This is the BEST lens Canon has EVER made

[@daemon1143]

There are a number of reviews of this lens on KZbin, and many of them show examples of 85 f1.2 images compared to the 50mm f1.2, the 135mm f1.8 and the 70-200 f2.8, but none of them are as carefully shot to be as directly comparable in light and framing as the set of images you've provided here, and this truly makes a massive difference to evaluating the results. Your video is head and shoulders above every other 85 f1.2 review of this type available anywhere. Thank you. You've really helped me make some difficult decisions and earned another subscriber.

[@WasionKey]

You are my go to guy for anything canon mirrorless

[@JamesReader]

That's awesome, thank you!

[@CanonEurope]

One of our all-time favourite lenses. Beautiful test images by the way! ❤❤❤

[@JamesReader]

Thank you so much!

[@axelbuecker3678]

Directly comparing the 85 with the 135, 50, and 70-200 was most valuable! I use all four of these lenses, and seing their individual results side-by-side is very helpful.

[@JamesReader]

Really glad the comparisons helped! Thank you for watching.

[@akmmonirulislam3961]

105mm gives most undistorted picture of human. Plastic Surgeons use this focal length lens before and after surgery.

[@thedronescene7474]

James, I did it! I purchased the 85 1.2 from my local store. Took it out today for the first photoshoot test (pet photography outdoors), and not only is the lens sharper than the RF70-200 2.8, but it also renders colors more naturally and balances the highlights better. Additionally, the 3D pop of this lens is just superior and more pleasing than the 70-200. I am most likely selling my 70-200 to recoup some of the expenses and also because honestly I just dont see myself using any other lens moving forward lol!

[@JamesReader]

Congratulations on buying such an incredible lens! Really glad to hear you love it. Totally agree with your description of its performance, im not surprised your grabbing it more than your 70-200!

[@thedronescene7474]

@@JamesReader Thank you James!

[@JoshStreetDesign]

Well duh, it's a prime lens.

[@gauravgoel8092]

Please help me RF50mm 1.2 vs 85mm 1.2. i have 70-200 2.7, so should i go for 50mm 1.2 now

[@dayeah765caoni3]

@@gauravgoel8092of course

[@colddoornobgames]

Just bought a Canon R8 and have been looking for someone who shoots on this system watch reviews for lenses and stuff. Found your channel and was instantly hooked by your style. Really well done and insanely underrated channel. Keep it up man!

[@JamesReader]

That’s so awesome, thank you so much!

[@SliverCreations]

I love how you mention the 50 has more character. Thats the exact reason i choose the 50. Also i like a bit more of the surrounding blurred out that you get with the 50. I feel an outdoor shot should show the environment.

[@stevenwaldstein2249]

Thank you for your video. I have the RF 85/1.2L but for portraits love my RF 135/1.8L as well and always take them out as a pair. Also have the RF 50/1.2L and RF 70-200/2.8L so the only missing piece is an excellent RF 35/1.4 L. Still using my EF 35/1.4L II adapted on my R5. Used to own the EF 85/1.2L II and even the EF 85/1.4L and liked them all. Just wish there size and weight were closer to the Sony GM/GM II series and had an aperture ring.

[@gauravgoel8092]

How do you like 85mm vs 50mm 1.2. i have 70-200mm 2.8 and 100mm 2.8. so should i go for 50mm 1.2 now. If you say 85mm 1.2 is not more than 10% better than 50mm 1.2, I'll go for 50mm 1.2

[@stevenwaldstein2249]

@@gauravgoel8092 It’s hard to decide. I happen to really like the 50/1.2 even though I do own both. For me the 50/1.2 is more versatile but when you really need a portrait you can’t beat the 85/1.2 L. Of course your 100/2.8 Macro can be used for portraits if they are not trying to have have super shallow depth of field.

[@filibertkraxner305]

Great review. If I didn't use a Fuji GFX + 110/2 combo for most portraits, I'd add one of these to my R5 kit. Definitely delivers something over my zooms (28-70 and 70-200), but the R5 just can't touch the GFX file quality. Fast AF is a big bonus compared to the Fuji kit though.

