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.

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.

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?

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.

Check out more photos captured with the:  EF 85mm f/1.2L II in this SmugMug Gallery