85L 1.2 vs 85 1.8--How much better?

Sorry if this question has been covered somewhere; I tried several searches and could not find it here on POTN.

Can anyone tell me how much of a step up it is from the 85 1.8 to the 85 1.2, especially concerning image quality and quality of bokeh? (Obviously, I understand that you get a wider lens and the extra aperature.) I really love my 85 1.8; it is my favorite lens. 90% or more of my pics are portraits, so it really falls right in the wheelhouse for those kinds of pics.

...but, that has always left me wondering how much better the 1.2 would be. It's obviously quite a cost difference, and I am not sure that the difference would be so great as to justify the cost difference for me. But I could be wrong (happens all the time!). So any insight on this would be appreciated; in particular, I would love to hear from anyone who had the 1.8 and upgraded to the 1.2.

Well, you gain amazing sharpness at 1.2 - I believe both lenses are equivalent at the same aperture /1.8 - really the 85L is so sharp it only gets slightly better stopped down. Thats why people opt for it if they do, because they want the 1.2 look and the sharpness that comes with it. And the L class build quality.

That said, its not weather sealed, and is slightly heavy (its a lot of glass ). If you don't plan on shooting at 1.2 primarily, and you are perfectly happy already with your 85 1.8, I don't see a reason to upgrade. People buy the 85L to use it wide-open. If you are going to buy it and then only use it at 1.8 for DOF reasons (as in what you are used to, as far as how much is in focus -1.2 is very narrow. Beautiful bokeh when it is nailed, but it can be tricky and takes technique.) then there isn't really a point I guess, and the money could be spent on something else.

The colour and bokeh rendering of this lens is outstanding though. I don't know what the 85 1.8 is like in that regard but I know a lot of people say they are similar (as in I don't think a client would see a difference, but other photographers might.)

Thats my two cents
Looking at your sig, you look like you could benefit from something in the long end. You could save that $2000 (at least thats what I paid for mine, prices are different. Canada sucks for that lol) and save a little longer, and put it towards a 70-200L 2.8 II or go out right now and buy a 70-300L which costs much less than the 2.8II for equal IQ and more reach.

I think the 85 1.8 was the best non L lens I've ever used. The FL just wasnt for me. If the 50 1.8 or 1.4 were that good, I wouldnt bother with the 1.2 tbh. if you're using a crop, the extra DOF will be a very nice addition. IMO, 1.2 is too narrow on FF, but ok on crop.

If I was thinking of moving from f1.8 to f1.2 version, I will move from 1.6x crop to FF before.

The 85L and 70-200 is my goto lens for portraits. But then again I'll also use my f/1.8 version if I want faster AF for different situations or even when I have a luxury of time shooting.

The 85L does have a different look due to the wider aperture of f/1.2 so in this case its better for some situations.

The IQ at f/2 between the two lenses are very similar. If your lacking in other lenses "but" own an 85 f/1.8 I would suggest buying different FL zooms/primes before upgrading to an 85l.

bobbyz wrote in post #14977476
If I was thinking of moving from f1.8 to f1.2 version, I will move from 1.6x crop to FF before.

good point. I'de rather shoot FF+85 1.8 than crop+85 1.2 anyday.

Charlie wrote in post #14977608
good point. I'de rather shoot FF+85 1.8 than crop+85 1.2 anyday.

I agree with this. I think 85 on a crop is an awkward length, but I love it more than 50mm on a FF

bobbyz wrote in post #14977476
If I was thinking of moving from f1.8 to f1.2 version, I will move from 1.6x crop to FF before.

"Like"

The 85 1.2 is worlds better in IQ. Focus speed is amazingly slow...however, just look at how much glass is there!

The front element alone on that fat little prime is attractive, haha

PJJames1 wrote in post #14977664
The 85 1.2 is worlds better in IQ. Focus speed is amazingly slow...however, just look at how much glass is there!

I recall posting a comparison years ago on the potn. With my 5dmk2 I saw very little difference in IQ.

The 85L is pig slow in AF so this is where I cannot sell my 85 f/1.8. I've achieved stunning photographs with the 90% 85L (85 f/1.8). For me I never justify my $$$ i dumped into the 85L. To me the 85L has its pros and cons. I would not make a non 85L feel that the 85L is superior. Only benefits is wider apertures in the L lens. Since both lenses have crappy purple fringing I use both 85mm primes as tools.

I did spend extra coin for an 85L but this was after I was happy with other FL to supplement my gearbag.