Canon RF 85mm F1.2L Definitive Review | 4K

[@bengd3785]

Dustin, you're the new benchmark of gear review, I don't even look at DxO mark anymore and go straight to you for your indepth, non-biased yet filled with real world metrics that we all care about. Sir, I thank you for all the work you do and I wish all gear manufacturers come to you for feedback through their NPD process.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

That's great feedback. Thank you!

[@bohouss3622]

Same here

[@ApertureApex]

I love getting notifications from your channel. Thank you for your enjoyable content Dustin. :)

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

You're welcome!

[@longrider9551]

Mr A the best in the biz, not a Canon user but they are coming on strong and deserve kudos

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Particularly if the the EOS R5 lives up to the rumored billing.

[@cagf2013]

Awesome review Dustin! Just waiting for that R5 to drop now :)

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Absolutely. I'm really excited about the potential of that camera...I just hope the reality lives up to the hype.

[@minusinfinity6974]

Really hope Canon finally get rid of the AA filter on the R5. I know the 5DsR technically eliminates the AA filter, but it's by cancellation not because it doesn't have one it's more like the D800E. I'll never own this lens, as I don't shoot portraits and could never justify the price, but it certainly is stunning. I'd like to see something like the Samyang for RF mount one day, but since Canon and Nikon don't have a open lens mount it will be much slower to get thrid party lenses, a silly oversight IMO and one reason the Sony FF are so popular, the third party lens ecosystem is amazing.

[@fallguy6558]

@@minusinfinity6974 I just sent the samyang 85 RF back to adorama for a refund. It seems it doesn't focus accurately especially with backlit subject. It also locks up my R5. It happened 3x now.

[@ronrotunno2901]

I’m not a portrait photographer but I purchased this lens for a specific purpose. In my experience this is the best widefield astrophotography lens ever built. Great for Milkyway panos and widefield DSO’s. Excellent review Dustin, thank you.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

That's a vyer interesting application.

[@ronrotunno2901]

Superb for Milkyway core shots and (as a test) even larger galaxies like M31 which is a true testament to the overall image quality; cropping to a fraction of the frame, stars hold up beautifully as points of light with no signs of chromatic aberration. It’s incredible.

[@mariap6271]

Best reviewer on KZbin hands down ! Can’t wait to see a comprehensive comparison between this 85 and the 85 DS

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I do hope to get my hands on the DS, though I am somewhat limited by when/if Canon Canada has a loaner available for me.

[@GableVision]

@@DustinAbbottTWIWell, I could buy an occasion for €1.900 @mpb and my first idea is/was to send it back right away. Only because of the bokeh. With DS background is more there with more substantial contrasts (like f is 1.4) less airy, less dreamy, artificial like a Gaussian blur. So even that the background is more there, with it’s artificial look it also give room to the idea that it was added post process. I don’t like that at all. And when I think of it it feels stupid to have the brightest glass and then undo that with a coating. As my copy is really ‘as new’ I tried to find reasons to keep it, and the only advantage is the more ‘pop-art’ feeling of the images. That is a quality of its own. Also you could value the look of heavy post processing, as if I did a lot of work, while it is just the quality out of camera ;-) So I’m still undecided, leaning to returning the lens, but at the same time cherishing it’s quality and questioning how important bokeh is to me.

[@TherconJair]

"Exposable cash" I have to keep that expression in mind. 😄

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

LOL - I caught that in edit. Disposable became exposable. I really need to quit exposing my cash :)

[@TherconJair]

@@DustinAbbottTWI For as long as you don't overexpose it, it stays recoverable if you bring it into the bank!

[@TheDanGore]

Such a detailed and informative review. Thank you for the effort and the beautiful examples! Always can respect a man that has a Bible on his shelf.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I appreciate that!

[@deebea6364]

Hmm I just bought an RF 85 1.2 DS over this version of the lens - I loved my EF 85 1.2 but the combination of the RF performance, and the DS made it unique enough to be worth making the jump - losing a bit of light but love the softer smoother background the DS version can achieve - well worth the extra $$$

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Interesting. I do hope to review the DS, though I'd kind of like to wait until I can review it on the R5 and really put it through the paces

[@CoolhandLukeSkywalkr]

Love the bokeh on the DS, but I guess I would rather pick up the original, to get the full use of f/1.2.

[@deebea6364]

CoolhandLukeSkywalkr CoolhandLukeSkywalkr hmm I think the DS can actually be more useable in full daylight - even at 100 ISO, and 1/8000 sometimes the 1.2 EF is letting in too much light and may have to stop down or ... ND filter? 😅 hoping the IBIS and a newer sensor on R5 makes up for darker conditions, where flash or tripods are not an option!

