the best practice but when I am shooting an event I am switching lenses, moving stuff around in my bag etc. I rarely put the lens cap on...cannot find it or don't have time to look for it. I have marks on my filters but none on the glass. If I could not get a filter that worked as well as B+W Pro I would go without.
PS my 85 seems to nail the focus without issue. Only errors are usually operator induced.
bpham wrote:
However, when you said operator induced errors, give me some examples, i hope that it is not something that way out of the norm.
Just when I tried to cut somethings too close. The 5d is does not have the most accurate center Af point. When you are really trying to get a small target and a large depth of field it is best to take a few shots just in case. Not the fault of the lens but maybe a restriction of the camera body or the shooter.
Shot below was tricky trying to get the eyes and front of face in focus given the angle and depth of field. I took 3 shots in this series and they all came out. But, sometimes they don't.
Even though I probably won't use it often, but because of its special qualify and purpose, I'll probably keep it for a long time...have not seen any lens with its quality for its purposes. The post processing with this lens with the right situations is minimal...
Did not feel the heft as much as others...but the diameter size is a little big but it is also fine with me. I think we tend to want something perfect in all aspects which usually does not exist...only compromise for its intended purposes.
So far, I like the lens and look forward to using it on a trip abroad soon...
