Find out how why the Canon RF 85mm f2 Macro is a no-brainer for EOS R! Check prices at B&H: bhpho.to/3iO6vU2 // WEX: bit.ly/3edZGrt Buy Gordon a coffee: www.paypal.me/cameralabs Gordon's In Camera book: amzn.to/2n61PfI / Amazon uk: amzn.to/2mBqRVZ Cameralabs merchandise: redbubble.com/people/cameralabs/shop Music: www.davidcuttermusic.com / @dcuttermusic #canon #rf #macro
Hello Gordon, very very good review. As usual. Have you tried tracking with this new rf 85 f2? I mean, the only thing that's holding me from buying it tomorrow is that somehow I feel that it'll be slow in tracking. Not in video, but in photo burst mode. Especially now that I've seen that old ef 85mm is quicker to grab the focus. That old guy speed is giving me secure feel somehow.
@@miljanlakic I haven't tested it much for tracking, but what I've seen so far is fine - I'll try and give it a go tomorrow if I can. My last day with the lens!
Gordon thank you for bringing us these informative videos. Question can't you get a Samyang AF 85 f1.4 borrowed from another source? Would have love to see that comparison to the RF 85 f2. For us folks who may never be able to afford the 85 f1.2, we would be very interested in seeing the Samyang vs Canon f2.
Why can’t all tech reviews be as good as Gordon’s? I’ve been a fan for a long time but this one makes me realize it’s time to become a paid sponsor and also pickup that photography book!
I was looking for this sort of review for a while. You have no idea how happy I feel right now! I own the 85 mm f1.8 and I also noticed that my photos seemed to be seemingly out of focus. I am glad to find out that I’m not the only one!
Another great review Gordon, thanks for comparing these options. That 1.8 is still doing pretty good for nearly 30 years old design! I had the EF 85 1.4 IS on my radar for a while, but this native RF option might be a better deal (for me). Sure, the background blur and over 1 stop of extra light gathering on the 1.2 is great, but it’s over $3,000 more here ($850 vs $4000 Canadian). Plus, the close focusing “macro” ability on that F2 sure can make some beautiful photos as you demonstrated!
I was looking for a review comparing this lens with the EF 1.8 all over RUclips. It is annoying how many reviewers compare things completely outside a close budget bracket. Thanks for the review!
This is one of the best reviews for ANYTHING that I have ever watched… thank you!! No brainer, I picked one up immediately after this review. Excited to try it out!
That was an absolutely brilliant review. The "real world" examples, comparisons and applications were really appreciated. An absolute pleasure to watch from start to finish. Many thanks!
Hey Gordon ... I been watching your reviews, but realized I had not subscribed. Fixed that! Now about the review, great job, very informative. I had thought to keep my 85mm f/1.8 USM and get an adapter when I upgrade to the R5. Based on your stellar review, I am sticking with that plan. I love the look of the EF 85mm f/1.8 images; coupled with its speed, is why I love it. I was excited about the EF 85 f/1.2, but when I rented one and did a photoshoot with it; I found it slowed me down way too much because of low AF. In this review, when you show tight close ups, there is too much detail for my style of portrait work. I like to shoot wide open and EF 85 f1.8 captures a creaminess that is just perfect. Pores, blemishes and peach fuzz are stuff I would to have to adjust in post. So I am not feeling that ... so gonna keep riding with the horse that brung me lol.
Your review is so great i even changed the playback quality to 1080p to fully enjoy the experience! (I come from a place where i have only 15gb monthly quota). That's how much i appreciate your review 🤗
I still use the 30 years old EF 85 mm f1.8 for family portraits. Hard to beat this lens for the price, small size and light weight. Amazing cheap lens. Thanks for the great comparison.
This lens is PERFECT for the uber cheap Canon RP! Pair that with the 35mm 1.8 IS, and you have a tremendous two lens, stabilized prime kit. Nice! Also perfect for close up ring shots (both primes).
