Canon 85mm f1.2 L MK2 vs Sigma 85mm f1.4 Art Series - My Experience

[@jamesborishansen]

Finally a really good and thorough review of the two lenses, nothing worse than getting the perfect shot, to find that it's not sharp enough, some times there's a smile just to be caught right in a nano second, and so you should be able to rely on one's work tool.

[@fhbroksoe]

Thank you - just bought a Sigma and can't wait to use it in the field

[@pego88]

So nice listening to you compaires to all the other. Good job and thank you for the video

[@michellestewart7494]

Thank you for your honesty!. Always appreciate when the truth can be spoken. New to you! I just ordered SIgma 85mm 1.4

[@TomeRodrigo]

Well done

[@TheWesternPacific]

I really enjoyed your no BS type of perspective

[@TomeRodrigo]

Thanks

[@josephberkeley]

Thank you for this review. I just returned from a shoot where I was making still images during a TV commercial production. I shot with a 16-35 f2.8, a 24-70 f2.8, and a 70-200 f2.8. I am thinking about the 85mm prime and quite enjoyed your review. I agree with you it is very important to have a high percentage of keepers.

[@TomeRodrigo]

Thanks for your opinion. I use Sigma 85mm f1.4 Art full time now...I can handle 0.2 F stop difference and also there is everything focused well so I am not worried.

[@johnmarolakos9920]

Joe, you have everything you need already. Canon's 85mm 1.2 will only frustrate you shooting in such environments. It's slow, and a methodical shooting technique is required for any success. Look at the new canon 1.4 IM. I think it might be better suited for your applications, if similar to the above. Best!

[@dabket]

Thanks for the video man. I had a similar problem with with a canon L lens and when I got the 50mm Sigma Art 1.4mm, it just changed my life!! Sigma really brought it as to the next generation lens technology. Your video proves I am not crazy lol. Thanks!

[@johnmarolakos9920]

And you're right, nobody wants to talk about it. I'm glad you did. I was at B&H in NYC and one of the sales guys agreed. The Canon 85 ll 1.2 is to be avoided.

[@TomeRodrigo]

I use Sigma 85mm f1.4 art until today and never had a single problem with it neither with focusing. It is an extremely reliable lens for my professional work.

[@johnmarolakos9920]

@@TomeRodrigo , I looked at that Sigma 85mm f1.4 art yesterday at B&H. One of the sales guys whose opinions I trust a little recommended it highly. He had the same experience with the Canon 85mm 1.2. So, my thoughts from handling the lens - the Sigma snaps right into focus beautifully. None of that hunting and jittery focus like the Canon 85mm 1.2. And the price works within my budget. I'm going to test it out. Although, I watched a few reviews that suggest a focusing problem with the sigma. We'll see. As for those who say we don't know how to use the Canon 85mm 1.2, I believe they are mistaken. I've been a pro for 30 years now. Shot with every format in a variety of markets. I've been shooting events for 18 years and had every version of Canon 5D camera's, including 2 generation of L lenses. I know what I'm doing. And I'm confident that our bad experience with this lens is not due to a deficiency in our technique, no no. It is not a good lens for the applications they've advertised it for. It's just not a great lens for a pro who need a lens to work in a variety of scenarios. Plain and simple. Stay away form it. Unless you are shooting in an extremely controlled environment or in the studio at F 8. Then it works fine. Best to you. Good luck in this ever challenging market.

[@TomeRodrigo]

@@johnmarolakos9920 Sigma 85mm f1.4 doesn't have focusing problems, but it can require micro adjustments in the camera after the purchase. I did my one on 5d mark2 and from that time it works 100% perfect until now.

[@gustavcosplay9775]

I love your Voice, it's so relaxing , thanks for the review 😊

[@Obscurainc]

what micro adjustments u were talkin about? could u please explain...planning to to get the sigma 85mm...ty

[@TomeRodrigo]

@Obscurainc - Canon 5d mk2 has a micro-adjustment function in the menu to tune the focusing of the lens. I don't know from my memory where it is in the menu, because I haven't used it for years, so I don't remember it. You have to do a Google research about it. Try to google "5D mk2 focusing micro adjustment in the menu". Then you set some value, you save it, and then try to focus with your Sigma and check if the focus is exactly in the correct place. If not, adjust the number in that menu to a different one. And so on, until you get the exact correct focus. Make sure that you adjust/save that setting just for that particular lens because there is probably an option to set it for all lenses that will be attached to the camera (which is absolutely not a good idea). But perhaps some Sigmas don't need such adjustments. I needed one for my particular lens. But on the other hand, I did it only once when I bought it, and it has served me great for many years.

