Canon RF 85mm F1.2L Review

 

Saying I love the Canon RF 85mm F1.2L lens would be an enormous understatement!

Typically, I use my 28-70 f2 lens for photographing families on one camera and this 85mm lens on another. However, recently I have come to realize that I have done entire sessions solely using the 85mm lens. It is just the perfect focal length, and it remains incredibly sharp even when wide open.

I have used various Canon 85 mm lenses.

Over the years, I have used many of Canon’s 85mm lenses. My first was the lightweight EF 1.8 version, which I adored. Unfortunately, it had issues when shooting into light and dreadful chromatic fringing. I eventually upgraded to the EF 85 1.2 version 1, which, despite being heavy and slow to focus, was great for portraits. However, it struggled with capturing action on my old 5Dmk2. I then upgraded to version 2, which was slightly faster and sharper, but still had slow focusing speed.

I was absolutely thrilled when the EF 85 1.4L IS was released, and I even photographed entire weddings using just the 85 1.4 and a 35 1.4 lens. The EF 85 1.4 was perfect for families, kids, receptions, and even fast-moving kids at weddings. I was so happy with it that I didn’t want to part ways with it when I switched to mirrorless. That is, until I tried the RF 85 1.2L IS. I had a similar experience with Canon’s EF 70-200 lens. I was convinced that the EF 70-200 2.8 L IS III could not be surpassed, and I was skeptical about the new lightweight zooming RF 70-200 2.8L IS. However, I was proven wrong once again, as they managed to create an even better lens. I use the RF 85 f2 as a lens for family and vacation photography. It’s lightweight, sharp, and fun, although it falls short in comparison to the f1.2 version in certain areas.

For weddings in particular, I find that 85mm strikes a perfect balance between reach and proximity to my subjects. The compression effect of a 200mm photo is stunning, but indoors and in smaller outdoor wedding venues, 200mm is just not feasible. Additionally, it can be difficult to engage with a couple from 30 feet away in crowded spaces with background noise and music. Therefore, unless I’m shooting an outdoor ceremony, I don’t rely on the 70-200 lens as much for weddings.

What I love about the Canon RF 85mm F1.2L

1. It is incredibly sharp – even at f1.2. Most often, I use it at f1.4 or f1.6, and it remains sharp when stopped down slightly.
2. It has the fastest autofocus among 85mm lenses. While it may not be as snappy as a 70-200 2.8 due to its wide aperture and substantial size, it is faster than any other 85mm lens I have used. It effortlessly locks onto kids running towards the camera on my R5.
3. It excels at producing beautifully blurred backgrounds. Often, brides get ready in spaces with poor lighting, filled with posters on the walls or outdated wallpaper from the 1960s. With this lens, I can easily blur out distracting backgrounds and isolate the bride from any environment.
4. It is rugged and durable. I have used my 85mm lens in several instances of light rain, and it has never had any issues. Its weather sealing is excellent.

Although I do wish it were slightly cheaper and lighter, those are the only two complaints I have. For professionals, the hefty price tag is justified.

Here are some photos taken with this lens, some of which have comments. I have included the technicals on the images.

You can see more photos from this studio pet session here.

This photo was taken at The Allure of The Lake. Its’s an awesome wedding venue in Chesterton Indiana. There was a huge house in the trees behind the bride, but at f1.4 that background just blurs away.

 

Canon RF 85 mm 1.2 L

At the end of family sessions I often see if the kids wanna have some fun. Here I asked this young lady to run at me and see if I could capture her in focus. Even at f1.6  the Canon RF 85mm F1.2L nails the focus.

I love how this lens makes this couple stand out from all the guests behind them during the first dance.

The Canon RF 85mm F1.2L rocks details!

This photo of the brides shoes really shows how the Canon RF 85mm F1.2L can make details in simple space look so much more artistic.

This was taken in the aisle of the ceremony site and I love how the shoes are in focus with just a hint of the surrounding space as the shoes are framed by the blurred but present doors.

This photo was taken right before a wedding ceremony. The priest was up at the altar and guests were arriving. The Canon RF 85 1.2L just blows away all the distractions and stays sharp on his face.