I've gone to bokeh heaven - WITHOUT DYING!!!!(long post)

[roanjohn]

There is one lens in the Canon line-up that I have been lusting for eversince I bought my first DSLR. In its focal length, I think it is the fastest one currently in production. Images captured by this lens has been described as dreamy, ethereal, out of this world......and I agree!!!:D I know that as a photographer who always strives for perfection, my vision would not be complete without owning this lens..............Well, after months and months of patiently saving my hard earned cash, my dream finally becomes reality!!!! Let me introduce:
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.

http://www.pbase.com/roanjohn/image/42356804.jpg

The first thing I noticed when I took this lens out of the box was its weight. THis lens is heavy.........and it is FAT!!! Fatter than all my other primes. Lift the lens cap and the whole perimeter of the lens is GLASS!!! This is some serious glass folks........No plastic sorrounding it.

Here is the lens compared to my 85 f1.8:

http://www.pbase.com/roanjohn/image/42356802.jpg

Which is which??? :D

http://www.pbase.com/roanjohn/image/42356803.jpg

Mounting it on my XT was a whole different experience. The red dot is literally in the same plane as the electronic sensor, so you have to make sure it is lined properly before turning. With the lens hood attached, you won't even see the camera when its pointing at you. COOL!!!

Of course, the first thing you want to do when you get a lens like this is to shoot it wide open at 1.2..........and it doesn't disappoint!!! WOW!!!

http://www.pbase.com/roanjohn/image/42356799.jpg

ISO 400 f1.2 at 1/80. WHAT HAPPENED TO MY BACKGROUND??!!!

I've read pretty much all the reviews from this lens so I am anticipating the "SLOW AF"............and honestly, it is not so bad. The Canon 100 f2.8 is SLOW, this is a tad faster. However, when this lens does acheive focus, it is SUPER PRECISE!!! All my shots are focused at exactly where the red dot lit up. THe precision this lens focuses is truly AMAZING!!!

http://www.pbase.com/roanjohn/image/42356800.jpg

ISO 400 f1.2 at 1/160

http://www.pbase.com/roanjohn/image/42356801.jpg

ISO 400 f1.2 at 1/100

Of course, this lens is not made for boring household objects......this lens specializes in portraiture.........So here is a quick snap I took of my brother:

http://www.pbase.com/roanjohn/image/42356797.jpg

ISO 800 f1.2 at 1/200.

RIght away, you see that only the front plane of the face is in focus. The ears are blurred!!! As a bokeh fanatic, this just sent me OVER THE EDGE!!! "What about sharpness??" you might ask...

Here is a 100% crop without any post-processing:

http://www.pbase.com/roanjohn/image/42356798.jpg

Notice every seperation in that eye lash.......this lens is SHARP!!! And its at 1.2!!!! WIDE-OPEN!!! Imagine if you stop it down!!!

In conclusion: This lens is AWESOME!!! It's very expensive, but with images like these, I think its well worth the cash!!! :D

OK, now I can sleep peacefully.............

Ro1

[ssim]

Congrats on the lens. I'm glad to hear that you are happy with that lens. I've got a couple more lenses on order and this is one of them. I'm hoping to have mine around the end of the month.

[Dante King]

Congratulations! Damn, that does make the 85mm 1.8 look small. Glad to hear you went to heaven, but did not perish. Dont forget to clean the ceiling before you come down!

[Carzee]

Well big congrats to you RJ! Fabulous bokeh.

http://www.aish.com/graphics/articles/Envy230x150.jpg

I'll get there one day... I'd like the 200mm too.

[Loekito]

Hi RJ, didn't mean to disturb your party...
but, by reading your post, seems that you also have experience with EF 100mm f1.8 Macro USM.

So comparing this lens with your new EF 85mm f1.2L, how is the BOKEH quality? and how is the SHARPNESS?

thanks & regards,

Loekito

[blue_max]

Reading between the lines, I guess you are generally happy with it. :lol:

Congratulations – it's so much sweeter if you have to save and lust after it for a while first!

I think we might see one or two more of your pics using this lens over the next few weeks. New avatar ahoy!

Graham

[Carzee]

I'm thinking you're going to go shoot pics this weekend. lets suggest somehwere to haul that 85mm.

Its spring, flower beds with nice bokeh foreground and background...

Jewelry shop, crystals, chandelliers, etc ditto

Big bowl of M & Ms..

Buttons, lipsticks (good color spectrums), fashion district ditto

Dance dress sequins - hold it - would this have something to do with the dancer shoot you've got coming? Excellent!