Thanks for this Gordon primarily because I also use the EF 85 f1.8 on the R6 and it performs *exactly* like yours does, I can't say it's a bad copy because on the 6D mark 1 it's razor sharp. Sadly the F2 background effect doesn't seem to compete with either so I think i'll opt for an RF 1.8 at some point.
Just discovered your channel yesterday. This review was so incredibly helpful, so thank you. Happily subscribed to your channel now as i know it will come in handy!
Hi Gorden, thanks for your test. The RF 85F2 sounds really great. The EF 85F1.8 and the EF 50 F1.4 have a bug with the EOS R and obvious R5/R6 eye AF. If your subject is far off center they front focus compared to the real eye position. The EF 50 F1.4 is more extrem in this regard. In order to use these lenses with eye AF keep your subject fairly centered. I can only speculate why. My guess is they use a kind of correction for points which are off center in the lens itself. And btw even if you use the focus guide it shows focus is there but actually it is not.
Excellent review, Gordon. That's a good point about EF lenses and the reduction in fps on the R5 compared to native lenses. I was thinking of getting the R5 for wildlife photography with my EF 500mm f/4 l ii. I'm now wondering if that lens would also take a fps hit? I live in Hove and you're more than welcome to test it out.
Seeing the sharpness struggles you have on the old EF 1.8 makes me grateful for how good a copy I got on mine. Mine is really close to the same sharpness as the new 85 f/2 thankfully (at least in the center). Plus I got it on super sale for only $250 😁😁😁. Guess I'll be keeping that copy for a long time more.
Thanks Gordon for your great review. Your tireless work has reassured me in my pre-order! Thanks also for confirming the situation with the lens hood (or lack thereof in the box). I would have thought with this newer mount Canon would have broken with its tradition with the non inclusion of hoods with standard tier lenses. But it is like complaining why the earth is spherical (round). It is, what it is, so there is no real surprise!
RF 100mm Macro 2.8 get's here today, will try that out for a bit and see how well it does. I feel that the 85mm F2 will be so close that I may as well jump to the F1.4 or lower for the 85mm lens. But that price increase is huge, and no IS like the older EF F1.4 making other options tempting. Samyang honestly would be my pick, but as of today you cant find that lens anywhere it was discontinued.
'Wasn't drunk at the time' - Laing at his best ! Great review 👍
3 года назад
Wonderful review! This lens may actually be what makes me upgrade my old 6D for an R6. All aspects of the lens looks great, except that I have to admit that I am a bit disappointed by the difference I bokeh, where the EF version actually looks fairly good. I also have the Tamron 85mm 1.8 VC, which is actually a great lense, and I wonder if the benefit of a native mount is actually enough for buying the RF over the Tamron?
Fantastic video and lens mate. Can't wait to buy it 😜 Thanks for another amazing review mate. Appreciate your super hard work and brilliant unbiased reviews.
That RF2 lens looks like a good bit of kit , and a lot smaller and lighter than the super RF1.2 plus a load cheaper. The EF lens is holding it's own when you think that it was made over 30 years ago. very good comparison off all three, pity Canon didn't implement weather seals on the F2.0 lens. Yet as always a great review from you Gordan cheers.
Thanks for the great review, been trying to look for some comparison between the rf 85mm f2 and the f1.2 Great review and I think I am sold to the f2 base on the size and price. Thanks again!
Another great video, Gordon. Been following you for a long time. Even though I watch and read many reviews on a lens before I buy I always take CameraLabs as the last word and most trustworthy and reliable. I've felt with the EF lenses that you always had to go the L models to get the best image quality but I am finding that with RF the standard primes punch well above their weight...so much that I haven't had the need to get a red ring on any of my kit since moving to mirrorless. Thanks again, sir!
