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

It's amazing, it's expensive. Just buy it.

The 85mm focal length is particularly desirable in a prime lens because it's so versatile. It's great for portraiture because it provides a good working distance without introducing distortion.

More like an iPhone 13S. The generational upgrades for the iPhone 14 are limited to a few subtle changes. At the same time, however, the base price climbs to 800 USD, while the only true innovation happens inside the iPhone 14 Pro series.

excellent OLED display, dust- and waterproof, fast Wi-Fi, wide range of supported frequencies, great camera, very fast performance, good battery life

display limited to 60 Hz, charging rate limited to 20 watts, no macro lens, wide notch

Gary Wolstenholme reviews the new version of Canon's flagship medium telephoto lens, the EF 85mm f/1.2L II USM.

Outstanding sharpness in the centre of the frame; Beautiful out of focus blur; Very good build quality; Very low level of chromatic aberrations

Manual focus ring could be better damped; Autofocus is slow when compared to slower aperture lenses; Lens can be rotated in wrong direction on the lens mount when lens release button is pressed

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 EF 85mm f/1.2L II USM ($2,199 direct) is one of two f/1.2 lenses in the Canon library, and like the EF 50mm f/1.2L USM 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 , and at similar...

The 85mm f/1.2L II is a cumbersome lens, requiring attention and patience, and is surpassed by many lenses in most usages of photography. However, its results are simply unmatched within the primary usage of portraiture. It stands alone as an absolute requirement for professionals.

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.

Nice Bokeh; Rugged; Strong Construction

Heavy; No Image Stabilization; Slow Focus

The 85mm f/1.2L II is a cumbersome lens, requiring attention and patience, and is surpassed by many lenses in most usages of photography. However, its results are simply unmatched within the primary usage of portraiture. It stands alone as an absolute requirement for professionals.