Canon RF 85mm F2 Review for Portraits vs RF 85mm F1.2 (Free RAW Files)

[@doogieham]

James, your videos move along at a really nice pace with no extra and unnecessary filler. I’m also really impressed with your oral delivery. Although I’m no longer a Canon shooter, I still look forward to viewing every video you make.

[@JamesReader]

That's really kind of you, thank you so much!

[@kikipratama1]

You always give meaningful comparison that is not pictured well by most reviewers. You should be bigger than this.

[@JamesReader]

Thank you so much for the kind words and the support Rizky. I truly appreciate it 🙏

[@doogieham]

I totally agree with you, Rizky.

[@srinimaverick]

Good review! I just got the f/2 and it’s amazing. I might get the f/1.2 some day but your review was helpful to defer that decision for the foreseeable future 😀

[@gsanchez922]

When you are using the f2 it a good idea set your focus limiter because this lens is macro also

[@mikehowlettfogs]

Had this lens for about 3 weeks and on my R7 and love it , image quality is superb for the price . I have owned Zeiss 85 1.4, and Canon EF 85mm 1.2 Mkii so used to good glass. this one works for me and gives top class image quality

[@JamesReader]

Totally agree Mike, what a lens!

[@cgiovanni5982]

hey Mike I want to buy the 85mm 1.2 for my R7 I need your advice.. is it gonna blow my mind, not just my wallet ?

[@ASLpixelpaint]

Really enjoyed this video. I owned and tested both of the older EF counterparts years ago with similar results and they became my #1 lenses for countless assignments. Looking forward to picking up an RF 85 and your video was EXACTLY what I wanted to see before then so thanks for taking the time to make it 😎

[@JamesReader]

Really glad the video helped, thank you for watching!

[@kamilkusmierski9203]

Great video! I like your style. Had EF85 f1.8, f1.2 and f1.4 IS one before RF85 f2 and rarely went below f1.6, usually stayed at f2. Only wish Canon would allow us to adjust focus limiter. 0.7m cut off would be much more useful then 0.5m one in both portraits and macro modes. I found bokeh to be smooth but with high contrast. Lowering that contrast in bokeh in post turn it into butter again. Now it takes one click to do magics in post. For full body still like and have EF135L then any 85.

[@JamesReader]

Thank you Kamil! I agree the about the focus limiter as well as the contrast in the bokeh. Overall a great lens though! Thank you for watching

[@stew_redman]

I've had the RF 85mm F2 since release. I've not had the focusing issue with foreground elements at all. It's definitely a photo-biased lens, not great for video. As you say, focus isn't super fast and it's not silent. Not "noisy" per se, but not silent. For the price it's a great lens.

[@JamesReader]

Totally agree! Glad to hear you’ve not had that issue yet - it only happened the once for me and other than that I’ve had nothing but reliable performance. Great little lens.

[@shawnlabranche6852]

I've been waiting for your review on this lens ever since I saw you posted it on IG. Great video as always, I love this lens eventhough it has a few quirks but for the price and results I've learn to live with them. I do use it for weddings and I really would love the 1.2 version, especially after I rented it a few times. That lens is very very special and one day will own one. I am very content with what I am getting.

[@JamesReader]

Thank you Shawn! I too am really liking this lens, but the 85 1.2 certainly is special.

[@iainm1594]

Really interesting comparison. Your comment about the 1.2 making the model look like a cardboard cutout is spot on. It really does look like she has been cut out in Photoshop and superimposed on the background. This is the mean reason I don’t shoot faster than 2.8. I want some connection between the model and the background. It’s funny how fashions change and photography is no exception. Everything now is about bokeh and getting as much separation as possible, whereas when I was trained in portrait photography many years ago, I was always taught to shoot at f2.8 no wider.

[@JamesReader]

Totally agree Iain. In the 1.2 shots the model and background feel totally separated. I really think 1.2/1.4 is too much once you are beyond 50mm and much prefer f2.8 as you say.

[@shaolin95]

Spot on? More llike ridiculous and clueless but then again, looking at the quality of the photos, I am not surprised

[@btecww]

Another great comparison. I own the F2 and I have rented the F1.2. The F2 has been a workhorse in my wedding kit. I rented the 85mm 1.2 for a premier event. The 85mm 1.2 resolves about 10% better. The price is out of line with the incremental performance bump

[@JamesReader]

Absolutely! Seems to be the 85mm F2 is the perfect wedding/events lens.

