What Is The Best Canon RF Lens For Portraits? See for your self! RF Lens Shootout (FREE RAW FILES)

Let’s compare the Canon RF 35mm 1.4, Canon RF 50mm 1.2, Canon RF 85mm 1.2, Canon RF 135mm 1.8 and the Canon RF 70-200 2.8 to find the best lens on RF Mount for portraits right now.
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*Disclaimer* - RAW files are for educational purposes only. If you post these files online and/or to social media, please link back to this channel or my instagram. The RAW files must not be used for any commercial purposes. Thank you!
Gear In This Video:
Camera:
RF 35mm 1.4: geni.us/VNIQtP
RF 50mm 1.2: amzn.to/3WjnP9f
RF 85mm 1.2: amzn.to/4eUeBb3
RF 135mm 1.8: amzn.to/45YGOtf
RF 70-200 2.8: amzn.to/4bJjhh3
Full Reviews:
RF 85mm 1.2 Full Review: • This is the BEST lens ...
RF 135mm 1.8 Review: • Canon RF 135mm 1.8 vs ...
RF 35mm 1.4 Review: • Canon RF 35mm f1.4L VC...
RF 70-200 2.8 Comparison: • Canon RF 70-200 2.8 vs...
VIDEO CHAPTERS
00:00 - Intro
0:20 - The Lenses
1:05 - Headshot Comparisons
4:19 - Headshots - All Lenses Compared
5:00 - Mid Length Comparisons
7:45 - Mid Length - All Lenses
8:23 - Full Length Comparisons
10:57 - Full Length - All Lenses Compared
11:29 - Sharpness Comparison
14:00 - Final Conclusion
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[@ASLpixelpaint]

Easily one of the best James Reader videos yet. Bonus points to your wife for always helping you out making these comparisons ! I've shot all the EF counterparts but feel like I"m starting all over again with RF.

[@JamesReader]

That's so awesome to hear, thank you so much. I didn't feel too confident in this video when I uploaded it so that's really reassuring.

[@officialbrandoncoleman]

i love that 135mm 1.8 🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@JamesReader]

It's so good Brandon! Thank you for watching

[@dogstoryteller]

Love seeing this review including the brand new rf 35 1.4! Interesting result comparing sharpness to 50!

[@modeodan5258]

I loved the results from 85 f 1.2 so perfect

[@JamesReader]

Agreed!!

[@iamsamhurdphotography]

other than the fact that it's absolutely freaking massive!

[@othmankamaluddin2479]

I like the look from 85mm f1.2 all round, fantastic work

[@JamesReader]

The 85 is so good - thank you for watching!

[@pedromoreira3343]

This is such a great video! Congratulations on answering so many questions in just under 15 minutes! Awsome work!

[@JamesReader]

Thank you so much!

[@jackdeheer8211]

Such a great video which gives you real life examples for all these RF lenses! I appreciate the raw files as well so I can take a closer look for myself.

[@JamesReader]

Thank you so much Jack!

[@dragSD666]

Thank you man! you are helping a lot of us to decide which focal lenght we want. Well done :)

[@JamesReader]

Thank you for watching! Really glad the video helps

[@edwinadrianta9455]

Thanks for this comparison, packed with a lot of useful information.

[@JamesReader]

Thank you for watching!

[@rogriv]

James! Fantastic video, I own 3 out of the 5 lenses and gave a better perpective on the overall quality of each lens, also as you said they are all fantastic lenses, keep up the good work!

[@samueljames9015]

Thanks James, a great comparison done well

[@JamesReader]

Thank you Samuel!

[@Lackmind]

Great video and you providing the RAW files is amazing. Keep it up!

[@JamesReader]

Thank you so much!

[@apiluckthammawimutti8770]

Great job, Thank you James.

[@JamesReader]

Thank you so much!

[@stefanoreksten]

Amazing video! Thanks for sharing.

[@JamesReader]

Thank you for watching!

[@danphilipf.hernandez9977]

This is a really good comparison! Very useful. Thank you!

[@JamesReader]

Thank you so much Dan!

[@doogieham]

Great video, James. Also big shout out to Rachel for her posting and patience with all the switching of lenses.

