EF 85mm f/1.2L II in 2025

[DanOstergren]

I still shoot with a DSLR (a 5D MKIII), so EF lenses are what I use. I am really loving how the prices of EF lenses have gone down significantly since RF became the main lens mount for Canon. I've wanted an EF 85mm f/1.2 II for at least 14 years but it was always way out of my price range, but I have always considered it to be one of my "dream lenses" so I would still check on prices every once in a while. My 85mm f/1.8 has always been a great lens, so I couldn't really justify spending such a large amount of money to upgrade to the f/1.2L II. However, because of the EF price point has dropped so much, especially in the used market, I was able to pick up a used one in like new condition for less than $800, and I am so happy with this lens. I love a shallow depth of field for a portrait, and it really delivers. I used to have a 135mm f/2L that did a wonderful job of this too, but I always found that focal length to be a hassle to use, both outdoors and indoors. 85mm is much easier for me to use. That said, it's 2lbs, so I think I'm going to need to get a grip for my camera now. Auto-focus is slower than the f/1.8, but it is much more accurate and it's very sharp even wide open. Speaking of wide open, I never quite appreciated the potential low light possibilities of a lens that has such a fast aperture and such a wide front element. At f/1.2, this thing sucks up so much light. I rarely need to increase the ISO above 1000 unless I need a really fast shutter, but for the most part my subjects aren't moving much so it's not often that I need a fast shutter (or fast auto-focus). The low light abilities of this lens were honestly a benefit that I hadn't much considered before buying it, but are very much appreciated now that I use it on a regular basis. I wish I could say that I've noticed a major improvement in the way it renders an image while shooting in-studio, but the only improvement I can really speak of is a result of the more accurate auto-focus compared to the f/1.8 version. In natural/available light however? Big improvement.

I don't have a single regret about purchasing this lens. I had rented it in the past for weddings, but never had a chance to really make something of my own with it. Now that I have, I absolutely love it. I hear the EF to RF adaptor doesn't reduce quality or performance at all, so when I finally upgrade to mirrorless I think I'll happily keep it instead of buying the RF 85mm f/1.2L. Maybe I'll get the RF version when spending that kind of money isn't a big deal to me, but until then I am very happy to keep this one.