I'll link that thread (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=68708)

Cheers and good luck.

[J Rabin]

Thanks for sharing enthusiasm.

[Rokkorfan]

I got mine on Monday and I feel exactly the same way. Shooting a wedding this weekend and I can't wait for the bridal portraits. Mind you, I will shoot some at f/2.8 too - with DOF that thin you need to be sooooo careful focusing.

Cheers,

Antony

[blue_max]

Tell you what would be great Roanjohn – could you do a back-to-back shot with both lenses for comparison with the 1.8 please. It would be interesting to see. Perhaps 1.2, then them both as 1.8 and say 4.

It would give a fantastic idea of the quality of the lens. I'll bet you are just a little curious too?

Thanks if you get a chance.

Graham

[mr.photoguy]

Indeed Congrats... that's a pricey lens.
I held one in my hands one night at B-n-H, my gosh was it heavy.. I think it was more glass than anything else. Straped it on a 1Ds, and let some frames off, and I was impressed...

Hope you enjoy..

[Andy_T]

Happy with you :lol:

Hope this lens is watertight (*ducks*)

Best regards,
Andy

[roanjohn]

Congrats on the lens. I'm glad to hear that you are happy with that lens. I've got a couple more lenses on order and this is one of them. I'm hoping to have mine around the end of the month.

Ahh!!! It will be like Christmas for you by the end of the month!!! :lol: :lol: :lol:

Ro1

[roanjohn]

Congratulations! Damn, that does make the 85mm 1.8 look small. Glad to hear you went to heaven, but did not perish. Dont forget to clean the ceiling before you come down!

It does make the 85 f1.8 look small..........but when you carry them both in your hands, it makes the 1.8 version feel even smaller...........BTW, bokeh heaven is not UP, its BEHIND!!! :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

Ro1

[roanjohn]

I'm thinking you're going to go shoot pics this weekend. lets suggest somehwere to haul that 85mm.

Its spring, flower beds with nice bokeh foreground and background...

Jewelry shop, crystals, chandelliers, etc ditto

Big bowl of M & Ms..

Buttons, lipsticks (good color spectrums), fashion district ditto

Dance dress sequins - hold it - would this have something to do with the dancer shoot you've got coming? Excellent!

I'll link that thread (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=68708)

Cheers and good luck.

:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: That, and I have some other graduation shots lined up!!! Hopefully this lens will pay for itself in the long run.........BTW, when you say 200, did you mean the 2.8 version?? or the mythical 1.8 version?? ;)

Ro1

[roanjohn]

Hi RJ, didn't mean to disturb your party...
but, by reading your post, seems that you also have experience with EF 100mm f1.8 Macro USM.

So comparing this lens with your new EF 85mm f1.2L, how is the BOKEH quality? and how is the SHARPNESS?

thanks & regards,

Loekito

In terms of sharpness, the macro lens might have an edge wide-open (2.8 vs 1.2). However, the bokeh of the 100 macro when taking portraits (wide open) cannot even compare to the buttery smoothness of the 85 f1.8..........so I'm thinking the 1.2 version will just blow it away.

I might do some comparison........we'll see.

Ro1

[roanjohn]

JRabin - Thanks!!! I'm always glad to share these kind of enthusiasms........(just hoping there will be more in the future......know what I mean??) :-)

Ro1

[roanjohn]

I got mine on Monday and I feel exactly the same way. Shooting a wedding this weekend and I can't wait for the bridal portraits. Mind you, I will shoot some at f/2.8 too - with DOF that thin you need to be sooooo careful focusing.

Cheers,

Antony

CONGRATULATIONS to you too!!! Indeed, the DOF at 1.2 is paper thin.........I know people have suggested manual focusing but that is almost impossible with my tiny viewfiner :-( .........I haven't even shot this lens at 2.8 (I'm just so psyched about 1.2)!!!! :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

Ro1

[roanjohn]

Tell you what would be great Roanjohn – could you do a back-to-back shot with both lenses for comparison with the 1.8 please. It would be interesting to see. Perhaps 1.2, then them both as 1.8 and say 4.

It would give a fantastic idea of the quality of the lens. I'll bet you are just a little curious too?

Thanks if you get a chance.

Graham

:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: You know it!!! Your request will be granted soon.

Ro1

[roanjohn]

Indeed Congrats... that's a pricey lens.
I held one in my hands one night at B-n-H, my gosh was it heavy.. I think it was more glass than anything else. Straped it on a 1Ds, and let some frames off, and I was impressed...

