p.13 #1 · Where did the 85L - Show your images - Thread go?
Pixel Perfect wrote:
Who uses this lens for non portrait work, apart from the few flower shots (which are superb btw). If you don't do portraits would you even consider this lens?
I use mine (FD 85/1.2 SSC Aspherical) for portraits, but for much more than that. So, yes I would find plenty to shoot with it if not portraits. Here is an example: https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/800553/0
p.13 #2 · Where did the 85L - Show your images - Thread go?
babakn wrote:
Why not?
This is the best lens of the best.
There is no comparison to this lens.
As discussed already, there are at least three lenses that easily compare to this lens, and convincingly beat it in some cases. They are (in order of performance and price):
All three are superior optical designs, with better resolution and lower aberrations. The EF 85/1.2 L ver I and II are incredible lenses, but they are not "the best of the best".
p.13 #3 · Where did the 85L - Show your images - Thread go?
cogitech wrote:
The EF 85/1.2 L ver I and II are incredible lenses, but they are not "the best of the best".
Oh yeah ? Now, you try this kinda shot with your grandpa, which I got (and more) with the 85L MkI.
BTW, Paul, I've enjoyed your Cirque du Soleil photos.
(She may look like she's standing still, but this was a millisecond opportunity to grab the moment as she danced. See the fire "braids" suspended in mid-air. No AF system that I know of could have ensured sharp focus on her eyes this way, especially in this light)
There are benefits to AF, of course. Just not enough to warrant the cost, for me. I'd much rather have the better CA control and a real focusing ring. But you know that already.
You may also know that I love a challenge, so expect some pigeon shots some time in the next few weeks.
p.13 #5 · Where did the 85L - Show your images - Thread go?
cogitech wrote:
You may also know that I love a challenge, so expect some pigeon shots some time in the next few weeks.
Excellent, that's what I like to hear.
Incidentally, no zonal nor hyperfocal focusing allowed. Gotta used true MF.
Also, the pijun must not be in a flap nor hover, but a bona fide flight.
Points are to be awarded for background smoothness too. So if you think you can get away with shooting the Grandpa at f/16, may wish to rethink that.
Good luck.
p.13 #7 · Where did the 85L - Show your images - Thread go?
k1n3t1k wrote:
nrferguson, I share your thoughts exactly. As most should agree, the 85L is a specialty lens and the beauty is always in the eyes of the beholder. The narrow DOF is great for some shots, but I fail to see why a cofee cup shot at f/1.2 is anything fancy or 'artsy'.
As in outlawyer's shot, which was taken at f/2.8, I would like to see the same shot done with the 85/1.8 and find people to notice the difference.
That said, I'm not saying the 85L is a bad lens or not worth the money (it is surely near the top of my wish list) but so many get hyped up over this lens thinking it will make all their shots winners.
I have the 1.8, and the difference would be color, bokeh, and saturation, not sharpness. The 1.8 is an excellent lens, but prone to some strange color casts that I've never seen in the L and choppier bokeh. That being said, I won't be getting rid of the 1.8, as I am one of the heretics who rarely shoots the L wide open anyway.
p.13 #8 · Where did the 85L - Show your images - Thread go?
cogitech wrote:
As discussed already, there are at least three lenses that easily compare to this lens, and convincingly beat it in some cases. They are (in order of performance and price):
All three are superior optical designs, with better resolution and lower aberrations. The EF 85/1.2 L ver I and II are incredible lenses, but they are not "the best of the best".
Well, not ever could I afford the Contax unless I win lotto. And it's cost a bit to have these FD's converted for EOS use.
I am considering a Nikon 85 f/1.4, although my Contax 85 f/1.4 is superb once stopped down to f/2 and not close to mfd.
p.13 #9 · Where did the 85L - Show your images - Thread go?
Pixel Perfect wrote:
Who uses this lens for non portrait work, apart from the few flower shots (which are superb btw). If you don't do portraits would you even consider this lens?
Hi Pixel,
I use this as my walk about lens for practically everything. Oddly enough it's rarely used for portraiture. Most of these are re-posts as I am just not able to get out and snap as much as I'd like to these days.
p.13 #13 · Where did the 85L - Show your images - Thread go?
5 days with a new post
Is this lens being discontinued or something
Camera: Canon EOS 5D
Exposure: 0.033 sec (1/30)
Aperture: f/1.2
Focal Length: 85 mm
Exposure: +0.85
ISO Speed: 1600
Exposure Bias: 0 EV
Flash: Off, Did not fire
p.13 #16 · Where did the 85L - Show your images - Thread go?
epuja wrote:
5 days without a new post
Is this lens being discontinued or something
No, but it's an extremely expensive lens (for not being white or ultra wide-angle), with a very special purpose. The fact that enough photogs gathered to post 12 pages worth of material is a miracle in my book, considering you have to be at least 2 or 3 things of the following:
1. a camera nut,
2. rich and/or under the influence,
3. have an understanding significant other,
4. be registered on FM.
A lot of the photos you see here taken with the 85L are pretty good, because usually the only people who buy them are pretty good photographers, who know exactly why they own one.
Alas I'll have to wait to wait till my trip to NYC to buy mine, since here in Russia the 85L II costs a gutting $2500~3000.You can easily make money reselling lenses with price differences like these, or at least cover the price of your plane ticket
p.13 #19 · Where did the 85L - Show your images - Thread go?
I agree, Michael, once 85L is stopped down to F/5.6 and more, it starts to yield a phenomenally good IQ. That's one reason I often use it as a walk around lens.
Mind you, the lens is plenty good at large aperture values as well, just that one has to "dance around" its CA susceptibility.