Perfect point of reference lens selection Gordon, another fantastic review! Seems like Canon is fighting off third party brands by infusing value oriented features like image stabilization(IS), macro capability(1/2) and an affordable price. @ f2, it’s indistinguishable in terms of sharpness vs the RF f1.2, unless of course you look at the bokeh. I prefer this strategy of adding IS and a macro capability vs third party brands, Z and FE mount. In a few months, RF mount will have 3 glass with IS and macro capability lenses; 35 f1.8, 85 f2, 24 f1.8, hopefully the 50 f1.8 will include it too. I will jump to the RF mount as soon as the f4 trinity is complete; 14-35, 24-70 w/h macro capability and the “coke can” 70-200......speed it up Canon!
They all look pretty good. I would love the 1.2 but with how little I shoot small focal length it’s hard to justify the price, the F2 will work for me.
Looking at this video I totally agree. Really pleased that Canon has released this lens. An 85mm was nowhere near on my list anywhere - however looking at this review this 85mm lens is straight to the top of my wants list
This is exactly what I've been looking for. I am considering purchasing a full-frame mirrorless and having this type of review is very helpful. Thank you!
@@boronado I got a great deal on the R6 mostly because I am back into shooting events and I like to have the dual card slots plus the IBIS is helpful for my shaky hands.
Have you tried tracking action with continuous autofocus for sports photography? I had the 85mm 1.8 FE that was super quick to autofocus. Thank you for making this review!
Excellent review, very comprehensive. Personally, I preferred the images of the RF 2.0 model as the super shallow depth of field on the 1.4 removed a lot of detail from the model's face and jacket. If I really need a blurred background there are tools in post for that.....Waterproofing would be nice. I also would prefer third-party lens hoods to avoid the Canon price gouging.
I watched your video a few time now, and decided to buy this lens. :) I did use your wex link, I hope it helps you as much as your video helped me. Thank you.
Hi Gordon. Thorough, as ever. You've sold me on the latest R offerings, still trying to balance capability against budget! Certainly for slightly long focus out and about video I much prefer the f2 version. Not just the lower weight, I think, within RUclips limits, that it looks 'nicer' in your tripod non-vlog section. Cheers. BobUK
That helped so much! Thanks. Im going to get the RF 85mm f2 to update my old EF 85 1.8, as it is washed out wide open (i dont think you have a faulty version, mine is the same)
Looks like a great option for the EOS R system but as I noticed with Nikon's NIKKOR Z 85/1.8 S, this newer, better-corrected generation of lenses for mirrorless are capable of less maximum background blur compared to their SLR-designed brethren. A bit disappointing but I guess you give up something in exchange for greater overall optical performance. Did you observe anything of note about relative chromatic aberrations? It'd be great to have that become standard with your lens reviews. Great job as usual!
Thanks Gordon, I have been waiting for this. I'm not surprised Samyang wouldn't send you a copy of their 85. The Focus is appaling on, the R5 and the lens is incompatible with IBIS. I bought one and sent it back a week later. Very poor results, it's not worth the hassle. This new f2 macro looks decent, but I think i'll just save and go for the 1.2L.
I was looking for a comparison like this, thanks. I wish there was a better way to test AF speed. The only thing that was absent, at least from my view is the chromatic aeration was absent in the 1.2 but clearly visible especially on the bokeh balls. Also not much mention or comparison of lens flare. Overall good information though, although no surprises.
Hey Gordon, just found out about your channel and woah I missed out on great content for so long. I am planning on upgrading to a EOS RP from t7i. I do mostly portraits and lifestyle photography. How does EOS RP perform with RF 35 mm f1.8 and RF 85 mm f2? Do you recommend both of these lens for portraits/lifestyle photography?
Interesting and very good video! All the time i was wondering whether my 85 f1.8 had a bitt of a front focus, because the eye on my images, shot with the eos r with eye detection on, were never sharp. Instead it was always something closer to the camera that was sharp. Your images showed the same effect. It seems your beard is a little closer to the camera and thus sharp, while the eye isn't. Wonder why this is the case... Thank you for your review.
I froze the comparison at 6:43 and the focus of the 1.2 lens is not on the eye. The F/2 lens is on the eye and underneath the crows feet are sharper on the F/2 but moving down the pores on your ridge fold next to your nose are deeper and more defined on the F1.2 and there is more detail on the hairs of your moustache and the three white things on the hairs. This suggests to me that the 1.2 focus is on your top lip moustache while the F/2 is on your eye. I put on my reading glasses and leaned in close to the 4k Samsung.