[@JamesReader]

Thank you! I'm very lucky, videos like this just wouldn't be possible without her.

[@masqueman01]

A valuable resource. Subscribed and thanks

[@JamesReader]

Thank you so much!

[@teorsgaming868]

Sick video! I've got the 85 2.0, and it feels absolutely stunning! Can only recommend it aswell, if you're a bit on a budget. Having the 35 1.8 aswell, but that feels very situational. Just in use, when the location is absolutely amazing, where it also fits to take lots of space in the picture

[@JamesReader]

The 85mm F2 is incredible! Thank you for watching

[@afcl1984]

Great video man, thanks. Just subscribed.

[@JamesReader]

Thank you so much!

[@JaredHoyman]

I had to move from watching on my iPhone to full screen on my 48" OLED to really appreciate the shots you took. The 85mm created the best background separation in my opinion, but the 135 was even more flattering on the subject. If Canon made a 135 1.4 I think that would give us the best of both background separation and subject rendering. Well done my friend.

[@JamesReader]

Thank you so much Jared!

[@dipping_stock9656]

I have been watching your videos since I started looking for a camera, and I must say, Mrs. Reader is my favorite model.

[@JamesReader]

Thank you so much! She is my favourite too

[@sorwerk]

Very useful comparison, including showing the distance you had to have for the same results. As a side note you are a lucky man at any focal length 😊

[@JamesReader]

Thank you so much! I am indeed very lucky!

[@johnykw]

Very very very nice comparison and sharing🎉🎉🎉 Very useful

[@JamesReader]

Thank you so much!

[@rixomatrx]

Thanks very much for the video, James! Was debating between getting the 35 and the 50, and will be picking up the 50, thanks again!

[@JamesReader]

Thank you for watching! You're gonna love that 50mm

[@blaspayri]

Brilliant video, as usual! Not only do we get a detailed comparison of the Canon RF L lenses' characteristics, but also a masterclass on the importance of focal length in general. The mood truly changes with the focal length, and the fact that you make expressive and artistic photos is paramount. Thanks for the insightful content! It would be interesting also to compare the older STM lenses.

[@JamesReader]

@@blaspayri thank you so much Blas! Working on a version for budget RF lenses soon including some STM options.

[@stew_redman]

The RF 28-70 f2.0 is on my camera for 90% of portrait shoots these days. I'd argue it's the best all-round lens that Canon currently make due its versatility. Especially handy in the studio with strobes as your usually shooting stopped down quite a bit anyway. The 85 f1.2 is a close second, but you're stuck with a single focal length - that extra bit of light costs some usefulness. Great video, nice comparisons. Keep up the good work 👍

[@spinnetti]

I'm not very experienced, but that's my favorite too - I thought I'd use it once in a while, and its my go-to most of the time now. I also have the 70-200 f2.8 which I like a lot as well. If I were to get a fixed prime, I'd get the 85 1.2, but don't have it currently.

[@velvetsound]

Same here. But I did get the 85 f1.2 after renting it for a week, and it’s just magical. I use it for most headshots and for videos too.

[@JamesReader]

Thanks so much Stew! The 28-70 really is incredible. I've almost pulled the trigger on that lens many times.

[@Xirpzy]

Doesnt have that amazing iq that I would expect, decent but lots of CA and not as sharp as some cheaper lenses that I have. Definitly the most versatile lens that I have though. I want to get the 24-105mm for more reach.

[@Mariner1460]

@@JamesReaderI resisted the 28-70 as long as I could mostly because I couldn’t stomach spending that much money on a “boring standard zoom.” When it finally went on a good discount, I caved, and now I love boring! With the 28-70 on one hip and the Sigma Art 105 f/1.4 on the other, I can work fast from wide environmentals to tight headshots without any interruptions, and the results just blow my mind.

[@GordoFriman]

I'm not a canon user, but this comparison is totally worth the time to watch! thanks!

[@JamesReader]

Thank you so much!

[@davet3530]

What a great review. Full of information and detailed observations of the results . In terms of the missing 100mm prime - would the RF 100mm macro be an option?