[@petrpohnan875]

Just try the Sigma 105/1.4 on your GFX. For me that is the ultimate go-to portrait setup. Especially for the whole body portraits the results are just breathtaking and so unique!

[@alvinblackwell268]

CANON 85mm f 1.2 is stellar but truthfully my all time fav was the EF 85mm f 1.8 used it on every canon body from the Rebel XSi to the 5D mark 3. It always produced my most stunning images; I rarely had to retouch skin (a big plus). The new lens changes my shooting style because they are so sharp 😮.

[@JamesReader]

I plan to give the 85 1.8 a try soon! looks like a great lens.

[@photosquare7]

I use the EF85 1.8 on the RP also

[@gsrox2007]

The 85/1.8 is a MUST HAVE lens for any system. Great for video as well as stills. Underrated lens and it is therefore a steal in the used market.

[@LetsBHonest]

There's a portrait photographer youtuber who mainly uses the RF85 1.2 which then (in my opinion) heavily edits her photos to soften the skin. It's like she could be using her old EF 85 and you couldn't tell the difference because of her editing style. As for my clients, they normally don't like a clinically sharp photo of themselves (especially the high school senior portraits). But yes the 85 is the best camera lens for sure.

[@ryanvacation7319]

I agree. Been shooting Canon since the 5D3 and the EF 85 1.8 is surprisingly one of the best lenses I have shot. Looking back at the hundreds of thousands of frames I shot, a lot of my favorite photos come from this lens. Not only it is relatively small but also but also a quite cheap even back than when I first bought it. This is why I could not part with it. Best value lens I own.

[@tom_k_d]

The RF 85 1.2 is my favourite Canon prime now, too. 1.2 comes very handy for concert pictures in small, dimly lit venues - that's were I use it at 1.2 most - and it's tack sharp wide open already, plus focus is fast enough to capture some stage action. For portraits etc I tend to stop it down to 1.4 or 2. That said, the RF 135 1.8 provides a similar picture quality, but is not that versatile, especially indoors. The RF 50 1.2, while not that perfect, has nice character, too, and is a great indoor alternative whenever there are space constraints - let's hope we'll finally get a RF 35 1.X L this spring...

[@JamesReader]

Totally agree, I haven't had a chance to use the 85mm 1.2 for music concerts yet but I image it's the perfect focal length and aperture for that. Fingers crossed for the 35mm 1.4 release soon!

[@rd_rae]

Allegedly a 35mm 1.2 will come this year 🎉

[@novainvicta]

Prolonged use of the 85mm and the 50mm I would not like to split the two. There are times when the 85mm is just the only portrait lens your ever want. However the 50mm gives equally stunning bokeh and more of the environment which sometimes is an advantage.

[@HigherAEM]

I was on the fence between the 85 and the 135. I tested both of them and decided to go with the 135. It’s as good as the 85 for portraits and gives me that extra focal length to keep some distance between myself and the subject when I decide to do some street photography. Such a hard decision but one that I don’t regret. I also own the 50mm 1.2 which also helped me decide to go with the 135. Great video and comparaison! Keep up the great work!

[@rodtronics771]

I use a 135mm A LOT (Sigma EF Art 1.8) and I love it, and it really sets me apart from the other photographers around that only use 85mm tops.. but I am starting to feel a little bit held back. you can't beat the 135mm for portrait, but when you start getting to full body shots, I don't really like the look, and I think 85mm would be a bit more my friend.

[@HigherAEM]

@ I have to agree with you on that. I still use my 135 but I ended up purchasing the RF 85mm F1.2 for the exact reason you highlighted. To be honest, it completely changes my workflow. They’re both fantastic lenses and I’m glad I get to use both for now!

