Canon 'L' lens challenge: 85mm f/1.2 'L' vs. 85mm f/1.8

[@BrainstechKnowlogy]

I just love the way you review stuff. Nice background music and its really relaxing. Keep it up sir..

[@fedo1234567891011]

let me say that you are the best person who review the lenses in KZbin, your videos are amazing !!

[@bringmeknitting844]

If you've got the money then fair enough, the 85mm 1.2 is an amazing lens. But the 85mm 1.8 should certainly not be regarded as the cheap crap substitute - it produces lovely pictures. I don't really worry about the chromatic aberration as it is so easily removed in Lightroom. Nice review Chris!

[@EddySawaya8637]

Not always, some CA exactly the longitudinal type can be very hard ro correct... truth if that the 85mm f1.8 is now severely outdated. I would recommend any of the newer lenses of canon or even third party over it.

[@zeorya]

Watching this end of 2020 it still was very informative for me! Struggeling to chose wether to buy the 1.2 and cry for about 2 years seeing my bank account or buy the 1.8 and regret it for the lack in quality. But as I use a APSC (80d) your video saved me from spending all my money for the first 85mm to buy! Thank you so much!

[@DeadGlassEyes]

Corners don't really matter if you're just using it to blur out the background, anyway. These are for portraits mainly, I'd go with the 1.8.

[@flyguy8787]

the 1.2 is literally one of the best portrait lenses you can own out of all of the canon L series and honestly out of all 85mm photography lenses in general. It's expensive and not really necessary for about 80% of photographers but I will always suggest that most people should at least rent it for a weekend from a local rental house for 20 bucks or so to see that it's not hype....it's legit

[@TheJudge064]

I prefer the 1.4 much more. It's still a heavy lens, but your hands will thank you a lot for choosing it instead of the 1.2. Also the autofocus is a bit better than the 1.2, about the same as the 1.8, so I get a bit more shots in focus.

[@Thedesertguy75]

I absolutely love the 85mm 1.8 it's very sharp, fast and accurate. For about $300 it's absolutely worth it. The slow focusing speed of the 1.2 is a killer for me. I can shoot birds in flight with the 1.8

[@DanielFazzari]

Thanks for the comparison, Chris. 85L is my dream lens! I would keep this over all others I have. I've had the 1.8 twice, and ended up selling it. People always complain the L is slow...that's because it's not a sports/action lens! It's made for portraits, and it excels at that. Also, it is extremely sharp, if calibrated properly (and one knows how to use it). I ended up adjusting AF micro adjust to +7, and it is perfect, even at 1.2!. If one wants the same super bokeh, but also lightning fast AF, the 135L delivers both - but is 50mm longer.

[@DeyvsonMoutinhoCaliman]

I just bought the 85mm 1.8. As I don't normally have the chance to take pictures in controlled situations, the f1.2 would barely make a difference for me, specially the focus being slower.

[@zilog1]

I could have SWARN i saw a crack in the lens of the L one on the left in the very beginning of the video

[@travisb8055]

I love your lens reviews. They are very informative and relaxing. You are like the Bob Ross of photography.

[@dps6198]

My 70-200 f/2.8 L II is very impressive for portraiture too.

[@solomonramsa]

Someone knows how to fix the error that the lens has, it only focuses on one point, in manual the ring does not move and in autofucus it locks. I love my 85 f1.8 but it's sad I can't use it anymore

[@MississippiParkour]

I love your reviews, but these head to head challenges are my favorite

[@YourTechGuide.]

is this lens sharper than the Sigma 50mm 1.4 art lens? let me know ASAP, im planning to purchase another lens for X-Mas party and wedding coming up soon! thanks in advance!

[@dxkhoi]

+L BS 85mm f/1.2? Yes, I'd say it's one of the sharpest lenses in the Canon lineup.

[@YourTechGuide.]

Madara Uchiha naw buddy the Sigma 50mm is

[@dxkhoi]

My apologies. I asked a few friends of mine who own the Art lens, and they agree that although the 85mm is one of the sharpest in the CANON lineup, the 50mm Art is STILL SHARPER. DXOMark also says sigma 50mm f1.4 is 30% sharper than canon 85mm f1.2

[@Nurg1982]

+L BS nothing beats the 50mm F1.4 ART lens at this time, so why ask they obvious? :D The non-art lens (the one I own) is remarkably sharp for its price as well.

[@ksbutala]

Yes 1.4

[@jamesdunlop8704]

Very through and informative review. Told me everything I wanted to know.