[@jasona59]

My favorite portrait lens in my kit is the RF 85mm 1.2. I love the buttery bokeh, and very minimal chromatic aberration.

[@mjztx]

Great video. I love the 50mm 1.2 and 85mm 1.2 personally. I bought the RF 50mm 1.2 L though because I'm not sure how many L lenses I will ever own. I like the versatility of the 50mm and I also like being a little closer to my sometimes high school senior subjects and couples so I can give more direction if needed.

[@HigherAEM]

Another GREAT upload James! I'm so happy I chose to go with the 135mm 1.8 over the 85mm 1.2. Quality wise, I think the 135mm 1.8 is slightly, VERY slightly under the 85mm 1.2. But overall, I don't think anyone would regret going with the 135 over the 85. Mind you, I still believe the 85mm 1.2 is the best lens in the canon lineup!

[@JurajHatina]

Great comparison!

[@JamesReader]

Thank you so much!

[@catalyst_6]

Brilliant comparison, James!! I have the RF50 1.2, RF100 2.8 Macro, and RF135 1.8, and they are all fantastically sharp. The RF85 1.2 looks so compelling, but I feel like I’ve got that focal length nearly surrounded. If it weren’t so bulky…

[@prosunsport1]

Excellent review

[@JamesReader]

Thank you so much!

[@Soul_Visuals_Photography]

My man. You would love the sigma 105. I adapt it and it’s wonderful.

[@Mariner1460]

Lens details aside, this may be the best focal length comparison video I’ve seen. You keep everything consistent and show the working distance implications very clearly. Nice work! Now, you chose nice evenly lit backgrounds, as you should, but what happens with more challenging high contrast busy backgrounds? I have the 85 f/2 which is remarkably good, amazing really, but such backgrounds get pretty messy and distracting vs. my better EF mount primes. I’ve noticed my friend’s RF 70-200 similarly suffers (his RF 50 f/1.2 does not.)

[@JamesReader]

Thank you so much, that’s really kind. I have noticed the same with say the RF 50mm 1.8 against the 50mm 1.2 in regards to taking more busy contrasty backgrounds

[@adg8269]

My choice of lens depends on: a) the shape of my client’s head. b) How much of the background I want in the image. Amazing video!!! Concise and The best comparison I’ve seen

[@JamesReader]

Thank you so much!

[@captaincook6283]

You are doing really great content, very helpful for people who need information about these canon, RF portrait lenses. I really like that you show from the beginning to the end directly photos instead of talking for hours like others. Interestingly, on an event I could try the 50 mm 1.2 RF lens and it was razor sharp. Later I decided to buy such a lens, but my copy isn’t much sharper than the 50 mm 1.8 that I also own. It’s a tiny bit sharper but really not that much of a difference and looking to your pictures you seem to have the same issue. I honestly prefer the 85 mm 1.2 that I owned before, but it was just too heavy for me and stayed in the cupboard all the time. But I somehow miss it when I see your pictures 😇 I asked myself if you were paying this model for all your videos but it’s your wife…! Congratulations 😊

[@JamesReader]

Thank you so much for the kind words! That's so great to hear. I'm really lucky to have my wife's help with all these videos too.

[@brunorodrigues6329]

stunning content 🥰

[@JamesReader]

Thanks so much!

[@Mel-95]

When I shot Nikon film cameras, my favorite portrait lens was the Nikkor 105mm f/2.5. That was then, this is now, and I just purchased the Canon R6 II with the 24mm - 105 mm zoom lens. I love the look of the Canon 85mm f/1.2. Wondering if the Canon 135mm f/1.8 makes more sense because it also extends my range past the zoom. I never miss your channel updates. You videos are well thought-out and clearly presented, a treat for KZbin. A lovely model makes it a pleasure to review your lens tests. Thanks.

[@JamesReader]

Thank you so much for the kind words! Choosing between the 85 1.2 and the 135mm 1.8 is one of the hardest choices on RF mount. I think the extra reach of the 135mm could indeed make it the sensible choice for you. I would highly recommend renting both if that's a possibility for you.