[@CoolhandLukeSkywalkr]

@@deebea6364 I'm planning to buy an R5. I want an RF 85mm, either with the DS or without, is this the best 85mm on the market? I don't think you could go wrong either way, but I personally really like the look of the non-DS lens shot at F/1.2. Both versons of the lens seem really great.

[@deebea6364]

CoolhandLukeSkywalkr both are definitely amazing and it feels like a big step up from the EF; love the faster focus than the EF, and how eye detect means hitting the shot consistently (whereas for the EF had to overshoot a lot to make sure) - in some cases the non-DS definitely gives a really cool look, however I decided to go with the more niche option - a big influence for me to get the DS was watching a short 2 min KZbin video that comes up if you search ‘introducing the Canon RF 85 1.2 DS’ ; kzbin.info/www/bejne/f4LWhIx-YsZ9lbc , it shows the difference side by side :)

[@DJAnamaly]

I would love to hear your review on the 85 mm DS version by Canon

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I probably should have a chance to look at it once they become available.

[@ChrisThe1]

I‘d be really interested in that too.

[@grsamael]

@@DustinAbbottTWI Please do so, i am sure lots of people are curious about that lens. Me included! Oh and rumor has it that a 45MP EOS Rs is around the corner, fingers crossed!

[@patlezinc]

Dustin’s reviews are always nice to watch :) but if you are ina hurry, it seems to have exactly the same behavior in terms of sharpness and CA. Bokeh is smoother but also a bit « smaller ». And in the Canon exemples, you loose about 1,5 stops of light (1/4000 -> 1/1250). And... 500€ pricier 😕.

[@4ksydneyeventvideographer806]

On a positive note the Canon did the right thing by making the new RF range fully interchangeable with EF. That is refreshing

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

For sure.

[@peterebel7899]

Thank you for this review! And yes: Canon is taking the mirrorless game seriously.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

They seem to be really starting to focus their game. Now it's time for the bodies to follow suit.

[@peterebel7899]

@@DustinAbbottTWI Did you ever analyze Canon's innovation strategy? it is the same very successful pattered since decades now: (to be seen i.e. AF, IS, EF mount, ...) - putting the first product somewhere in the upper middle segment of the market to gather lessons learnt & do technological homework - the rollout then focusses two directions simultaneously: entry level market to get economics of scale and premium segment where performance and reliability counts. They started FF mirrorless with EOS R&RP, next on the roadmap R5 with higher resolution & IBIS, may be some double digit R or R7 to be followed. And the know how to take advantage of the new mount. Sorry for you, I think every Canon lens on RF will be focus by wire but with expanded performance like i.e. nearly flat max magnification 0.3 across the whole zoom range of the RF 2.8 24-70 IS L. I just think there will remain one DSLR play field with action (sports&wildlife) and some of those big whites where zero latency OVF is a key (just addressed with 1DXMIII) It's a hefty business, but they know how to do it.

[@Stefan1968ful]

Peter Ebel The 1DX Mark III does not address the needs of Wildlife photographers as the resolution is simply too low for that. There are other options outs there allowing much more cropping than the 1DX Mark III. I am very pessimistic on the 1DX Mark III, it’s an anachronism from old times.

[@peterebel7899]

@@Stefan1968ful Not enough resolution? The quality of crisp pictures are just the very best for the next olympic games but not for your style of wildlife shooting? The last winner of World Wildlife Photographer of the Year used a 18 MP body (jumping mammals in low light). Cropping? Work at your skills to get the proper shooting distance. I am sadly not affording this biest with crazy low light capabilities and crazy AF speed, resolution and precision due to its prizing and continue using 1DX II. For all slower shooting I switched to mirrorless. May be you are shooting wildlife only in bright sunshine. I would be happy to extend the hours in dawn, dusk, bad weather etc. enabled by 1DX III. I am not the only one desiring this biest of a tool for fast shooting in low light. May be you prefer 80 MP sensors slowed down by buffer overflow for wildlife, that is OK.

[@Stefan1968ful]

@@peterebel7899 I guess you never really did Wildlife. So let me explain it here shortly. In Wildlife you never can be close enough and the lens can never be long enough. So that's why cropping is very important in Wildlife. But with 20MP you have not that much room for cropping. So the Canon 1DX Mark III is not a good solution for Wildlife, especially not when you have to deal with all subject. Please spare me here any more Canon Fanboyism, you may not like this answer but it is a matter of fact.

[@matteoraineri4556]

What is that red and black circle tied to the camera?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

That’s an anchor point for Peak Design straps. You can find my review of those straps on my channel.

[@mikewinburn]

excellent presentation. Thorough. I'm very impressed with the focus chart use. its a differentiator for sure. Nice production values as well.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Thank you!

[@worstfoodreviewer4295]

What is that red ring hanging on the side of camera, I have EOS-R but i did not see any of those

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

That is an "anchor point" for a Peak Design strap - my preferred strap.

