Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM

Tough choice to replace the 1Dx and EF 85 1.2L II. Greatest camera/lens in my previous EF arsenal. Now onto the next chapter with the RF equivalent.

While I don't doubt it's a great performing lens, it needs lots of light, and yes, it does AF almost instantly when it finds contrast on a subject in areas lit with the light of one bulb. When it does have the light it needs, lightning quick, and much faster than the EF on an EF mount camera. The control ring EF to RF adapter worked really well, so, if you're in the market for a used EF 85 1.2L or 1.2L II, just know it'll perform light years ahead on an RF mount body. I've put that combo through a fair test, and it met most of my expectations. I did not like the control ring being on the back, so, I chose the RF version for the next 10 years.

Yes, it's heavy, but, I love that about it. My camera has a grip, and I will (most likely) use this lens in portrait orientation 99% of the time. I love having a shutter button in that orientation (and will most likely acquire a pro body in the future for that sole reason). The R, grip/batteries, and lens are overall a bit lighter than a 1Dx and EF 85 1.2L II. I just 'feel' it and don't really care what the numbers dictate, but, I'm sure they'll state the same (loved that combo by the way, despite the weight).

The top corners are dark as that's where the light falls off at the garage corner/walls and is no indication of 'any' kind of vignette caused by the lens. The lens is sharp, big, has a shorter MFD than the EF lens, larger diameter, weighs about 100 grams (or so) more and has been a pleasure to use, thus far.

The forum uploader applies it's own sharpening which I don't believe can be turned off. I currently have it set to 'low' when uploading...but, wish I could turn it off. Anyhow, enough babbling, here's a FF image, in exchange for a pool noodle battle. Both parties were happy.

Another couple of samples, now that I’ve had time to give the lens a workout.

Straight from cam to phone to web.

Great lens, all around. Quite the match, between this and the EF 85 1.2Lii.

Another from this lens. It really does wonders.

Dude I just did the same thing I sold my 1DX 1 to a member in this forum this pass week. I have to say it was the best camera I ever used and I know the feeling.

But I have move on to EOS R and look forward in getting a few RF lens.

Right on. What lens or lenses? Just curious...hehe.

The 1Dx is still a great cam. No doubt. The R is just different, and the RF mount, as expensive as some lenses are, is the future. Of course, 2 lenses are plenty for me. Portrait prime and a walkabout zoom.

is this lens viable to do a surprise session with (maybe standing 25 feet away)..or is it simply not long enough

hyogen wrote in post #18952580
is this lens viable to do a surprise session with (maybe standing 25 feet away)..or is it simply not long enough

It could be done, but, 85mm is generally for portraits and 3/4 body type shots. However, as large as the glass is, it will not go unnoticed. Hope that helps.

Does the Canon RF 85 has an internal focus or is it external like the RF 50?

And how quick is this lense, like for shooting playing kids?

Not sure what you mean by external/internal focus, but, the lens does not extend, nor does the front of the lens move, so, I’m going to guess that it’s internal.

I have tried to use it with my son running around in the yard, but, I don’t think it’s geared for that purpose. The focus is quick enough, but, that’s subjective really. I can say it’s much faster than the EF 85 1.2L ii, especially with a battery grip attached to the R. I don’t use it without the grip, so, maybe the extra battery power helps in that regard.

Hope that helps a bit.

Canon EOS R / RF 85L 1.2

IMAGE LINK: https://flic.kr/p/2hKo​jyB

can't decide to get either the rf 50 or the rf 85!! help!

gabe212 wrote in post #18961485
can't decide to get either the rf 50 or the rf 85!! help!

If you like the 50mm focal length better, then, 50. If you like 85mm better, then, this one. Either will be great for years to come.

Some Urban shooting, natural light.

IMAGE LINK: https://flic.kr/p/2hNr​r4G