[@finnurhrafn]

I have this lens and I like it also very much. I mostly shoot table tennis players from a distance of about 8-10 meters. They move of course rapidly but the focus distance changes not that much. Anyway most of my pictures are in focus using the servo setting on my R6m2. I had the EF 85mm 1.8 before which has a faster on more quiet focus so I was a but hesitant to get the RF version but it turned out fine for this application. I have also tried some macro shooting of flowers which look great on this lens. I also want to mention that the RF F2 is significantly sharper with far less CA than my old EF 1.8.

[@novainvicta]

Great review as always James. Personally I didnt like the STM motor on the RF 85mm f2 which I considered instead of my current EF 85mm f1.4L IS USM. The EF 85mm f1.4L IS USM is my only remaining EF lens and I simply love everything about this lens and still consider it my favourite lens for portraits. It was a late entry into the EF lineup and I wish Canon would produce a series of f1.4L primes as they did in the EF series for me its the biggest weakness of the RF system and separates Canon from both Nikon & Sony in this respect among the mirrorless systems. I live in hope were get a RF 85mm f1.4L IS USM lens until then I will retain the EF version.

[@JamesReader]

Thank you Jeff. Totally agree with you - I would trade out my RF 85 1.2 for a 1.4 version in a heart beat on native RF Mount. I really hope Canon prioritises the release of a 35/50/85 1.4 lenses soon, or if they have no plans to fill this middle gap then let someone like Sigma do it. I am tempted to rent the EF 85mm 1.4 after your high praise. Looks to be a fantastic option.

[@novainvicta]

@@JamesReader I have never considered 3rd party lenses but I agree if Canon fail to produce a series of f1.4L primes then they should at least let a company like Sigma produce them. The Sigma 85mm f1.4 always had good reviews although it was larger & heavier than the EF 85mm f1.4L IS USM but cheaper. The EF f1.4L lenses were favourites among videographers especially as they kind of mirrored the T1.5 cine lenses Canon made in the PL mount which were more expensive. After nearly six years since the establishment of the RF Mount the lack of f1.4L lenses is the elephant in the room for Canon and it’s users.

[@marjanskrizevhevski2366]

I've replaced all my EF with RF lenses but I still keep my EF 85 mm f1.4. It's lighter than RF 85 1.2, has great AF and IS that works great with my b camera - EOS R and is twice cheaper than RF 85 1.2.

[@tom_k_d]

@@JamesReader Hi James, I recently traded my EF 85 1.4L for a RF 85 1.2L and don't look back - main reason: awful longitudinal CAs on the EF 1.4L when shot wide open. Plus the RF 1.2L is sharper, and focus is accurate at all times, while the EF 1.4 sometimes slightly missed focus (possibly due to the buit-in lens IS, combined with a very thin depth of field at f1.4). I'd still rate the EF 1.4 above the RF 2.0, though: better built quality, weather sealing, very fast USM AF motor. When stopped down a little, CAs reduce significantly on the EF 1.4L.

[@TerraThink]

Rumors have it that we'll soon se an RF 35mm f1.4L and that will hopefully open the door the more 1.4s.

[@RWAquariumPages]

great video and review and comparison. I own the 85mm 1.2 RF and to be honest, I'd probably be just as happy with my images with the 85mm 2.0, but hey you only live life once, first world problems, keep up the great videos!

[@JamesReader]

Thank you so much! Totally agree regarding the 1.2 vs the F2

[@muhammad_muslih]

You deserve 5 million subscribers 🎉

[@JamesReader]

Thank you 🙏

[@Aureas133]

1:25 Did you use the focus limiter? Loads of people are complaining about this (and to lesser extend the 35) lens autofocus; But using the limiter helped the autofocus in my case.

[@KingfisherSeven]

James, love your photography.. Thanks for another first-class review. Am about to take the plunge into Canon full-frame, partly thanks to these reviews. Do you have any guidance on achieving a similar colour/tone grade to these portraits?

[@FilmAshton]

I had the 85 1.2 for a while and the portraits I was able to capture on it are some of my favorite images. I sadly sold it to invest in other gear and I don't quite regret it, but damn I miss that lens. I'd love to see these lenses compared in a studio flash-on-paper backdrop situation. Thanks for sharing some samples of these two lenses for an outdoor situation.