[@worstfoodreviewer4295]

@@DustinAbbottTWI I see, Thank you very much!

[@jeffreyfleming4016]

Excellent review of this lens. Thanks much.😊👍

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

My pleasure.

[@blitzkrieg_ahf]

Superb review of a superb lens!

[@patlezinc]

I own this lens and it is the best I’ve ever had. I love it.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Not surprised to hear that.

[@patlezinc]

Dustin Abbott I also have sometimes the focus issue you mention, I just focus to the ground and retry when it happens. Well... not a big deal to me ;) I forgive Canon 😋. Haaa, what a great lens. I have bought a lot of lenses, seeking for the holy grail. I think I found something I will keep a loooong time :) Thank you for your review 🙏🏻

[@salvamando1]

Awesome and thorough review as always! I really like that you included non-portrait shots. I have the RF 50mm 1.2 and I just received this beauty a few days ago and I’m already in love! My partner is just sick of me using him as my model though! At least your daughter seems to enjoy it! Cheers and thanks again.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I am very blessed that my daughter is an enthusiastic model for me.

[@melodychest9020]

Wow .. OTUS shaking in their boots! Plus this one may even double up as a mini cooker for those outings! Just needs one more ON/OFF button! Amazing resolution - next level!! Just when you thought mirrorless cameras were getting smaller than DSLR here we are with this baby elephant!

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Yes, the whole "mirrorless is smaller" trope is only true in some circumstances.

[@kullumphoto]

I owned this lens and this is by far my favorite 85mm lens ever!!!

[@backfilms1953]

U havent used the nikkor 105mm f2 or zeiss 85mm 1.4 - these are on a higher level. Not even using plastics like cheap canon

[@kullumphoto]

backfilms I have used the ziess and the ziess is up to par and I am going to assume you’re referring to the Nikon 105mm 1.4 which is very similar to the sigma version. All are great lenses. The 105 have a better compression but all the canon rf lenses are on the ziess level. Have you ever used the canon rf 85mm lens?

[@backfilms1953]

@@kullumphoto my problem with canon products is that it doesnt seem to last. And the colours are not great. So i dont use canon ever again

[@kullumphoto]

backfilms I’ve been using canon products for over 15 years without that issue. Sorry that your experience was not great. So again have you ever used the rf 85 lens? If not you will learn that the rf line is a totally different ball game than the ef. I own the 28-70 and the 15-35 also tried the rf 50. This is one of those don’t knock it unless you tried it scenarios...cheers

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I can't argue there. I've not reviewed a better one...and that includes the Otus.

[@sniperv]

If Canon brings out the right RF body for me, this 85 is a must have.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Here's hoping that the R5 is that body. If it lives up to the potential hype, it will probably be my next camera.

[@sniperv]

@@DustinAbbottTWI R5 looks too good to be true. I'm in pretty deep with Sony, so that body has to be pretty darn good for me to jump ship, unless Sony releases something amazing...how spoiled we've become!

[@patlezinc]

Believe me, this lens is a must have even at 30Mp. Don’t tell me that Sony users don’t put G master line on the 24mp of the A73??? 😝 Seriously, 30mp is absolutely enough for portraits

[@sniperv]

Patrick G. Actually resolution isn’t my issue with the current EOS R. It’s the bad Touch Bar, very slow FPS for action, weird freeze frame preview in continuous shooting to overcome no blackout, and of course the 2 cards.

[@patlezinc]

sniperv as this 85 is mainly design for portrait, only the 2 slots can be an issue in some situations, for other things you mention, a R is good enough to make this 85 a must have. 😉 Anyway, mirrorless bodies will never stop to evolve so you can already buy this 85 😋.

[@Eleven.Eleven.1111]

Good work! Very detailed

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Thank you!

[@jravell]

What surprises me is that I can't find any videos dedicated to comparing between RF lenses and Zeiss Otus lenses. Would be interesting since I keep hearing that the gap has lessened significantly, maybe even been closed. And there's the topic of overall feel.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

It's been so long since Zeiss has made any new lenses that there isn't a ton of crossover.

[@ChristopherKeels]

excellent review as always

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Thank you.

[@sinus6ber]

@Dustin Abbott can you test RF 28-70 F2.0?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I will at some point. Maybe in March if my schedule doesn't fill up too much.

[@eastendphotographer428]

Thank you again for your excellent review.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

You're welcome.

[@eastendphotographer428]

@@DustinAbbottTWI I have the R5 back ordered at Adorama and excited to get my hands on this beast, especially with the 85 mm f1.2

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Canon's supply chain seems to be really backed up.

[@gazdyer2732]

Great review , many thanks

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Thank you!

[@chrisrout1654]

What a fantastic lens! and indeed, loads of other reviewers have more or less said the same thing too! Excellent quality and well done with producing some wonderful test images also. It would be good to see the colour difference between this and the 85mm Otus, and as you've already mentioned there's nothing in it when it comes to sharpness!

