85 1.8 vs 1.2 - worth extra $?

[t5Nitro]

Really thinking I might order one of these two lenses. This forum has a big hype on them both really and I want to get in on it.

So.... is the 1.2L version that much better quality for the extra cost? I really only want to buy 1 big $ lens so if it's the 851.2L then that's what it is.

[JtheVGKing]

Yes.

[picturecrazy]

That depends on what you need it for.

It was an exercise in frustration to use that on erratically moving people. It just could not focus fast enough to get a lock. I like using 85mm for people dancing. The 85 1.8 snaps into focus instantly for me, the 85L was forever hunting.

But hey, if your subject isn't moving then I suppose it would be a great lens. I just cannot justify the huge price considering the 85 1.8 is at such a great price, and performs absolutely amazingly wide open and smaller.

[t5Nitro]

Even on the mark 2 version after increasing focus speed by 1.8x?

[t5Nitro]

Not trying to contradict you by the way, picturecrazy. Just gathering facts before a small or potentially large purchase. haha.

Right now what I am seeing is possibly more contrast, sharpness, and better bokeh from the 1.2L? The 1.8 has the speed? If it's for action I would probably just use the 24-70 until I could grab a 135 or 200 prime some years later.

[BlueTsunami]

From reviews I've read, the the 85/1.8 stands its ground against the 85/1.2 when both are stopped down to similar apertures. So basically, if you need the extra light gathering and rounded aperture blades get the 85/1.2. If not, the 85/1.8 will save you a lot of money.

[Rudi]

Originally Posted by JtheVGKing

Yes.

No.



Seriously, it depends. The above was (comfortably) taken with the 85/1.8. The 85L can have DOF that is too shallow, and with a little PP can look almost surreal, like below.



I've had both and used them extensively over the years, but only kept one. Only you can decide if you need the f/1.2 L.

[t5Nitro]

Are those both wide open? What I've been really enjoying is the extreme out of focus the 1.2 seems to be providing. Extremely smooth looking.

[JtheVGKing]

I've used both and sold my 85 1.8. Seriously, the 1.2 is just brilliant and dreamy. It allows so much more creativity within my compositions.

And to Rudi and your photo of the cat, you have both eyes in focus

[Jeff81]

If I was going to only spend big money on one lens I wouldn't do it on the 85 1.2, unless I knew I REALLY wanted it because the 85 1.8 is so outstanding. I would spend it on a lens at a different focal length where there wasn't such an outstanding less expensive alternative.

[Rudi]

Originally Posted by t5Nitro

Are those both wide open? What I've been really enjoying is the extreme out of focus the 1.2 seems to be providing. Extremely smooth looking.

Both wide open, except the table behind the cat is much closer than any background behind the girl. Different setting and all that...

Originally Posted by JtheVGKing

I've used both and sold my 85 1.8. Seriously, the 1.2 is just brilliant and dreamy. It allows so much more creativity within my compositions.

And to Rudi and your photo of the cat, you have both eyes in focus

LOL, yeah, yeah, yeah...

Both are great lenses. The 85L is a legend. It's also harder to work with, and the most unforgiving lens I've used (the DOF is that shallow!).

[picturecrazy]

Originally Posted by t5Nitro

Not trying to contradict you by the way, picturecrazy. Just gathering facts before a small or potentially large purchase. haha.

Right now what I am seeing is possibly more contrast, sharpness, and better bokeh from the 1.2L? The 1.8 has the speed? If it's for action I would probably just use the 24-70 until I could grab a 135 or 200 prime some years later.

Both the mk1 and mk2 are slow. And huge. And heavy. Image quality is stellar though. I'm not saying that the 85L is NOT a good lens. It is. I'm just saying, the 85 1.8 doesn't have many weaknesses to speak of, other than CA wide open, but the 85L also suffers from that too. Given that the 1.8 is such a STRONG performer in all respects, I just cannot justify spending the EXTRA $1550 for the 1.2 version, no matter how cool it might feel to own one. But for the price of the 85L, I can have the 85 1.8, 35 f/2, 50 1.4, and 200 F/2.8L. I just see that as a lot more benefit than having an extra stop at a single focal length. And that's exactly what I went out and bought.

[Marloon]

the 85mm f1.8 and the 85mm f1.2 are very different lenses. I have both of them, and i intend to keep both of them. I have an extra 85mm 1.8 that i am just actually waiting to sell. i picked up two used lenses to see whichever is the sharpest and required the least MA.

Let me tell you this, the 85mm 1.2L is A GREAT lens. Its a tough lens to learn due to its NArrow DOF but if you lack time and need hit after hit after hit, stop it down to F2 for amazing and impressively sharp results! If you have time, use f1.2

"I would plan on a lower hit rate - especially with the tiny depth of field at f/1.2. Shoot more images to compensate - The shots that hit will be superior images." - the digital picture

I recently shot a couple with this lens... i know its not that sharp in this example, this is to prove how hard it is to shoot with... but the results will still be amazing.

@ 1.2


Increasing your distance will help you nail focus better. Another 1 @ 1.2 or 1.4 i am gonna have to look @ the exif

[justaf IREMAN]

OP, you're gonna get some mixed answers here obviously. The 85 1.8 is an outstanding lens that can't go to F1.2 and is as sharp as the L at around F2.2/2.8. The L has better contrast and color but is slower focusing and more $$$. The slow AF btw is highly exagerrated by non owners.
Unfortunately you're gonna have to decide if the 1.2 is worth the xtra cash. For me it is but once in a while I contemplate buying the 1.8 again in lieu of the L.

[justaf IREMAN]

To add, both lenses show strong CA wide open but the CA on the L is almost gone by F1.8 and in my experience non existent by F2.