Hope you enjoy..

..........heavy right??!!?? Before buying this lens, I didn't even dare go to b&h to hold this baby in person........cuz I just know that if I do that, I will hurt myself even more.

Ro1

[roanjohn]

Happy with you :lol:

Hope this lens is watertight (*ducks*)

Best regards,
Andy

:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: OUCH!!! Just thinking about that makes my (you know what) tightens!!!! This lens will probably never see a beach in its lifetime.:lol: :lol: :lol:

Ro1

[mr.photoguy]

..........heavy right??!!?? Before buying this lens, I didn't even dare go to b&h to hold this baby in person........cuz I just know that if I do that, I will hurt myself even more.

Ro1
Indeed it has some weight to it, but the pictures were ummummm good.. and that was just ont he 1Ds' review screen..
I am about 900 dollars away from a 100-400.lol.. that's if I don't get a 10-22 first.. but that's iffy..

good luck with the lens, look forward to seeing more shots with it.

[mgchan]

When holding it, make sure you alternate hands... otherwise the biceps on your left arm will be 10x the size of your right! LOL

Congrats! Now you've got me drooling for the lens.

[roanjohn]

.............
I am about 900 dollars away from a 100-400.lol.. that's if I don't get a 10-22 first.. but that's iffy..

good luck with the lens, look forward to seeing more shots with it.

........the lens dilema continues.......:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: ........I say go for the 100-400!!!

Ro1

[roanjohn]

When holding it, make sure you alternate hands... otherwise the biceps on your left arm will be 10x the size of your right! LOL

Congrats! Now you've got me drooling for the lens.

:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: Thanks for the tip.......OR!! I can just do more bicep curls on my rt arm in the gym!!! not even in the gym...........at my room with the 85 f1.2!!!

Ro1

[CyberDyneSystems]

Ro..
I can't beleive you got THAT lens! Wow :shock:

Skipped over all the "dream lenses" and went for pure fantasy!

Congrats on a legendary purchase.

[jbradc]

Very nice, that lens has been on my wish list for a long time as well. Please post some images when you get chance. Congrats!

[cmM]

haha, I didn't even have to open the thread to know which lens it's about. Congrats on the purchase, the shots look great. You can do some great things with that small DOF and the extraordinary bokeh

[roanjohn]

Ro..
I can't beleive you got THAT lens! Wow :shock:

Skipped over all the "dream lenses" and went for pure fantasy!

Congrats on a legendary purchase.

I cannot believe it either!!! My hands were literally shaking when I clicked that BUY button. But I figured you only live once........etc. etc......:lol: :lol: :lol: So might as well live large........RIGHT??!!??

Ro1

[roanjohn]

Very nice, that lens has been on my wish list for a long time as well. Please post some images when you get chance. Congrats!

It's been on my wish list ever since I got the Rebel..........Will definitely post some images...........this lens will probably not leave my Rebel for a while.

Ro1

[roanjohn]

haha, I didn't even have to open the thread to know which lens it's about. Congrats on the purchase, the shots look great. You can do some great things with that small DOF and the extraordinary bokeh

Oh, I was trying to be all mysterious...........I guess it didn't work:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

Ro1

[cfcRebel]

Congrats, RJ!I already went nuts when i received my 50mm 1.5(i'm a noob). I cannot imagine the joy you had when u received this precious. Can't wait to see more of the bokeh shots from u.

[cmM]

I already went nuts when i received my 50mm 1.5(i'm a noob)
hmmmmmmm.... :rolleyes:

:p ;)

[pradeep1]

RE: AN OPEN LETTER

Dear Pastor Roan,

You need to stop posting images to this forum. You need to stop raving about lenses. Because of you, I purchased the 17-40L and, I feel, am being forced to purchase other lenses like the 70-200 L. I definitely do not appreciate you sending me full sized pictures from various L glass you own, causing my heart to palpitate and my drool start to flow. You are an evil, evil man, and I don't like you. I was a peaceful and fun loving soul when all I knew was my Powershot G3. Now, I wake up at night dreaming of L glass and prowl these and other forums for glimpses of them. Please be considerate and loving towards your fellow forum-dwellers and have pity on us. Do not lead us into temptation....we can find it ourselves. ;)

Sincerely,

Pradeep Satyaprakash

[cfcRebel]

hmmmmmmm.... :rolleyes:

:p ;)
Opppsss......should be "50mm f1.8" (darn keyboard). That proved I am a real noob!

