I'm really glad I found this review. I like the way you have info in text format in the video and you show examples of what the lens can do instead of some other review where you only see some guy going on and on and on about the lens without showing what really matters.
I'm new to photography, but the price of the 1.2 compared to the 1.8 doesn't win the race by much. Personally, the 1.2 wins the race by a fraction of a second. If I'm going to shell out $1500 to $2000 thousand dollars, it has to perform little better than that. I reckon that red ring makes people want it.
Great review of these lenses Nick. Best I've seen for being informative. I think that unless one is being regularly paid for wedding or certain types of portrait photography then maybe the 1.2 is a good one to rent if the feeling to use it exists. It seems to serve a very narrow purpose and excel at it (in the hands of the right person of course). I've just bought a 100mm 2.8l macro, so I don't have money to even consider another purchase just yet. From, not a wedding photographer.
I have both lenses. The f/1.2 is for bragging rights! I use the smaller and lighter f/1.8 90% of the time. I just shot a kids birthday party indoors and I can say that I can live with the smaller f/1.8 lens...period. I also use it on head-shots, portraits and during my leisure times when I'm travelling. I also shoot it at special events like weddings and etc. with ease. Now, the bigger, heavier and bulkier f/1.2. IF you need that f/1.2 and never stop it down and leave it at f/1.2 for life then get it. It has a special place and time for it. I often find it useless unless I'm in a situation where it's very low light and subject seldom move and when I want that "Special" look, which the f/1.2 delivers. I use a Canon 1DX and somehow I find the auto focus is a little bit faster compared to a 5D MKIII. When all said and done, I rather use the smaller f/1.8 brother. I may sell the f/1.2 and get another lens.
Robert Estiandan Thanks for the heads up. I wondered if the 85mm 1.8 was a keeper or not? Or if you should buy a 1.2 if you already have a 1.8? Thanks!
Drac03 At 1.2...critical focus must be made or bust. 99% of the time I use live mode and magnify for fine tuning with manual focus. I actually sold the 1.2 and grabbed the Zeiss Milvus...THE BEST!!!! Bokeh rendering is better than the Otus! Sharpness? It's a Zeiss. To answer your question...if you have the 1.8 and can't sleep because of the 1.2 then by all means get it. Today, there are many capable 85mm for lesser price. My first choice and highly recommended is the Rokinon 85/1.2 and Sigma 85/1.4...not a 1.2 but it's an Otus fighter!
You hit it right on the head. The 85 1.2 is pretty much bragging rights. I have used both. You get just a hair more DOF then the 1.8.. No reason honestly to get the 1.2 if you have the 1.8. More DOF can be achieved in LR.
Very practical review! I hate "unboxings" (from people who don't have any experience with the lens/camera), and pretend reviews that are really just advertising. You did an excellent job in providing an unbiased opinion from somebody who obviously uses both lenses.
I like this review. Well summarized differences/similarities without getting too technical and without fidgeting with the lenses all the time. Good stuff
Thanks Nick, I was procrastinating about which one to get, but also like the difference between the 1.2 and 1.4 50MM lenses, I think I'm going with the 1.8 85MM after watching this. thanks mate.
Wonderful review, honest and it leads to a conclusion finally, this what makes your review sir stand out from all the million other reviews of these two particular lenses Respect
I also prefer a faster focus lens because you don't want to lose that moment for a great shot. Anyway, I think f/1.8 is already awesome enough for achieving soft background in portraiture shoot.
Good review. After watching a few reviews you answered the questions that needed answering and the reality I've found is faster glass is so unpredictable. It's literally like 1 in 5 that are in focus. I am in the market again and realize that I decided correctly the first time with the 1.8. I'll probably end up buying the 1.2 because I want to try a few things, but I doubt that I will keep it.
Great review I also own and 85 mm 1.8 is a very fast lens and is beautiful for wedding photography.... the F1 .2 is four times the price twice as heavy and you really have to justify the money for this lens for everyday shooting F 1.8 is a brilliant piece of kit ..
Very helpful review...and well done...Have you ever done a side by side with the Canon 1.2 vs the Sigma 85mm 1.4..The Canon 1.2 is too expensive for me (and slow), but would find interesting and helpful the Sigma 1.4 vs the Canon 1.8...Thanks...Philip
At 5:07 there was clearly more than just the candle lighting this scene. There are at least three catch lights in his eyes and shadows coming from directions other than from the candle.