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

If I had more time with this lens, I might have begged an Otus loaner from Zeiss. It just wasn't in the cards this time around.

[@chrisrout1654]

@@DustinAbbottTWI Ha yes i guessed that, well you could have borrowed mine if we were closer! Incidentally, what is the RF body like to focus manual lenses such as the Milvus & Otus lenses compared to the Sony?

[@fotopogledi]

Super review as always :) keep on great work!

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Thanks!

[@robgerety]

I think this is the most positive review of yours I have every watched. How about on an R6?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

It should look even better on an R6 at the lower resolution point. The optics would easily outresolve that sensor.

[@jamescook5931]

Great job as usual. What about using this lens on the Canon r5 for video? Secondly, In your opinion, which RF lenses are best for video?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

It should work fairly well. Lenses equipped with the Nano-USM motors are your best options for video work as far as focus smoothness and quietness.

[@stevebell3809]

Thanks for a great review. I thought long and hard about buying the 85mm RF to use with my R5 or adapting the old 85mm f1.2 L ii. Your review was certainly the tipping point in the decision making process and although my bank balance is significantly reduced after buying the RF version! Keep up the great work and thank you.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

LOL - sorry about that.

[@robgerety]

I did the same. This lens is giving me the most beautiful images I have ever produced. I too am using an R5. This is a special lens.

[@Klovicevic]

Terrific review!!

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Thank you.

[@SamTaylors]

Great review Dustin. Love the humour that’s creeping into your videos more and more. Your comment about seeing more skin details than you want - oh I hear you brother! :D

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

A little self-deprecation goes a long way.

[@SB-hj9ue]

Awesome video Dustin! Would you still say you maintain a preference for these canon colors over the native colors from your Sony a7riii? Your video comparing canon colors to your Sony preset colors was fascinating. Makes it hard to choose a system!

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I do think that Canon colors are still easier to process, though I have gotten a lot better with Sony.

[@julesbeland6253]

Great review as always. Did you have a chance to test the amount of focus breathing?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

You can see that in a few of the focus pull shots. It does breathe a bit, but not bad

[@fengwang3389]

Fabulous lens. Thank you for the review!

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

My pleasure!

[@12340786ful]

When canon launched the ef 85 f/.14l is people said it is competing with Zeiss Otus . I did not think that . But now the with RF version it’s safe to say that canon is giving you much more with less money . But still expensive lol

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

This is definitely a much more Otus-like lens than the 1.4L IS. The latter lens has WAY too much CA and too low of wide open contrast to be considered a true Otus competitor.

[@marcb.2648]

Dream Lens. Top Review.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Thanks!

[@juhva]

Around 20:00 you have example photos. When you zoom in to show details, could you zoom closer. Viewing the video from phone screen it is really hard to see the details. You might have 4k monitor and 100% is not big zoom with high resolution screen. You could go for 200...400%. Check the video with your phone or tablet from 20:00 onward, and you can check the zoom level. House & lighthouse are so small in screen.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Unfortunately your solution would not work. Zooming into 200 or 400% actually would make everything look worse because zooming beyond a pixel level causes pixelation and reduced performance. Bottom line is that phone is not really a great device to critical evaluate anything on

[@juhva]

@@DustinAbbottTWI Well lets say other way. With 55" oled tv I can see the details when I'm ~1m from TV, but items start to be too small when I'm over 3m from TV. I don't like to bring the "Christopher Frost" card to table, but in his details shot I can easily see lenses quality with phone type of device. For example the lighthouse, when zoomed in would it be filling like 3-5% of zoomed image...

[@ionmihai79]

Can you retest the lens on R5 or R6? Thanks :)

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

R5 I could understand for additional resolution, but why the R6?

[@ionmihai79]

@@DustinAbbottTWI i was interested more in how it compares focusing speed / precision , not the additional resolution. I'm debating on if RF 85 1.2 is worth double the price over EF 85 1.4. I would like to see them side by side on a fast focusing R system (r5/r6). Thanks, good reviews, i usually watch both the review and the definitive review :)

[@hahasimpsons]

@@ionmihai79 SAME!!!

[@dannyli9424]

Do you have any plan to update the review with the R5? Thanks.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Hi Danny, it's weird, but almost every RF lens is out of stock in Canada outside of the basics like the RF 50mm F1.8. Canon has serious supply chain issues. I would be interested in taking a second look on it, though.

[@hom296]

at 21:35 you mention that at 1.2, shooting a full face...the DOF is so shallow it's difficult to keep a degree of sharpness throughout the photo, whereas not so on a full figure (full length) photo. That is very interesting!

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

It's all about DOF.

[@markdbey]

Convinced... This Combo will be mine very soon... My Samyang 85 1.4 FE cant compete... 😌 I've been missing Canon's color science for a while now...