[cactusclay]

Congrats. That poor little 1.8 is going to feel so neglected now. I'm happy to hear that the slow focus isn't as slow as other reports, because I think that has kept me from cosidering it. I wish they would make a new 50 1.2, because I seem to use that focal lenght more. I guess I could go for the full frame then I could use the 85. It just never ends.

[Rokkorfan]

Hey Roanjohn, you need to update your signature!

[RbrtPtikLeoSeny]

Nice lens!

[raylks]

what else could I say for the creamy bokeh!

[willg]

you gonna sell the other 85mm?

[roanjohn]

RE: AN OPEN LETTER

Dear Pastor Roan,

You need to stop posting images to this forum. You need to stop raving about lenses. Because of you, I purchased the 17-40L and, I feel, am being forced to purchase other lenses like the 70-200 L. I definitely do not appreciate you sending me full sized pictures from various L glass you own, causing my heart to palpitate and my drool start to flow. You are an evil, evil man, and I don't like you. I was a peaceful and fun loving soul when all I knew was my Powershot G3. Now, I wake up at night dreaming of L glass and prowl these and other forums for glimpses of them. Please be considerate and loving towards your fellow forum-dwellers and have pity on us. Do not lead us into temptation....we can find it ourselves. ;)

Sincerely,

Pradeep Satyaprakash

:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :twisted:

Whenever you're in the market for the 85 f1.2.......you know I'm always an email away!!!

Ro1

[roanjohn]

you gonna sell the other 85mm?

Maybe after I do some comparison shots!!! I definitely will not have two 85's in my arsenal.........it'll be just redundant.

........Keep your eyes on the Marketplace.

Ro1

[roanjohn]

Hey Roanjohn, you need to update your signature!

:lol: :lol: :lol: I was so excited......I haven't even thought of that!!! Will do it now.

Ro1

[Pb2Au]

Forgive the obvious noob question, but how useable is the f 1.2? Is the advantage that it's sharpest about 2 stops down from wide open, and therefore is sharper around f 1.8 than a 85mm 1.8? I have the 50mm f1.4, and the DOF at 1.4 is too narrow in most (of my) applications. It seems like even for a portrait at f1.2 would be a sharp eye and OOF nose, hair, etc. Is f1.2 mainly for the artistic shots and bokeh? :)

[roanjohn]

...... I wish they would make a new 50 1.2............\


If Canon does come out with a 50 f1.2 L.........I would be the first in line!!!

Ro1

[roanjohn]

Pb2Au - There is actually a HUGE difference between f1.2 and f1.8. Your shutter speed pretty much doubles from one to the other. This lens is also known as the light vaccum for obvious reasons. Of course, the bokeh and the narrow DOF is probably the biggest reason why I bought this lens. :-)

Ro1

[cmM]

\


If Canon does come out with a 50 f1.2 L.........I would be the first in line!!!

Ro1
There's a 50mm f/1.0 L

http://www.photographyreview.com/Channels/PhotographyReview/images/products/product_83381.jpg

[roanjohn]

There's a 50mm f/1.0 L



;) I would buy one for a grand..........those rare birdies cost around 2000 and up. I am hoping that a 1.2 version would cost around 900 USD new!!! Come on Canon!!!

Ro1

[cmM]

i really doubt Canon would make another lens to fill the gap between the 1.0 and 1.4 ... well the 1.0 has been discontinued a while ago, so maybe it is time for them to introduce a replacement :-P;)

[roanjohn]

i really doubt Canon would make another lens to fill the gap between the 1.0 and 1.4 ... well the 1.0 has been discontinued a while ago, so maybe it is time for them to introduce a replacement :-P;)

......exactly my point......!!! Maybe a 50 f1.2 L IS to sweeten the deal even more!!! A guy can dream.............:D

Ro1

[Pb2Au]

Pb2Au - There is actually a HUGE difference between f1.2 and f1.8. Your shutter speed pretty much doubles from one to the other. This lens is also known as the light vaccum for obvious reasons. Of course, the bokeh and the narrow DOF is probably the biggest reason why I bought this lens. :-)

Ro1
That part I understand, but what I'm asking is "what shots is a f1.2 appropriate for"? The DOF would literally be less than 2 inches, and probably closer to 1 inch at a focal distance of 10 feet. In what situations would that be beneficial, or even useable?