[@TomeRodrigo]

@Obscurainc - Of course, you go into that menu only if your lens is not focusing correctly right away from the box.

[@Obscurainc]

Ohhhhhh I see, never actually tried that menu, I thought it would only work for adjusting tele lense..

[@Tophymaster]

Have you done the adjustments with USB-Dock of Sigma?

[@vladognyanov467]

I thing Sigma 85mm art is the best...but if not correct autofocus you can to fix with Sigma USB dock...also i can fix Canon 85,isuing the camera setting...Thanks for video!

[@TomeRodrigo]

There is a great video on youtube where one guy explains that mostly all 85mm f1.2 II or any version when they are older their focusing mechanism will damage as it is heavy and it is slowly damaging the motor over time by its weight. When the motor is changed it should focus normally again. I didn't know this information while making this video. I still love my sigma 85mm f1.4 ART even in 2020.

[@vladognyanov467]

@@TomeRodrigo OMG...Thanks for info!!!

[@tts3874]

Great and honest work bud, though I have to say, try out a 5d3, the focusing may get better work from your 1.2 :) All the best anyway, and I agree

[@llamarvasquez1803]

What method did you use to micro adjust The sigma 85 1.4??? Do you have a tutorial or the video link?

[@RaymondWong2k]

great review! I've had 2 85l before and now have the 85a and love it. Someone recently asked me to trade my 85a for the 85l ii

[@michalsierzchula]

Late with the comment, but be aware that at 1.2 dof is so shallow, that even if the lens is 100% accurate focusing, you or your object can move a little bit in that moment between you lock the focus and release the shutter. And while doing closeup portrait, dof is 9mm only, it's hard to stay still for a second. The only solution is to set the camera to shot at focus and just hold the button down. Really unfortunate for someone who has af and shutter release on separate buttons.

[@Dashbaba]

Hey, Thanks for the video. I'm looking at getting the Sigma 85mm Art as well, I already own the older version (non-art version) for about 4 years now and it's a work horse of a lens. I was trying to decide between the Tamron 85mm 1.8 and the sigma, but looks like it's going to be the Sigma. The main issue I have with the Sigma is the Sigma, it's built like a tank.

[@52maq52]

Hej, Flozya. Do You still photographing with Mark II? Interesting if still works for a portraits money making. Thanks /Alex

[@TomeRodrigo]

Hi Alex. I don't do much photography these days because of Covid, but if I do, I use mark2 yes. Nobody ever complained about anything, and it doesn't make sense to me buy any new cameras.

[@52maq52]

@@TomeRodrigo thanks!

[@johnmarolakos9920]

Thanks for this review. I have had the same terrible experience with Canon's 85 ll 1.2. I shoot with 5D Mark 3's. I thought I was losing my mind. I have found that my 85mm ll 1.2 which I purchased for $2000 over a year ago after saving my money simply can’t focus most of the time. Esspecially when focusing below 5.6, like at 4.5, 4.0 3.5, 2.8, 2, 1.2 is impossible. nothing is in focus. It’s horrible. I’m quite outraged with Canon over this lens. It’s not that I purchased a lemon. I’ve tried 3 different lenses. All had the same soft image quality. So much money for a paper weight. I don’t use it. Coming home from a shoot and finding 80 to 100 percent of the photos soft with nothing sharp is maddening. So, I gave up. I use my IM 70 - 200 2.8. It’s a great lens that never lets me down.

[@TomeRodrigo]

Thanks for the comment. Yes, some people say we don't know how to use the lens or we don't know how to use the camera properly :D I have nothing to say.

[@AngelGarcia-xn1uu]

The canon 85mm 1.2 is a portrait lens that is not made for fast moving subjects. Yes, the AF is VERY slow for fast pace shooting. I also dont used it for fast moving subjects. Best for stationary people. At f1.2 the focus is very shallow. I use it at f1.4 or f1.8 if you can't nail the focus when people are moving around to much. If one stand farther away at f1.2 the deapth of field is not as shallow. The lens berrel has a deapt of field info indicator at a given distance. Also think of the plane of focus when using the lense at f1.2. I would reread the manual that came with the lens. I understand everything you are saying since I've been using this lens for years. If you think the focus is bad on this f1.2 lens, try using a 50mm f1.0 lense. It's more drama than a f1.2. Also the 5D Mark II? Try the 5D mark III or IV. the focus is improved. If the Sigma works best for you I totally understan.