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

It's an amazing bit of kit!

[@markdbey]

@@DustinAbbottTWI I cant wait to see my self... This will be the 4th 85mm you've sold me on! The tamron 1.8, the Sigma art, the Samyang 1.4 FE and now this...😁

[@saintmovies7735]

Any chance of updating this review now that the R5 and R6 are available?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

It's unlikely. I have so much demand for reviews that I rarely have time to go back and recover existing lenses.

[@Dagonator]

Hi Dustin, i really like your videos! Do you think the canon is better than the zeiss otus? Do we finally have an otus with autofocus?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I'm not sure I'd use the word better...but not worse either. There's always some give and take.

[@michaeltreephotography]

Technically excellent review, and very thorough. Thank you.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Thank you!

[@_Portraits]

Dustin，how do you compare GFX50s2 paired with 110 f2 to eos R5 paired with this lens，

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I haven't compared those two combos exactly, but I would say you would have a hard time distinguishing one from the other from my previous tests.

[@sols9449]

Hi Dustin. Thanks for the video. How would you compare this lens to the new canon 85 1.4 L they made a couple years back. Would you say it’s as sharp. I know that lens was pretty good for video use.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

This lens is much sharper.

[@thomasendlein734]

Hi Dustin, how does this lens compare to the Samyang 85/1.2 XP in terms of bokeh, colour, contrast and sharpness, please?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

The RF lens is easily sharper and with higher contrast, though I'd probably still give the Samyang an edge for quality of the bokeh.

[@stephen1942]

Great review Dustin. Delivered as always without bias or favour. Out of interest which would you say is sharper, the RF 50mm f1.2 or this 85mm?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I would say the 85mm has a little more wide open contrast due to have less LoCA, though the gap isn't large.

[@stephen1942]

@@DustinAbbottTWI Many thanks for that. I thought your 30min review was spot on in terms of length. Also, like you I would love to see what the results would be like for this and the 50mm with a 45mp camera body.

[@SeanNeale]

Great work with this review!

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Thank you!

[@michaelwhiles5282]

The focus system is clearly designed for fast stills not as a video lens, beside anyone shooting video with this lens can afford a decent external mic ! Great review.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Hi Michael, I agree, though at this price point it is fair to expect good performance on both fronts. The Sony 135mm F1.8 G Master does, for example.

[@michaelwhiles5282]

@@DustinAbbottTWI -A fair point , well made.😎

[@flightscapeaviationphoto]

Really love your reviews but hope to see more reviews on the Canon bodies like high resolution 90D and some talk of the forthcoming Canon body offerings that are looking more promising... sounds like someone at Canon is listening (they already have the RF mount glass locked up - when even some of the Sony-centric KZbin reviewers are acknowledging). Thanks for the usual thorough coverage.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Hi Mark, I wouldn't mind looking at the 90D (having used the predecessors going back quite a ways), but I've also missed the launch window of the camera by a fair bit now.

[@77dris]

It just goes to show how a good lens is at least as important as the resolution of the camera. The EOS-R and RF lenses, scaled up, will have as much, if not more detail than an A7R3 with a very good Samyang/Sony lens.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

It's true, and when Canon launches the rumored R5, we could see these lenses on a sensor that can take more advantage of their strengths.

[@RasheedRichmond]

Final question Dustin. Been watching all your videos and trying to find the ultimate portrait setup for my kit. Do you feel the Canon 5DS r + Otus 85mm 1.4 would get me there in your opinion of absolutely "special rendering" or maybe the new Canon R6 + this Canon Rf 85mm f1.2. Would be super thankful for your input and keep the quality videos coming. They are super informative and help educate buyers. Thanks in advance!

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

The ultimate image quality would come from the 5DsR and Otus, but getting accurately focused images on that platform would be HARD. The latter combo is going to get you slightly less special but much more consistent results.

[@RasheedRichmond]

@@DustinAbbottTWI Understood, thanks again!

[@dimitristsagdis7340]

If you had to pick one lens in terms of best IQ among the EF35mm f/1.4II, RF 50mm f/1.2 and RF 85mm f/1.2 which one would it be?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I do still love the 35mm F1.4L II. Of the RF lenses, I actually prefer the 50mm, myself. I find that it has a little more character.

[@navis5284]

Waiting to see the new EOS 5R before I invest in any of the RF lenses... Thanks for the review.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

That's very fair. Lenses like this are overkill in many ways for the current R bodies.

[@navis5284]

Like you I shoot both Canon and Sony (but also Nikon). I love my Sony A7R3/4 and the various GM and Voightlander lenses, but am inwardly cheering on Canon to catch up and even surpass Sony in the mirrorless market. I have always loved many of the great Canon lenses and it will be exciting to see an implementation that will retain Canon's excellent IQ with a better camera tech. Thanks again.