I understand that your shutter speed would be super fast in ordinary light (I'm sure you could max the 1/8000th of a 20D in daylight wide open) and it would be very useable in low light, but not if the DOF is an inch (at a concert, for an animal, an ordinary object, or even a portrait). Would it be best for say, shooting photos of paintings in a dimly-lit museum that doesn't allow flash? (i.e. essentially flat DOF) Give me an excuse to covet that L glass. :)

[Bruce Hamilton]

I would buy one for a grand..........

Don't do it, roan... I don't think you'd survive another bokeh rush like that.

[Pekka]

That part I understand, but what I'm asking is "what shots is a f1.2 appropriate for"? The DOF would literally be less than 2 inches, and probably closer to 1 inch at a focal distance of 10 feet. In what situations would that be beneficial, or even useable?

I understand that your shutter speed would be super fast in ordinary light (I'm sure you could max the 1/8000th of a 20D in daylight wide open) and it would be very useable in low light, but not if the DOF is an inch (at a concert, for an animal, an ordinary object, or even a portrait). Would it be best for say, shooting photos of paintings in a dimly-lit museum that doesn't allow flash? (i.e. essentially flat DOF) Give me an excuse to covet that L glass. :)

1.2 is extremely useful for
- isolating subject from longer distance (emphasizing a very specific area of subject)
- isolating unwanted stuff out from image
- reducing noise
- stopping movement

From few meters 1.2 gives you enough DoF to cover a human head. In the following photo pianists head and left hand thumb are in focus.

http://photography-on-the.net/stuff/HV8O2934-01.jpg

Here is a similar shot, plenty of stuff in the scene but the subject is brought out nicely. I used the front boheh to smooth the bottom a little.

http://photography-on-the.net/stuff/HV8O4470-01.jpg

Here I picked what I considered the important thing: the concentrated face. Usually brass instrument reflections are a problem (they show too much unwanted detail) so that its also nicely smoothed out with 1.2, even if it is very close the player head.

http://photography-on-the.net/stuff/HV8O0722-01.jpg

Here I used 1.2 from upwards position so that I could get left eye and the instrument fingerboard in focus. You often need to tilt the angle so that DoF plane "passes thru" stuff you need to emphasize. This will also make the DoF look much deeper in smaller prints.

http://photography-on-the.net/stuff/HV8O2809-02.jpg

PS. Here is the f1.2 duck (test for "difficult bokeh"): http://photography-on-the.net/stuff/HV8O5222-01.jpg

[roanjohn]

That part I understand, but what I'm asking is "what shots is a f1.2 appropriate for"? The DOF would literally be less than 2 inches, and probably closer to 1 inch at a focal distance of 10 feet. In what situations would that be beneficial, or even useable?

I understand that your shutter speed would be super fast in ordinary light (I'm sure you could max the 1/8000th of a 20D in daylight wide open) and it would be very useable in low light, but not if the DOF is an inch (at a concert, for an animal, an ordinary object, or even a portrait). Would it be best for say, shooting photos of paintings in a dimly-lit museum that doesn't allow flash? (i.e. essentially flat DOF) Give me an excuse to covet that L glass. :)

You actually have a good amount of DOF when you are far away from your subject.

This picture for example was taken at ISO 100 f1.2 at 1/640

http://www.pbase.com/roanjohn/image/42383967.jpg

Looking at 100% crop, you will notice that her whole face is in focus:

http://www.pbase.com/image/42384027.jpg

Of course I could've stopped down, but I wanted to isolate my subject from the background as much as I can. The DOF only becomes a problem when you are taking a portrait at a very short distance:

http://www.pbase.com/roanjohn/image/42384112.jpg

ISO 200 f1.2 at 1/200..........

........but due to this lens PRECISION FOCUSING, I easily focused on the eye with perfect results. In this case, the tiny DOF really adds a certain drama to the picture.......something other lenses cannot really duplicate.

Ro1

[roanjohn]

WOW!!!! Great shots Pekka!!! We seem to have tackled the same question at the same time.

BTW, your sample pics from your 1DMKII review gave me a reason to want this lens even more. :-)

Ro1

[Pb2Au]

Very nice explanation with great examples! I'm actually surprized how deep the DOF is at 1.2. Thanks, and nice shots!! ;)

[Andy_T]

As Pradeep already mentioned ...
Roanjohn and Pekka, would you please stop posting example shots?

Thank you very much.