[@ultrasportozonaazul1016]

Sorry bro but you can't expect wonderful AF body with a 5D MK II. I had all 5D séries and it's the true.

[@TomeRodrigo]

I am sorry I am not sure what you are talking about, all my other lenses are focusing 100 percent wonderfully on 5d mk2. Sorry to hear about your weird experience with 5d bodies. Not sure where did you get them from.

[@oumenos]

Hi Tome, Just seen this video. Great review. What would be interesting now is a comparative trial with the new Canon 1.4 and the Sigma one. Canon 1.2 seems for me finally out of scope.

[@FKfilmphotography]

Brilliant. All these "photographers" reviewing lenses and they don't even shoot anything other than test charts and flowers. Great video man. Thank you. Check out my 35mm 1 year review.

[@TomeRodrigo]

Thanks, you have great review ! Very nice photos and photoshop work

[@petrvokurek2286]

Thanks for the review, it´s verty true! I´m a pro like you and I used the Canon 85mm f1,2 II for probably more years then you and owned multiple copies. I sold it and bought the Sigma 85mm Art. Now the king is dead, long live the king! :) As you say, it focuses properly 99% of the time where the Canon would just not. Tha canon may have a very slightly more pleasing boheh but the reliability of the Sigma is something I could have only dreamed about with the Canon. And one more improtant thing- I don´ t have to correct the CA´s any more. Very well corrected with the Sigma! Great lens overall.

[@TomeRodrigo]

Thanks for your comment. Yes Sigma is reliable Canon is not..I am trying to put together video where I am showing difference in bokeh from these 2 lenses and reliability of focusing

[@petrvokurek2286]

Omg, such a long time ago! :) Now it seems like I must have been insane then...saying that Sigma lenses were reliable :)) By the end of my Canon DSLR period I couldn´t stand any Sigma lens! Truth be told I moved to Fujifilm about two years ago and I have no regrets and I certainly do not miss any Sigma lenses! Canon lenses on the new mirroless bodies is a different story, though. But I have no desire to go back to Canon any time soon. We´ll see in a couple of years...:) Funny how life can change everything...

[@perseus068]

Hi Tome. I trust your review, for sure, even if it is a bit hard to believe that the Sigma 85/1.4 has better focus consistency than the Canon 85/1.2II. There are some video reviews in KZbin where famous photographers decided to return their own copy of Sigma 85/1.4 due to the problem of focus inconsistency with Canon Bodies. They reported a high fraction (20-25%) of mis-focused images. By the way the Sigma 85 looks awesome when it nails the focus :-) Also, a 5DIII body helps a lot with its cross- type AF points. As you may argue, I´m trying to decide between those two toys to couple to my 70-200/2.8L :-)

[@TomeRodrigo]

Hi Perseus. I feel sorry for those famous guys because between Canon 85mm f1.2 and Sigma 1.4 definitelly wins Sigma. If I had a bad copy of sigma for whatever reason I would buy another one but I definitelly wouldn't stay with Canon 85mm unless it is cheap 1.8 which is focusing right. That's of course only my opinion and some people think opposite. If you hesitate please buy Canon 85mm and feel free to be frustrated yourself :)

[@perseus068]

For sure I respect your opinion. You made a test and you found a result and you´re happy with that. Btw could you tell us which camera have been you using in your tests? Not all the Canon DSLR do have the same AF reliability...

[@TomeRodrigo]

I own now 2x 5d mark2 and it is same on both. I used lens before on 600D, 1000D, 1100D, 5d mark1, 1ds mark2,40D

[@ytbobo31]

The world of photography has a surprising amount of fanboyism/elitism going on, and the bulk of them are Canon users - I don't why or how it came to be, but it's just this amateur's observation. This video will help towards bringing them down from fantasy-land one at a time So thank you for making it.

[@WTF_BBQ]

I've noticed the same problems with other Canon lenses. The focus is off by a couple centimeters. It is really annoying especially when I thought it was an awesome picture in the LCD screen, but when I edit the pictures, the problem becomes very obvious.

[@hesus6177]

I owned the L. The focuses 100% full stop. It requires patience and understanding . DOF is so shallow at 1.2 you move the focal plane when you breath. And still we focus then recompose. Move the focus point, not the camera. Best: tripod it. Tatta and farewell

[@sunnykiri3]

Nice review, pls I will like to see your screen shot of the micro adjustment on the lens, like the figures thanks in advance 😊

[@leewardstyle]

But the 1.2 has that smooth manual focus so you could focus-stack a burst with your 5D. Bokeh and sharpness!!!