[@JimBailey]

Thank you Mr Abbott.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

You're welcome, Jim

[@Thumpr110]

How does the sharpness on this lens compare to a lens like the planar 50/1.4? (On either the a7iii or the Riii)

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

The Canon is sharper and with higher contrast at F1.2 than the Planar at F1.4 (and with the a7RIII advantage).

[@Thumpr110]

Dustin Abbott That’s shocking. I’m hoping Sony won’t let themselves fall too far behind.

[@kodefashmodefa]

15:20 the Welch’s fruit snacks are addicting.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

LOL

[@Thumpr110]

They are fantastic

[@andersonsung278]

I am about to buy one. Thanks for the review! I have tried this lens a couple of time and it’s a fantastic lens!

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

It really is.

[@charliipresley]

Really loves talking about Otis.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

IF you've spent time with the Otus lenses, you'll know why

[@timmyssweet]

When half the person is out of focus, I struggle benefits of extra wide aperture lenses no matter soft the background is. If you were to use them APS-C cameras, tele-extenders or in very low light, I could see some benefits. But, those cases are everyday use scenarios for most people.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

That's why I make the point about close focus distances. F1.2 is extremely valuable when shooting full length, environmental portraits, but not traditional head and shoulders.

[@christianvolkner2028]

Thanks for your review! There‘s a thing the Otus definitely does a lot better, it’s the premium feeling in your hands and the look of it’s metal encasing. Canon does demand a lot of money for cheap plastic feel. I would love to see how these two lenses compare in terms of image „look“ side by side.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

It's true, though, to be fair, I think these Canon lenses are actually very well made.

[@michaelbell75]

Another great review. How does this compare to the Sigma 85 f/1.4 DG DN for Sony in your opinion? I know they are on different systems, but Im one of those odd ones who owns both Sony and Canon. After renting the two, I went with the Sigma because it was way cheaper, smaller and lighter while still delivering excellent results. Just wanted to see what your opinion is as you do much more scientific tests than I do with my portraits. Thanks

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

The RF lens is superior in some ways, sure, but the Sigma is very close and for a LOT less money.

[@boylang2]

Hi Dustin. Love your reviews. I’m thinking of picking up a new lens for portraits and travel photography. I currently have the 24-70 2.8 RF so looking to pick up a second lens with a bigger focal length. I’m a little torn between 70-200 f2.8 and an 85mm prime. any advice?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

That's essentially an impossible question for anyone to answer but yourself. I love an 85mm lens for portraiture, but it's not really a flexible travel tool. For that reason I'd lean towards the 70-200, particularly considering the RF 70-200 isn't much bigger and is actually lighter than the 85mm F1.2. The 85mm is a bit more special optically, but both lenses are sound.

[@boylang2]

@@DustinAbbottTWI thank you!

[@puredistancegolf]

Phenomenal review.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Thank you

[@panagiotistsiverdis]

Hey! Greek money! Do you have any relationship with Greece Dustin? Amazing video as always! This lens is a portrait beast!!!

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I don't, though I started collecting foreign currency when I was still a child and have a bit of money from probably 30+ countries.

[@MrGflan]

Hey Dustin. I shoot dog sports action sometimes and was wondering if you think the older EF 85mm f 1.4 would be faster to autofocus than this 1.2 RF lens? Just curious if I may miss more focus with the bigger new 1.2 lens. Thanks

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I do think the focus speed is faster. Not night and day, but definitely faster.

[@MrGflan]

@@DustinAbbottTWI ok thanks. Is it safe to say the new 1.2 will still be too slow for consistent action sports? I know it’s a lot of glass to move, right? I did watch most of the review but I was curious if you tried this.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

It's really hard to say, but my gut says that no F1.2 lens is going to thrive for that kind of work. Just not really what it was designed for.

[@MrGflan]

@@DustinAbbottTWI that makes sense. Especially if I pair it to my R6 the autofocus will be better than my old 1DX. I didn’t even think about that aspect. Thanks again

[@jiajianhou426]

I don’t know why but I *love* the noise 11:30 when focusing lol

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

That's a very unique comment!

[@morvegil]

Come.back to Canon Dustin! I just sold.my 5Dmkiv for the EOS R because of the killer.holiday deals. Pretty.happy since the firmware upgrades

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I actually own an EOS R and am very interested in what the R5 will offer. I'm not leaving Sony, though, as I've shot Sony and Canon side by side for years.

[@morvegil]

Awesome. My brother has the a7iii and a7riii, so inget to play with sony a lot. I have big hands so the EOS is a no.brainer for me. Both fine machines.

[@christianvolkner2028]

Amazing and thorough review as always! How does it compare to the Otus 100 and Milvus 85 in terms of Rendering? It’s seems way more practical thanks to eye af :-)

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

It's fairly similar in many ways, though Zeiss glass has that little extra bit of special in the color rendering.

