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Ben Horne
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Registered: Jan 9, 2002
Location: United States
Posts: 12207
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Review Date: May 30, 2005
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Recommend? yes |
Price paid: Not Indicated
| Rating: 10
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Pros:
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Amazing Bokeh, Very fast, silky smooth manual focus
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Cons:
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slow to AF when going from close focus to infinity, but this is because the lens is built with precise MF in mind.
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Yes, that is right, I paid nothing for this lens. It's a long, but beautiful story. :-) I don't use this lens as much as I would like, but it's a great piece of glass to own. It is simply unmatched when it comes to portrait work.
There is a bit of a learning curve with this lens though. You will need to pay very close attention to your DOF, and it's also a good idea to take multiple shots of your subject. Sometimes if you move forward or backwards a tad, it will throw off the focus. Take your time with this lens, and the results will be stunning.
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 May 30, 2005
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CBDigital
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Registered: May 26, 2003
Location: United States
Posts: 360
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Review Date: May 24, 2005
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Recommend? yes |
Price paid: $1,400.00
| Rating: 10
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Pros:
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Sharp, wonderful color, fantastic portrait lens when used with 20D
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Cons:
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My only negative comment would be that I wish it would zoom. But then it would not be what it is! So I have no negatives whatsoever. It's wannaful!
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I bought this lens to try for outdoor portraits. It has become my favorite lens. When faced with portrait situations I LOOK FOR WAYS to make this lens fit the situation. The color is great, the bokeh is fantastic, and it is my favorite lens. The only problem is that, if used in fast action situations, you need to be prepared to zoom with your feet at times. I like the comfort of zoom lenses. But this one is certainly well worth the extra effort of giving up the zoom.
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May 24, 2005
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hbuxx
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Registered: Dec 13, 2004
Location: N/A
Posts: 162
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Review Date: May 11, 2005
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Recommend? yes |
Price paid: $1,474.49
| Rating: 10
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Pros:
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sharp even @ F1.2 , Great background bokeh , Good hood design. Solid build. acceptable AF speed
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Cons:
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heavy , Price
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This lens a awesome. Perfect for portrait. Sharp at wide open.
The focus speed is accepable, not slow at all.
This lens is heavy but I am ok with it.
Be careful when you screw the UV filter on the lens. Don't tide the UV filter to hard. Otherwise you might unscrew the whole front focus section out from the lens.
So far, this lens very good in build quality and image quality.
I owned more than 15 Canon lens before. This 85L lens is one of the best lens that Canon made.
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May 11, 2005
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Digitalpowersh
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Registered: Dec 19, 2004
Location: Austria
Posts: 9
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Review Date: Apr 24, 2005
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Recommend? yes |
Price paid: Not Indicated
| Rating: 10
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Pros:
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Great build quality, great bokeh f1,2 right, great MF, this kind of lens hood,
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Cons:
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none
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I just unpacked my Canon EF 85mm f1,2 L USM and ...WOW... what a lens...
Weight: It is heavy, but on my 1DMkII this is THE SET UP! Very good balanced and I can hold it without any problems with the 580EX on the camera.
The build quality: is great, it's like a fine Rolex like somebody said.
AF: is not slow at all. I expected a very slow lens, but it shows again, that it is wise not to listen to all posting people in the internet (as I did when I bought the Canon 16-35mm f/2,8 L USM instead of the Canon 17-40mm f4 L USM). Maybe the most of them didn't use the 85mm f1,2 at all.
Even AI SERVO works better as some of them said. (it's a portrait lens, but I tried AI SERVO too, because they made me curious)
Overall I'm impressed (because I expected a slow lens as well)!It's a "normal" L lens!
MF: the MF ring is sooooooo smooth. You can perfectly adjust the focus and I really like it!!!
f1,2: it's a dream!!! The bokeh is out of this world. I took some pictures @f1,2 and even there are some items in the background of the person, they disapear as soon as you shoot at f1,2.
Overall impression: GREAT lens!
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Apr 24, 2005
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sieracki001
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Registered: Mar 24, 2005
Location: United States
Posts: 4
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Review Date: Mar 27, 2005
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Recommend? yes |
Price paid: $1,429.00
| Rating: 10
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Pros:
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Amazing Bokeh. Sharp at f1.4, not bad at f1.2. Awesome lens barrel.