[@Kepino21]

thank you for the video. What happen if you put F1,4 on the canon? The sharpnes problem will not change? I am also lookning about the sigma 1,4. Becouse many people are happy with tahat.

[@TomeRodrigo]

Thanks, no it will not change. Canon doesn't have a problem with sharpness at all, but with focusing. I found out later that this is happening to older used lenses as the focusing is very heavy and it is damaging the usm motor so overtime your Canon 85mm f1.2 will stop focusing right. There is a great video about it somewhere here on youtube. I didn't know this information when I was creating this video, so if you eventually buy New-never used canon 85mm f1.2 you should not experience a problem with focusing. That will show up later. I enjoy my Sigma 85mm f1.4 ART so much, golden lens.

[@ferrilucacom]

I read about it in many video... So why Canon doesnt correct its lens?

[@obeahuk]

Thank you for the review Tome. Ive owned the Canon 85mm f1.2 L Mk2 for thge last couple of years shooting weddings (Canon 5D mk3/Canon 6D). Ive been very frustrated with the reliability of focus and yes having to delete a big percentage of slightly out of focus shots. Yes I fell into the trap of owning the master piece lense with inconsistent results. Ive tried all the methods recommended and still struggled. Looks like ill be investigating the Sigma and a probable purchase to keep my workflow consistent. Thanks again, much appreciated ;-)

[@TomeRodrigo]

Hi Obeahuk. Thanks for your kind comment. Yes that's exactly as it is. I had today my first professional 5 hours photoshoot of model in streets of London everything handheld at f1.4 ..9 photos from 10 are focused great. I am extremelly happy with this lens. Maybe it doesnt give so smooth bokes as it is not 1.2 but reliability of focus wins. Of course bokeh is amazing at f1.4

[@obeahuk]

Yes Tome the bokeh of the f1.2 is unique in its own way but like you said "the reliability of the focus wins". My Canon is up for sale already. Heres hoping I get a good copy of the Sigma. Will keep you posted. Thanks so much again. Happy shooting bro ;-)

[@jasonharrold6686]

Very nice video Tome. This is refreshing from other videos that, like you said, are more opinion not really from the real world experience. The thing that struck me though is doing Unit photography/ behind the scenes why not use a zoom lens?

[@joeblow9931]

I bought the sigma...it would just not focus on the eye at 1.4 It was forward-focusing by about half an inch. I tried calibrating it in my D810 with no luck at all. Eyes seemed sharp once i got around 2.8 but thats not what I bought it for. The lens also rendered colors not to my liking either...they had a "painterly" look to them. Returned it for a refund the next day

[@perseus068]

That´s the Sigma lottery with AF that many have experimented

[@archaeologytomtex]

I own the EF 85mm mark ii with my R6, the focus is nice only I feel it’s even noisier than my RF 85mm F2.0

[@eplayersclub40]

Great video.

[@ignacymat]

You should really try bodies like 1DsIII or other 1D's, i've owned 5D2 and while it's great body it's not great for quick shoots. My favourite lens is 50 1.2 and while it was nearly useless on 5D series cameras, every photo on 1D series body is spot on. Cheers.

[@alex0589]

"It's rubbish, YEH?" should be on a t-shirt.

[@shamalhaji1154]

You’re very handsome. I forgot the lenses

[@potrooper]

Hello Tome, Could you guide me for micro adjustment to get perfect focusing for 85 art if you dont mind :) Thanks Pravee

[@TomeRodrigo]

Hi Pravee..you will find the video on youtube when you type in "Canon 5D Mk II Micro-focus Calibration" I have used that video as tutorial for mine..Thanks

[@FRANC1300]

What do you think about new Canon 85mm 1.4 L IS USM?

[@tigranharutyunyan7674]

Try modern cameras like eos R, my friend.

[@charlesw498]

why are you shooting with those lenses if you're in a fast paced environment? It's like a completely counter-logic.

[@TomeRodrigo]

Because I like the aperture and 85mm fits me well...many times I am shooting in extreme bad light conditions just to get atmosphere..I am not able to use any 2.8

[@jomei36]

I had the same experience with 135L on my crop body. It's so frustrating ... you know what this lens can do for you, but if this happens just 2 out of 10 images ... Now, after switching to full frame body it works very well for me, i'm happy now. Sometimes it is the body, btw. body and lens may working on the opposite limits. And i didn't had micro adjustment on my crop body. I was already thinking about the 85 art, but the 135 and 85 mm may bit close together, not sure

[@TomeRodrigo]

Yes 135mm is very close to 85mm ..I had a chance to buy 135mm sigma but I dont really need it as 85mm has very nice bokeh and also my 300mm 2.8 gives me outreageuos bokeh for portraits..I don't need 50 lenses with very similar bokeh..with 135mm f2L I never had a single problem with focusing on FF body..