[@leonardbernardo2145]

Please update this 😁

[@josephmonreal00]

Would you recommend the Canon 1.8 for Product Photography?

[@njrivetelite]

I just ordered the Canon 85mm 1.8 and I am using the 60D I will have 3 lenses when this one comes in on Friday. I have the Sigma 17-50mm 2.8 Canon 50mm 1.8 (soon will be upgrading to a 1.4 for sturdier build quality) and The Canon 85mm 1.8 when it arrives. I have watched both reviews and have read endless reviews on these lenses.. sadly the L lens is a bit out of my price range currently. One day I will have a nice L lens line up! haha

[@David-Alfonso]

If a 5 year late curious cat could ask. What are your thoughts on the 85mm 1.8 long term?

[@njrivetelite]

@@David-Alfonso The 85 1.8 is a magnificent lens.. Fast, sharp & light.. I had sold it and have missed it since so I'm rebuking it.

[@miramezjr]

Im planing to get rid of my 18-135 kit lens for my 70d. im thinking to buy 85mm and Canon 24mm IS USM. A pity that Canon 85 has no IS. Due to this i lose some photos... A range like 85 needs IS.

[@cellmatic]

+Ranez Gurubhai If you're taking photo's, turn up your shutter speed. If you're taking video, slap it on a tripod or cheap stabilizer. Problem solved.

[@miramezjr]

TheAloomaX Yes, i know! But my 70d has that auto focus problem. even with high speed sometimes the image gets like hand shake/blurry. I lose several photos with my 50mm due to this. Imagine 85... Only with my kit lens i save more photos due to the IS. It is sad that canon doesnt launch a new 85 version up to date with is.

[@BlackSteelBlackSteelPromotions]

+Ranez Gurubhai Can i join in the convo.......i totally agree with you bro....i have the same camera.....with the same lens....i am now looking at the 85mm....and the 24-70mm F2.8 mk11...but they do not have stabiliser settings on them.....and they are damn expensive.....ok i will get a Ikan gimbal for DSLR....but thats not the point.......£1,300 i expect IS on the lens's

[@miramezjr]

Black Steel IS is much important, much more for videos. tamron will launch a firsr 85mm with IS. But is not good to buy newer lenses. I think for 70d in the range of 18-135, the 24mm and 85mm is good. But i think i will go for 244mm first

[@coopershreds]

Impressed with the knowledge and opinion you present with your videos. Look forward to watching more, thanks.

[@kaveshnaidoo2644]

Thanks for the review @Christopher the bokeh difference does seem in my opinion negligible at the same f stop, the fact that I would use this for portraits and that the f1.8 has less barrel distortion coupled with faster auto-focus, leaves a clear winner for me.For the price the value of the f1.8 exceeds the value of the f1.2 hands down. I just ordered mine :), thanks once again, if ever I buy a lens I always come to your channel first because your reviews offer exactly what I need very succinctly. Thank you keep up the good work!

[@dxkaiyuan4177]

On APS-C the L lens has slightly more fringing than the f1.8 at the centre? Slowly I'm losing my trust in Canon L lenses since most of their designs are decades old, and instead I'm looking towards the Sigma Art and Sport series as they have superior build quality and more modern designs

[@jimdailey1985]

You didn't mention carrying around the weight of the 1.2.

[@TK421-53]

I love my 85L, but I miss the 85/1.8 because of its size. That said, the 135L is both fast, smooth and has a great built. The 1.8 is very value money (although the Nikon 85/1.8 G is better - dare I add the word much - but it is a later generation, with superior design and coatings).

[@dangerpowers123]

Great review. As always your reviews are full of informed details on the lenses in question, thank you

[@MonroesArtStudio]

Canon 85mm 1.8 prime @ f2.8 is best thing ever. I rarely go under 2.8 as it is anyways

[@godz2928]

MonroesArtStudio but why?

[@ImperfectLion]

it's a lot sharper

[@lalafuentes7392]

Hmmmm I’ve never had a problem shooting on f1.8 if anything is my favorite for my type of photography. How come the 2.8 I know it does get sharper as you go up but why that choice.

[@MonroesArtStudio]

@@lalafuentes7392 it's a good blend of not too blown out and good sharpness for me.

[@lalafuentes7392]

@@MonroesArtStudio 👌🙌nice

[@PathanaSchool]

please do canon 85mm f1.2 vs samyang 85mm f1.2

[@bobos245]

Is that cracked glass in the 1.2?