If going on a full frame camera the 85 1.8 is the one I use a lot more. On a crop frame I think the 50mm 1.4 might be more useful. The 85 is slightly better quality.
Yes, I have been considering buying the Sigma 85 1.4 too, it seems a good mid point in both price and performance, and I have seen some very good reviews.
Awesome review, I was quite disappointed with how slow the 1.2 focuses. I tested both lenses and there was such small differences which had to do with the DOF. I actually liked the 1.8 more, it's very sharp. I also was quite disappointed when I realized the 1.2 has a lot of color fringing. Which for that price it shouldn't. I'd rather go for the 1.8!
looks like the only consideration to the 1.2 is low light photo, other than that, i think i should just keep my 50mm 1.4 for now as light is my priority. just want a 85mm lens for closer image so if i will get, might be the 1.8 instead.
Agreed. Shooting a wedding, the most important thing is that you GET the shot (focus), if the image quality is 5% inferior, it's still worth it. You manage to get the child ringbearer in perfect focus and the shot is amazing, then the wedding kiss photo is slightly front focused...... I own the 1.2 and I wouldn't want to use it on a wedding, EXCEPT if I were the secondary photographer with the task to get that extra something, in which case, I wouldn't want any other lens, period.
Hey Nick! I was really inspired as i saw your review, so i got the 85 1.8 too and made a review! its in german, but i think the pictures at the end, is everyone able to understand :) Canon 85 1.8 USM Review - Erfahrungen, Vergleiche und Beispielbilder -
Any thoughts on the sigma 85 f1.4. Seems like the price is right in between the 1.8 and 1.2 of the canon and from what ive seen, seems like a good lens as well. The 1.2 for me is just too expensive.
Thanks for your videos, they are extremely helpful! I am definitely going to go for the 85mm 1.8. The 1.2 is dreamy looking, but your input made me feel better about not waiting years until I can afford the 1.2. However, I was wondering if you have an opinion on Canon's 35mm f2 vs the 1.4L? I'm definitely hoping the 35mm f2 is similar in quality and performance to the 85 1.8, as I was hoping to buy them both. Thanks again! :D
Really liked this review. Only questions I would have are what were the settings on the camera that you used for say the shot of the birds. Great Review.
I have two canon lens that I will never trade in. one is 20 year old or so 85 1.8. awesome lens. easy to bring with you. fast and discrete. I love the 50 1.4 canon for same reasons
Great comparison! :) It was helpful. One more question. Do I know correctly that the f/1.8 lens is suitable for crop sensor cameras too, not just for full frame? Like Canon EOS 1200D? Thank you for the answer :)
Hi .. I have the 85mm 1.8 & Canon T4i. I would like to know what is the best settings to get sharp image (be it indoor or out door) of 2 -3 kids and how far do I've to be away from the subject. I'm no expert in Photography. I have taken some pictures, however I'm still not very pleased comparing to the sample pictures that I have seen at different reviews.
hi nick, im planning to buy a new lens for my 60D and currently using 18-200mm 3.5-5.6. i usually take photos indoor events like cosplays and carshows. and also planning to take some landscapes, which lens would you recommend on me? im thinking about 85mm 1.8, 70-200mm f4 and 24-105 f4. my main concern is the image quality for the lens stated. thanks...
Love my 85mm f/1.8! I a not really concerned about what my lens looks like! I am concerned about how the lens works and what the images shot with the lens look like. If I could afford it, I'd take the 85mm f/1.4L which IMO has the best attributes of both lenses.
Hi Nick Thank you for your review & the 85 mm 's got a good S/H 85 1.8 Ordered go nice with my the 200 m prime, my next Bank robbery will be a 135 mm L, "Another pint Landlord" !!
