Canon 85mm 1.2L ii vs 85mm 1.8

I would like opinions on both of these. Is it that big of a difference between the two far as image quality?? Thanks.

I have the 85 1.8, and I like it. I can't afford the 85L II, so it doesn't matter a whole bunch how good it is.

I had the 1.8 it was pretty sharp, bit I am trying to get the sigma 85 1.4 art. Since it is weather sealed and great quality pics.

The 1.2 is a slower focus and is physically very large. It is a wonderful portrait lens. If you do studio work you cannot go wrong with it. That being said the 1.8 is no slouch, and it's very inexpensive.

You might wait as the rumored 1.4 IS may be just around the corner.

James Crockett wrote in post #18432132
I would like opinions on both of these. Is it that big of a difference between the two far as image quality?? Thanks.

Yes.
The 85L has a unique rendering character and much better color rendering.
Add also the extra sharpness and contrast, and better correction of chromatic aberrations.

Is this worth the extra price ? It is for me, esepcially if you buy a used one, but others might differ.

I have used both extensively. Got rid of the L and used the 1.8 for years.

The L was to slow for focus and hit/miss at 1.2 .The focus on the 1.8 is fast and keeps up with the demands of a wedding photographer. I cant tell you how many times i missed shots because I had to have that L. Useless for event work in my opinion.

Then along comes Sigma and the 85 Art.....Problem solved. By far the best 85 on the market. Blows everything away right now. The siggy is the 85 to get

I do not know anything about the Canon 85 1.2L, aside from the fact that it is a Canon L series lens. However, I do have the 85mm f1.8. It is a wonderful telephoto lens, that is sharp, fast and compact. The 85mm f1.8 has no macro capability--for that, you will have to get the Canon 100mm f2.8 Macro. The 85mm f1.8 is a great lens for short telephoto and field work. And it is cheap, where you can pick up a new 85mm f1.8 for around $370 on Amazon.

I wanted to get a telephoto prime lens for my collection, and I was debating between the Canon 85mm f1.8, and the Canon 100mm f2.8 Macro. I'm pretty much a photojournalism-style shooter, who also loves to shoot flowers. I was first attracted to the 100mm Macro for its macro capabilities in flower shooting. However, when I first picked up the 85mm lens, I was immediately sold on how light and compact the lens was. The Canon 85mm lens is two inches shorter than the Canon 100mm Macro. Add an inexpensive Canon 24mm and 50mm lens, and you have a nice, inexpensive Canon prime setup that is very light, and compact. I went ahead to purchase the Canon 100mm Macro lens for my flower shooting.

You can't go wrong for a small, compact telephoto prime than the 85mm f1.8.

How's the bokeh on the Sigma 85 art?

I have to add that the 85 1.8 is great for sports/action work. Fast enough aperture to keep your shutter speed up, and snap-quick focus that can keep up with basketball and ice-hockey. I've never touched an 85L or 85LII, but I don't think either can focus as quickly as the 85 1.8.

I have the 100mmL macro and it "doubles" as a portrait lens. Once I got the 85mm 1.8, I never used the macro for portraits again. I cannot say enough about the 85mm. Love it! The color and contrast are great. I have used it w/ extension tubes with great results.

I have the 100mm macro L as well. I'm not sure what you mean by "doubles" but the 85 1.8 looks like a nice lens. Thanks!

Pigpen101 wrote in post #18432439
I have the 100mmL macro and it "doubles" as a portrait lens. Once I got the 85mm 1.8, I never used the macro for portraits again. I cannot say enough about the 85mm. Love it! The color and contrast are great. I have used it w/ extension tubes with great results.

I have the 100mm macro, too. I haven't used it for anything but macro since I acquired the 85 1.8 and 135L.

James Crockett wrote in post #18432445
I have the 100mm macro L as well. I'm not sure what you mean by "doubles" but the 85 1.8 looks like a nice lens. Thanks!

When I was reading reviews about the macro, one thing mentioned by most people is that it could also be used for taking portraits.

The 85mm has 1,900 reviews averaging 5 stars, and it always seems to be "on sale" @ B&H.


https://www.bhphotovid​eo.com …tt=canon%2085mm​%20f%2F1.8

Bassat wrote in post #18432448
I have the 100mm macro, too. I haven't used it for anything but macro since I acquired the 85 1.8 and 135L.

I have heard the 135L called "the best lens Canon makes." (more than once)

Pigpen101 wrote in post #18432456
I have heard the 135L called "the best lens Canon makes." (more than once)

I have the 135L F2 and the sigma 35 art as well. Thanks everybody for the replies.