[@WilliamJohnston]

Fantastic video, just what I was looking for! Less so for portraits but I really think Canon need to get a good 24 1.4 or 1.2 on the cards next. I’d also be interested to see an RF 200 f2.0, but that’s more so that some people sell off their ef 200 f2.0 so I can be within reach of getting one!

[@ales289]

Fanstastic review! It would be interesting to compare it with other systems like Nikon/Sony. Ultimate lens review :)

[@JamesReader]

That would be awesome! If I can get my borrow some other camera systems I’ll definitely do this!

[@StoicJason]

Fantastic video!! Thank you! I own them all so no bias but the 85 was stellar here as usual.

[@JamesReader]

Thank you for watching! Hard to beat that 85mm

[@wilismatrix9847]

I am jealous, give me one !! 😛😛

[@StoicJason]

@@wilismatrix9847 work hard and eat your wheaties and you too can afford them

[@TerraThink]

For me, I loved the 50mm & 135mm for headshots & mid length portraits. And 35mm & 200mm for full body portraits.

[@milfordanthony3168]

My favorite lens is the 85mm 1.2 which I keep in my bag at all times. The other RF glass that I use is the RF 28-70 f/2.8. However my bokeh master is the Sigma 105 F/1.4 and these are the lenes ntha go with me on all shoots. I do love the glass that you have used bexause they are all some of the best lenses for the RF full frame cameras.

[@number6705]

Good comparison

[@JamesReader]

Thank you!

[@randycook6500]

I love the 28 to 70 f2. I cannot believe it's not a part of this video. I shot a wedding solo last month and other than arriving early and grabbing an empty venue shot fom the balcony with my 15 to 35, that lens was never off my camera. For senior portraits save the date photos and the like the 28 to 70 is also my go-to lens. My other two lenses are the 15 to 35 f2.8 and the 70 to 200 f2.8 but they see little use.

[@mattsmith3135]

I'm very grateful for this type of comparison video (even though I can't afford any of these lenses, haha). Your down-to-earth delivery makes them so easy to watch.

[@JamesReader]

Thank you so much Matt!

[@MikaJKinnunen]

Hello James! Best video as always 😊 How about RF85 1.2 DS? I’m struggling is the DS better or the regular 1.2🤔

[@bangtao6593]

Waited this vidéo for age ! 😍 This is so real life comparison. The choice of 3 distances is perfect. But in my opinion, you should include a foreground next time if this is possible. This is where the f1.2s (especially the 85) always shine more and show something I do not see with another kind of lens.

[@JamesReader]

Thank you! That's a great idea, very true regarding foreground bokeh on the 1.2s

[@wolfgangwhyte5571]

I absolutely love that 135... trouble is, for full-body shots, you need a model who understands semaphores 😉 Since you were talking about missing a 100-105 in that lineup, I can vouch for the RF 100mm macro; although it's f2.8, it's razor sharp, and the SA-control ring can add some pleasing effects you won't get from other RF lenses (it's not magic though - depending on background, those effects can vary from beautiful to rubbish, so play with the dial a bit to find your sweet spot) . Just a thought!

[@Balilens]

135 mm is just perfect

[@nstng3092]

Another great video.. Will you possibly consider doing a budget version of the same video? Comparing the 35f1.8, 50f1.8 and 85f2 or more.. Thanks

[@JamesReader]

Thank you for watching! I have something similar for the budget lenses in the works.

[@Mekawiii]

Sick video🔥 would appreciate a video for a broll lens showdown for video as well .. canon mount for sure

[@JamesReader]

Thank you! That's a great idea - definitely now on my list to do!

[@adnanmansour8757]

I don’t classify myself as a portrait photographer, but I have always watched your reviews with great interest. You are always incisive and incredibly helpful. James have you tested the RF 100 f2.8 macro, I note that some people find it useful for portraits!

[@JamesReader]

Thank you so much!

[@MarkJHEllis]

Great comparison video James. I only have the 70-200 from those shown. Absolutely love it and it is on my R5 95% of the time. As a hobbyist I have no need for the 85mm f/1.2 however it would be my next lens to replace the RF85mm f/2 which I use occasionally.

[@JamesReader]

Thank you Mark! Canon did a great job with this 70-200. Great performance and so versatile.

