Big Holes.

Any of the professionals (or anyone else) use the 85mm 1.2?

It's on the top of my desires list but wonder if it's a commonly used optic.

I have to say it's an eye catcher but, if there is something that stops it being a good "walkaround" lens, then that leaves it pretty much being a piece of objet-dart.

Hinesight is my strongest subject you know!

Perhaps I should re-phrase that.

It appears, from a resolution point of view, the 85 1.8 is just about as good as the 85 1.2.
The two benefits of the 1.2 are bokeh and greater low light potential.
Asides the above, are there any "can't live without" reasons for owning the 85 1.2 over the 85 1.8?

Nope. Can't think of a single one. The 85L is a superb lens, optically. It's just so damn slow focusing.

I haven't used the 85L, but the 85mm f/1.8 is lightning fast focusing

That's good enough for me!
I can live with slower af.

Thanks for the confirmation!

JuZ wrote in post #4047831
I haven't used the 85L, but the 85mm f/1.8 is lightning fast focusing

Where abouts in west sussex? (if that's not too personal a question)

fordmondeo wrote in post #4047880
Where abouts in west sussex? (if that's not too personal a question)

Near Midhurst

fordmondeo wrote in post #4042447
Any of the professionals (or anyone else) use the 85mm 1.2?

It's on the top of my desires list but wonder if it's a commonly used optic.

I have to say it's an eye catcher but, if there is something that stops it being a good "walkaround" lens, then that leaves it pretty much being a piece of objet-dart.

Hinesight is my strongest subject you know!

Yep I use one all the time. Its one of the finest lenses you can buy. I have never missed a shot because of slow focus. I have the first version and I could see where if you were shooting sports it could be a problem but I shoot a fair amount of events and the low light capabilities make it a perfect lens for those situations. There is a bit of a learning curve but its a great lens and one I'm glad I have.

airfrogusmc wrote in post #4048832
Yep I use one all the time. Its one of the finest lenses you can buy. I have never missed a shot because of slow focus. I have the first version and I could see where if you were shooting sports it could be a problem but I shoot a fair amount of events and the low light capabilities make it a perfect lens for those situations. There is a bit of a learning curve but its a great lens and one I'm glad I have.

I really want one for low light situations, I am not a big fan of flash so I'd rather up the ISO a bit.
It seems the 85 1.2 will suit my needs admirably, many thanks for your input.

JuZ wrote in post #4048297
Near Midhurst

Not too far from me then, I live near Chichester.

I have the 85 f/1.2L MKII and the 85 f/1.8. I was going to sell the f/1.8 version with I got the 1.2L, but kept it for the quicker focus. The 85 f/1.2L is a wonderful lens, but does have a slow focus due to the large amount of heavy glass that the AF motor has to move. On the other hand, the optics are superb and the colors, bokeh, and sharpness are unsurpassed. It is the best portrait prime I've ever owned and is a wonderful lens for glamour photography.

The f/1.8 has an excellent prime, great for some indoor sports and a more than adequate portrait lens. It also costs about 1/5th the price of its big brother.

Mark

fordmondeo wrote in post #4049427
Not too far from me then, I live near Chichester.

Heh, small world

small country, anyway.

fordmondeo wrote in post #4049425
I really want one for low light situations, I am not a big fan of flash so I'd rather up the ISO a bit.
It seems the 85 1.2 will suit my needs admirably, many thanks for your input.

Just shot this earlier this evening. 3200 IS...No flash. F 2 I think.

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That's what I want to do, well, that sort of thing.