[@mubashirahmad1922]

Yeah you are right .. but 1.4 n 2.0 is the big point for u .. 85mm 1.4 is much much better then canon 135mm 2.0

[@marc6652]

1 picture is worth a thousand words... especially when you compare 2 lenses. Show us same pictures with those 2 lenses and let us make up our own mind.

[@TomeRodrigo]

I have a video on my channel with pictures.

[@liquidtech8715]

Nice review. The sigma is a good lens but not worth the price tag even though its much cheaper and does not EVEN come close to canons 85 in terms of image quality. I believe beginners will have more trouble with the canon 85 as they cannot judge distance/lighting. If your lighting skills are on par nothing beats canons 85. This is one of the best lenses ever made, speed is not an issue if you know what you are doing.

[@sandb1867]

Thank you, I'll strongly consider switching my 85ii. Please script your video and repeat less. Thank you!

[@TomeRodrigo]

Will do in future..this was like what comes out of my mouth :)

[@alexandergomes3317]

interesting accent, indepth review... sigma 85art is breathtaking!

[@TomeRodrigo]

I am planning some other in depth videos with these two lenses before I sell Canon, will see how I get the time. Accent is from Slovakia.

[@alexandergomes3317]

+Tome Rodrigo thanks as i hope you like my favorite city in the world LONDON

[@wanneske1969]

The new Canon 85 mm f1.4 IS is better than both

[@camerachris]

johan bauwens I’m picking up the 1.4 today. I compared the batch of 85’s, including the Zeiss Milvus. The new Canon 1.4 just seems like the best all around

[@wanneske1969]

I've had it since november. The 4 stops stabilisation really works (well, with non moving objects). It's quite a heavy lens and weatherproof

[@camerachris]

Good to know. I was really vexed in deciding which one of these 85’s to go with.

[@ayushda]

... If you also don't like my video please don't hesitate to unlike me, thank you...

[@ayushda]

Couldn't resist. Don't mind. But on a serious note good review. Liked it!

[@cpimagined630]

you're a canvassing photographer for a film crew who has to shoot in dynamic environments and you choose to run around with, amongst other lenses, the 85 1.2? Definitely not known for being a fast focusing lens. You lost me right there, 1:40 into your vid. I own the 85 1.2 and although it takes ages to rack from min to infinity, if I am already in the ball park then it is not so bad, but I certainly wouldn't rely on it for the type of dynamic work you describe. Maybe a 24-70 2.8 ii. Anyway, I shoot my 85 1.2 on a 1DX mk ii so maybe that is why I find it not so bad.

[@EstiloInAction]

CP Imagined i shoot my 85 1.2 with a Mark iii body, and I've had no problems with focusing and sharpness. Shooting portraits is always spot on...i agree with you 100%

[@jerryqin4459]

Ok totally irrelevant haha as a wedding photographer I actually like the usm a lot more even tho I have both. The l is just too slow at focusing during event shooting

[@retrefry]

Using the Canon and Sigma 85 - and sorry, but I have no idea what you guys are talking about. When you step the Canon Down to F1.4, which you HAVE TO when comparing the two, there is litterly no difference between the hit ratio for me... Which makes the Sigma GREAT for it's price, but 1.2 is 1.2, and anyone who tells you otherwise isn't using their camera as I am! :P

[@joakimolsson1024]

Flying birds at 85mm? :P

[@TomeRodrigo]

yes

[@tykimikk8605]

a rant that doesn't make sense. you say it is good for portrait or what ever but not with what you do which is fast phased. everybody damn well knows the 1.2 is slow as fuck, so why the fuck would you purchase it in the first place?! Also having front back focus? calibrate that camera jeezus.

[@Tank1578]

50 to 60 percent of your photos are rubbish????? That doesn't seem right.

[@klaas-jelmersixma6566]

I just returned my 85mm 1.2, and changed it for the sigma, it is quicker and sharper, and less chromatic aberration! kzbin.info/www/bejne/bYuoY3uZidynkM0

[@tonymariolazoblanco9318]

Bla, bla, bla, bla, bla, bla, bla, bla, bla

[@anatchoo]

니 얼굴 길다....

[@unodosblanco]

Boring