[@kenschwarz8057]

Excellent. This is a nice dose of practical information that can help counter magical thinking that the super-expensive L lenses are necessary for high-quality results. It looks like the differences in performance are vanishingly small. I wish your review showed the difference of the two at f/2 and f/2.8 and so that the differences in contrast at comparable apertures could be seen. The 85/2 wide open looked really good in the center, but at f/2 the 85/1.2 should look even better. That it looks slightly better at f/1.2 only hints at this. Also, the 85/1.2 is very expensive in part because it corrects for chromatic aberration on out of focus high contrast transitions, a significant problem for the EF version of the lens. I saw quite a bit of chromatic aberration in the macro shot of the ring, suggesting to me that in more demanding lighting conditions with bright highlights on hair or fabric, you would see false color. The 85/1.2 finally solves this problem, which is a big deal in my opinion, but doesn’t affect every shot. People somehow managed to live with pretty prominent chromatic aberration in the EF 85/1.2 for a long time! Thanks again for making these terrific videos!

[@JamesReader]

Thank you so much Ken! As soon as I returned the 85mm f2 I wished I had compared both at F2. As you say I have little doubt the RF 85mm 1.2 would pull ahead when both at F2 or F2.8. By that point the RF 85 1.2 is pretty much perfect corner to corner.

[@igorrutsch]

hi James, the 85 2.0 was the first lens on my r6. its image quality made me sell the ef 135 2.0. such a 3d pop ! I recently got my hands on a r6m2 and the 85 1.2. the images that come out of the 1.2 are just crazy good. special enough to make me use it in cases where it's not the obvious choice (sports). here the extra separation pays off. still, I will keep the 85 2.0 because it is such a good portrait lens.... for kids and babies. it's much easier to fill the frame thanks to the macro abilities. and sometimes a lighter combo is just a plus. BTW chromatic aberration...nothing to be concerned about but present on the 2.0......and absolutely none on the 1.2

[@JamesReader]

Thank you for watching Igor! Totally agree regarding the RF 85mm 1.2. It really excels in certain situations like indoor sports, live music photography etc and gives such a beautiful look. I wish I could keep both! You’re lucky!

[@ViktorHristovvv]

Really well made video! Appreciate your opinion and the sample photos were gorgeous!

[@JamesReader]

Thank you so much. I really appreciate it!

[@MaxJusth]

I really wanted to buy the 85mm 1.2, but it's very expensive, but the F2 looks pretty nice too, and only 600 euros, hope the F2 is a good choice.

[@JamesReader]

The f2 version is great! I think you’ll be very happy with it. Another alternative is the EF 85mm 1.4

[@MaxJusth]

@JamesReader Thank you for your time to answer. Would you mind if I ask you one last question? I want to buy the EOS R6. Is the image quality good enough if I use EF lenses? If the answer is yes, would an 85mm f2 the best option? Or is the EF 85mm 1.4 IS USM better? Thank you one more time. 👌🏻

[@ayophillips2894]

Really enjoyed this video, you covered everything i wanted to know about this lens. Great job! 👏👏

[@JamesReader]

Thank you! Glad it helped

[@cillyh07]

The model is a pro, she deserves a lot of credit in this video😍

[@dnbcatalina6192]

She is his wife 😅

[@RigoLuchi]

Your portraits are just insane mate! And I am really impress by the f/2 as well. But because I work in the film industry I’m concern about the focusing motors of the f/2. If it is really noisy I won’t be able to use on set. What is your take further on the focusing motors? Is it like a EF Lens?

[@JamesReader]

Thank you so much Rigo! I might be concerned about focusing noise if I was using a camera mounted microphone. It's mostly okay but the lens is at its loudest when close focusing. A lot of the EF lenses are quieter thanks to using USM focus motors.

[@cjm8160]

The RF 85mm f1.2 was one of my first purchases with the R6. I absolutely love this lens! For 50mm I am still using the EF mount Sigma 50mm f1.4

[@melvinmorgan5119]

Same here!

[@Rawa2ful]

Thank you so much for sharing that nice helpful video and for the mice pictures. I just got the 85 f/2 one week ago and I totally agree with you on the picture quality that it can produce. Thanks again

[@JamesReader]

Thank you for watching Mohammad!

