Canon 85mm f1.2

andy owen

andy owen

Suspended / Banned
Messages
336
Name
Andy
Edit My Images
Yes
Hey all,

Ive just been out bid on a Canon 85mm F1.2 on ebay. It was 2nd hand and from a genuine seller (not overseas).
It eventually went for £740.

Ive not used one of these before but have been assured they are the professionals choice for portraiture. Ive got my 1st wedding shoot in August and was wondering if I should rent one?
Anyone got one of these? and could you post some shots displaying its capabilities?

Cheers
Andy
 
I have one sat on my desk having just opened the package from Lenses For Hire. I used to have the FD version for use on my New F-1 and loved it for people shots. I'm attending the Lencarta workshop on Saturday and thought I'd give it a go.
 
Great pics on that link Eddie :thumbs: Wouldn't have been the same at all at f/4!

I've been thinking about a fast prime for portraits and was going to get the 85 1.8 for crop format, but now I'm full frame, the 135L 2 is looking rather lovely... :love: I see that you rate it too :)
 
HoppyUK said:
Great pics on that link Eddie :thumbs: Wouldn't have been the same at all at f/4!

I've been thinking about a fast prime for portraits and was going to get the 85 1.8 for crop format, but now I'm full frame, the 135L 2 is looking rather lovely... :love: I see that you rate it too :)
Click to expand...

Thanks!

135L is lighter, much, much faster focussing, great on FF and less than half the price of the 85L Mk2, there was one on here earlier today or late yesterday going for £550 I believe!

Takes both extenders brilliantly too!
 
I would wait for the Sigma 85mm f1.4. It should be released pretty soon and if its anything like the 50mm f1.4 it will be an amazing lens.
 
It's funny - I had the 85L and was utterly underwhelmed by it- I much prefer the 135L and my 85mm f/1.8 is pretty much as good as the 1.2 in most situations. I think a couple of factors in this are that despite the fact it is sharp at f/1.2, few real-world shots require that wide an aperture (too little in focus most of the time) and the focussing is much much better on the 85 1.8.

Phil
 
EdBray said:
Thanks!

135L is lighter, much, much faster focussing, great on FF and less than half the price of the 85L Mk2, there was one on here earlier today or late yesterday going for £550 I believe!

Takes both extenders brilliantly too!
Click to expand...

Cheers Ed. I remember your thread now. Thanks for the heads up also, but I'm fresh out of cash right now, after the full frame upgrade ;)

oglyndwr said:
I would wait for the Sigma 85mm f1.4. It should be released pretty soon and if its anything like the 50mm f1.4 it will be an amazing lens.
Click to expand...

Good point! That could be the pick of the bunch http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Press-Release/Sigma-85mm-f-1.4-EX-DG-HSM-Lens-Press-Release.aspx Canon 85 1.2 just seems to be a bridge too far with quite a few niggles that you just don't want for that kind of money.

If you just want to play with DoF, Samyang 85 1.4 is pretty good for only £200 - manual focus only though.
 
Agree with Ed , although the 85L is supreme for portraits, it probably won't be fast enough (focussing) for weddings.

If you are using the 50D, you could consider a 50 mm F1.4, alternatively 135 F2 is another gem, but may be a bit too long an a crop camera
 
Whilst not an L another very well thought of lens for prtraits is the EF 100 f2 and very reasonably priced with better CA control than all the Canon 85s
 
I should have an 85mm when it gets back from repair so will post up my findings when it arrives :( [it got dropped] not used it yet but :) hoping its as beasty as i've heard.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top