[@paulfresh]

the 50 1.2 and 85 1.2 just look amazing

[@JamesReader]

Agreed! Such awesome lenses

[@KyleRodgers-ho2bm]

Hey James, I would be extremely interested in seeing how you edit your photos in Lightroom. I think it would be a fantastic video idea. Love the content man!

[@JamesReader]

Thank you so much! Definitely working on something like that soon. Cheers Kyle!

[@esoxhu]

Really nice and helpful comparison. Thanks James and Rachel of course. Your videos help me a lot everytime when I'm looking for something that I am not able to try before buy. Ahh and of course thx for the RAW files as well. Once if you gonna sell your R5, drop me a message than I sell my R6 and buying your workhorse :)

[@JamesReader]

Thank you so much! Really glad you liked the video. I’m probably selling my beloved R5 in the next few weeks! Will be sad to see it go

[@StarLightDotPhotos]

I can tell by your partner's face in the thumbnail who's video this is!

[@stevenwaldstein2249]

Thank you for the video. I actually own all of these lenses except for the new RF 35mm f/1.4L and really like to use the 85mm and 135mm if I have the space. At 35mm I’m still using the EF 35mm f/1.4L II adapted to RF. In the video it looks nice and small so I’ll have to visit the local store to see if I can try one. Also using an EOS R5 but very interested to see what the R5 II brings us. Do wonder what a 105mm prime would give us at f/1.4. Take care.

[@JamesReader]

Thank you so much Steven!

[@Wolfgarden]

Your videos are pleasant and to the point, thank you very much! Question, don't you turn off the camera when changing lenses?😅

[@JamesReader]

Thank you so much! I usually do but on these big comparisons I have to admit sometimes I don’t 😆. But you definitely should!

[@widiartoproboprasetyo9330]

Another superb video, James, as always...😊 What's your view of using 100mm Macro lens F2.8 for portrait? As I know, this lens delivers stunning detail, inceedibly sharp and no distortion with great bokeh.

[@JamesReader]

Thank you so much! I think the 100mm 2.8 is awesome for portraits. It's one of the sharpest RF lenses too. The lens is definitely on my wish list.

[@Peter_77]

I ALREADY HAVE 35 85 & 70-200 2.8 ALL IS MY FAVOURITE

[@juhalehtinen4068]

Rachel looks really good😍❤🥰

[@JamesReader]

Agreed! Thank you!

[@propixelsmedia]

that 85 will always be the overall winner but the price point between the 135 and the 85 makes it a hard choice. both very similar if distance isnt a problem (which it usually is)

[@PhilippeDHooghe]

Sit back and enjoy 🙂. I agree with all your choices. I am surprised by the 70-200 and wonder how it compares to the 85 and 135 if set at these focal lengths. If it comes on top or even compares, this is the more versatile one and the one I would go for. The 70-200 is so sharp and has so much contrast, it is a bit too much, making the 85 more flattering. But I guess you may be able to get the 85 look in post? I'm not a pro nor am I incredibly rich, so I use the R8 with the 28-105. The combos here are all over 6k€. I could afford it, but how much use would I get out of it? However, James, thank you so much for this fantastic video, because now I have a reference for what to rent if I ever need it for an occasion! The distortion of the 35 for close-up portraits... ouch!!

[@JamesReader]

Thank you so much Philippe! It’s hard to beat the performance and versatility of the 70-200. I agree these are very expensive lenses with quite niche use cases, I’m thinking of maybe doing a budget lens version of this comparison including some of the cheaper zooms.

[@bangtao6593]

My favorites are 85 and 135mm for portrait if I have anough place to work. Otherwise this is 28-70 f2.

[@SeanNeale]

The RF 85 1.2 was my first RF lens and its spoiled my expectations of what lenses should do 😂

[@hongkongkong7174]

1. This such a good video, thanks 2. I use RF 70-200 2.8 and it's every bit as good as you say, super sharp but needs distance. for me that's good 3. I do fantasize 85mm 1.2 at times but it's hard to justify after having aforementioned zoom. 85mm is a big lens and gonna weigh me down if i carry it along with the zoom. it's not particularly affordable as well. Either choose the zoom or 85mm1.2 but having both hardly makes any sense, it's redundant... for the most part for my use case

[@JamesReader]

Thank you so much! The biggest downside of the 85 for me is the size and weight. It’s a heavy lens. The results are worth it but I have issues with wrist pain and this lens is the worse culprit for it!