[@samcreel]

Top tier quality content as always, James. Hope the channel keeps growing. Cheers!

[@JamesReader]

Thanks so much Sam!

[@sammariofan]

Amazing video and amazing shots. You are awesome. I love this lens, my first rf and for it's price it is crazy underrated

[@JamesReader]

Thank you so much! Very underrated lens indeed

[@JoeCastellon]

I was looking at Samyang / Rokinon for the larger aperture, but you sold me on the Canon for it's sharpness and reliability.

[@Milwaukey]

Very interesting to see! I have the 1.2 because the 2.0 wasnt available when i brought mine at the beginning at the RF era. But i also recommend the 2.0 to people that want a 85, because again as you mention it does the job done really goood, so ofc the 1.2 are more dept but as a non professional the 85 f2.0 is fine, where i do ALL my Paid shoots with the 1.2 since it makes sense to me. Great comparison really :)

[@basilbcf]

When I was considering whether to get the RF 70-200 f/2.8 or the f/4 version, I decided on the much less expensive (and lighter/smaller) f/4 version. My use case for the 70-200mm is primarily landscapes, so I felt I didn't really have enough need for the extra stop of light with the much more expensive f/2.8 version. Besides, I have found that, with my R5, I can shoot at higher ISO and still get great images. In those instances where I feel the noise is a little too much, programs like Topaz do a great job cleaning them up. I shot my Grand Niece's HS graduation indoors, with poor lighting, and the results were excellent. So, what does that have to do with the RF 85 F/2? Well, with the money I saved getting the 70-200 f/4 vs the f/2.8, I was able to get a Canon Refurbished 85 f/2 and still had money left over. I have been more than impressed with this 85mm f/2, not just for it's ability to produce great portraits (more than good enough for me, a non-professional who doesn't earn a living doing portraits), but also for it's pretty impressive Macro capabilities. Sure it's not a 1:1 Macro, but it's still pretty decent and a lot of fun to shoot macro with. In my humble opinion the RF85 f/2 is probably one of the best bang-for-the-buck lenses in the Canon RF lineup.

[@popzxc]

I liked this review and how it was delivered it also helped me to make a decision, great job 👍

[@kevanray]

The object AF issues are probably more to do with the AF settings. Reduce "Tracking Sensitivity" into the negatives to reduce that effect.

[@nordic5490]

I have an R5 and I use my RF85mm f1.2 @ f1.2 often. Do it, shoot f1.2. I recent won a comp with this combo - my pic stood out as special, the competition did not - the other pics did not have a nice smooth oof bokeh the rf80mm f1.2 has @ f1.2. I am using the rf 85mm @ f1.2 for close sports now - the look is killer. Btw, you are using the AF wrong. Choose: 'AF Case 2 - ignore possible foreground objects' and the eye af, or zone af, will pop right past those obstructions and find the eye - no problem.

[@nathanbedfordforest]

Very useful, functional review. Exactly what I, and many of us, I would think, needed. Thank you.

[@JamesReader]

Thank you!

[@argauw]

Damn man, great review as always and raw files to check is always appreciated 🙏🏻 also your colorgrading looks good too, loves the colors.

[@JamesReader]

Thank you so much!

[@michaelbell75]

Great video. Ive shot both and Id take the f/2 The blur at f/1.2 is just too much and obnoxious, especially on the full length shots shown at 7:12 Ive been shooting portraits professionally for nearly 20 years. I never shoot with such a razor thin DOF. If I gave those to an editor or art director, they would tell me to re-shoot it and think I didnt know how to properly focus my camera. Ive had wedding clients ask why some of the photos look so blurry even shooting at f/2. Pretty much no one except for hobbyists who watch KZbin videos like that look. It looks amateur to be honest, thats why you never see it in any fashion magazine or solid wedding photos. The F/2 is more than enough. Pocket that extra $2k in price difference from the f/1.2 or put it into other lenses.

[@michaelbell75]

Also, there are several really good AI apps that will give you more background blur. FOCOS being one of them. Ive tested this with an f/2.8 prime and Ive gotten it to look like a much faster lens. You just need to really learn how to use the 3D mapping on it and blend any edges if it misses something. You can even change your focus point and the look of the bokeh. It's quite good.

