85mm f1.2 - what's the difference between the Mk1 and Mk2?

As title really....

the major difference is that the mk2 focuses much faster

Still not as fast as the f/1.8.... it's still a LOT of glass to move.

The 85/1.2 MkII has slightly faster focus speed, a little less ghosting and flare and a higher price tag.

lastly the MkII is in production the MkI is out.

BTW: This thread should be under lenses not cameras.

Ooops - sorry, wrong forum....

Thanks for the info.

Thread moved, no problem.
Of course OP is answered now too.

That about sums it up - Faster focusing (still a good bit slower than the f/1.8 USM) and full-time manual focusing, and revised lens coatings to improve flare/ghosting characteristics. It also sends distance data to the camera for improved flash performance - the earlier version did not. The optical formula is, I believe, the same.

All that for a lot more money!

On balance then, is the extra money well spent or not?

I recently purchased the 85 f1.2L MKII and I think it's a wonderful lens. I paid $1984 USD at a local shop. It's the extra money well spent or not? That's a pretty difficult question to answer. If you can find a good condition, MK I that someone is willing to part with, you may want to consider it if it matches your style of photography and you know how to deal with the issues. It really all depends on what you're buying the lens for, and how much your photography means to you. Whether it's money well spent or not, is very subjective when you're talking about the price of some of these higher end lenses.

Mark

Can't answer that - I have the Mk I and I don't have any desire to change. If the price were similar, I would consider it.

Here's some testing done by William Castleman with all 3 85 mm lenses:

http://www.wlcastleman​.com/equip/reviews/85m​m/index.htm

Keep in mind that he's more of a sports shooter than a portrait shooter so he may not have as much appreciation for bokeh as some.

Thanks for that reply Mark.

I shoot weddings in the main - around 10 or so a year, and building. I've recently switched from Nikon, and have the kit as below. The 135/ is a gorgeous lens, and I'm trying to weigh up whether the next large investment should go on an 85/1.2 bearing in mind the kit I have. My most favoured Nikkors were the 17-55/2.8 and 85/1.4. On a full-frame the 135/2 gives me a FOV I'm used to with my old 85, and the 24-105 covers the old 17-55mm.

Aside from weddings I also shoot candids, street work and environmental portraits. I do some commercial events.

Tom W wrote:
Can't answer that - I have the Mk I and I don't have any desire to change. If the price were similar, I would consider it.

Here's some testing done by William Castleman with all 3 85 mm lenses:

http://www.wlcastleman​.com/equip/reviews/85m​m/index.htm

Keep in mind that he's more of a sports shooter than a portrait shooter so he may not have as much appreciation for bokeh as some.

Thanks Tom - I'll have a good read of that.

Does the Mark II out perform the Mark I optically, or are they the same lens sans focusing speed

The Mark II does out perform the Mark I by a little bit, from what I can see in the above side by side review. And the Mark II focuses faster than the Mark I

Very interesting, I love my 85 F/1.2L MI, the MII is not worth the upgrade to me