Canon EF 85mm f1.2L II USM Lens ...- User Rating: 
Summary for Canon EF 85mm f1.2L II USM Lens ...- 85 mm f1.2 L
Notes on Canon EF 85mm f1.2L II USM Lens ...- There is very little that I can say that hasn't been written already about this lens. It has spectacular low light capabilities and can make the background blur to creamy oblivion. Matched with the Canon 5D or better makes this an ideal portrait lens. The focus is fast and accurate.
Of course the price is steep, but with Amazon offering 12 mo. financing, it made this purchase much more affordable.
Recommended for advance amateurs and above.
Canon EF 85mm f1.2L II USM Lens ...- User Rating: Summary for Canon EF 85mm f1.2L II USM Lens ...- One of the best lenses ever made
Notes on Canon EF 85mm f1.2L II USM Lens ...- This particular focal length is the ideal length for portraits, and for my particular skills, it gives the same results in shooting full body shots, or portrait shots with 2 and 3 people, as well.
Be forewarned, this requires a certain level of skill, and a certain knowledge of the camera itself. Furthermore, I am shooting a 1Ds Mk III. And while this lens is not known to be a particularly fast focusing lens, it is clear that it focuses better with the 45 point AF of this system than with that of the lower end cameras (I also own a 50D and a 5D - and a film EOS 3. And I have owned a 10D, 20D and a 40D also).
Many users may have problems using the lens stopped wide open or nearly wide open, due to the EXTREMELY shallow depth of field, and this is an important consideration. It should, however, be noted that the lens can be stopped down quite a few steps to still obtain superior shots than you would with any zoom, Canon L Zooms included. It's the ultimate prime, and it is noticeably such.
The results that can be achieved with this lens are simply mind-boggling. It is so tack sharp when shot correctly, it is almost unbelievable. The color is more correct than with most other lenses, and definitely deeper, with a higher amount of contrast. Using the high end 1Ds Mark III body accentuates this effect a bit more.
With that said, I would suggest that equal consideration be given to the 50mm f/1.2L lens, as I consider this to be an equal companion (a sister) to this lens. If you can't afford both, base your decision on which focal length would provide the most use for your particular needs. If you can afford both, I recommend both equally.
Canon EF 85mm f1.2L II USM Lens ...- User Rating: Summary for Canon EF 85mm f1.2L II USM Lens ...- The sharpest canon lens on the market to date
Notes on Canon EF 85mm f1.2L II USM Lens ...- I am a huge fan of this lens - both on my full frame body (canon 1dsmkiii) and on my crop chip backup camera (40D).
Besides the fact that this lens is super expensive... it is probably the best canon lens made today.
It is by far - the sharpest lens - I have ever used on the canon line... and probably one of the top 5 sharpest lenses I have ever used in any camera system.
Not just sharp - two stops up from wide open... but sharp - wide open.
I was shooting a party at a bowling alley. Disco bowling. So it was mostly dark - and there were disco lights and fog and all sorts of distractions. This lens performed flawlessly and autofocused fast and correct almost all the time.
When using this lens in a regular light situation - it could be useful to put a neutral density filter on it... and shoot it wide open for the most beautiful bokeh that the canon line has to offer.
Upsides: sharp, great colors, amazing bokeh
downsides: heavy, expensive, and not a zoom.
Canon EF 85mm f1.2L II USM Lens ...- User Rating: Summary for Canon EF 85mm f1.2L II USM Lens ...- This is a single purpose lens but ....
Notes on Canon EF 85mm f1.2L II USM Lens ...- it does it really really really well.
The lens is expensive, you can buy 5 85 f/1.8 for 1 85 f/1.2.
The lens is heavy and fat.
You could use it as an indoor sport lens since it a f/1.2, but the 70-200 f/2.8 IS is more useful, since it focuses quicker and the range is more useful.
You can use it as a walking around lens, but 24-70 f/2.8 is a better choice.
Macro, the 100 f/2.8 macro is more suitable and only 1/5 of the price.
Is it worth the money?
It depends.
It's a difficult lens to work with.
As others have noted, the DOF is incredibly thing.
Most don't really need f/1.2.
No you buy this lens for only one purpose.
Bar none it is the best portrait lens out there.
The bokeh and sharpness is stunning.
Canon EF 85mm f1.2L II USM Lens ...- User Rating: Summary for Canon EF 85mm f1.2L II USM Lens ...- Ditto, great lens
Notes on Canon EF 85mm f1.2L II USM Lens ...- I have 70-200 2.8, 24-70 2.8, 16-35 2.8 and this lens. This being my only prime is great. Can't say enough about what this lens will do. DOF needs to be watched you can get a focused tip of the nose and out of focus eyes even with someone with a small nose :-)