[@schaerfentiefe1967]

I own all these lenses except for the new RF 35 1.4 where I have the EF version. All in all the RF 85mm f/1.2 L USM is my most used lens for all these shots! It gives me the most natural looking proportions for the model and the background separation is just beautiful. With the RF 135mm f/1.8 L IS USM faces start to look a little to wide and flat for my personal taste (depends on the model). The least used lens is my RF 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS USM... it might be that I will sell the lens despite I love the compact design and the flexiblity.

[@petrpohnan875]

My beloved combo for portraits are Sigmas 40/1.4 and 105/1.4. RF 85/1.2 is great too yet I like the bit longer Sigma more. 28-70/2 is amazingly versatile zoom but it trails well behind Sigmas in terms of the IQ (and aperture of course). Those Sigmas are even perfectly usable on Fuji GFX format without any problems. Which is absolutely staggering considering their price...

[@JamesReader]

The Sigma 40mm is one of the best lenses I have ever used. I have been meaning to make a video on it for a long time

[@Andy-rk9mu]

Thank you for the review. I like portraits at 1.8 more actually. 1.2 is too shallow of DoF for me personally. As far as focal length goes, from that set I would go with 135. 105 would be ideal though ...

[@JamesReader]

The 135 is incredible! Thank you for watching

[@AtaBoraBasar]

Canon Rf 85mm 1.2 is a dream lens for portraits.

[@thedronescene7474]

85 🔥

[@Maximilan20]

As beautifully sharp as the 85 is, something about the 70-200 just blows me away everytime I use it. The fact it covers both the 85 and 135, it's a no brainer for me on that list. However my 24-70 RF lives on my camera for😊

[@thomasriera2030]

I love your comparison videos. They are very well done with great side-by-sides. The 85 is beautiful but, the 70-200 is surprisingly good. That is such a versatile lens! I'd be curious to get your thoughts/see a future evaluation of the Canon RF 100 f2.8L macro for portraits. I always hear it pointed out that while designed for macro, it can be good for portraits. Perhaps f2.8 just isn't wide enough. However, seeing 135 f1.8 and 200 f2.8, how far off is it? I'm sure that it will lose points on bokeh but, would you ever consider using it for portraits (if you didn't have any of the lenses in this video on you)? Might be interesting to see a comparison to see if you could get away with it.

[@JamesReader]

Thank you so much Thomas! I briefly owned the RF 100mm 2.8 and it was fantastic. I think it would fair very well against any of the lenses in this comparison in terms of sharpness, it was incredibly sharp edge to edge. I used it exclusively for studio portraits, beauty work and macro photography though. I eventually let it go because I had it covered already with the 70-200 2.8. It’s definitely on my list to own again in the near future. 100mm really is the sweet spot for headshots.

[@wernertheron1949]

Really enjoyed this video thanks. Is it possible to do budget version shoot out with RF35/1.8 ; RF50/1.8 and RF85/2.0 ?

[@JamesReader]

Thank you! I’m working on a budget comparison real soon

[@Hubieee]

The swirly background bokeh is rather an effect of an optical flaw, the fact that the roundish bokeh is cut off closer to the edge due to restrictions at any aperture within the optical system.

[@JamesReader]

Interesting! I assumed it was down to the small front elements of the 35mm and 50mm.

[@ElBoyoElectronico]

Your videos are super helpful and informative. It is very interesting to see everything side by side.

[@JamesReader]

That's so great to hear, thank you so much, you're very kind!

[@tphccsun]

I use RF135 for most of outdoor portraits.

[@JamesReader]

It's stunning for outdoor portraits!

[@LetsBHonest]

It's better than the 85 imo... the 85 is too blurry and it makes the photographer "lazy" too. Could've been in a public bathroom taking a pic. You need some visual of the foliage so step it down to give some texture and scenery. Why go to a nice park or beach if you're going to just 1.2 all your portraits?