[@christopherfrost]

No, it's an optical illusion

[@Lumusphoto]

Christopher Frost Photography Would be expensive if it was!

[@Luxdg]

Canon you make 1.2 vs new 1.4?

[@jumeejum4444]

great review.. could you make comparison Canon 85mm f1.8 vs Canon 135mm f2? please

[@hayfield43]

I have both lenses and they are both great, but the 1.2 is razor sharp wide open and has a magical quality that the 1.8 just can't match. Is it worth the money? It depends. I bought the 1.2 second hand for £700, and for that difference it's more than worth it.

[@christopherfrost]

Why have both lenses? Why not sell the f/1.8 and just use the 85mm f/1.2 stopped down to f/1.8?

[@hayfield43]

I really don't get your point. Why would I have a 1.2 stopped down to 1.8? That doesn't make any sense at all. That's why I bought the 1.2. Eh?

[@brandonj8018]

but what's the need for both if the 1.2 is better?

[@hayfield43]

because I had the 1.8 and then bought the 1.2. People do that sometimes you know

[@christopherfrost]

So why not sell the 85mm f/1.8 lens, is what I'm saying...

[@Solarfactor]

It's great when everything that you want is in focus at f/1.2, but sadly in the real world this happens less often than not. That's why I sold my f/1.2.

[@Twobarpsi]

Why not stop it down? I never shoot wide open on all my Canon lenses. 50mm 1.8 shoot 5.6, 70-200mm 2.8 shoot 4.0, 18-35 Sigma 1.8 usually shoot 4.0-5.6. Stopping down a faster lens gets you better sharpness than a slower lens of the same focal length, at the same aperture.

[@maxfactor4209]

i just bought canon 85 mm 1.8 sharp but significant amount of ca-pf

[@pyroBlastM]

How is this lens compared to 100mm f/2? Do you have a side-by-side comparison like this one?

[@Annzipli]

thanks again for the great Review! :)Could you maybe compare the Canon 85 1.8 to the Sigma 85 1.4? :)

[@diday9794]

i have Camera CANON EOS 70D , and i want buy lens "Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM Medium Telephoto Fixed" , is that lens matched to this camera ? or that lens is full frame and will not matching to that camera because i think it's not full frame camera ? thanks

[@Paul_C83]

I think buying the 1.2 is likely for those who want to show off, as for practical use and value then surely the 1.8 is the one to have... It's what I shall be looking to get.

[@alexo3720]

+Paul C boom. it's like "ey! check out my badass lens"

[@briant4078]

I have the 1.8 and its a fine lens. Think of what you can buy with the money saved over the 1.2.

[@flyguy8787]

brianT the 1.2 is literally one of the best portrait lenses you can own out of all of the canon L series and honestly out of all 85mm photography lenses in general. It's expensive and not really necessary for about 80% of photographers but I will always suggest that most people should at least rent it for a weekend from a local rental house for 20 bucks or so to see that it's not hype....it's legit

[@akidna804]

hi Christ.. nice vid.. can u pls review canon 85mm f1.4 ? thx :)

[@christopherfrost]

I will one day :-)

[@alessandrocernuzzi]

I'm not sure how, but the L lens looks really soft to me, wide open, at least on the building shots

[@mikesullivane30]

Nice job. Your videos are always great.

[@HaouasLeDocteur]

Why doesn't the full-frame suffer from purple fringing?

[@christopherfrost]

HaouasLeDocteur It does - just to a smaller extent. It's just emphasized by the smaller sensor of an APS-C camera.

[@HaouasLeDocteur]

Christopher Frost Photography If I understand correctly, the higher density sensor captures that chromatic aberration better than a full-frame because more pixels happen to sit where the purple fringing occurs. Is this it? Thanks!

[@csb65536]

This is a very informative video, none of the boring bs that others have in their videos.

[@lovercontax4979]

Christopher Frost Photography is the 85 1.8 made in japan also? thx chris

[@christopherfrost]

Hmm, can't remember, my fiancee has it right now. Check Ken Rockwell's review, he's probably noted thaat

[@rashidline7180]

+Christopher Frost Photography how many apeture blades 85 1.8 has?

[@lovercontax4979]

+Christopher Frost Photography chris, could u do a review on TS-E 17 mm and 11-24 mm these two lens? bunch of thx!

[@claudiofossati9713]

Great video, professional and really informative. Thanks!