Thanks Gorden. you are my most favorite reviewer of Cameras lens. Many say in photography Technical details doesnt' matter. Yes it is but when choosing gadget that's what matters. There no other reviewer in RUclips who can get to the details as you do without wasting time on stupid things. Thank you so much! When I get better i'll get you are Espresso machine.
Definitely selling my EF 85 f/1.8 for the RF f/2. The old EF has served me well for many years but the RF looks considerably better with everything but maybe AF speed. It’s not your copy. I’ve owned 4 copies of the EF 85 f/1.8 and all were soft wide open. I learned around f/2.2 is about as open as I could go with f/2.8 being better still, at least for portraits where edge sharpness is more important. Same story with the EF 50 f/1.8 that I’m hoping the upcoming RF version fixes, which it should, because all of the RF primes are sharp wide open. I would like to test this against the Samyang. The RF looks plenty sharp enough with enough background blur, I’m more interested in which has the better contrast and colors.
@@cameralabs and what's even more exciting is the sharpness, colors and contrast on the f/2 look very similar to the f/1.2 version. This was also noticeable in Irene Rudnyk's video where she put the f/2 and f/1.2 shots side by side. I'll pocket the $2,100 in savings, Im sure I can live without obliterated f/1.2 backgrounds in my portraits :)
As always, great review. Just a small correction...you don't need native RF lenses to achieve 12fps on the R5/R6. You just need modern glass, even if it's adapted from EF mount. My EF 24-70 f/2.8 II, my Sigma 50mm f/1.4 Art, and my EF 40mm f/2.8 STM...they all achieve 12fps on mechanical shutter. But my Sigma 35mm f/1.4 Art (released before the 50mm) and my EF 70-200 f/2.8 L don't. If the battery is in good condition, I can usually get 12fps as long as I have at least 20 to 25% battery capacity remaining .
Excellent review as we’ve come to expect. Those 1.2’s are gold but man are they heavy. I’ve found out on hikes I use the new rf35. I don’t notice it on my peak clip when compared to the RF24-105L. But I still lust for the 85 f/1.2!!!
Find out how why the Canon RF 85mm f2 Macro is a no-brainer for EOS R!
Check prices at B&H: bhpho.to/3iO6vU2 // WEX: bit.ly/3edZGrt
Buy Gordon a coffee: www.paypal.me/cameralabs
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#canon #rf #macro
Hello Gordon, very very good review. As usual.
Have you tried tracking with this new rf 85 f2? I mean, the only thing that's holding me from buying it tomorrow is that somehow I feel that it'll be slow in tracking. Not in video, but in photo burst mode. Especially now that I've seen that old ef 85mm is quicker to grab the focus. That old guy speed is giving me secure feel somehow.
@@miljanlakic I haven't tested it much for tracking, but what I've seen so far is fine - I'll try and give it a go tomorrow if I can. My last day with the lens!
@@cameralabs I'd truly appreciate it. Thank you for your answer and good work you are doing.
Gordon thank you for bringing us these informative videos.
Question can't you get a Samyang AF 85 f1.4 borrowed from another source? Would have love to see that comparison to the RF 85 f2.
For us folks who may never be able to afford the 85 f1.2, we would be very interested in seeing the Samyang vs Canon f2.
@@maxvain borrowed from where? Plus if Samyang doesn't think it's ready for testing yet, it's probably better to wait on that model until it's fixed.
Why can’t all tech reviews be as good as Gordon’s? I’ve been a fan for a long time but this one makes me realize it’s time to become a paid sponsor and also pickup that photography book!
Thankyou, I appreciate your support!
There is only one Gordon Laing
@@TheG7thcapo there's three towards the end of this video!
You answer all questions. So glad you’ve been doing this for so long. Thank you for your continued content over the years!
My pleasure!