[@JamesReader]

Totally agree Michael! F1.2 or 1.4 becomes overkill beyond 50mm on full frame in my opinion, other than for low light situations I suppose.

[@bigrobotnewstoday1436]

I had wrist pain before. Here are a few tips. Get one of those straps that goes over your hand. Also look into the Carnivore Diet its just egging beef and eggs. Its known to heal all kinds of issues.

[@ToneySu]

great comparison inbetween these lenses. now i know what to get!

[@TimothyGordon]

Fantastic work once again! I missed your video test that you usually do as I’d love to see how the IS combined with the R5’s IBIS compares to the “larger image circle” of 85mm f1.2 as canon claims you can get more stabilization from the R5 even though the lens doesn’t have IS - this is according to Canon’s assertion. 🤷‍♂️

[@JamesReader]

Thank you Timothy! I did do some brief tests and found the 85 f2 to iron out a lot more of those micro jitters thanks to the lens IS. The generally heavier set up of the RF 85mm 1.2 helps smooth things out too but I’m dubious of Canons claim there’s any kind of extra stabilisation using this lens (or the 28-70 they make the same claim) other than the extra weight helping.

[@bngr_bngr]

I’m surprised that Canon hasn’t made the EF 85/1.4 into a RF mount.

[@JamesReader]

I’d love to see them bring that EF 85mm 1.4 IS over to RF

[@kalikhloedaddyparker6813]

For only the small price of $1,800 🤣

[@bngr_bngr]

@@kalikhloedaddyparker6813 that would be very inexpensive.

[@kalikhloedaddyparker6813]

@@bngr_bngr for what percentage of the population. Even if you’re a full time photographer, 1,800 isn’t a small chunk of money. But yeah, a Lamborghini isn’t expensive if you net a Billion a year . It’s all relative.

[@bngr_bngr]

@@kalikhloedaddyparker6813 the current EF 85/1.4 cost $1600, so $1800 is not much more.

[@Ozgur-Bilge]

Hi James, very useful video showcasing the differences and similarities between these lenses. Thanks to your beautiful models as well, for helping us see the images on real people rather than just objects. You deserve more subscribers, but KZbin isn't always fair. Greetings from Germany.

[@JamesReader]

Thank you Ozgur! I really appreciate the kind words.

[@Lamidnightsss]

Your photos look amazing! So sharp and the color edits are beautiful .

[@JamesReader]

Thank you so much!

[@thilaur7564]

Thanks for this nice review. Just a question : at 1:20, did you switch the button of the lens on 0.5 to infinite when you shot throw the leaves?

[@JamesReader]

Thank you! The switch was in the middle position. It didn’t actually manage to focus on the leaves, which I guess is the limiter working.

[@fatihyalcn4091]

Rf 85 mm F2 is a great lens for hobby photographers at an affordable price. Of course, there will be cons. It is 5 times cheaper than the luxury version which is F1.2. I liked it very much and it became my favorite lens.

[@BrandonBB4]

Incredible video, comparisons, and shots.

[@JamesReader]

Thank you!

[@andriimartynov83]

I’m a happy owner of the 85mm 2.0. It is an amazing lens.

[@JamesReader]

Agreed 👍

[@benjaminobeng4772]

Hi James, solid video of a great comparison. I have a big ask concerning the Canon 85s if you ever get the chance to. Could you compare the RF 1.2, RF 1.4, EF 1.8 and RF 2 all in one video please? I think it would be interesting to find out if switching from the EF with the adapter makes much difference in image quality overall

[@JamesReader]

Thank you Benjamin! That’s definitely a video I want to make. I’m very curious about both the EF 85mm 1.4 and 1.8.

[@widiartoproboprasetyo9330]

Hi James, this RF lens, Canon EF 85mm F1.8 or Tamron SP 85mm F1.8? My genre of photography is beauty portrait, and street. 😊 The Tamron is very compelling as many reviewers said this is a very good lens, I don't mind using adapter. While aging 85mm EF lens is also value for many.

[@JamesReader]

Tough one! The RF lens is probably the sharpest and fastest focusing lens. But you can get the Canon EF 85 1.8 for a great price and it’s still a fantastic lens. Haven’t tried the Tamron I’m afraid!

[@ionutvlad]

Nice video! Seems that this 85mm f2 lens is very capable one! Do you think this lesn is sharper than the RF 50mm f1.8 (a very affordable can rf lens)?

