50mm 1.2, or 85mm 1.2

had some questions about the above lenses....

From what I read the 85L is a very slow focusing lens. Ive been told it focuses slower than the 85 1.8.

Im looking for some ultimate low light lenses, and focusing speed is important to me. I wanted to use the lens for both portrait photography, walk around, and anything else I can find...

Does the 50L focus fast compared to a 85L. Or is it more like a 70-200 2.8 L...

Ive also heard people say canon could have done a better job on the 50L. I dont want to ask is it WORTH the extra money, because thats pretty subjective. But what more does the 50L offer and what would you pick.

50L or 85L and why.

I dont want to get into talk about focal length and what body you are going to use it on bcause I am well aware of that information, but I wanted to know more about lens to lens peformance.

I just tested the focusing ability on the 85L. I hadn't noticed any issues with it at all on stationary subject in any light (I've only had it for a week) so I thought I'd see what it could do tracking a moving subject. I used it for a bif shot on aiservo...it gained focus then lost it then gained it then lost it...it just went back and forth. I was able to get several shots but it did not keep the focus like a normal bird lens would do. I can't compare it to the 50 but compared to my other lenses it is harder to keep/retain focus during action (and no probs whatsoever otherwise). My husband has the 85 1.8 and it definitely tracks better on aiservo than the 1.2. Oh, and here's one of the bif shots, just to show you what it CAN do when it acquires focus

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I have the 85L II and I think it focuses reasonably fast. Just enough for indoor sports. I mainly use this lens for portograhy and its well worth the money IMO. I wouldn't trade or give up this lens for anything! I can't speak for the 50L, but what I hear from people is that it mis-focuses a lot. If you decide on the 85L, make sure you get the II version as the AF is improved with Canons latest USM. Its 1.8x faster than the I version.

Ahhh, forgot about the Ver I and II.

I think the lens I used at the local rental store was a version I. I found it to be pretty slow in focusing. Thats why I assumed it was a portrait only type of lens.

I like to use primes in the studio, but also like to take it outside for low light. Im just looking to slowly build up a nice prime set to fit my needs and wants. so i figure I start doing research now.

I have the version I. I've really not been having trouble with it at all in low light but as I mentioned before, it's the action where it shows it's weakness...at least with mine.

If the 85L is weak on the action side, would you recommend getting both an 85L and 85 1.8...?!?

Or another lens to compliment the 85 such as a 50L or 135L.

I guess the 50L is still too new (and expencive) to find a lot of non bias reviews.

I guess I always have the option of just sticking witha 70-200 2.8 IS lens or something like that.

I have both; 85L-II is definately slower than the 50L.
It's only really apparant when you focus from near <> far. Using AI servo is acceptable. Once you have it in your hands and look into that chunk of glass then you'll know why it can't be fast

Oddly enough, I just wouldn't use it for action...I love this lens. I've owned the 135L (and it was VERY fast focusing for action...but a bit on the long side for indoor sports) and I mentioned, husband has the 85 1.8 (which is a stellar lens for the money) and it's very fast too. I would consider the 85L a niche type lens...most excellent optically but not a necc. expenditure (except maybe to portrait/wedding photographers). That being said, I'm glad I own it and intend to keep it...I've been putting it through it's paces to find it's weaknesses and the optical quality alone makes it a keeper. I hardly have to do any adjustments in photoshop with this lens...

I know its a very niche lens and I wanted to have that lens in my studio for natural light people photos and portraits and studio use. Id love to get a few L lenses which are excellent in wide open peformance like the 35L, 85L, and 135L....

Im just trying to justify owning a lens which has a specific type of use.

The 50L, since its new, has weather sealing (i think), and would just just a wonderful all around lens to own and use for portrait, walk around, even snowboard photography...

The 50L just seems to be a super versatile 50mm standard type of lens. I just dont feel very comfortable with it yet due to reviews. I just keep hearing it could be better... But dont know what people are refering to.

85L just has a VERY impressive track record behind it, and seems to be the prestine niche lens for wedding / portrait , and low light non action shots.

The 85L isn't a rocket when it comes to AF, old or new... But it's not that bad, either. You have to keep in mind that a) it moves a lot of glass and b) it has a HUGE focus range (meaning you can really fine tune your focus manually if you want). It's a purpose-built lens for sure (portraits). But it delivers. In spades.

The 50L is relatively new and "unproven." Heard a lot of "bad things" about the AF. Whether this is true or not, I can't say. The weathersealing is very welcome, but that may or may not be of use to you. One thing's for sure, it's a lot cheaper than the 85L. The focal length on a crop camera may be useful as a portrait lens though (~80mm).

If you want a proven performer and a good focal length for your 20D - consider the 35L. It's not f/1.2 - but close enough at f/1.4. AF is fast. Quality is unreal.

beside all of the above replies, check here for another independent review from this guys since he had both lens.

for 50:
http://www.the-digital-picture.com ….2-L-USM-Lens-Review.aspx

for 85:
http://www.the-digital-picture.com …L-II-USM-Lens-Review.aspx