85mmf/1.2 should I?

I always promised myself I would not make one of these threads but I guess I should never say never. The only thing keeping me from popping on an 85mm right now is price. I went the sigma 85 route and after 2 lenses I gave up so that is not an option for me right now. I found a few retailers that will sell for under $2100 with 2day shipping.

My indecisiveness is keeping telling me no but that lens haunts my dreams.

My other option is a 35L and a 135L since it will cost me about the same.

I ammaddicted to the 85L on the MKIII, and I think I've been using it for 2 1/2 years. I wasn't as in love with it on my FF 5D classic, i actually preferred the longer 135L on that camera. But the focus is incredible on the MKIII and it might be pretty good (talkin about outer focus points when shooting at 1.2) on the 7D but I've never used that camera. Lately with portraits I've found that I lime using manual focus as well with that lens. It took me a year to make the decission to buy it, what a lovely lens. The 135L has just as beautiful bokeh if the focal length works for you, another amazing lens.

For portraits I personally prefer a FF equivalent of from 100mm to 135mm, just a personal thing when it comes to faces.

I had the 85L - 135L - 200 2.8L.

The ones that didn't fit me were the 135 2L & 200 2.8L (really missed the zoom and too long as primes on FF and crop).
It's unpleasant working with such long primes, I replaced them with the 35 1.4L + 70-200 f2.8L (non IS) which are supersharp and also great bokeh.

For long lenses I find it a lot more comfortable to be able to zoom out to 70mm.
With a 35L & 85L you don't have to take so much steps behind, and I found a lot of times this wasn't even possible (events, sportstribune,...).

Maybe i'm going to sell the 35L one time for a 16-35II, but I definitely will keep my 85 1.2L (MKI), this is the bokeh/colour/contrast/​lowlight lens.

Just ordered the 85L f/1.2L Mk2 and it will be here on Fri. Will report back with my findings.

Muggsly wrote in post #12214053
Just ordered the 85L f/1.2L Mk2 and it will be here on Fri. Will report back with my findings.

We know what the results will be ... 35L, 85L, 135L

The 85L is the best lens I have ever used, thus far.

If money isn't an issue, don't even think twice about it. It is my favorite lens by far.

It's an amazing lens.

i just caved and bought an 85L can't wait for it to arrive

since the tsuname they have gone up 300 bucks!

It's a piece of art that doubles as a lens. Mine doesn't get much use, but when it does it works like nothing else will.

.. wrong choice !!!! ...

You will definitely be falling in a nightmare =>
When will I be able to complete my combo 24L+85L+200L2.0

(I bought first a 135L+24L to quit 70-200/4 than 70-300DO, but after trying 85L I couldn't use the 135L anymore .... still on my shell, but not really used and waiting to be replaced one day by a 200L2.0)

I lust for the 85L, but have other priorities before I can drop the cash for this beauty of a lens. I kind of want to wait to go FF before I get a 85L, but my lust will get the best of me.

I am sure you want the 85L.
I personally could not justify the cost of 85L since photography is a hobby for me.
I took a used Zeiss 85 and used 50L for the same price.
Sorry for the vague answer.

Go for it
As long as everything else is taken care off, priorities you know

silverpilot03 wrote in post #12217252
We know what the results will be ... 35L, 85L, 135L

That was my eventual intention but when the sig 85 didn't pan out looks like the 35L is a long way off and the 135 even longer way off.

Invertalon wrote in post #12217627
The 85L is the best lens I have ever used, thus far.

That is what I like to hear.

mattjns93 wrote in post #12217791
If money isn't an issue, don't even think twice about it. It is my favorite lens by far.

Money is always an issue but I budgeted for this so it is not a credit purchase.

hillavoider wrote in post #12218374
i just caved and bought an 85L can't wait for it to arrive

since the tsuname they have gone up 300 bucks!

Congrats we will be enjoying a new piece together!

rick_reno wrote in post #12218395
It's a piece of art that doubles as a lens. Mine doesn't get much use, but when it does it works like nothing else will.

newworld666 wrote in post #12218457
.. wrong choice !!!! ...

You will definitely be falling in a nightmare =>
When will I be able to complete my combo 24L+85L+200L2.0

(I bought first a 135L+24L to quit 70-200/4 than 70-300DO, but after trying 85L I couldn't use the 135L anymore .... still on my shell, but not really used and waiting to be replaced one day by a 200L2.0)

LOL the never ending gear lust is unquenchable.

yuribox wrote in post #12218635
I am sure you want the 85L.
I personally could not justify the cost of 85L since photography is a hobby for me.
I took a used Zeiss 85 and used 50L for the same price.
Sorry for the vague answer.

My hobby is just now finally starting to pay back for itself so I am sort of looking at it as an investment.

Jericobot wrote in post #12219320
Go for it
As long as everything else is taken care off, priorities you know

I am in full agreement. I also sold 2 lenses to cushion the hit of the 85L. That was my new years resolution actually not to buy without getting rid of something 1st. My house has been a firesale with old computer gear and lenses not quite getting the love they deserved.