Canon EF 85mm f/1.2L II USM - Lens Review
A Review of Canon’s best EF Portrait Lens
When I decided to go to a full-frame sensor with the Canon EOS 5D, a natural companion to this camera would be the EF 85mm f/1.2L II USM. I had tested the original Mark I version a couple of year prior to taking the plunge for the Mark II and had been very impressed.
Canon EOS 5D Mark II, Canon EF 85mm f/1.2L II USM 1/80, f1.2, ISO 1600
Going back to the film days I’ve had different portrait lenses over the years; the Canon FD 85mm f/1.8, Nikkor AI 105mm f/2.5, Zeiss 85mm f/1.4, and Zeiss 135mm f/2.8. I have also had a couple of Canon EF 85mm f/ 1.8 USM lenses. The EF 85mm f/1.2L II can be a tricky beast to shoot, especially when shot wide open. You have to know its strengths and limitations. The difference really comes into effect when shooting at f/1.2 – 1.4 -1.6. In this range, the EF 85mm really shines. It creates a distinct look that is very appealing to me.
Canon EOS 5D, Canon EF 85mm f/1.2L II USM, 1/500, f/1.2, ISO 250
Many photographers often find themselves debating the EF 85mm f/1.2L II versus the EF 85mm f/1.8 due to the exorbitant price difference. I like the EF 85mm f/1.8 but once you have used the 85 1.2L there is no looking back. It is a piece of photographic equipment in a league of its own. Also, photographers often debate the Canon EF 135mm f/2L versus the EF 85mm f/ 1.2L II. The 135L has faster focusing and works better for close-ups or candid photography. You can also add the 1.4x converter to the EF 135L which makes it quite versatile. I rarely use the 135L with a teleconverter. Then why the 85L? It is a pleasing focal length for portraits and the look of your f/1.2 will have you wondering – how did I do that?
Canon EOS 5D, Canon EF 85mm f/1.2L II USM, 1/6400, f/1.2, ISO 100
I have used this lens for a huge variety of topics, from portraits to landscapes - from weddings to travel - from product photography to tourism. It is easily my most often used lens.
Canon EOS 5D, Canon EF 85mm f/1.2L II USM, 1/5000, f/1.2, ISO 100
Canon EOS 5D Mark II, Canon EF 85mm f/1.2L II USM, 1/400, f1.6, ISO 100
Check out more photos captured with the: EF 85mm f/1.2L II in this SmugMug Gallery