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Cons:
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Bit of CA on contrasty subjects at f-stops less than f2.
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Been shooting with this lens for a couple of weeks so I want to share some initial impressions. This is designed as a portrait lens, and optimized for that type of subject, so I am 'misusing' this lens a bit, perhaps better to say that I'm not using it for what it's main purpose is.
Not to just repeat what others have said, although I agree with most of the posts on this lens, I want to comment on some of the negtive aspects of this lens. Believe me, the pluses outweigh the minuses, but at this price I'm nitpicking of course.
Focusing: ring has tremendous travel. Camera has to be activated to allow the ring to change the focus. Autofocus is slow. Others have said all this. Well, this lens is designed for very precise focusing at a very shallow DOF that is possible on the lens. The ring's travel is actually an advantage when you are shooting under f4. This allows very precise movements and enables you to select what will be in focus with precision. I don't recommend autofocus with this lens, especially in low light. Since the viewfinder is as bright as it ever will be, you should be able to focus pretty accurately.
Weight: Fine for me. Not a trivial lens to shoot with. The price you pay for the extra light.
Price of alternatives: Very difficult issue. Is bokeh really better at f1.2 than f1.8 to justify the purchase of the lens? Yes IMO. The f1.8 isn't bad at all. Go for that lens if the price scares you off. The extra $1000 or so could be used else where (for example, a super duper Gitzo tripod).
This is a hard core lens for the perfectionist. Maybe bragging rights factors into this too. Everyone who has heard of this lens wants to see what f1.2 can do. It can do plenty, but I'm not always going to shoot at f1.2, trust me. You pay a price in being able to get anything in focus. Very specialized lens here, must be used appropriately. Remember no lens is as good wide open relative to what it is at f8. With this lens, you are getting as good as it gets wide open. So the question is, do you really need to shoot wide open? Are you ready for the trade offs?
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Mar 27, 2005
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Nimra
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Registered: Jan 4, 2004
Location: Germany
Posts: 38
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Review Date: Mar 20, 2005
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Recommend? yes |
Price paid: Not Indicated
| Rating: 10
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Pros:
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Sharp @ f1.2
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Cons:
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focus speed
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Enough said - this thing is tacksharp, a wonderful lense and next to the 35 1.4 and 135 2.0 a must have.
So the focus system is weird and slow, but pretty exact. If You're out for lowlight job's and no IS helps (subject motion) - You can try out this glas, if Your in artwork this lense is impressive.
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Mar 20, 2005
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intero
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Registered: Oct 9, 2004
Location: United States
Posts: 2051
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Review Date: Mar 14, 2005
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Recommend? yes |
Price paid: $1,200.00
| Rating: 10
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Pros:
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Unbelievably sharp wide open. Bokeh that is nothing short of amazing. Exceptional color and contrast.
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Cons:
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Expensive.
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This is one impressive lens. Yes, it's huge. Yes, it weighs a ton. Yes looking down the barrel of this beast will weaken the knees of any gear head. Yes the manual focus is a bit weird and takes some getting used to. All that said, this thing is an absolute blast!
It is so sharp at 1.2 - it's just scary. Open it up a bit and dang. I haven't taken many shots at greater than 1.4 though, since it's such a blast wide open. The bokeh is nothing short of amazing.
I've never had an 85 1.8 so I can't really compare those two, but I have or have had a 20 1.8, 50 1.8, 50 1.4, 24-70L, 28-70L, 28-75, 100f2, 100 macro, 135L, 70-200 2.8 non-is and a host of long and zoom lens that aren't known for their image quality or bokeh so aren't worth mentioning. This lens produces better images than any of those.
If you do portraits and you shoot Canon, I can't imagine why you wouldn't have this lens. It's just that good.
-Tom
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Mar 14, 2005
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Tom Conte
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Registered: Mar 8, 2002
Location: United States
Posts: 3539
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Review Date: Jan 18, 2005
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Recommend? yes |
Price paid: $1,400.00
| Rating: 10
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Pros:
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Incredible bokeh and razor thin depth of field (which when used correctly is extremely powerful), sharp wide open, nice color
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Cons:
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Fat and heavy, racks through quite a range so its slow focusing
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The best way to experience a 85mm lens is on a full frame camera, and then it just 'makes sense' as a portrait lens. This and a 1Ds is a powerful combination. The bokeh is excellent. There are concerns I hear that this lens is slow to focus, but (if you have a 1-series) set the P.Fn that turns off drive seeking. Then it is not bad at all.
