The Canon EF 85mm f/1.2L II USM Lens is the widest aperture lens Canon currently makes (review update: the Canon EF 50mm f/1.2L USM Lens now shares this aperture) - allowing handholding and action stopping in the darkest conditions.

This has been on my wish list for portraiture since the original version was released. So when I had the chance to grab the MkII version at a bargain price I could not resist. It's the perfect focal length for a portrait with the perspective being very flattering to the subject and the working...

Amazing image quality, f/1.2 aperture, f/1.2 aperture; (I know I said already but it's so good I'm saying it twice!, Beautiful isolation of subject from background, Beautiful smooth unbeatable bokeh, Solid weather sealed build, Superb lens flare control especially for a lens of this aperture, Superb...

Slow focus compared to L lenses or 50mm f/1.4 & 85mm f/1.8; 72mm Filter not standard size for L lenses (Except 135 and 180 I suppose); Cost is huge compared to 85mm f/1.8 which is a d*** fine lens also

You should draw your own conclusions based on your photographic objectives and the need for light gathering capacity, background blur in out of focus areas (bokeh), and for autofocus speed as well as cost and weight considerations.

This lens is everything I'd ever hoped it would be -- and I had very, very high hopes -- and more. I've owned nearly every Canon L series lens below 200mm, and the 85 1.2 is by far my favorite. I feel like I'm finally at the end of he "journey.

Amazing bokeh; f/1.2; tough build quality; faster focusing than the Mk I model; and an extra notch of credibility among pros

It is much larger than you'd expect if you've only seen photos; It extends below the body of some Canon EOS film cameras, which is a bit awkward

The Canon 85/1.2L lens is Canon's fastest and highest quality short telephoto lens. It is designed for full-frame digital SLRs such as the Canon EOS 5D ( review ). If you are passionate about portraits in available light, buy one right now from amazon.com , ( compare prices ).

I choose it for it is the best portrait lens in the world by now, I owned 135f2 before, and want to try more for 85. If you choose 85 1.8, then you will miss the 85 1.2 everyday, just buy it and use it follow your heart.

1.Really good quality picture; especially at focus 2.0 or more 2.Really excellent performance in low light place

1; The lens is too big 2; Shot at 1.2 will feel a little soft

The Canon EF 85mm f/1.2 USM L II is one of the little wonders in the Canon lens lineup - at least on an APS-C DSLR. The center performance is nothing short of breathtaking and the borders are only slightly weaker.

I'm a semi pro Fine Art photographer with many years of experience across traditional film and digital cameras. This is by far the best lens that I have in my bag now. Quality of the images captured is exceptional...

Amazing imaging control

Expensive

Here is a lens from Canon that will make many photographers drool, and with the widest aperture in their current EF range, this new model becomes Canon's definitive portraiture lens. We take a look at how it performs.

Excellent performance wide open and throughout the aperture range; Whisper quiet and fast AF performance; Huge light gathering ability

Hood (although not front element) rotates with MF ring; Price (Although worth it if you have a genuine use

For some time now my favorite portrait lens has been Canon's EF 85mm f/1.8 USM, but now my new favorite is the Canon EF 85mm f/1.2L II USM. It replaces the EF 85mm f/1.2L USM and offers the widest aperture of any lens in Canon's EF family.