Should you shoot weddings or portraits, you already know the way an 85mm modifications the look of a body. The precise 85mm offers you crisp eyes, gentle backgrounds, and the working distance to maintain moments pure.
Coming to you from Shane Lengthy Images, this thorough video compares the Canon RF 85mm f/1.2 L USM lens to the EF 85mm f/1.4 IS, with side-by-side assessments on an EOS R5. You see the bokeh distinction instantly at f/1.2 versus f/1.4, not simply in dimension however in how clear the spotlight edges look. The RF model renders bigger, smoother discs with fewer arduous edges, which helps faces pop with out nervous background texture. Lengthy additionally notes the RF appears barely tighter in framing than the EF on the identical distance, which may add to background compression and perceived blur.
At equal apertures round f/2, the hole narrows. Spotlight dimension seems virtually similar, and whereas the RF nonetheless edges out the EF in sharpness and distinction, it’s not sufficient to justify the value when you not often shoot wider than f/2. The place the RF 85mm f/1.2 L USM separates itself is vast open. Lengthy’s samples at f/1.2 present outstanding micro-contrast, clear coloration, and nice element with minimal purple fringing, even in difficult gentle. Should you purchase this lens for the have a look at f/1.2, you’ll get it.
Autofocus is a giant a part of the story. Lengthy reveals eye detection on the R5 nailing focus at f/1.2, even with a topic strolling or operating straight on the digital camera. He stresses this may have been dangerous with the outdated EF 85mm f/1.2, however with the RF 85mm paired to the R5, the lens pulls massive glass components quick and locks reliably. He additionally assessments how rapidly the system jumps from defocus to face lock, and it snaps in with out hesitation. That opens up candid motion at f/1.2 that was once impractical.
Vignetting seems manageable and is simple to right with a profile, and the R5’s restoration retains edges clear. Flare can present artifacts when pointed into the solar, which you should use or keep away from relying on style. Dimension and dealing with will matter to you when you work lengthy days. The RF 85mm f/1.2 is huge and heavy, however Lengthy acquired used to it after two months and says the steadiness on the mount feels nice when you help the lens. He does point out the AF/MF swap is a bit too straightforward to bump and that RF rear caps require exact alignment, which slows lens modifications when you’re not trying
Key Specs
Focal Size: 85mm
Aperture: Most f/1.2, Minimal f/16
Lens Format Protection: Full body
Minimal Focus Distance: 2.79′ / 85 cm
Magnification: 0.12x (1:8 macro replica ratio)
Optical Design: 13 components in 9 teams
Aperture/Iris Blades: 9, rounded
Focus Sort: Autofocus
Picture Stabilization: No
Filter Dimension: 82mm (entrance)
Dimensions: ø 4.06 x L 4.62 in / ø 103.2 x L 117.3 mm
Weight: 2.63 lb / 1,195 g
Should you’re torn between the RF 50mm f/1.2 L USM and the RF 85mm f/1.2 L USM, Lengthy suggests the 50mm first for versatility. The 85mm brings extra compression, stronger topic isolation, and that “studio exterior” really feel if you preserve slightly distance. For weddings, he makes use of 85mm throughout getting-ready to scrub up messy rooms with shallow depth of subject, throughout ceremonies for alternate angles and the kiss if he’s shut, and for portraits to combine views and punch up the bokeh. With the R5’s IBIS, he reveals handheld pictures staying sharp right down to about 1/10 second when topics are nonetheless, which helps in darkish receptions.
You’ll additionally see pattern portraits that present why folks pay for this lens. Eyes are tack sharp at f/1.2 whereas backgrounds soften away. Seniors and headshots profit lots from that separation and 3D pop. Should you’re budget-conscious, the RF 85mm f/2 Macro IS STM offers you background blur with macro utility, however the have a look at f/1.2 isn’t one thing you’ll be able to pretend. Take a look at the video above for the total rundown from Lengthy.