Thank you very much for the informative video. I recently bought the f/1.2 85mm lens and yes, all what you said is true about it. However, it is still a 'magical' lens and I'm really happy with it :)
I will honestly see sometimes we want to select a lens off the hype or the look of the lens because I really want a 50mm 1.2 yet I hear all the time it is not really better than the 1.8 or 1.4 in IQ, just that it is slightly better at low light but big.
windy torres I have both; the 85mm 1.8 is sharper particularly on the edges, much faster focusing and less distortion. On a 85mm it is a 135mm which works as a portrait but can be a little long, the 50mm is easier from a focal distance point of view. If I could only have one it would be the 85mm every time.
when it comes to dof I have had that same problem (nose in focus, face out of focus) with my 50mm 1.8 on a 60D, I think once you get below f/2 you venture into problems with nailing focus
Not gonna lie, the light the 1.2 gains is very attractive. For me, unfortunately it lacks IS which at that focal length is very important, esp if you do night shoots. What kills the 1.8 in my opinion is the lack of weather sealing, as with all non L lenses. This aspect really sucks. I don't mind paying premium prices for things as investments but for those prices, they must hit a few boxes: fast, weather sealed, and IS.
That really help me .. Just also make me confused why canon make 2 lens .. one of them wearing the sweet red line but doesn't work like the other lens?
thanks for this vid, it just answered some important questions for me. now i can spend my money on your choice of lens with a little bit of confidence :) regards
Your last line 'I'll take the 1.8 lens with me' was the decisive point. Cheers mate!
HAHA AGREED
same
I'm really glad I found this review. I like the way you have info in text format in the video and you show examples of what the lens can do instead of some other review where you only see some guy going on and on and on about the lens without showing what really matters.
I liked that as well.
Wow. I love the the way you summarized the pros and cos of each lens. Great job man!
I'm new to photography, but the price of the 1.2 compared to the 1.8 doesn't win the race by much. Personally, the 1.2 wins the race by a fraction of a second. If I'm going to shell out $1500 to $2000 thousand dollars, it has to perform little better than that. I reckon that red ring makes people want it.
Great review of these lenses Nick. Best I've seen for being informative. I think that unless one is being regularly paid for wedding or certain types of portrait photography then maybe the 1.2 is a good one to rent if the feeling to use it exists. It seems to serve a very narrow purpose and excel at it (in the hands of the right person of course). I've just bought a 100mm 2.8l macro, so I don't have money to even consider another purchase just yet. From, not a wedding photographer.
I have both lenses. The f/1.2 is for bragging rights!
I use the smaller and lighter f/1.8 90% of the time. I just shot a kids birthday party indoors and I can say that I can live with the smaller f/1.8 lens...period. I also use it on head-shots, portraits and during my leisure times when I'm travelling. I also shoot it at special events like weddings and etc. with ease.
Now, the bigger, heavier and bulkier f/1.2. IF you need that f/1.2 and never stop it down and leave it at f/1.2 for life then get it. It has a special place and time for it. I often find it useless unless I'm in a situation where it's very low light and subject seldom move and when I want that "Special" look, which the f/1.2 delivers. I use a Canon 1DX and somehow I find the auto focus is a little bit faster compared to a 5D MKIII. When all said and done, I rather use the smaller f/1.8 brother. I may sell the f/1.2 and get another lens.
great info and I agree on that as well. if you not going to shoot 1.2 99% of the time the 1.8 is the way to go!
Robert Estiandan
Thanks for the heads up. I wondered if the 85mm 1.8 was a keeper or not? Or if you should buy a 1.2 if you already have a 1.8? Thanks!
Drac03 At 1.2...critical focus must be made or bust. 99% of the time I use live mode and magnify for fine tuning with manual focus. I actually sold the 1.2 and grabbed the Zeiss Milvus...THE BEST!!!! Bokeh rendering is better than the Otus! Sharpness? It's a Zeiss. To answer your question...if you have the 1.8 and can't sleep because of the 1.2 then by all means get it. Today, there are many capable 85mm for lesser price. My first choice and highly recommended is the Rokinon 85/1.2 and Sigma 85/1.4...not a 1.2 but it's an Otus fighter!
You hit it right on the head. The 85 1.2 is pretty much bragging rights. I have used both. You get just a hair more DOF then the 1.8.. No reason honestly to get the 1.2 if you have the 1.8. More DOF can be achieved in LR.
Brandon Cole Photography Agree. 1.8 has more DOF and equates to forgiving focused area especially within minimal focal distance.