I went for Canon RF 85mm f2 Macro
thanks man
I was looking for this sort of review for a while. You have no idea how happy I feel right now! I own the 85 mm f1.8 and I also noticed that my photos seemed to be seemingly out of focus. I am glad to find out that I’m not the only one!
Always a pleasure to see a lens review from Gordon pop up on RUclips ..
Yet another thorough and concise review Godon. Thanks for sharing - your posts always a huge assistance when choosing gear.
Another great review Gordon, thanks for comparing these options. That 1.8 is still doing pretty good for nearly 30 years old design! I had the EF 85 1.4 IS on my radar for a while, but this native RF option might be a better deal (for me). Sure, the background blur and over 1 stop of extra light gathering on the 1.2 is great, but it’s over $3,000 more here ($850 vs $4000 Canadian). Plus, the close focusing “macro” ability on that F2 sure can make some beautiful photos as you demonstrated!
I was looking for a review comparing this lens with the EF 1.8 all over RUclips. It is annoying how many reviewers compare things completely outside a close budget bracket. Thanks for the review!
You're very welcome!
This is one of the best reviews for ANYTHING that I have ever watched… thank you!! No brainer, I picked one up immediately after this review. Excited to try it out!
Glad to help
That was an absolutely brilliant review. The "real world" examples, comparisons and applications were really appreciated. An absolute pleasure to watch from start to finish. Many thanks!
Thanks! I hope you get to check out my other videos!
Gordon, thank you very much for this review. I’m shopping around for my first ever RF lens and this really helps! Amazing work!!!
Hey Gordon ... I been watching your reviews, but realized I had not subscribed. Fixed that! Now about the review, great job, very informative. I had thought to keep my 85mm f/1.8 USM and get an adapter when I upgrade to the R5. Based on your stellar review, I am sticking with that plan. I love the look of the EF 85mm f/1.8 images; coupled with its speed, is why I love it. I was excited about the EF 85 f/1.2, but when I rented one and did a photoshoot with it; I found it slowed me down way too much because of low AF.
In this review, when you show tight close ups, there is too much detail for my style of portrait work. I like to shoot wide open and EF 85 f1.8 captures a creaminess that is just perfect. Pores, blemishes and peach fuzz are stuff I would to have to adjust in post. So I am not feeling that ... so gonna keep riding with the horse that brung me lol.
So very thorough. Thank you for publishing this!
The Canon mirrorless scene is getting better and better. This was a very good comparison video!
Another great review Gordon! I am looking forward to getting my hands on this lens soon!
Your review is so great i even changed the playback quality to 1080p to fully enjoy the experience! (I come from a place where i have only 15gb monthly quota). That's how much i appreciate your review 🤗
This is one of the best lens review videos I've ever seen. Great job.
I still use the 30 years old EF 85 mm f1.8 for family portraits. Hard to beat this lens for the price, small size and light weight. Amazing cheap lens. Thanks for the great comparison.
This lens is PERFECT for the uber cheap Canon RP! Pair that with the 35mm 1.8 IS, and you have a tremendous two lens, stabilized prime kit. Nice! Also perfect for close up ring shots (both primes).
Exactly, and there's likely to be more affordable RF lenses soon...
Very comprehensive and thorough review. Thanks and keep doing what you do!
thanks!
Thanks for this Gordon primarily because I also use the EF 85 f1.8 on the R6 and it performs *exactly* like yours does, I can't say it's a bad copy because on the 6D mark 1 it's razor sharp. Sadly the F2 background effect doesn't seem to compete with either so I think i'll opt for an RF 1.8 at some point.
Just discovered your channel yesterday. This review was so incredibly helpful, so thank you. Happily subscribed to your channel now as i know it will come in handy!
Thanks!
Great review! This was exactly what I was looking for. Thanks!
You're very welcome!
I have been waiting for this review!