[@uptownphotography]

Nice video and alot of good info...Philip

[@vanhoannguyen7440]

Love my 1.8 1.2 doesnt deserved for extra money

[@jasonosborne8419]

I have the 1.8 and it is amazing, only get the 1.2 if photography is your profession

[@jbello9398]

exactly... besides normal people that aren't even amateur photographers aren't even going to notice the difference... the 1.8 is excellent choice... don't want to cut an arm and a leg for just a minor difference in lens

[@brandonj8018]

professionals use the 1.8 too...

[@petertruong83]

I had both lens.... The 1.8 had rougher bokeh than the 1.2...Also, If you stopped down f3.5 the 1.2 will have richer colour compared to the 1.8...1.8 was not too bad... however 1.2 was just a different level compared to it :-)

[@Libinkttm]

How is this 85 1.8 for videography ? Like KZbin videos and all ?

[@christopherfrost]

What do you mean, exactly?

[@Libinkttm]

@@christopherfrost I mean how is 85 1.8 for videography ..compared to 85 1.2 ..any motor sound interreption any auto focussing issue ? Same question with 50 mm 1.8 also ..how is that for photography compared to 50 1.2 ?

[@christopherfrost]

@@Libinkttm The focus motor on the 1.2 should be far quieter and more efficient. As for the 50mm lens, watch my review, and you'll find out all about it

[@Libinkttm]

@@christopherfrost thanks

[@chazM6116]

are both lens micro adjusted for focus before the test?

[@christopherfrost]

They're focussed manually

[@jjoven1225]

Have you tried the Sigma 85mm? I'm debating between getting the Sigma vs Canon.How is the Canon 85mm 1.8 compare to the Sigma 85mm 1.8?

[@christopherfrost]

+jjoven1225 I haven't tried it yet unfortunately. I hear it's great but that it has autofocus accuracy problems

[@AgnostosGnostos]

The 85mm is the biggest usable focal length for various kinds of photography. Above 100mm there are restrictions. The small angle of view is a problem many times. Adding the incredible f/1.2 and autofocus the Canon 85mm f/1.2 for me is by far the best electronic autofocus lens in the market. Also is the second edition introduced in 2006. The 85mm f/1.8 was introduced in 1992 and unbelievably is still being sold. One of the facts that the purchase of a good lens is a real investment. Of course the Canon 85mm f/1.2 is not one of the sharpest. That's inventible. Autofocus motors, aperture motors, electronic board and electronic connectors demand space. And that occupied space restricts the ability for sharper optics. That's one of the reason why Zeiss manual lenses excel. The f/1.2 lens isn't lengthy but wide and heavy. I prefer that to lengthier lenses because they add more pressure to the lens mount.

[@ThePandaPhotographer]

F1.8 is a better lens overall and F1.2 can be for some that can afford it.

[@smaakjeks]

After watching this, I've decided to not get the 85mm f1.2. That CA is so bad, and the image so soft. It won't be a substitute for portraits for my Canon 70-200 f2.8 IS 2.

[@michonn2]

+Smaakjeks Kjeks Well, I own 1DX and 85 1.2 ll I had before 50D and 85 1.8. All I can say I will never look back for APS-C sensor. 85 1.2 on FF is crazy. Yeah there is color fringing but this days is easy to fix in LR

[@ContetorTV]

Chris u remains my best lens reviewer

[@Hkmmotologs]

Can you review the Tamron SP 70-300 Di VC USD????

[@DeeperQuestionsYouTube]

I already have!

[@Hkmmotologs]

Christopher Frost Oh sorry! .. I didn't see it.. Thank you :)

[@jcsan4628]

Hi Christopher! Thank you so much for your video. I have a question. I bought the canon 5d mk iii. Will the Canon 50mm 1.4 lens and the Canon 85mm 1.8 work well for professional use? Especially for low light gig photography and portraiture? I am torn. I was going to buy the EF 24-70mm F/2.8L II ONLY, thinking it was an all rounder lens but someone said it wasn't a good idea. I've only ever done worked with a 50mm lens on an old school nikon FM2 film camera.

[@christopherfrost]

+JC Riot The 85mm f/1.8 would be great for indoor gigs and portraiture. The 50mm is fine but might be a bit too wide angle. The 135mm f/2 would be best really but it'd take a little skill to use it indoor

[@latindan4965]

still looking for the "noticeable advantage" at 3:29 in the middle of the picture. Good video by the way

[@PharaohFontain]

am I the only one that thinks the 1.8 is visually better?