Very practical review! I hate "unboxings" (from people who don't have any experience with the lens/camera), and pretend reviews that are really just advertising. You did an excellent job in providing an unbiased opinion from somebody who obviously uses both lenses.
I like this review. Well summarized differences/similarities without getting too technical and without fidgeting with the lenses all the time. Good stuff
Thanks Nick, I was procrastinating about which one to get, but also like the difference between the 1.2 and 1.4 50MM lenses, I think I'm going with the 1.8 85MM after watching this. thanks mate.
Wonderful review, honest and it leads to a conclusion finally, this what makes your review sir stand out from all the million other reviews of these two particular lenses
Respect
I got the 1.8. Awesome photos on that thing.
I also prefer a faster focus lens because you don't want to lose that moment for a great shot. Anyway, I think f/1.8 is already awesome enough for achieving soft background in portraiture shoot.
The 85 f/1.2L II is such a beautiful lens and is definitely worth it's money. And yes, I remember when I used it how heavy it was!
Yes the f1.8 is a good alternative it does just about all the 1.2 can do just one stop less.
I agree with Paul. 50 1.4 and 85 1.8 are the two to consider.
Really appreciate this review. I've been torn over these two lens and the sigma art. For me your last comment was the decider for me. Cheers!
Yes it does. The main reason for the slow focus of the 85mm 1.2 is that there is lots of glass to move and it has a focus by wire AF system.
Watching this in 2017 and bloody hell Nick how things have changed, going lens shopping today and car shopping tomorrow.
the 85mm 1.8 is better in every way (aside from cost and size) to the 50mm.
Good practical review Nick Murray, Thanks for that !
It's not that slow, if you have used the 50mm 1.8 II it is about twice as fast as that lens. Perfectly useable.
Good review. After watching a few reviews you answered the questions that needed answering and the reality I've found is faster glass is so unpredictable. It's literally like 1 in 5 that are in focus. I am in the market again and realize that I decided correctly the first time with the 1.8. I'll probably end up buying the 1.2 because I want to try a few things, but I doubt that I will keep it.
Great review I also own and 85 mm 1.8 is a very fast lens and is beautiful for wedding photography.... the F1 .2 is four times the price twice as heavy and you really have to justify the money for this lens for everyday shooting F 1.8 is a brilliant piece of kit ..
I have been torn between the two lenses and on the final statement its has to be the 1.8. thanks for the information. much appreciated.
Very helpful review...and well done...Have you ever done a side by side with the Canon 1.2 vs the Sigma 85mm 1.4..The Canon 1.2 is too expensive for me (and slow), but would find interesting and helpful the Sigma 1.4 vs the Canon 1.8...Thanks...Philip
Great comparison. Thank you for pointing out the pros and cons on both!
You did a great job saying what's really important. So thumbs up for you!!
At 5:07 there was clearly more than just the candle lighting this scene. There are at least three catch lights in his eyes and shadows coming from directions other than from the candle.
Yeah, I've been experimenting with lens compression, using longer focal lengths to get the shallow depth of field
If going on a full frame camera the 85 1.8 is the one I use a lot more. On a crop frame I think the 50mm 1.4 might be more useful. The 85 is slightly better quality.
YES, it is one of the best portrait lens there is. Less distortion than the 50mm but not as long as a 100mm.
Yes, I have been considering buying the Sigma 85 1.4 too, it seems a good mid point in both price and performance, and I have seen some very good reviews.
Thanks dude! Helped me much, The 1.2 lense is really nice but looks like i will keep my f1.8.
Some people prefer 100mm on a full frame but personally I like the 85mm
I have also heard the 50mm 1.2 was the wedding lens before in the past. If you could only have one as a L prime, which would it be for a wedding?
Yes the 85 1.8 performs a lot better than the 50 1.8 in low light. All around better lens
i bought the canon 85mm 1.8. i love that lens
Awesome review, I was quite disappointed with how slow the 1.2 focuses. I tested both lenses and there was such small differences which had to do with the DOF. I actually liked the 1.8 more, it's very sharp. I also was quite disappointed when I realized the 1.2 has a lot of color fringing. Which for that price it shouldn't. I'd rather go for the 1.8!