[@pl2996]

Mr Abbott. Looking at your bookshelf it appears you are a brother. Very cool sir 😃

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I am that! I'm actually a Pentecostal Pastor.

[@pl2996]

@@DustinAbbottTWI Very cool sir! Pastor Charles Stanley of Atlanta (InTouch Ministries) is also an avid photography fan :). It's cool to see people of faith in photography!

[@ByStephenJones]

I’d love to see one on the other version

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

It got really, really hard to get loaners of some of these Canon lenses. The supply is very low.

[@ByStephenJones]

@@DustinAbbottTWI dang… if you were closer to me I’d help you out. You with the CPS program at all?

[@Ravencroft81]

After seeing Dustin's review I may take my Tamron 85mm F1.8 to the vet tomorrow and have it put to sleep surrounded by loved ones. 😅

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Ouch :)

[@alexanderivanoff]

Glad you like the RF85. It is really a gorgeous lens and the BR glass does its miracle. And yes, it is better than the Otus, it is cheaper, it is weather sealed and it has AF ;-) Stay tuned on the body side - what you're for asking maybe closer than what you expect, mate. :) Canon made a huge step with the RF lenses in general and shows what the RF mount is really capable of.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I'm suspecting the R5 should solve a lot of my concerns, though we'll see next week, I guess.

[@DjimmyTrovy]

Awesome review. These prices are getting out of hand. I am starting to hate this hobby because of that.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

That's a legitimate issue, and one that Canon needs to address in the RF lineup. The lineup is "top-heavy" right now.

[@clintcompose]

Interesting

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

For sure

[@AtaBoraBasar]

Amazing Rf 85mm f/1.2 👍 , but I will continue to use the old model (ef 85mm f/1.2) for a long time :)

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I always say if you are happy with what you have, you don't have to get rid of it just because something new has arrived.

[@MrSenseiLorenzo]

Would be interesting to see it toe to toe with the Sigma F1.4 105mm. Thank you for your fantastic review in this episode!

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

That would be an interesting competition. A true heavyweight round.

[@kullumphoto]

I had sold my sigma 105 for this 85. The 105 compression was better but the 85 is way sharper and I do not hesitate shooting the 85 wide open!

[@MrSenseiLorenzo]

@@kullumphoto i can imagine! I had the old 85 f1. 2, but sold it, because shooting wide open was a pain on my 5D, so I got the Sigma 105. I have since got the EOSR (right before I got the 105). 105 is amazing lense, but Canon has that little cherry on top of the cake and shooting wide open with the EOSR is fantastic, so I could imagine that a combo with EOR and the new 85 is heaven!

[@PaulKentSkates]

The word utilize means to use for something other than the intended purpose. Like you utilize your lens as a door jamb. We use the focus limiter. I can't imagine any situation where it could be utilized.

[@AlSo-Fotografie]

@@kullumphoto Sharper then the 105 ok:). the others lenses are not bad. but the sigma is hell sharp. FOR ME nor reason to change the system.

[@Magnetron692]

Hi Justin, thank you! It seems Canon has done away with chromatic abberation with this lens!

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

That's true. The Blue Spectrum Refractive optics really eliminate CA.

[@elmelmon]

Nice fingerprint on that lens!

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Not sure which one you are referring to.

[@elmelmon]

@@DustinAbbottTWI No worries my friend it was a very well done video.

[@Sentimentmedia234]

There're few gears that get my GAS up these days, this lens is one of them. Sadly here in Vietnam, I'm gonna be old and my teeth are gonna fall out when I can afford one :(

[@patlezinc]

Grape Jam oh, this lens did the opposite, it killed my GAS. But just because I could buy it 😅

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I understand. It's a very expensive lens.

[@Ravencroft81]

This RF85mm made the Eos R look PRO and made the A7RIII look like an amateur camera. Can you imagine these RF lenses on the future more "PRO" R bodies?! 😆

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

No kidding. I can't wait!

[@cjonwickham1933]

Nope went with sigma tamron samyang...be nice canon release more budget rf lenses and f4. Sigma changing to rf ?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I'm personally very interested in seeing when the dam breaks and the third party lenses start pouring in. Not much yet, though.

[@tristanwilhelm9600]

Hmm samyang 85 for 599.... Easy choice

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I agree that the Samyang is a great value for money lens (I own one), though it wouldn't be fair to say it is actually in the class of this Canon lens.

[@cagf2013]

I just ordered the RF 85mm f1.2L for AUD$2800... The Aussie dollar is so weak at the moment it makes it a total baragin for overseas shoppers.. less than USD$2000!

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Wow - that's impressive!

[@cagf2013]

Received it today, and wow! What an incredible lens :D

[@backfilms1953]

Zeiss 85mm 1.4 planar has better contrast but less sharpness. But much better build

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Yes and no on your last point. It definitely has a beautiful metal body, but it isn't weather sealed.