[@michaelmottlau5941]

@ionutvlad I have the RF 50 mm lens (and the RF 35 mm macro lens on my Canon R6 camera). I'm sure the RF 85 mm f2 is sharper at especially full open at f2 both in the middle of the lens and in the corners. The 50mm has less sharpness in the corners at f1,8. The RF 50 mm is still a great lens - very well for my black and white street photos. I like the effect full open. If you shoot at f.2,8 - 5,6 it get sharper also in the corners. I have had the 50 mm for 1,5 year, and it is a wonderful small and very light weight and discrete lens for street photography.

[@JaredHoyman]

Excellent comparison! Keep up the good work.

[@JamesReader]

Thanks so much Jared!

[@winfcad]

I have used this len almost year now. It cannot handle moving subject and the focal length is like 75-80 mm. However, it’s good when there is much no movement.

[@kifley19]

I just recently got the Rf 85mm 1.2. It's a great lens but it's really heavy. I would have preferred a 1.4 lens instead or even a 1.8 lens without the crappy stm motor that is in the RF 85mm f2. Canon dropped the ball the cheap primes by using stm motor instead of the usm motor like they have in the ef version.

[@JamesReader]

Totally agree! Hope we see a 1.4 version soon. Or we get the mirrorless Sigma 85mm 1.4 on RF Mount.

[@lisawilliams1750]

Thanks! You have the best reviews!

[@JamesReader]

Thank you Lisa!

[@gustavoumeno]

Nice video! I was looking for this comparison!

[@JamesReader]

Thank you Gustavo!

[@grumsta]

Exactly the video I needed just now, thanks.

[@JamesReader]

Thank you for watching!

[@GravityPicturesOfficial]

wow those pictures are awesome!! What a great artist.

[@JamesReader]

Thank you Carlos!

[@shinajvlog]

so nicely explained, thank you so much, really helping to make a decision

[@JamesReader]

Thank you for watching. Really glad it helped.

[@NoSuRReNDeR001]

Hi James thank you for this... I just recently out of brokenness bought one and noticed the same focus issue... I used to borrow an Rf85 1.2 L frequently so I am not expecting that but, the AF on my R5 Seems to struggle too especially in Macro mode

[@NoSuRReNDeR001]

Also I want to mention VELLO makes a lens hood that is WAY cheaper than Canon's for this specific lens... B&H has it but they may be closed at the time.

[@JamesReader]

Yeah macro mode is very difficult with AF. I usually put it in manual focus. For everything else I activate the focus limiter and it seems to help. I hope you are enjoying the lens other than that!

[@mynkao]

Impressed real life review. subscribed

[@JamesReader]

Thank you!

[@VideoCraftMedia]

I want to buy an 85mm for Canon R and R6II, but on tests that I saw on a YT, lot of people said that 85mm f2 RF is not that good for video. I would like Your opinion about that. Tnx!

[@P1mmelF33]

What af setting did you use when you had af problems? I got the r5 to and I use spot focus and I have eye af on the af button for quick access

[@hazzrathasdan]

The colour so awesome...you have preset this colour ?

[@ops4758]

Bonjour J'aime bien votre façon de présenter vos test d'objectif. Merci

[@novainvicta]

I forgot to mention Dustin Abbott had the same focusing issues with leaves in the foreground as you did in your review so its definitely a characteristic of this lens.

[@kifley19]

If the 85mm f2 had a usm motor, I would get it. I hate the slow stm motor.

[@shibuichi]

Just what I wanted to know, many thanks!

[@JamesReader]

Thank you for watching!

[@joansmith7649]

I do not see any micro contrast in the hair in the video or in the RAW files. Is it in the raw files somewhere? Did you find the subject-lens distance corresponding to the use of this focal length lens to be rendering the model's face a bit wide?

[@JamesReader]

I think the lack of micro contrast in hair is simply as a result of a very shallow depth of field. I suppose it can render a models face a little wider than say a 35mm or 50mm. Just depends what you think is more flattering.

[@em-oh-ji3853]

Wow, this is a really good review. can you please do the same comparison with the sigma art lenses? thank you

[@JamesReader]

Thank you! I’ll definitely try! Which ones specifically?