Signed: My bank account :lol:

Best regards,
Andy

[sixshot]

I think keep posting shots, lots of shots.......It may make me be tempted to spend cash which I'll hate. But, the BIG BUT, I (and I'm sure I am not alone) give into temptation easily. I'll thank you in the long run.... I am a long way off of that purchase though. It will be in the museum by the time I even get to buy my 20D and first couple of lenses! Best work overtime.

[mr.photoguy]

This post is the exact reason why I deactivated my Credit Cards...

Thank you God.

[blue_max]

Quote from Pekka,
Here I used 1.2 from upwards position so that I could get left eye and the instrument fingerboard in focus. You often need to tilt the angle so that DoF plane "passes thru" stuff you need to emphasize. This will also make the DoF look much deeper in smaller prints.



Pekka, this is a eureka moment for me! It never occured to me to NOT shoot square onto my subject, but to tilt the lens to adjust the focal plane. I shall file that in the bottom of my mind and drag it out when required.

Thank you for spilling a great pro tip.

They are great pics by the way (like you need me to tell you!).

Graham

[karusel]

Congrats on the very wise and of course expensive choice. :D

I was also tempted to buy this gem, but other lenses have priority, so after I'll have bought those, I may buy the 1.2 or maybe 1.8 version, and I would really like to see a direct comparison between the two.

[mr.photoguy]

Quote from Pekka,
Here I used 1.2 from upwards position so that I could get left eye and the instrument fingerboard in focus. You often need to tilt the angle so that DoF plane "passes thru" stuff you need to emphasize. This will also make the DoF look much deeper in smaller prints.



Pekka, this is a eureka moment for me! It never occured to me to NOT shoot square onto my subject, but to tilt the lens to adjust the focal plane. I shall file that in the bottom of my mind and drag it out when required.

Thank you for spilling a great pro tip.

They are great pics by the way (like you need me to tell you!).

Graham

Ditto!
my thoughts exactly.

[HKFEVER]

Welcome to joint the camp. It took me a lot of research before buying this lens finally.;)

[Odin]

****.... that was what I would call the perfect pice for portraits... And I who should have only a couple of those heavy tools... This is what I would call a "Must-have" beauty!

Let the music play!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Wazza]

I see those lens are about $1500 each. That means I'm about $1500 short of buying one myself. :rolleyes:

When you've finished using it, I'll be happy to give it a good home for nothing. :D

Nice shots there also. And good ones also Pekka!

[2goldens]

I am envious of that lens. It is terrific. :) :) :)

My wife just told me NO! :( :(

[CyberDyneSystems]

... I think this is the last lens on my "only in my wildest dreams" list that I have not actually gone out and grabbed.... :o :o

Maybe next year. ;)

[Carzee]

85mm f1.2 L daydreams again

Here is a flower photo with extremely pleasing bokeh in natural light, and its at f3.5
Anna Yu gallery pbase (http://www.pbase.com/annayu2/image/29184209)
exif 1/750s f/3.5 at 85.0mm iso200

[Niall]

I am envious of that lens. It is terrific. :) :) :)

My wife just told me NO! :( :(

I just had an "oo oo OO" moment and shot off to a website to price check. That's when the bubble burst :(

[roanjohn]

:D:D:D:D:D

I'm BACK!!!

I've been putting this lens through its paces all week. One thing that truly impresses me about this lens is the built quality.......this lens is solid!!! Nice heavy weight with smooth manual focus mechanism. Did I say this lens is heavy?? YES!!! It's heavy and fat.......I literally have to rearrange the velcro padding on my shoulder bag to accomodate this lens....:confused: Shooting with this lens on my neck all day is not too bad..........I didn't realize its weight until I had to switch to my 17-40.........WOW!!! The 17-40 is lightweight compared to this lens.

I've been shooting some candid stuff in the city........so quick focusing is key. All in all, there are times when I feel that the lens would creep a bit..........but this is if you are focusing on a close object and you suddenly try to focus on something further. When you are shooting all your subject from almost the same distance, the focusing is fast and quiet. In terms of speed, this lens would probably rate as average. Not bad.........and you actually learn to anticipate your shots so you capture that key moment.

After owning this lens for a few days, I must say that there are no regrets (eventhough I own the 85 f1.8). This lens is simply STUNNING!!! I will let go of my 85 f1.8 soon after I do some comparison testing (whenever that time would come). The images this lens produces are eye popping!!! COLOR - WOW!!! CONTRAST - WOW!!! BOKEH - WOW!!! I actually added a less aggressive action when post-processing images from this lens...its good right away.