[@joeink37]

It has been my most used lens since I bought it 3 years ago. The 50mm 1.2 RF is getting more use lately, simply based on my current use and style, but this is still my most reliable lens for anything that isn't asking for a wide. I'm a full time wedding photographer and one of the unexpected uses for this lens is posed small group shots because of the lack of focus shift and the consistency and accuracy of the AF on my R5's. And then for the rest of the day, I know that whatever it is that's happening anywhere from 5 to 100 feet away, this lens will nail it without fail. After using the old 85mm f/1.2L II for so many years and having to put it away once dancing started because it was just too slow, this thing is a engineering marvel. It just doesn't miss and can keep up with any sort of movement. If Canon can somehow make the expected fast 35 RF anything like this and the 50, I'll finally feel like I have a complete RF set. Until then, I'll limp along with the 35L II, which I never thought would look so outclassed, but these latest gen. lenses from Canon are simply next level. Cheers for the review. Well done.

[@phil_aesthetics]

I am using the EF 135mm F2 for portraits and I am getting very similar results!

[@JamesReader]

Legendary lens!

[@TheBlackice38]

Just order my rf 85 mm today … very excite should have it in a few days!!! This video was amazing and made my wait seem even longer!!!!

[@mbrick]

Amazing comparison and side by side shots. Thank you, I'm sold on the 85mm 1.2. Fantastic studio work and I like how you present it and put together the video like a story.

[@JamesReader]

Thank you so much!

[@베이스치는마이콜]

I am not joking I've been eyeing on the 50.2 and voila! you have a comparison video just what I've been looking for Thank you!

[@JamesReader]

Awesome! Hope the video helps!

[@Galeidan]

It is extremely difficult to take an ugly picture with this lens. Beautiful technological marvel Somehow I still prefer RF 50mm f 1.2 L even though its not optically as perfect as RF 85mm f 1.2 L. Can't wait for RF 35mm f 1.2 L

[@lohikarhu734]

A funny thing, to me, is that so many people look at 50 mm as "normal" on 35 mm full frame, but 85 mm is much closer to what we actually see, in our eye's "focus", so that shooting with an 85 gives much more natural look to an image... But, the 85/1.2, in all of its variants, has been an incredible piece of gear. (I do like 135, also, the slightly higher 'compression' yields great results on head and shoulders portraits, imho)

[@77dris]

Your portrait portfolio may be the best I've ever seen in 18 years of photography.

[@JamesReader]

Wow - thank you so much Dris!

[@brianode11]

Agreed! Can’t wait for the RF 35mm (1.2?) to come out. The 35/85 combo will be a nice pair.

[@VladimirKorsun]

Sony has awesome fast 20mm, 24mm, 35mm.

[@JamesReader]

Hopefully we will see the RF 35mm 1.2 over the next few months!

[@brianode11]

@@JamesReader Crossing my fingers!

[@ickebins6948]

@@VladimirKorsun Well those Sony lenses are nearly as bad as the new "RF" glass... Nothing beats the old EF lenses.

[@pianofinger]

I absolutely love mine. I just got done using it in Chennai India. The beach completely disappeared when the lens is wide open. I even love it in the studio along with the R5 and R6ii.

[@larsmichael7162]

I love my "DS". For the longest time I was struggling whether "yeah" or "nay" to proceed with the purchase, but it still gives me the "wow" each time I look through it first time on a day.

[@quazisanjeed6395]

I'm unable to do human portraiture. However, for my wildlife photography purposes, EF 300mm f/2.8L IS II USM is the best portrait lens for any mammal or bird when mounted on a DSLR.

[@toddbailey5198]

I sold the RF 85MM F1.2 and when I look back at my pictures a great number of my favourites were taken with it. I just didn't realize how good it was!

[@blaspayri]

excellent review, as you usually do, very well rounded and edited. It is so valuable that the review include images with an artistic intention, the comments from long time user with the practical issues like weight and form, and real examples. It has given me ideas for shooting videos, but probably I would try to rent this camera as for video shooting it doesn't seem that practical (front heavy, no stabilisation ....)

[@shawnlabranche6852]

Thanks for the comparison James, you always come through with great comparisons. I really love primes I have tried the 50 and 85 1.2 at weddings and really love the images. Business-wise I can only do one for now and the will be the 28-70, unless version II (I hear it will be lighter) comes out by the time I buy it. The 85 1.2 will definitely be the next lens afterward.

[@JamesReader]

Great choice! A lighter version would be great though.

[@Allen-Trav]

Staying with my RF 85mm f/2 for now. But I love renting the RF 85 f/1.2. It is a chunky bugger!

