85/1.2 ...what a lens!

A friend let me use his 85/1.2 for a few days and man what a lens it is.

It's heavy and built like a tank. Looking through the glass alone impressed the heck out of me.

@ f1.2, it's a tough lens to use as just a slight movement will throw things out of focus. Yup, focus and recompose will not be as easy on this one

AF is slow though (this is the MK1) so it's not really for sports (I tried it with volleyball just to see).

But for portrait, it's awesome. I can see why this is "THE" lens for portrait.

I made a mistake of showing this to another friend and now he's looking for one. haha

@ f1.2

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I'll take TWO!

Wow, that glass super sharp.

I'm saving for the 70-200 IS but after using this lens I'm having second thoughts

It's just simply an awesome lens.

thats really impressive! I wonder is the 50L is going to share the same L magic.

Would you say the 50 1.4 and the 85 (non L) would produce an image anything like the one above. I just cant justify spending 1500+ on a prime like that.

I wanted to get the 50mm 1.4, 85mm and the 100mm macro all in one GO. (all non L)

amazing bokeh....what body did you use this on?

incredible background blur on both of them. Gorgeous.

StealthLude wrote in post #2173712
Would you say the 50 1.4 and the 85 (non L) would produce an image anything like the one above. I just cant justify spending 1500+ on a prime like that.

I would say yes... A good portrait is not so much about the lens, but about expression, lighting, composition, choice of background and distance...

Simply beautiful. Sharp, great color, wonderful bokeh. What a lens!

The 85/1.8 is a superb lens, as is its brother the 100/2.0. The 85L is certainly that bit special, especially with its colour rendition, but all three are outstanding.

statenine wrote in post #2173727
amazing bokeh....what body did you use this on?

I have the 20D.

What I found is that this lens produces a nicer, warmer color than the 50/1.4.

The lens is good, no doubt in my mind, but so is your eye and hand, 4x4. Those portraits are very nice.
I trust I guided you right once already ( ), I will attempt to do it again.....unless you have a very specific purpose for the 70-200, get the 85L instead....you'll get much more enjoyment outta the KEG if you keep it on your camera long enough. The lens can be made exceptionally versatile.

Another thing....do not get the MkII......way overpriced relative to the MkI, and you would not be able to tell any performance difference, AF speed and all.
A used MkI in a very good condition, from a reputable source with a good return/replacement warranty is the way to go IMO.

Petkal, thanks for the advice on the 300/f4, a rocking lens .

I've been thinking of the 85/1.8 since I'll be shooting indoor sports too. But if a good deal for this lens present, I don't think I'll think twice .

4x4rock wrote in post #2174026
I've been thinking of the 85/1.8 since I'll be shooting indoor sports too. But if a good deal for this lens present, I don't think I'll think twice .

Both 85 f/1.8 and 100 f/2.0 are excellent lenses.
However, as you know, the 85L is in a league of its own.

Those are excellent images, 4x4. Well done!

I'm starting to look at that lens more and more. I'm holding off until the verdict is in on the 50mm f/1.2L though. Naturally, neither are cheap.

That's good advice Petkal - the Mark II doesn't seem to justify the price premium...