This is not a lens for begginers or impatient photographers. This lens is very heavy and in my opinion this is a good thing, without IS it would be very difficult to use slow shutter speed when hand holding. I would strongly suggest to do your homework before you invest in this lens. I absolutely love this lens because it enables me to use very low ISO at low light conditions such as concerts and church events and it has superb optics. Wide open this lens has extremely short depth of field, close up pictures have unbelievably ultra short depth of field at 1.2f with very nicely blurred background. My only complaint is not consistent auto focusing on my 7d and photographers would benefit from installing manual focusing screens into their cameras like good old manual focus cameras. This lens is for those who must use very wide apertures and it is a pro grade lens intended for experienced photographers. Cant wait to buy FF body to see what this lens can do.
Images from TarasB
f1.2, ISO400, EOS 7D
f9.0 on eos 7D
By Great Dude
from Frisco, Texas
About Me Photo Enthusiast
6/06/2011
Sharp Portrait Lens with beautiful Bokeh
4.0
PROS
Strong Construction
Consistent Output
Very Sharp
Nice Bokeh
CONS
Heavy
Slow Focus
BEST USES
Portraits
Comments:
This lens create very good quality pictures. Place patient next to a window with indirect light and you can end up with some out-of-this-world pictures. On the downside, it is slow to focus and has a long focusing distance requirement. This can get you frustrated since you want to take a shot and cannot do it quickly. You have to move back to make sure you are not too close to the subject and at the same time the lens is taking its time focusing since there is a lot of glass that needs to move!
By Steve
from New York, NY
About Me Photo Enthusiast
1/23/2011
(2 of 2 customers found this review helpful)
Simply the best
5.0
PROS
Consistent Output
Strong Construction
Durable
Nice Bokeh
CONS
Slow Focus
BEST USES
Weddings/Events
Indoors/Low Light
Comments:
If you love shooting people (portraits, candids, etc), this is THE lens to get. It has super color and contrast with the most buttery smooth bokeh you will ever set your eyes on. Sure it focuses slow due to the amount of glass inside to be able to shoot at f1.2 and focusing at that aperture can get a bit tough to nail but when you do, it produces pictures that are simply magical.
By VK2109
from New York
About Me Semi-pro Photographer
4/08/2010
Excellent Lens !!!!!!
5.0
PROS
Sharp at all focal length
Fast lens
Consistent Output
CONS
Heavy
A bit slow focuing but ok
Pricey
BEST USES
Indoors/Low Light
Weddings/Events
Portrait
Low light performance
Night Photography
Comments:
A great lens...fast aperture producing stunning results...the sharpest lens I have ever seen color, bokeh are all excellent Expensive but one the best L prime lens!
By JMP
from Delaware
About Me Pro Photographer
12/23/2009
Pros/Cons of the 85mm 1.2 L
3.0
PROS
Strong Construction
CONS
Heavy
Slow Focus
BEST USES
Sports/Action
Weddings/Events
Portraits
Comments:
It's a great lens for weddings b/c you can shoot wide open. However, not very practical for on-location shoots in a clients home...esp if little kids are running around. and you're trying to shoot..was very slow to focus.
By ger4ld
from Dublin, CA
About Me Hobbyist/Enthusiast
10/01/2009
Mother of all Portrait Lenses
5.0
PROS
Sharp Focus
Strong Construction
CONS
Heavy
BEST USES
Portraits
Weddings
Comments:
Awesome for portraits and weddings. It might be heavy, but keep in mind it is high grade glass. I love the F 1.2.
By Andrew Shepherd
from Dallas | NYC
About Me Professional
9/06/2009
Canon 85mm ƒ1.2 L
5.0
PROS
Easily Interchangeable
Sharp Focus
Rugged
Consistent Output
Strong Construction
CONS
Slow Focus
Heavy
BEST USES
Night Photography
General Use
Comments:
This is arguably the best standard telephoto Canon makes. Incredibly sharp and brilliant bokeh. It is a specific-use lens, so not quite as versatile as something like the 50mm ƒ1.2 (which I also own), but I would never get rid of this lens for what it does. Definitely the best looking images among any lens in my bag.