[@liveforevernetwork]

how is this for video

[@peterkenyonjr]

Dude… I just downloaded some of your files to play around with in Lightroom. I’m behind on camera tech but you your r6 and r5 files are insanely sharp. Great compositions as well.

[@JamesReader]

Thank you so much Peter!

[@FunFamilyZone]

My favorite lens ever! I own the 85 1.2 and 50 1.2. I’m waiting for the 35 1.2 then my bag will be complete. I have the 35 1.8 for now. The 85 1.2 is magical!

[@ThoSchoholic]

Great video! Dream lens!!! - even if 50 mm is my preferred focal length. I have a EF85/1.2 and always have to step back from my subject. Love the character and 3d look in your shown pictures.

[@JamesReader]

Thank you so much! 50mm is my favorite too.

[@Thephotosnatcher_]

Still using my 2005 Canon 5D with the EF 85mm f1.8 USM for all my studio and outdoor headshots and portrait work.

[@salduaij]

I love the Sigma 105mm f1.4 art

[@JamesReader]

Need to try it soon!

[@mv.visions]

Great video again! Now I‘m facing the problem of wanting the RF85/1.2 😂😂

[@JamesReader]

Thank you so much!

[@multimagical3137]

have the v2 for ef and I will never change it. it paid 50% of my work in the latest 10 years

[@JackBlack444]

Awesome portrait shooting, friend.

[@thedronescene7474]

I am considering ordering this lens. I have an RF 70-200 F2.8 and I love it but I am doing pet photography and I love taking those photos close to sunset and in shaded areas. Unfortunately because the nature of dogs, I have to use a fairly high shutter speed and that in contrast forces me to increase ISO.

[@lemon-j9315]

Hard to decide which to get, the regular one or the DS version.Hope to see a comparison of these two incredible lenses from you. Great work by the way ❤

[@fotoforge771]

Thank you very much for your reviews, and this new again is very nicel. Especially your work and time spend on comparison to other focal lengths - this is very helpful!

[@JamesReader]

Thank you so much.

[@meliorstudios]

Great review James! The 85mm is great!!

[@JamesReader]

Thank you Rag 🙏

[@efreutel]

Superb review and beautiful photography. Many thanks.

[@JamesReader]

Thank you!

[@MacawAviculture]

I film Macaws, both indoors and outdoors, as individuals, and as a group. There is no 'perfect' lens in my world. My Canon 1Dx MK2 has given me excellent photos/videos since purchased in 2017. I use a 14mm and 15mm for group shots, and a 24-70mm and 70-200 for both group and individual close up photography/video. I cannot imagine trying to use one lens for all my requirements. I should probably rent an 85mm lens though, never tried one! Great video, thanks for sharing!

[@JamesReader]

Thank you so much for watching! I watched a bit of one of your videos, amazing! Beautiful birds.

[@MacawAviculture]

@@JamesReader thank you my friend! I rented the 85mm f1.2, and I noticed a lot of lens focus noise during video recording on my 1Dx Mark 2, any suggestions for that. You are correct, the 85mm is an incredible lens!

[@livejames9374]

Your portraits are beautiful. This lens is one of my all time favorites. Hope you can try the DS version.

[@JamesReader]

Thank you so much! Hope to try the DS soon

[@zayanything3124]

I really feel like it’s a matter of preference, but given the cost of RF lenses, I prefer the 50 1.2 as it just offers more versatility. I never fell in love with the 85mm focal length and instead usually use my old EF 135 if I want a nice compression.

[@MODESTYXO205]

Would you recommend the r6 make 2 for run-n-gun gun video content

[@JamesReader]

Absolutely! Great auto focus & image quality

[@Joeofalltradess]

Such an informative video. Super helpful!

[@headbang3r519]

50 mm is my focal length. So I mostly use the 50 mm 1.2 because it’s more versatile which is why I went for it instead of the 85mm.

[@jacktorrence5282]

I prefer the rf 50 but just by a tiny tiny bit :)

[@JamesReader]

I agree. Optically the 85 is better but the 50 is my favourite.