Yes the 85 1.2 is at least twice as fast as the 50 1.8. Well done Michael Scott : )
Sorry I have not used the Sigma but I have heard nothing but good things about it.
looks like the only consideration to the 1.2 is low light photo, other than that, i think i should just keep my 50mm 1.4 for now as light is my priority. just want a 85mm lens for closer image so if i will get, might be the 1.8 instead.
is this compatible with a Rebel t3 canon ?
Agreed. Shooting a wedding, the most important thing is that you GET the shot (focus), if the image quality is 5% inferior, it's still worth it. You manage to get the child ringbearer in perfect focus and the shot is amazing, then the wedding kiss photo is slightly front focused...... I own the 1.2 and I wouldn't want to use it on a wedding, EXCEPT if I were the secondary photographer with the task to get that extra something, in which case, I wouldn't want any other lens, period.
Hey Nick! I was really inspired as i saw your review, so i got the 85 1.8 too and made a review! its in german, but i think the pictures at the end, is everyone able to understand :) Canon 85 1.8 USM Review - Erfahrungen, Vergleiche und Beispielbilder -
Should I get the 85mm 1.8 or the 50mm 1.8?? I use a crop sensor DSLR
Sad ending .... i love the 1.2... but you right on this video bro. Thanks for the review!!
Any thoughts on the sigma 85 f1.4. Seems like the price is right in between the 1.8 and 1.2 of the canon and from what ive seen, seems like a good lens as well. The 1.2 for me is just too expensive.
Thanks for this great review. I'm trying to decide between the two lenses and this helps.
Thanks for your videos, they are extremely helpful! I am definitely going to go for the 85mm 1.8. The 1.2 is dreamy looking, but your input made me feel better about not waiting years until I can afford the 1.2. However, I was wondering if you have an opinion on Canon's 35mm f2 vs the 1.4L? I'm definitely hoping the 35mm f2 is similar in quality and performance to the 85 1.8, as I was hoping to buy them both. Thanks again! :D
So in similar price range, which one you most recommend, EF 50mm f/1.4 or the 85mm f/1.8? thanks
Great review! I'm thinking of buying a 85mm 1.8
Thanks for this I just got my 85 because of this review thanks for the great review
Really liked this review. Only questions I would have are what were the settings on the camera that you used for say the shot of the birds. Great Review.
Great review mate and was really helpful. Thanks mate
Hi. When doing manual focus on the f1.8 , can the focus ring be turned continually after you reach the end points or will it physically stop? Thanks
I have two canon lens that I will never trade in. one is 20 year old or so 85 1.8. awesome lens. easy to bring with you. fast and discrete. I love the 50 1.4 canon for same reasons
How about indoor sporting events or action? Lots of people use the 85mm 1.8 for that.
Thnx Nick , i'm also reading about the 135mm L , so not sure yet which to buy :)
Awesome, straight forward and to the point!
Great comparison! :) It was helpful. One more question. Do I know correctly that the f/1.8 lens is suitable for crop sensor cameras too, not just for full frame? Like Canon EOS 1200D? Thank you for the answer :)
Hi .. I have the 85mm 1.8 & Canon T4i. I would like to know what is the best settings to get sharp image (be it indoor or out door) of 2 -3 kids and how far do I've to be away from the subject. I'm no expert in Photography. I have taken some pictures, however I'm still not very pleased comparing to the sample pictures that I have seen at different reviews.
On a Rebel T4i, an 85mm lens will have an equivalent distance of a 135mn lens.
Nice review! The 5% most expensive ever$1600 .. However f1,8 does a good job for what I saw.
Hey Nick , do u recommend the 85mm 1.8 for portrait shooting ? thnx
Between 85mm f1.2l or 50mm f1.2l which one should i choose?
does the 85mm 1.8 focus fast on low light? my current lens 50mm 1.8 and i find it struggling to focus when there's not enough light,
Thanks for the no-nonsense review!
hi nick, im planning to buy a new lens for my 60D and currently using 18-200mm 3.5-5.6. i usually take photos indoor events like cosplays and carshows. and also planning to take some landscapes, which lens would you recommend on me? im thinking about 85mm 1.8, 70-200mm f4 and 24-105 f4. my main concern is the image quality for the lens stated. thanks...
