Canon EF 85mm f/1.2L II USM Review
The Canon EF 85mm f/1.2L II USM ($2,199 direct)($2,299.00 at Amazon) is one of two f/1.2 lenses in the Canon library, and like the EF 50mm f/1.2L USM($1,349.00 at Dell) it's one without a peer in other camera systems. It captures about 30 percent more light than competing f/1.4 lenses, like the Sigma 85mm F1.4 EX DG HSM($1,099.00 at Amazon), and at similar working distances will also show a shallower depth of field. It's an expensive lens, and it has a few ergonomic quirks. But if you are a portrait specialist and if you can afford it, it's worth your money.
The lens is fairly short, but very, very wide. It measures 3.3 by 3.6 inches (HD) and weighs in at a hefty 2.3 pounds. The front element is big, it uses 72mm filters, and the included hood adds both depth and width. The lens ships with a reversible hood, which clips on or off via two buttons, rather than requiring you to mount it via a bayonet system. There's no optical stabilization, but that's a feature that is generally re...
The Canon EF 85mm f/1.2L II USM is a specialty lens, perfect for portraits with a very shallow depth of field. Its unique view of the world earns it our Editors' Choice award.
Insane light-gathering capability; Capable of very shallow depth of field; Superb center sharpness
Focus-by-wire design; No stabilization; Big; Expensive