Of course, this all means nothing without some sample images.....so here they are: :D

Ro1

[roanjohn]

http://www.pbase.com/roanjohn/image/42535184.jpg

f1.8 at 1/400

http://www.pbase.com/roanjohn/image/42534013.jpg

f1.2 at 1/640

http://www.pbase.com/roanjohn/image/42534015.jpg

f1.8 at 1/400

http://www.pbase.com/roanjohn/image/42534016.jpg

f2.2 at 1/400 (I actually like how this lens handles full length portraits, you gotta have enough space to shoot, but it still separates your subjects very nicely)

And here are some dreamy candids:

http://www.pbase.com/roanjohn/image/42534021.jpg

f1.2 at 1/100 (this scene was shot almost dark, 1/2 saved the day)

http://www.pbase.com/roanjohn/image/42534022.jpg

f1.4 at 1/125

I hope you guys enjoy!!! :D:D:D:D I realize that I hardly shoot anywhere past 2.8 with this lens..........Its just SHARP even at the wide apertures.

Ro1

[redheat86]

Has anyone done any automobile shots with such a lense?

If so can you post them? or where i could see examples.

Thanks
benjii

[roanjohn]

Has anyone done any automobile shots with such a lense?

If so can you post them? or where i could see examples.

Thanks
benjii

As much as I like this lens, I would probably not recommend it for automobile shots............as it produces some CA on reflective objects wide open (i.e metals and etc...) So unless you are shooting RAW where these things can be easily fixed, you are better off investing in the 50 f2.5 Macro where you are able to shoot closer to frame certain parts. Unless you plan to shoot at f2.8 and higher, then the 85 f1.2 shouldn't be that much of a problem.

Hope this helps.

Ro1

[Andy_T]

Naaaahh

it's just the right lens to get a shot of the 'Spirit of Ecstasy' that normally adorns the radiator of Rolls Royce cars. That would be a fitting subject.

Best regards,
Andy

[MDJAK]

Well, Let's see, Ro, where do we start? I invited you months ago to put your grubby little hands on a 1 Series at B&H just to check out the viewfinder. But no, you didn't want to tempt yourself, you little temptress.


So, what do you do? You go and buy a very expensive amazing piece of equipment with an aperture of 1.2. The nerve.:D

[roanjohn]

Well, Let's see, Ro, where do we start? I invited you months ago to put your grubby little hands on a 1 Series at B&H just to check out the viewfinder. But no, you didn't want to tempt yourself, you little temptress.


So, what do you do? You go and buy a very expensive amazing piece of equipment with an aperture of 1.2. The nerve.:D


:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: Theres a huge difference between 1500 and 3500....even with the 500 rebate!!! :lol: :lol: :lol: In any case, with the 85 f1.2 attached to my Rebel, my viewfinder almost mimics that of a 1 series (this is from my untempted views).

Ro1

[Nic]

You guys are very lucky to pay $1500 for that lens. I waited 6 months for mine and paid R14,000.00 (at the present exchange rate of $1 = R6.06) it means that I paid $2310.23) for that beauty.

Have a look at the following link - photos taken by that lens.

http://www.pbase.com/cameras/canon/ef_85_12u

[london]

Hey roanjohn, thanks for the posts and the great images. I think you have most of us sold on the 85mm f/1.2. But you're shooting with a Rebel, right? So why spend $1,500 or so on a ticket to bokeh heaven when you could have bought, say, a 20D for about the same price?

Scott.

[roanjohn]

Hey roanjohn, thanks for the posts and the great images. I think you have most of us sold on the 85mm f/1.2. But you're shooting with a Rebel, right? So why spend $1,500 or so on a ticket to bokeh heaven when you could have bought, say, a 20D for about the same price?

Scott.

THe body changes............a good glass last forever (it also holds its value). :D

And the new Rebel is not so far behind the 20D - its fast, its 8 MP and its lightweight..........its also black!!!

And for the record.........I had a 20D (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=45651) :o:o:o

Ro1

[ron chappel]

Haha,bluemax you need a tilt shift lens!! LOL

....sure you could just crouch or move one side or the other ,but why do that when you have an excuse to buy an expensive lens :):)

[cdhender]

Amazing pictures. Seriously, this forum makes B&H and other places so much money. Of course at that price I won't be buying this lense, but the 85 1.8 sounds tempting now.

roanjohn - do you shoot professionally or is this all a hobby?

[roanjohn]

.............

roanjohn - do you shoot professionally or is this all a hobby?