[@AnthonyKellett]

Great video. One point... I'm not so sure the 35mm beats the 50mm, in sharpness. If you're looking at the eye, and the tiny veins, I can see why you might think that. However, switch to looking at the forehead and the hair, and one might conclude otherwise. I think the focal point is slightly different. Maybe it's DoF difference; but that seems unlikely, given the apertures and focal lengths.

[@Itiskaz]

What a great video! I loved it thank you so much for taking the time to make such an informative video! You are making me start thinking of selling my RF 70-200 2.8 and switching it with the 85 1.2 ! I already have the 14-35, 24-70 2.8, 50 1.2, 100 macro, and 100-500 so I feel the 85 1.2 will benefit me more than the 70-200 . I shoot all my Fashion video work handheld with the R5C and that is the only point im scared to jump toward the 85 1.2 lacking IS and IBIS in the R5C. Would you do the shift if you were in my place ? Thank you :D

[@JamesReader]

Thank you so much! To be honest - I very recently sold my 70-200 2.8 in favour of the RF 85mm 1.2. I’m not sure how the 85 will perform on the R5C. I think the size and weight of the 85 will mitigate a lot of the micro stutters.

[@Itiskaz]

@@JamesReader thank you so much for taking the time ! can’t wait for your next video!

[@Mr.Zen_73]

My go to is either my RF 85 1.2 or RF135 1.8.

[@JamesReader]

Incredible lenses! Would be awesome to have both.

[@aliniazgd]

I would suggest to get Canon RF 28-70mm F2 . it is prime lens from 28 to 70 focal length, it is damn sharp with beautiful background separation.

[@JamesReader]

Amazing lens!

[@EverythingCameFromNothing]

Crop in with the 85mm f1.2 and you get an equivalent 136mm at f1.92, albeit with less resolution, but still, best of both worlds 😃

[@AlSo-Fotografie]

My best RF-Lens for portraits is the Sigma 105 1.4 Art EF 😅

[@SliverCreations]

Hmm interesting results in sharpness. My 50 @1.2 is definitely sharper then my 70-200 @200.

[@JamesReader]

I was surprised how good the 70-200 was at 200mm. I’m sure the results would be different depending on the focal length of the zoom.

[@tom_k_d]

Thanks James for this excellent comparison. From my experience, the 135mm is definitely sharper than the 70-200, and at par with the 85mm (all wide open, that is).

[@JamesReader]

Thank you Tom! I went back and fourth about the sharpness of the 70-200 over the 135mm. Ultimately we are lucky with some amazing performing lenses in this focal range. The 135mm is stunning, definitely on my Wishlist.

[@tom_k_d]

@@JamesReader I can highly recommend it after 6 month of regular use.

[@392carnage8]

liked the 70 and the 135 for the first comparison, 135 and the 70 for the second comparison. I would pick the 135 for the price and the clarity

[@JamesReader]

The 135mm is hard to beat!

[@nordic5490]

Are you using Canon DPP for your RAW conversions ? If not how would you know ? Canon engineers designed these the correction profiles in DPP to mtach the lens perfectly. The same cannot be guaranteed for the lens correction profiles built in to Adobe products. I also use my RF85mm for close sports , @ f1.2 for the look. Thses sports shot look killer @ f1.2 And yes, I use DPP for the raw conversion - as Canons engineers intended.

[@jkdubya85]

I’ve got the 70-200, and have been deciding which of these was going to be my next purchase now that I’ve got my three zooms. I was leaning towards the 85 going in, and I think I still am. This video did convince me to grab the 135 next, though. Not interested in the 35, tbh.

[@EastCoastDigs]

Worth checking out ef 85 1.4 sharp wide open fast af half the price of the new one

[@JamesReader]

Yeah I think the 85 is a good route to go to combine with a 70-200. The 135mm is on my wishlist too now.

[@Galeidan]

If I could choose just one it would probably be 50mm as it is very versatile. What I would love to see is RF 200mm f 1.8 or f 2 one day. Technically RF 85mm f 1.2 L is probably the best lens that Canon has ever created. I love that 3D pop look. For some reason I do not like 35mm rendering that much. Wish they'd make photography version RF 35mm f 1.2 L.