Hands down this is my favorite lens.
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Jan 18, 2005
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P Alesse
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Registered: Dec 24, 2004
Location: United States
Posts: 12155
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Review Date: Jan 7, 2005
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Recommend? yes |
Price paid: $1,200.00
| Rating: 10
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Pros:
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Sturdy build, balanced weight, tack sharp, great bokeh... almost too good.
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Cons:
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Slower AF if you are used to sport lenses, 1.2 can be a double-edged sword, and... PRICE
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Is 1.2 worth the price? Depends. If you are a portrait photographer and looking for great bokeh with tack sharp results... then yes. If you are looking for it's amazing 1.2 just for low light performance... maybe not.
Keep in mind, that this is portrait lens. You might be able to get away with shooting sports with the 1.8, but with the 1.2, you have to be aware of its slower AF and very short DOF. Overall, it's a lot more challenging to operate than say a 50/1.8 with its more P&S handling.
If using for portraits, be very conscious of its short DOF when using wide open at its minimum distance. Stay away from a selected point AF if planning on shooting anything less than f/3.5 at short distances... you'll lose facial features in the bokeh. The low 1.2 will lull you into a false sense of security under low light when you're shooting at ISO 400 and 1/125 shutter. You'll be thinking how amazing this lens is until you preview the shots and realize that you have only one region of the face in focus... the AF points.
At 5.6, the lens is a lot more forgiving and the results are great, but...not necessarily that much greater than a 1.8. So, once again, you have to consider your needs and whether you really need this lens.
With a little practice and some trial and error, you'll produce some amazing results at the wide open aperture. Just have to be careful of your composition and proximity to the subject. The slower AF is not an issue if shooting portraits... IMHO
It's a heavy and dense lens, but its wide and sturdy build make it fine for hand holding once you get used to it. If coming down from the bigger zooms, you'll hardly notice it being an issue.
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Jan 7, 2005
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CeeCee
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Registered: Dec 6, 2004
Location: Denmark
Posts: 15
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Review Date: Dec 21, 2004
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Recommend? yes |
Price paid: $1,300.00
| Rating: 10
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Pros:
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I cannot wait to produce modelling and weddings with this awesome lens. Initial testshots indicates that every positive post on this lens is true.
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Cons:
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However - It is slow, but i believe that i will learn to master it manually faster than the USM will AF on a subject. This is also keeping you sharp as a photographer doing things manually ;-)
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So far my testshots are just for my own sake, but they show that you get what you pay for with this De-Luxe 85Žer. I was anxious about the size of it, - cause it IS huge....but to my surprise the 1D mrkII seem to feel very balanced with this lens on.
Tack-sharp even wide open.....
Bokeh.....come again....this 85Žer invented the term Bokeh....got it ;-)
Awwww man - this is truly awesome....had the Nikkor 85/1.4 Ais and loved it - and missed it for a couple of years....now I am back on track.
CS
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Dec 21, 2004
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Tom_W
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Registered: Sep 5, 2004
Location: United Kingdom
Posts: 3803
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Review Date: Dec 9, 2004
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Recommend? yes |
Price paid: $1,200.00
| Rating: 10
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Pros:
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The optics, the bokeh, the encumbant speed when you need it most.
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Cons:
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Heavy, althought fits in the hand nicely.
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I shoot natural light sporting/pastime/adventure portraits. This lens possibly has only one equal in this field, the 200mm F1.8 at 3 times the price.
If you need it, you'll know it. Stunning.
T.
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Dec 9, 2004
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fisk
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Registered: Nov 22, 2004
Location: Australia
Posts: 7
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Review Date: Dec 1, 2004
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Recommend? yes |
Price paid: $1,430.00
| Rating: 10
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Pros:
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You get.....
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Cons:
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.....what you pay for!
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Nothing comes for free; you get great bokeh, sharpness, tone, colour etc, you pay a price.
Having to pay for something good is not really a negative aspect, but we'd all like to pay less,
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Dec 1, 2004
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Keith Wong
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Registered: Dec 25, 2003
Location: Australia
Posts: 1049
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Review Date: Nov 21, 2004
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Recommend? yes |
Price paid: $1,500.00
| Rating: 10
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Pros:
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Optics!