Its a hobby........that will hopefully turn into money........:lol::lol::lol::lol::lol:

There's nothing better than gettin' paid for your hobby.

Ro1

[Candid Bandit]

Does anyone know where the sharpest F stop is at for the 85mm L??? I'm too lazy to run tests.. :p

[roanjohn]

Does anyone know where the sharpest F stop is at for the 85mm L??? I'm too lazy to run tests.. :p

EEEEKKKKK!!! It's sharp at 1.4!!!! And it gets better stopped down!!!

Ro1

[buze]

Ghah. No, really, I have the best Prime setup i can get. NO WAY I can use the f1.2, my poor f1.8 is already being underused with all the great glass competing with it... NO I DON'T WANT IT. !

:D

[MDJAK]

Thanks again, Ro. You were probably lying in wait for some unsuspecting member to revive this post.

Just when the 85 f1.2 had gone out of mind, just as my blood had stopped boiling, when my inner rage to run to B&H to acquire one had simmered, no, this post has to be revived. My blood pressure cuff just exploded on my arm.

So, do I get it or the 135 f2? Decisions, decisions.

Ro, please post your address so I may have B&H forward you the bill

After all, it'll be all your fault.:)

[roanjohn]

Thanks again, Ro. You were probably lying in wait for some unsuspecting member to revive this post.

Just when the 85 f1.2 had gone out of mind, just as my blood had stopped boiling, when my inner rage to run to B&H to acquire one had simmered, no, this post has to be revived. My blood pressure cuff just exploded on my arm.

So, do I get it or the 135 f2? Decisions, decisions.

Ro, please post your address so I may have B&H forward you the bill

After all, it'll be all your fault.:)

MUUWA-HAHAHAHAHAHA-HA-HA :twisted:

Ro1

[AjP]

Congrats!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! This is an awesome lense, hope to se tons of awesome pics!!!!!!!!!!!!

[AjP]

Congrats!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! This is an awesome lense, hope to se tons of awesome pics!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Shekinah]

Now you have got me going, I am in the early stages of looking into this lens and now I might be in the later stages of looking into this lens, I must work out how can I get this fantastic lens, where there is a will there is a way. I have a very strong will. Great Photos, Thank You for sharing them with us. I must find a way to get this lens. Thanks for sharing. Keep up the great work.

[dgcorner]

Oh boy... a new goal to meet... gotta start saving up for this... Geez, those pics are sharp... love the bokeh... though your bro won't like his zits showing too much ;-)

Cheers!

John

[DwightMcCann]

RJ, just opened up my box at work where I have no body ... the focus ring turns round and round without moving the distance index and now I'm worried it is broken on arrival. Does it have to be on the camera for the focus ring to have effect?

[lomond]

RJ, just opened up my box at work where I have no body ... the focus ring turns round and round without moving the distance index and now I'm worried it is broken on arrival. Does it have to be on the camera for the focus ring to have effect?


Dwight, you're woried about a focus ring and you have no body ? At least at work ? :lol:

Seriously it does sond as if there might be a problem there.
I checked my 17-40 ( with no body ) and the distance index does move. :?:

[DwightMcCann]

Yes, well, I just had to return a new 50mm f1.4 because of this issue so I tend to check. I guess I'll have to wait until I get home to see if there is a problem, sigh. And I just noticed that B&H will be closed for two weeks, sigh ... I hope this lens isn't broken!

[DwightMcCann]

I am pleased to report that putting this lens on my 1D Mark II in autofocus and initiating AF brought the ring into conjunction with the focus and now all works as expected, PHEW! I will try it tonight in a poorly lighted venue! :-)

[Andy_T]

Dwight,

first of all congrats on getting that incredible lens.
Seems like you got it sorted out by now ...

Does the lens also have that weird 'AFD' focusing mechanism (that my 80-200/2.8L and 50/1.8 MKI also have) where the focus ring is disengaged until you put the switch to MF?

I'm dying to see some of your pics with that lens, now that you have put this evil thread :twisted: on the first page again.

Best regards,
Andy

[roanjohn]

This lens has the old electronic USM.......so it needs to be on a body for MF to operate. It won't even turn when the camera is OFF.

OH>>>>>>>>>>>..and CONGRATULATIONS on the new lens!!! You are most welcome in Bokeh Heaven!!!

Ro1

[DwightMcCann]

Thanks, RJ! Absolutely when I put it on the camera everything worked perfectly!

I will try to upload something from last night's shoot at the Maverick today.