Hi Gorden, thanks for your test. The RF 85F2 sounds really great. The EF 85F1.8 and the EF 50 F1.4 have a bug with the EOS R and obvious R5/R6 eye AF. If your subject is far off center they front focus compared to the real eye position. The EF 50 F1.4 is more extrem in this regard. In order to use these lenses with eye AF keep your subject fairly centered. I can only speculate why. My guess is they use a kind of correction for points which are off center in the lens itself. And btw even if you use the focus guide it shows focus is there but actually it is not.
Yesssss I've been waiting for your review on this one! Hopefully will pick it up sometime soon to compliment my R, great review as always!
Thanks!
Excellent review, Gordon. That's a good point about EF lenses and the reduction in fps on the R5 compared to native lenses. I was thinking of getting the R5 for wildlife photography with my EF 500mm f/4 l ii. I'm now wondering if that lens would also take a fps hit? I live in Hove and you're more than welcome to test it out.
Seeing the sharpness struggles you have on the old EF 1.8 makes me grateful for how good a copy I got on mine. Mine is really close to the same sharpness as the new 85 f/2 thankfully (at least in the center). Plus I got it on super sale for only $250 😁😁😁. Guess I'll be keeping that copy for a long time more.
My EF 85 1.8 is soft as £~>%{;@$ .... had it for 1 week and sold it hahaha
Thank you, I found it very useful and it allowed me to make my mind!
Nice! Really compelling option, and the irony, I realised it's made in Malaysia, and I haven't had to try one in my hands yet hehe
Brilliant review as always! Thanks! Very helpful!
Finally a review of this lens!
Glad to be of service!
Ok. I was ready to give up a body part but hold that thought. I'm feeling really great after seeing this review. Thanks Gordon!
Thanks Gordon for your great review. Your tireless work has reassured me in my pre-order! Thanks also for confirming the situation with the lens hood (or lack thereof in the box). I would have thought with this newer mount Canon would have broken with its tradition with the non inclusion of hoods with standard tier lenses. But it is like complaining why the earth is spherical (round). It is, what it is, so there is no real surprise!
That's pretty sharp ! 🙂
Thanks for this nice review ! 🙂
Great review! I’m still waiting for my pre-order.
RF 100mm Macro 2.8 get's here today, will try that out for a bit and see how well it does. I feel that the 85mm F2 will be so close that I may as well jump to the F1.4 or lower for the 85mm lens. But that price increase is huge, and no IS like the older EF F1.4 making other options tempting. Samyang honestly would be my pick, but as of today you cant find that lens anywhere it was discontinued.
Fantastic and thorough review. Thanks, Gordon. I'm going to buy the RF 85mm f/2 for my R6.
Now that's a review , perfect ! No stupid intro , no stupid silly jokes , no stupid hi folks , no stupid animations every second , great job!
Thanks! Spread the word!
Another great review, thanks. I have the 35 1.8 and now im gonna buy this one for my R5
'Wasn't drunk at the time' - Laing at his best ! Great review 👍
Wonderful review! This lens may actually be what makes me upgrade my old 6D for an R6. All aspects of the lens looks great, except that I have to admit that I am a bit disappointed by the difference I bokeh, where the EF version actually looks fairly good. I also have the Tamron 85mm 1.8 VC, which is actually a great lense, and I wonder if the benefit of a native mount is actually enough for buying the RF over the Tamron?
Fantastic video and lens mate. Can't wait to buy it 😜 Thanks for another amazing review mate. Appreciate your super hard work and brilliant unbiased reviews.
Thanks!
That RF2 lens looks like a good bit of kit , and a lot smaller and lighter than the super RF1.2 plus a load cheaper. The EF lens is holding it's own when you think that it was made over 30 years ago. very good comparison off all three, pity Canon didn't implement weather seals on the F2.0 lens. Yet as always a great review from you Gordan cheers.
Can't believe how sharp the RF1.2 corners are wide open! What a miraculous lens!!! Wow!!
Thanks for the great review, been trying to look for some comparison between the rf 85mm f2 and the f1.2
Great review and I think I am sold to the f2 base on the size and price.
Thanks again!
Another great video, Gordon. Been following you for a long time. