should i buy an 85/1.2

I really love what this lens can do. I love shallow DOF i love creamy bokeh.

I own a 135L and a 85/1.8, i use both regularly. i use the 135 because, well, it makes the pics that the 135 makes, i shoot it at f2 99% of the time. i use the 85/1.8 when i dont have room for the 135 or when i am in studio.

i'm seriously considering selling the 135/2 and the 85/1.8 and just getting a 85/1.2. While i do love the 135, i find it a bit too long and makes me stand a bit too far away from my subjects and the fact that its not stabilized is maddening when i start to lose light on outdoors shoots but its my signature lens, no lens I use has ever wowed me on a regular basis like this one does.

I think the 85/1.2 will cover my needs, but i'm afraid to lose my baby..

feel free to talk me out of or into it further.

Posting as I am interested in people's opinions. I love the 135L as well, but I need a 85 in addition. I have been considering the same switch as you are asking about.

your work is very good. you need a cosigner to seal the deal or what ?

The 1.2 is heavy and doesn't focus as fast as the 85 1.8. It also has focus by wire which some users have complained about. DOF is very thin wide open and can be problematic. The rear element makes mounting this beast an adventure. The 1.2 is the purple fringing queen so don't shoot into trees in direct sun or stars at night.

All the above being said, the 85II is one of my favourite lenses. Mine is very sharp

yeah, i can sell the wife on the difference in cost if i sell the lenses considering i have extra funds from last year :P but $2000 for a new lens would be put me indebt to her and she likes to shop. :/

Only considering new? If I were to make the switch I would either buy the version I or a used/refurbished option.

used/refurbished is always option. i haven't checked used prices yet.

I'd hate to get rid of glass like the 135. I've been considering selling my 85 f/1.8 and upgrading to a f/1.2, but I couldn't justify selling my 135L to get it. Every once in a while you find some good deals in the for sale forums though. I think recently there was a vI on sale for $1000 and a vII on sale for $1350. When I finally upgrade, I'll most likely get a used lens from someone here.

I owned the 85 f/1.2 L II and used it for senior portraits on a 5D III and 6D. Great lens, but not easy to nail focus with. Eventually sold it and ended up with the 135 f2 L, which I find much easier to use despite the longer focal length. If Canon ever releases a new EF 85, I might pick one up to fill the gap between my 35 f/2 IS, but I find for my uses I reach for the 35 indoors and the 135 outdoors. Like the OP, I almost always shoot the 135 L at f/2 where it really shines for portraits.

"its my signature lens, no lens I use has ever wowed me on a regular basis like this one does."

After such a glowing endorsement, you want to get rid of it?

You'll regret it.

Keep the 135L. Sell 85 f1.8. Save up for used/refurb 85L II. You can also do what I do, and scour your house/garage for anything sellable, and sell that to raise more funds.

His thought is, if the 85L will give him shots he is just as happy with, he would be able to use the 85mm all of the time. Now, if he can't use the 135L as it is too long, he is stuck with the 85 1.8 instead.

Adding an extra $1,000-1,200 sometimes isn't a possibility.

MatthewK wrote in post #17847170
You'll regret it.

Keep the 135L. Sell 85 f1.8. Save up for used/refurb 85L II. You can also do what I do, and scour your house/garage for anything sellable, and sell that to raise more funds.

100% Agree with MatthewK....I own both lenses, I love both lenses, Would I part with the 135? .....NEVER. Sell the 85 f/1.8 and save save save for the 85 1.2 II. You will be the proud owner of 2 wonderful kings of bokeh at different focal lengths.

Myboostedgst wrote in post #17847184
His thought is, if the 85L will give him shots he is just as happy with, he would be able to use the 85mm all of the time. Now, if he can't use the 135L as it is too long, he is stuck with the 85 1.8 instead.

Adding an extra $1,000-1,200 sometimes isn't a possibility.

this

MatthewK wrote in post #17847170
"its my signature lens, no lens I use has ever wowed me on a regular basis like this one does."

After such a glowing endorsement, you want to get rid of it?

You'll regret it.

and this.

sigh...

I use my 85 1.8 and 135L on indoor athletics a lot more than I use them for portrait-type work. I am currently on my second copy of both. First copies didn't wear out. I sold them for other glass, LIKE AN IDIOT!

Myboostedgst wrote in post #17847184
His thought is, if the 85L will give him shots he is just as happy with, he would be able to use the 85mm all of the time. Now, if he can't use the 135L as it is too long, he is stuck with the 85 1.8 instead.

Adding an extra $1,000-1,200 sometimes isn't a possibility.

I would agree, except for the OP fully admits the 135L is his signature lens; it's hard not giving into the instant gratification, the sirens call of a new thing is so very tough to resist, but after the newness of the 85L fades and he's left with 1 lens where before he had 2 awesome ones, he may regret it.

Now, on the flip side: when faced with deciding between two things (lenses, car parts, etc), I will almost always go for the most expensive option first so as to get it out of the way, and I figure it'll tide me over while I save up for the cheaper item in the meantime. So, since the OP is in striking distance of the 85L now: sell everything, get the 85L II, and then save back up for a refurb/used 135L. It's what I just did with the 100-400 II and 24-70 f/4

Tough call, it all comes down to funds achievable now vs. lens priority.