[@kirkcircus]

This lens is perfect when you’re shooting models with flawless skin, but definitely not for portraits of the average person as it shows and highlights all imperfections. My favourite is still the ef 85mm f1.2 that softens the skin when you don’t need sharp.

[@JamesReader]

True! It really does pick up every detail for better or for worse!

[@RetroBathingApe]

Great video fav channel

[@brocwavra8813]

Only portraits ? What lenses do you use to shoot nature ? Low light? Any recs?

[@jonoy4375]

Ideal for full body bokeh.

[@ml.2770]

This lens formula has been the king since the 1980s.

[@ickebins6948]

What "formula"? Trying to milk as much money as possible out of canon fanbois?

[@cjsmith]

Couldn’t agree more! Excellent Review! 🙌

[@JamesReader]

Thank you for watching!

[@patozols7747]

Dream lens. A friend let me play with it once and I def didn't wanna give it back.

[@mikemoros]

It’s a beast of a lens. Yep probably the best RF around. Good review.

[@dannyli9424]

I own a few different version of 85 1.2 across different systems, to be honest in 2024 if I have to start all over again, I wold definitely get the Fujifilm's MF GFX100S body + 110 F2 instead for portrait. MF came down so much and my Z9 is not any cheaper, and both Canon and Nikon 85 1.2 is not any cheaper than the Fuji 110. and the image quality you get from the MF is in different level. Yes, I am getting one myself.

[@imranalijafar]

loved it. it is almost like a dream lens that you can use to paint a photograph.

[@JamesReader]

Absolutely! Thank you for watching.

[@peeweebarney]

That red head is stunning.

[@EstiloInAction]

As much as I wanted to update my EF 85 f1.2, I opted for the RF 28-70 f2. I still think about it though 😂

[@antonysobreira6265]

My favourite lenses ever!

[@JamesReader]

It’s amazing!!

[@Graham_Wood]

Loving my FA645 150mm F2.8.

[@yamahass66]

There is also a ds version if you want nicer bokeh

[@kiwipics]

I beg to differ, but I don't use RF mount bodies. I think the best ever tele lens is the 200mm f1.8 L (Eye of Sauron), the rendering of the out of focus and in focus areas is amazing.

[@prosunsport1]

Nice review, however if u look at the 85 vs 200mm , u should have less of the background in field of view on 200mm , and in fact the 85 has less.If u should have moved closer on u 200 mm shot as u subject is smaller u will find Bokeh is comparable between the 2

[@Sapto1258]

The RF 85MM F1.2 released back in 2019 was so ahead of it's time that it took Nikon almost 5 years to catch up to them with their 85MM 1.2 which is definitely faster in focusing but cannot seem to match in terms of absolute sharpness. Recently saved up enough to get the lens and it's a beast, kinda scared if all of a sudden Canon decides to release MK II as it's almost 5 years old. I cannot even imagine what Canon might conjure up with 85MM F1.2 L MK II in the future.

[@JamesReader]

Yeah the only way they could possibly improve this lens is adding IS. I think you're set with this prime for a very long time. Would love to try the Nikon though.

[@DanielFazzari]

If they make a Mark II, they could possibly reduce its size and maybe improve AF speed, but image quality...nah! You're safe with buying this lens for decades to come.

[@livejames9374]

I love the RF 85 1.2. However unless you’re talking about the DS version then I don’t know about the sharpness comment… I have both (non DS) and found the opposite. A few sources online also mirror my experience. Here’s one. Digitalcameraworld: “For an f/1.2 lens, sharpness is absolutely exceptional even when shooting wide-open, from the center of the frame right out to the extreme edges and corners. The Nikon easily outguns the competing Canon RF 85mm F1.2L USM for sharpness throughout the aperture range, especially in the areas away from the center of the frame.” Both are beyond the point of sharpness needed. They are portrait lenses after all.

[@IanHobday]

I prefer Canon's older stuff. The EF50/1L and the original 85/1.2L, both with leaded glass, had a look that I've never seen in modern lenses. The newer lenses are better in many ways but they've never quite managed to match that old-school leaded glass look.