[@JamesReader]

I think we'll see a 200mm 1.8 on RF mount in a year or two. That would be epic! (but probably huge and heavy haha!).

[@wojkac]

After testing on my side I agree 85mm 1.2 is the KING of outdoor Portaits but 50mm 1.2 wins indoor where space is limited :)

[@photoquent]

The RF85mm 1.2 is definitely on my shopping wish list! Instead of pointing it at bugs I used the RF100mm Macro 2.8 lens on a portrait studio shoot recently and the results were insane. My subject had been complaining about her contact lenses and even though the image was taken at 2.5 metres you could clearly see in sharp focus the eyelash trapped under her contact lens. Is there such a thing as too sharp?

[@JamesReader]

The RF 100mm macro is one of the sharpest lenses I have ever used! It’s on my shopping list for beauty work in particular.

[@kevindouglas94]

I don’t own it but the RF 85 1.2 was the best lens I’ve ever used. I have the EF version now but eventually I’m trying to get the RF. The 50 is my favorite lens I own though. 24-70 is my workhorse and same with my 15-35 before I got the 24-70. The 50 is just magic though. The 35 1.4 is my next on the list and then upgrade the body to the R5 mk II since I’m shooting on the original R. After that I’ll try for the RF 85 1.2. Great comparison. I feel like the 135 is really specialized so unless you know you need that lens the working distance is too far for me.

[@JamesReader]

Thank you for watching Kevin! Really glad you're loving the 50mm. It's my favourite lens I own for sure. I recently sold my 24-70 and hugely regret it. The 50+24-70 is a great do it all combo.

[@kevindouglas94]

@@JamesReader yeah my 24-70 is my latest RF purchase and it’s been glued to my camera ever since. I still make it a point to take the 50 though on street photography walks because I love its rendering so much. But at a street festival in Chicago the 24-70 has been so damn versatile it’s hard to bring anything else. For portraits the 50 and 85 have been my go tos.

[@234holo]

just a quick question if you had to throw in the 28-70 what would you rate it at in this fine showdown.

[@JamesReader]

It would certainly be up there in terms of its versatility and performance. I think it would have to squeeze in above the 50mm 1.2 just for the range of focal lengths it covers

[@360gradenpanoramafotografi7]

Still unsure between the RF 50mm f/1.2 and RF 85mm f/1.2. Have watched all your videos where you discuss these two lenses. But this causes more and more doubts about choice. Not the cheapest lenses either. Which of these two should you purchase first? Thank you for your videos! Also a compliment to the model!

[@markokompic7617]

50 without a doubt - it is much more versatile focal lenght, IQ is perfect and it is much easier to work with than 85. Of course, 85 is brilliant also :)

[@JamesReader]

Thank you so much! What other lenses do you have in your collection? For a single lens setup it's so hard to beat the 50mm 1.2. That's the route I went and was more than happy with just that lens for well over a year, building the majority of my portfolio with it.

[@360gradenpanoramafotografi7]

@@JamesReader In my collection at the moment: EF18-15mm; RF15-35mm; RF24-70mm; RF70-200mm F/2.8; RF100-500mm and EF500mm f/4

[@markokompic7617]

@@JamesReader I have bought first EOS R body to use with my EF glass which I thought was great - I have 35/1.4L (1st version), 85/1.2L and 135/2L and 100L Macro. After I saw the reviews, I bought RF 50/1.2L and it become my most used lens. I then added RF 85/1.2L, and 135/1.8L, but for me most usable is still 50L.

[@Promikes]

50 and 135 are two must))

[@JamesReader]

Great combo!

[@KatieF307]

Just curious. I saw your comparison of the 70-200 f4 vs f2.8. Any thoughts on the f4 version for portraiture, Also, I wonder just how much difference the 50 mm f1.2 vs f1.8 would truly be. Lots of money for f1.2 across all of these focal lengths.

[@hongkongkong7174]

I use the 2.8 one and I'll tell you F4 will work but do lower the expectations a bit. You will not feel like you wasted money if you went with 2.8. That being said, F4 can still do the job.