[@99Pokel]

What do you thing about canon ef 100m f/2 usm in comparation with the 85 f/1.8 usm ? Thank for all your videos they are really good

[@christopherfrost]

They're virtually one and the same. I think I'd slightly prefer the 100mm, apparently it's just a tiny bit sharper, and I like the longer focal length, but the 85 will be a little easier to use

[@SelectNation702]

I would get the 85mm 1.4L over both of these

[@Ciachu555]

It is truly amazing lens this L lens ...love the super ..khm..khm... fast ? focus !!! buhahahaha ...I would never buy it for that amount of money ! 85 1.8 is very fast and the difference is so small!

[@smaakjeks]

So, you buy it used for less than half the price. And there you go.

[@TheFerrari308]

HOLA, ME GUSTA QUE EL VÍDEO TENGA SUBTITULOS EN ESPAÑOL

[@Tzadeck]

I have the 1.8, and find that in actual portraits it's usually best to be stopped down to 2.8 anyway--even 1.8 is often too narrow DOF if you're in close enough to just be shooting the head and shoulders. Of course I'd take the 1.2 if someone gave it to me for free, but I think there's never any real reason to buy it.

[@nooddles12]

i like my 1.8. the non L lens are nothing to sneeze at

[@shobinz1]

Thanks Christopher for your great reviews and points and I really appreciate your effort for us.could u please make a comparison of canon 85mm 1.8 and canon 1.8. please suggest a good portrait lense for my canon 6D. THANK YOU.

[@theleastsignificantbit4794]

I just can’t see paying five times the money for the L. My wallet and I can live without the extra light sensitivity.

[@wildbill9919]

l'm a poor man, so there's ACTUALLY a chance that l'll own the 1.8 someday. The 1.2-never.

[@brandonj8018]

the mark 1 version can be bought on amazon and probably ebay for around 800. so there is hope lol

[@CashelOConnolly]

It’s £2000😱

[@Rationalific]

Excellent comparison!

[@alexandrinacalderoni3627]

Hi Chris! I love you voice and accents!! Chhers from Liverpool

[@GilsFek]

hey Dustin, do you think the 50 1.2 is sharper or the 85 1.2 is?

[@christopherfrost]

I'm not Dustin Abbott

[@natsonthervil3112]

lol

[@ApertureApex]

+Christopher Frost Photography This comment made my day ! Thanks Christopher XD

[@dronespace]

Christopher Frost Photography lol

[@maltimoto]

The performance of the 85 1.2 at f/1.2 is ridicoulous. It is not very sharp. The Sigma Art 85 1.4 will be much sharper.

[@_arturjutkowiak_film]

85 f/ 1.2 shitty compared to Sigma 85 ART.

[@PhilIpp88]

Two amazing lenses INDEED! :)

[@tashmoo]

Wow this was unexpectedly funny

[@brandonj8018]

?

[@draganlazarus]

WB on the pic f your wife is way off ...

[@christopherfrost]

Yeah, I know. My photography has come along since then, thankfully

[@draganlazarus]

Ive seen your pictures and i agree, i was just wandering was there intentional purpose. :) God bless :)

[@angriestphotographer3590]

Bloody Hell what a BIG HOLE inside your lens, I think your 85mm f 1.2 is broken dude LOL

[@andrewmckenley5355]

Did you do the 85mm f2 video?

[@diday9794]

i have Camera CANON EOS 70D , and i want buy lens "Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM Medium Telephoto Fixed" , is that lens matched to this camera ? or that lens is full frame and will not matching to that camera because i think it's not full frame camera ? thanks

[@shobinz1]

Thanks Christopher for your great reviews and points and I really appreciate your effort for us.could u please make a comparison of canon 85mm 1.8 and canon 1.8. please suggest a good portrait lense for my canon 6D. THANK YOU.

[@shobinz1]

Thanks Christopher for your great reviews and points and I really appreciate your effort for us.could u please make a comparison of sigma 85mm 1.8 and canon 1.8. please suggest a good portrait lense for my canon 6D. THANK YOU.

[@shobinz1]

Thanks Christopher for your great reviews and points and I really appreciate your effort for us.could u please make a comparison of sigma 85mm 1.8 and canon 1.8. please suggest a good portrait lense for my canon 6D. THANK YOU.

[@christopherfrost]

+SHOBIN ZACHARIAS Just go for the Canon 85mm f/1.8, it'll be great for you. Another nice option is the Samyang 85mm f/1.4, if you're happy to use manual focus