[@mariopassalacqua6674]

Very true. The EF 85mm 1.2 L version 1 has incredible character. Have owned it for 20 years and will never sell it.

[@IanHobday]

@@mariopassalacqua6674 Always check carefully for haze, using an LED light through the lens at many angles. If you catch it early it can often be cleaned. If it gets too bad, cleaning will leave marks. The leaded glass lenses were all subject to it. There are no more new parts available for them so it's important to stay on top of it.

[@jerrylee7737]

Canon 85mm lenses have always been the absolute best in their class, whether 1.2 L or "standard"1.8, FD or EF. There is no point in discovering America, but it is good to know that Canon keeps the quality bar high even after fifty years, which is not true for many photo equipment manufacturers. Otherwise - beautiful photos - congratulations!

[@JamesReader]

Thank you so much!

[@blisteringbooks2428]

I had the EF 85 1.2, until it was stolen. Brilliant, only it isn't much use if you like sport or wildlife, even Landscape photography.

[@psalms6539]

thoughts about shooting with R5C without IS on the camera......

[@bngr_bngr]

I love my Canon 85/1.12 but for a 50 I prefer the Nikon 50/1.4. I usually shoot a Canon and Nikon body at the same time.

[@julianstrau6663]

My favorite portrait lens is the Sigma Art 105mm f/1.4. Maybe one day you could make a video about this lens. Thank you very much for your great work. 😊

[@JamesReader]

Thank you Julian! Hope to try the 105 soon, seems like an incredible lens.

[@darrylstubbs4245]

Great video James,you would have sold it to me if I didn’t already own it.Its just a stunning piece of glass and I’m of out with mine tomorrow.

[@JamesReader]

Thank you Darryl!

[@tompa.s]

Thank you for an amazing review James 🎉 if you get the chance please do one in the new 135mm ;)

[@35-85mm]

I agree, it is optically pretty much perfect. There is also no Chromatic aberration even at 1.2 , so you have a perfectly clinical result at every aperture. I can't see something they could've done better image quality wise.

[@JamesReader]

Completely agree! Thank you for watching.

[@CatrielLopezAcosta]

Hey, James! Here is my experience. I shoot weddings, and even when I prefer 85 over 50 as a focal, my back and wrist makes me lean toward the 50 1.2 mm. I just ended picking up the 50 90% of the time. This lens, absolutely stunning lens, is too front heavy and isn't a field lens. For me, unfortunately, this lens is a studio lens.

[@JamesReader]

Totally agree! That's why my 50 sees more use too.

[@Francisfphoto_]

Best lens ever made. Period.

[@tphccsun]

I shoot most portraits using RF135. RF85 is a bit too large and heavy...

[@Soul_Visuals_Photography]

You should check out the sigma 105mm f1.4.

[@elforestero]

Awesome lens review! What's your best guess as to how long might we have to wait for a version of this lens with stabilization?

[@JamesReader]

Thank you! I think we will be waiting a while I’m afraid. Maybe in a few years we will get a stabilised 1.4 version

[@YogiBrianButurla]

How is it for video. Fitness and yoga?

[@AllenRReid]

Looks great, but I think I'm done buying anymore gear for awhile.

[@JamesReader]

This is definitely a big investment! Thank you for watching.

[@polivcentr]

is this DS or Standart 85 1.2?

[@nicolajoanna4707]

Hi James, another great review, thank you. I'm very close to pressing 'buy' on the 85mm. Out of interest, what kit do you use for your videos?

[@JamesReader]

Thank you Nicola! For video I’m typically using a combination of the R5 or R6 II along with the RF 15-35. It really does vary a lot though so if you have any clips in particular you would like to know specifically what kit I used let me know and I’ll try and help!

[@nicolajoanna4707]

Thanks for your reply@@JamesReader . The 15-35mm is another I'm considering adding. Back to the 85mm, it'd be interesting to hear your views on the DS version too sometime.

[@jcstuart6978]

how much editing in these images or are they raw?

[@SeanNeale]

The goat lens

[@JamesReader]

Agreed 👍

[@gustavoumeno]

One of the best videos you’ve made! Instead of the RF 85mm 1.2, I decided to pick RF 135mm 1.8 plus the RF 85mm f2. But everytime I see the 1.2, I wonder if I did the right choice! 😅

[@JamesReader]

Thank you so much! You have some great lenses there.