[@em-oh-ji3853]

@@JamesReader 85 and 35mm please

[@03LilShaun]

Man this color grading looks amazing, where can I find it?

[@JamesReader]

Thank you! Photo or video?

[@03LilShaun]

@@JamesReader the Lut please 🙏🏾

[@producerbenford]

1:47 I’d be interested to know how the lens performs with the new autofocus priority updates from the R6 mkii. Did the R5 get they update?

[@JamesReader]

It performed excellently on the R6 II. R5 hasn’t got quite the same AF system as the R6 II but I still found the performance comparable.

[@drbeardo6960]

Great Content🎉🎉🎉 Can you compare Ef85mm F1.4 vs Rf 85mm F1.2

[@JamesReader]

Thank you! Great idea. That would be a cool comparison

[@drbeardo6960]

@@JamesReader Thank u Sir Ef85mm F1.4 has good AF performance, I've heard... I think it should be better than RF85mm f2 (AF performance) I hope it is as sharp as RF 85mm f2 @f2

[@tom_k_d]

See my comment above: EF 1.4L shows strong longitudinal CAs wide open, with an impact on sharpness, too - great lens in any other regard though.

[@drbeardo6960]

@@tom_k_dYes But I think at f2 efkens should be at par And video AF compared to Rf85mm f2.?

[@tom_k_d]

@@drbeardo6960 To get fully rid of longitudinal CAs on the EF1.4, you need to stop down a little further than F2, but RF F2 lens shows some CAs, too. AF of the EF1.4 is clearly superior to the RF 2.0 lens AF. For video work, CAs are not such a big deal as for portraits, though.

[@alnwill]

I have an RF 100mm f2.8 Macro. Would I benefit by getting an 80mm f2 for general wedding shots?

[@JamesReader]

The RF 100mm 2.8 is an incredible lens, I would only pick up the 85mm F2 if you want a little more background separation or low light performance.

[@lukasvandewiel860]

I suppose that noisy autofocus that sometimes hunts a bit is also a small price to pay for the price difference of about 2600 euro, (or 2860 US$.). You can get the f1.2 lens, or the f2 lens + an R6 II body, for about the same price. 🤔😳

[@PixeloProGear]

Did you find that the 85mm f2 had different color rendition than the raw files with the 85mm L. Trying to determine if the STM lenses have the same color rendition or how to fix that in LR if not

[@JamesReader]

I actually found these two to match up nicely in terms of colour rendition.

[@PixeloProGear]

@@JamesReader that’s good to know. I have the RF 50mm STM and it is much “cooler” tones at time so wanted to check on the 85 F2. Thanks !

[@Stuffed007]

If you pulled the subject further from the tree with the f2 you get similar results with the f2 just be more conscious of how far the background is from the subject and save yourself a stack money to

[@siamh1965]

were the videos in between taken on the 85 mm too?

[@patrickpinheiro7641]

0:23 SEIKO X ❤

[@JamesReader]

Well spotted!!

[@dannymolns3573]

So I'm bugging you so much lately but I have another question. How would you compare the EF 85mm 1.8 to the RF 85mm 2.0? There's one for sale new me for a decent price (about half of the retail) but my question is, would it make sense to have both?

[@JamesReader]

It’s no worries! I think the RF 85mm is a step above that particular EF version. I would personally go for the RF version only as long as it’s in your budget.

[@dannymolns3573]

@@JamesReader I appreciate your insight. I'll wait until the RF 85 has a sale then (black Friday) appreciate you giving me your opinion man! Thanks!

[@felipecarneiroandrade]

Canon eos R8 or RP? For photography

[@james0706g]

Hello Master: Please help and give me some advice, The camera I am currently using is Canon EOS R10, The kit lens used with it is (RF-S18-150mm f/3.5-6.3 IS STM) My main subject matter is toy photography. The secondary shooting content is street photography or portrait photos. Now I want to buy new lenses, after watching your video, Want to compare between Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 STM and RF85mm F2 Macro IS STM After making a choice, I would like to ask you to give me some advice on which lens is more suitable for me? Thank you.

[@JamesReader]

Hey there! I think the macro capabilities of the 85mm F2 would be great for toy photography. Please note though on the crop sensor R10 the 85mm would be more like a 125mm focal length, so much tighter.

[@james0706g]

@@JamesReader Thanks for your reply🙏🙏🙏

[@michaelmottlau5941]

A brilliant and very well made review of these two lenses. Great photos by the way.