[@MadsGOlsen]

Thank you Sir for this review and the comparison with the samyang. As you say the lens should be the reason to get canon bodies. But the samyang is plenty sharp. My reason to change would be longitude ca and bokeh and if bokeh is on par then I’m not tempted. the longitude ca is pretty good on the samyang. But if the ds version gives the dreamy look of the old 85mm f1.2 I might get tempted. The bokeh is the deciding factor for me as samyang does all other things good enough for me. The old 85mm is the king of bokeh still in my book. But the longitude ca is massive, focus is a pain and contrast at f1.2 not to good. The samyang is better in all accounts except from bokeh. For me the only thing I need better on the samyang is the bokeh never getting busy. And in most scenarios it’s good. But sometimes it gets hard edges in the objects in the out of focus backgrounds. The old canon 85 f1.2 was always great in the backgrounds.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Sounds fair to me. It will be interesting to see the performance of the DS version.

I don't think the lens hood has to be made from some premium material, firstly because it would add to unnecessary weight and secondly I rather money be spend on the optics rather than on things like aesthetic materials.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

That's fair, though at this price point I think one is entitled to both.

[@gladstoneh9170]

The review is as special as the lens-- changed style of review to one part?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

That's correct. My new format has the "definitive" version (lots of detail - essentially all three parts combined) along with a quicker format version for those who don't want a 30 minute review.

[@hahasimpsons]

For some reason when I see a video by Christopher Frost I click on it, expecting it to be you, and I am annoyed because his good videos are not yours. lol Great video as always! As much as I want the Sigma 104 F1.4 to compliment my 135 F2L and 50mm, I think I might be now sold on this way too expensive of a lens. My wallet isn't happy. lol

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

It is a very expensive lens, though owners seem to think it is worth it

[@Tudorguy-zw1ik]

Which lens would you recommend canon 85mm f1.2 or 70-200 2.8?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

That's a pretty impossible question to answer without knowing your needs and what you most often shoot.

[@Tudorguy-zw1ik]

@@DustinAbbottTWI Best for portraits and group shots?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

If you are shooting groups, then F1.2 is irrelevant. You need to be at F5.6 as a minimum to have everyone's faces in focus. If you just shoot posed shots, an 85mm lenses is okay. If you shoot weddings or events, go for the zoom.

[@548raptor]

Imagine this lens with R5

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

It's definitely made for a high resolution body.

[@rolandrickphotography]

Hey a former (West) Germany ten Marks 😍 bill and 100 Greek Drachmen 😍. Both replaced by € (Euro)

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I like the older bills. I pulled a few out of my collection to add something unique to the test chart.

[@mikeb4652]

Dear Dustin, seriously? Women are going to hate the guts of this lens (and men too btw). Who would want to see all the skin imperfections with such an incredible details? Yes, you can do some fashion with it, just because it is heavily edited in the post-process, but that's just about it. We're all so excited with what this lens can do we completely forgot that as a portrait lens it perhaps should not do it in the first place. I can only cite Indiana Jones - "It belongs to the museum"!

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I'm not sure I entirely agree. It's always possible reduce the amount of resolution where wanted, but it is very hard to effectively add resolution. I showed the sheer amount of detail possible here without any softening for testing purposes, but that isn't necessarily the way I would handle it for portraiture.

[@ScrewMaga]

Sometimes the point of a photo is to show human imperfections in all their glory. That is what makes us unique. We don't all shoot for Vogue. ;) Nor do we all shoot that style. Photographer Mr. Disfarmer comes to mind. Also, the portraits by Ansel Adams. www.disfarmer.com/

[@artmaltman]

Hi Dustin. Samyang / Rokinon have apparently quietly introduced 85mm f/1.4 autofocus lenses for Nikon F and Canon EF. Might be worth a review, given the potential to adapt to Canon R / Nikon Z for those that can't yet afford the Canon f/1.2 or awaiting a faster Nikon Z 85mm. www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1475398-REG/samyang_syio85af_n_af_85mm_f_1_4_f.html/qa or www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1475398-REG/samyang_syio85af_n_af_85mm_f_1_4_f.html/qa

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Hi Art, I'm fairly dependent on Samyang to get me loaners, and they typically send me new releases, not ones a few years old like that lens.

[@artmaltman]

Dustin Abbott Did not realize its a few years old. A lens with their older autofocus technology is not likely to be worthwhile. Probably thats why I never heard about it.

[@avocadomangos]

*definitive * /dɪˈfɪnɪtɪv/ (adjective) 1. (of a conclusion or agreement) done or reached decisively and with authority. "a definitive decision" 2. (of a postage stamp) for general use and typically of standard design, not special or commemorative. Well Done

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

LOL - thanks