[@johngaston3742]

@JamesReader is this lens compatible with a Canon Mark III body to do product photos for Amazon listing ? Any insights will be helpful and appreciated.

[@JamesReader]

Hi John. I’m afraid it won’t work on any Canon DSLR bodies as it’s designed for mirrorless R mount only. I highly recommend the Canon EF 85mm 1.4 L IS USM lens for very similar results though.

[@johngaston3742]

@@JamesReaderthank you so much for the promptly reply, much appreciated. I have the Canon EOS 5D Mark III Body, so if the one you recommended to generate product images for Amazon listing, I will certainly go with your recommendation. What’s the best way to customize settings for such of procedure? AV mode? Wonderful video also, you made such of remarkable points. John.

[@TheSilverGlow]

I do not believe that the RF 85L f1.2 is "front heavy", because who holds the camera by its sides when shooting? No one does...the left had cradles the lens...so does it matter as much that it is heavy? Heavier than the camera? No, it does not. To be fair, if the lens is too heavy for the left hand to cradle, than thats anothere story. I agree though, the RF 85L f1.2 is the best lens...or is it the RF 135L f1.8? I cannot decide...

[@adg8269]

I own this lens, my absolute fav but its minimum focus distance is too long (3 feet or 90cm ) is frustrating!!

[@transparent1054]

The Nikon 85S 1.2 has exactly the same minimum working distance.

[@bernardlanguillier7970]

Wait until you try the Nikon 85mm f1.2 S...

[@JamesReader]

I’ve heard it’s amazing. Really hope to try it soon.

[@mazey2fresh605]

Do you think the RF 35 1.2 will have similar background blur as the 85mm not sure if I should wait it out or just buy the 35 1.2 tempting

[@DanielFazzari]

No, not nearly the same.

[@IanHobday]

85/1.2 or 135/1.8 if you want blurred backgrounds. It's very hard to replicate that with a 35/1.2 as the wider focal length will always result in more DOF and a blur that isn't as smooth. Wonder if Canon will make a 35/1.2 with STF? That could compensate for the greater DOF. I love my Laowa 105/2 STF lens.

[@JamesReader]

The 85 1.2 will give the much blurrier background. The 35mm at 1.2 will however give you more than enough background separation. You could consider the 50mm 1.2 as a happy medium, captures more of the environment whilst having more blur than a 35.

[@mazey2fresh605]

@@JamesReader how the chromatic aberration and vignetting

[@jamesjackson4264]

1.2 is 1.2 blur no matter the lens. What we are seeing is compression that makes it look like it’s more blur. It’s not it’s just compression.

[@rstebnicki]

Got DS ver and love it :)

[@edwinvermaas]

Question do you miss the lack of IS or how does it react without IS? I still have my doubts to buy it (mainly because of the price not the quality) i love the 85mm 2.0, i use it alot. So im not sure to upgrade. Thank you already

[@JamesReader]

I don’t miss the IS with this lens, the weight really helps iron out any micro jitters. What camera body would you pair it with? If it’s one with IBIS i think you’ll have no issues.

[@edwinvermaas]

@@JamesReader went for the 85mm and what a beast it is 👍🏻 no issue with the IS indeed

[@dariuszdabrowski487]

What about rf 28-70 f2? Thanks

[@JamesReader]

Incredible lens! One of my favourites

[@aheadachewithpictures]

FD 50mm 1.2 is better, but this was very good video

[@JamesReader]

Thank you!

[@powerofjesuschrist7836]

brother which one ues to this video lens pls shayre i need this lens

[@JamesReader]

For the talking head segments?

[@neovo903]

I have the defocus smoothing one mounted on my R6mk2 and well, I feel like my R6mk2 is kneecapping it lmao

[@seanbond8075]

Thanks James... So you are saying the 85 is even sharper than the 50 1.2?

[@JamesReader]

Yep the 85 is a little sharper (mainly towards the edges). But the 50mm is very very sharp already.