[@JamesReader]

Thank you so much!

[@michaelmottlau5941]

@@JamesReader The models are also very beautiful and elegant.

[@manhattanmike]

Great video

[@JamesReader]

Thank you so much!

[@wisnuaditia8760]

Rekomendasikan saya di antara sigma 85mm f1.4 atau canon rf 85 f2

[@JamesReader]

That’s a hard one! I would go with the 85mm f2, the Sigma 85mm is a little too big with the adapter for me. However if you want the absolute best image quality then the Sigma may be a little sharper stepped down to F2.

[@wisnuaditia8760]

@@JamesReader MasyaAllah thanks bro, god bless u

[@DaKeezl]

I think too much background separation is overrated. I find anything below 2.0 is looking unnatural. Money saved. Only exception is low light fotography.

[@chainevide]

This is not fair to compare F1.2 and F2 aperture... For sure there, the bokeh is so much different, that the comparison is not so usefull, except seeing the difference. It would be better to compare f2 on each glass to see the structure of bokeh. I suspect the 1.2 glass set at f2 to have a much smooth bacground than the f2 glass at f2.

[@ryzenbiel4145]

F2 i hate look like picture of zoom lens the 1.8 it still magical the bokeh for portraits... perfect enough.

[@KottoKTG]

Do you use a filter on the 85mm f2?

[@JamesReader]

No filter used!

[@cgiovanni5982]

the 85mm 1.2 on a r7... am I crazy ?

[@NickDelDuca]

I HATE this lens so much. The AF is way too slow. It can't handle any type of movement or distracting elements in the frame or less than ideal lighting conditions. If it front or back focuses like yours did in the beginning of the video it takes like 10-15 seconds to sort it self out because that's how long a full focus rack takes. A normal lens will rack focus to correct this but you don't notice because its so fast to rack focus on most lenses. This lens is impossible to use unless the conditions are near perfect and the camera doesn't have to do any hunting.

[@JamesReader]

That’s a shame to hear! I wonder if it’s the macro function that’s making it focus on things in the foreground that would typically be beyond its close focus range. Did you find the focus limiter helped?

[@stew_redman]

@@JamesReader I was just going to say, use the focus limiting switch to avoid it seeking into macro territory - it speeds up focusing a lot during normal use.

[@NickDelDuca]

@@JamesReader Yeah it definitely has to do with the macro function. Most macro lenses have slow focus motors but this one is extra slow. The focus limiter really doesn't help much. The more you shoot with the lens the more you don't trust it. If you have time it's fine but if it has to do a rack focus you will miss something important. Like absolutely under no circumstances would I use it during a wedding ceremony.

[@davidl6354]

The f2 is great the auto focus is fast and great maybe its just you

[@michelecintramika8482]

@@NickDelDuca I have a suspicion that there may be better copies than others of the same lens.

[@user-jo8nj]

the rf85 f2 is great in terms of IQ, also price-wise but the autofocus pulls it down quite a bit, it's just slow and so much worse than most 20 year old canon lenses I own

[@vinvanid]

Use autofocus limiter and you should get better autofocus performance. I'll never regret buy this 85F2, and compared to EF 85 1.8 this lens is much better overall in my opinion

[@pal54321]

still waiting for canon to make affordable RF 85 1.8

[@adventure9606]

There must be many bad copies of the 2:0 as several people are not happy.

[@rengen8736]

In order to have a good balance with heavy lenses, there is a battery holder that allows you to confidently hold the camera and lens. So I have no problem to hold Canon R5 and Canon RF85 1.2 lens. I apologize for my crooked English! :)

[@bladechucker]

All that $$ for extra bokeh? Seems like the blur tool could almost produce the same effect.

[@JamesReader]

True!

[@zacx6970]

Thanks for this video! I say. Those 3000$ price differences are not worth it. 😂

[@shawnwright240]

She clearly has a fair complexion and yet you over cranked the exposure or processing to make her look like a white sheet. Use some lighting or reflectors to bring up the eyes and then process correctly, if you want normal skin tone.

[@HectorHAli]

F2 to F1.2 $3000 difference in money

[@wanneske1969]

The Canon EF 85 mm f1.4 IS is better :-)

[@JamesReader]

I really want to try this lens soon!