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Cons:
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Price!
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I can't say anything new that other people have already said. Yes, the AF is slow but I knew that even before I bought the lens. FWIW it's fast enough for its application, which is portraiture. You're certainly not going to track an F1 car with this lens.
So IMO there are only ONE downside to this lens - it's price. Once you accept that you are getting the best 85mm lens on this planet, you forgive its weight and slow AF. I am enamoured of this lens, I want it to be buried with me when I die! 
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Nov 21, 2004
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AlexC
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Registered: Mar 16, 2003
Location: Canada
Posts: 78
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Review Date: Nov 9, 2004
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Recommend? yes |
Price paid: $1,199.00
| Rating: 10
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Pros:
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It is fast, has creamy bokeh, and is fast (did I mention that it's fast?)...
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Cons:
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It is a fat pig of a lens, heavy, and somewhat slow to focus...
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This is not a general purpose lens, but it is an *exceptional* lens for available light portraits. If you do a lot of shooting in low light, and are willing to put up with the bulk and somewhat ponderous focusing, then this is a highly recommended lens. even at more than triple the price of the 85mm f/1.8.
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Nov 9, 2004
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Derek_S
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Registered: Sep 22, 2003
Location: N/A
Posts: 464
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Review Date: Nov 7, 2004
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Recommend? yes |
Price paid: Not Indicated
| Rating: 8
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Pros:
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Amazingly sharp stopped down and a "look" that only f/1.2 can impart upon your compositions
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Cons:
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Average autofocus on anything less than a 1-series body (no, I haven't tried this on a 20d)
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Instead of regurgitating what the others have said here, I'll tell you how useful for applications this lens is:
-Showing off your depth of field photos on photo boards : 9.5/10
-Weddings : 8/10
-Compressed landscape : 9/10
-Posed portraits : 9/10
-Concerts (where the performers just sit and almost resemble inanimate objects) : 8/10
-Photojournalism : 6/10 (formerly 4/10)
-Concerts (where the performers actually move) : 6/10 (formerly 4/10)
The humble pie addendum (December 2, 2004) : After trying out a different copy of this lens, I found that the AF speed is noticeably faster (I "slap" the mf ring around a lot less). I've therefore given it a slight bump in certain areas I initially thought it was deficient in. Sharpness is the same; it's still very sharp wide open and quite possibly the sharpest one I've tried (with regards to the EF line) stopped down.
I've rented this lens enough times from a friend. But after trying this copy out, I'm very tempted to pick it up as the light vacuum brother to my 85mm f/1.8.
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Nov 7, 2004
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go4it
Offline
[ X ]
Registered: Sep 2, 2004
Location: United States
Posts: 746
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Review Date: Nov 3, 2004
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Recommend? yes |
Price paid: $1,239.00
| Rating: 10
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Pros:
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Find another mfr's lens in this approximate focal length as a bench-mark. Now, raise the bar about twice as high with THIS lens. F-A-S-T, beautifully-constructed optical wonder. It's an "L" alright ... Possibly the fastest, most silent auto-focus lens I've ever used!
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Cons:
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Biggish. Expensive-ish. A bit unweildy on balance unless you have it on something like a 10D / 20D with the battery grip. Another B-I-G filter to buy! And ... disturbingly, the lens hood is sold separately. Why?
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You don't have to be crazy to buy this lens ... but it will help. Just fairly well off will do.
Lens is positively awesome! The colour ... the resolution ... the bokeh.
It is amazing what Canon has created! Because of the 1.6X correction factor, this lens along with the 24mm and 35mm "L" series lenses in the bag and a 20D, this is an ideal 3-lens traveling kit! It's like the ULTRA-speed "135mm" I always dreamed of back in the good old film days.
Is there siuch a thing as a "perfect" lens? Probably not. But this'll do in a pinch! If you can afford it, you WILL NOT be disappointed.
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Nov 3, 2004
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Reviews
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Date of last review
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130
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269444
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Aug 23, 2017
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Recommended By
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Average Price
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95% of reviewers
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$1,379.02
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Build Quality Rating
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Price Rating
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Overall Rating
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9.70
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8.50
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9.5
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