Canon 85 F1.2 L contrast versus EF 85 1.8

I tried two copies of the Sigma 85, neither was focusing correctly.. it would be OK close up, and miss focus at long distances (or vice versa).

I replaced it with the 85 1.8. Great value, but I never fell in love with the thing. It was utilitarian, and did what I need of it, nothing more.

I replaced it with the 85L II and finally got what everyone loved about that lens.. it's really an amazing piece of glass.

That being said, it's heavy, bulky, can be slow to rack focus, and costs quite a bit. The 85 1.8 is definitely the better value. The 85L II is definitely the better lens with regard to pure image results (you may have other criteria than simply IQ).

There's also plenty of MF options out there as well. The Zeiss 85 ZE is very very good, the Samyang gets good reviews (never personally used it myself) and then you get into some of the older, quirkier glass like the FDn mount stuff, and even Jupiter-9 / Helios-40.

Lots of options out there, just depends on your needs (and budget).

Hi Warek,

Comparing prices.....In the UK an excellent used/secondhand 85 L MK1 will set you back around £700 (1350 AUD) and 85 L MK2 around £1100 (2110 AUD). It seems that Prices are higher in Australia.

The 85 1.8 is the best value for you especially at 460 AUD, you will not be disappointed and you cannot go wrong at that price. It's such a great lens. I regret selling mine at just £200 and as I said in my previous post it's a much more of an all purpose lens whereas the 85 L Mk1 & Mk2 is not.

Sorry if a bit off topic. But as a fan of 4 stop IS, do you 85 F1.2 L owners feel it really needs IS ( especially at the current price )?

Or is it unneccessary?

Hello Submariner,
The 85mm f/1.2 has no Image Stabilisation but because of its light gathering ability IS isn't really needed. It is quite easy to shoot at shutter speeds that are fast enough to avoid camera shake. On Sunny days I have to put either a 2 or 3 stop neutral density filter on mine. Even then IS is not needed. I found that also when I owned the 85 1.8, again IS not needed at all. That goes also for the fast 50mm primes.,

Submariner wrote in post #17344069
do you 85 F1.2 L owners feel it really needs IS ?
Or is it unneccessary?

IS is not necessary, but it is always welcome.

Submariner wrote in post #17344069
Sorry if a bit off topic. But as a fan of 4 stop IS, do you 85 F1.2 L owners feel it really needs IS ( especially at the current price )?

Or is it unneccessary?

Given that its a portrait lens often used with supplemental light IS is unnecessary.

Thanks for the input.

I appreciate with its light gathering ability ( which I assume is as good as it gets ) locking focus should be very good.

But with our long overcast winter, IS Certainly is useful if one has to use a slower shutter speed.
I had hoped they would bring out an IS version; but there is little chance of that, as the latest mk II was only released in 2006 ?

So its only 8 years old.
Guess that last quality lens revamped was the 24-70 F 2.8 L II. And the Mk I ran from 2002 to late 2012. Circa 10 years plus.

Submariner wrote in post #17347733
Thanks for the input.

I appreciate with its light gathering ability ( which I assume is as good as it gets ) locking focus should be very good.

But with our long overcast winter, IS Certainly is useful if one has to use a slower shutter speed.
I had hoped they would bring out an IS version; but there is little chance of that, as the latest mk II was only released in 2006 ?

So its only 8 years old.
Guess that last quality lens revamped was the 24-70 F 2.8 L II. And the Mk I ran from 2002 to late 2012. Circa 10 years plus.

To quote the old maxim wish in one hsnd and $#$#$ in the othrr and see which fills up first. Live in the world that is, not the one you wish existed. Not purchasing a fantastic lens because it doesnt have a feature that you really don't need only harms you. You can get a phenomenal lrns and make great photos or you can wait on an update thats not been announced or even rumored so you gear will mstch your ideal.

Submariner wrote in post #17347733
Thanks for the input.

I appreciate with its light gathering ability ( which I assume is as good as it gets ) locking focus should be very good.

But with our long overcast winter, IS Certainly is useful if one has to use a slower shutter speed.
I had hoped they would bring out an IS version; but there is little chance of that, as the latest mk II was only released in 2006 ?

So its only 8 years old.
Guess that last quality lens revamped was the 24-70 F 2.8 L II. And the Mk I ran from 2002 to late 2012. Circa 10 years plus.

Even with overcast skies I can't imagine ambient requiring ultra slow SS's when shooting @ 1.2...unless of course it is nighttime. My MO would be to crank up the ISO, shoot the (non-IS) 85L wide open, and use a flash for some nice portrait lighting. 1.2 is great for light gathering but it will only take you so far. your portraits will be better if you use some lighting to help with low light situations.

I will chime in, that I have the 85II, and it is by far the best lens I have got. It is constantly on my 5DIII, and I use it from landscapes, to night shots, to chasing after a 3yr old. It isn't the fastest to autofocus, but you adapt how you shoot to match what it can achieve.

Submariner wrote in post #17347733
So its only 8 years old.
Guess that last quality lens revamped was the 24-70 F 2.8 L II. And the Mk I ran from 2002 to late 2012. Circa 10 years plus.

And the 24-70 II is still unfortunately not an IS lens.

This is no problem as Tamron 24-70 2.8 VR is almost as sharp & cheaper if you really want to zoom, I had it, very satisfied, but sold it as i'm a primelover.

CheshireCat wrote in post #17350002
And the 24-70 II is still unfortunately not an IS lens.

The 100/2 is an excellent lens.

It's very fast focussing and accurate. Lightweight and good build quality.

It is in line with a progression of 24,50,100,200 though the 200 would not be needed if you have the 70-200/2.8 IS II

Way back I remember reading somebody saying if you get the 100/2, it stops you from getting the 135/2L! That's very true and you can put the cash difference you might save over a combined 85/1.8+135/2 towards a different lens purchase.

Harm wrote in post #17348332
I will chime in, that I have the 85II, and it is by far the best lens I have got. It is constantly on my 5DIII, and I use it from landscapes, to night shots, to chasing after a 3yr old. It isn't the fastest to autofocus, but you adapt how you shoot to match what it can achieve.

Ouch! That eagles eye is sharp - absolutely love it

I pour over these threads and lens samples like many of us do im sure. There are lenses that are magic: 35L, 50L, 85L, 135L, the new sigma arts. The zooms are close 24-70 70-200 L II's, but not quite. I dont know about the other ranges 24L, 200L +. The 35 is 2, 100 f2, 85 1.8 are very good, but not magic.