A very helpful and straight forward review, helped alot, thank you.
That is one of the standard screen savers in Mac OSX
Thanks for the comment
The 1.2 is definitely not for moving objects, its strength is portraiture
Does the EF 1.2 focus slower at f1.2 because of the more shallow depth of field? If set at f1.8 does it focus slower than EF 1.8?
would the 85mm f1.8 be a great alternative for the 1.2 for wedding photos or would you suggest just getting the 1.2 in general?
Have you tried the 1.4 version with IS? I'm getting the 1.8 i think. Just wondering if the 1.4 has problems with CA as these two lenses both do.
the 100mm is better ?
thanks for sharing, nick. simple, clear, and easy to understand.
Have you seen the Rokinon 85mm t 1.5 cine lens? I'm trying to figure out if I should get that one or the canon 85 1.8. Both cost about the same.
Thanks Nick I'm buying a 1.8 so this really helps. Cheers
love the commodore 64 tshirt and good informational video
Hey Nick do you think the 85mm 1.8 EF is better than the Sigma 50 you give me for the small studio video
Yes the 85mm is a much better lens in all respects
Love my 85mm f/1.8! I a not really concerned about what my lens looks like! I am concerned about how the lens works and what the images shot with the lens look like. If I could afford it, I'd take the 85mm f/1.4L which IMO has the best attributes of both lenses.
Hi Nick Thank you for your review & the 85 mm 's got a good S/H 85 1.8 Ordered go nice with my the 200 m prime, my next Bank robbery will be a 135 mm L, "Another pint Landlord" !!
how do you have the slideshow on your computer like that?
Great comparison
You can now get the f1.2 version on pre holiday sale on www.photolg.com/Canon85mmf1.2IIUSmLens
Very Good Work Nick Murray
Thank you very much for the informative video. I recently bought the f/1.2 85mm lens and yes, all what you said is true about it. However, it is still a 'magical' lens and I'm really happy with it :)
Can you please make a comparison of canon 85 1.8 usm and 50 1.8 stm on aps-c. Thank you so much....
I will honestly see sometimes we want to select a lens off the hype or the look of the lens because I really want a 50mm 1.2 yet I hear all the time it is not really better than the 1.8 or 1.4 in IQ, just that it is slightly better at low light but big.
Thank you! very very useful video! Great comparison!
Need help . I own a t3i and need a lens .
between 50 mm 1.4 and 85 mm 1.8 for portraits the sharpest of the two
Thanks in advance !
windy torres I have both; the 85mm 1.8 is sharper particularly on the edges, much faster focusing and less distortion. On a 85mm it is a 135mm which works as a portrait but can be a little long, the 50mm is easier from a focal distance point of view. If I could only have one it would be the 85mm every time.
I chose correctly! The 1.8 is my default lens and I have a nice selection of L's.
What screensaver do you use?
when it comes to dof I have had that same problem (nose in focus, face out of focus) with my 50mm 1.8 on a 60D, I think once you get below f/2 you venture into problems with nailing focus
You said the 1.8 is one stop slower than the 1.2.
[1.2..;1.4..;1.8...] Would that be a stop and a half???
Not gonna lie, the light the 1.2 gains is very attractive. For me, unfortunately it lacks IS which at that focal length is very important, esp if you do night shoots. What kills the 1.8 in my opinion is the lack of weather sealing, as with all non L lenses. This aspect really sucks. I don't mind paying premium prices for things as investments but for those prices, they must hit a few boxes: fast, weather sealed, and IS.
Sir how about Sigma 85 1.4 ex hsm lens.. a lot of talking about it lately... can u review it?
That really help me .. Just also make me confused why canon make 2 lens .. one of them wearing the sweet red line but doesn't work like the other lens?
thanks for this vid, it just answered some important questions for me. now i can spend my money on your choice of lens with a little bit of confidence :)
regards
Its one of the standard Mac OS X screen savers
Can you please clarify - the 85 1.2 focues twice as fast as the 50 1.8 or vice versa? PS - "I like it from the top as well." That's what she said!
Thanks for that information; I found it cool
I wish you do comparison between:
Yongnuo YN 85 mm f/1.8 & Canon EF 85 mm f/1.8 USM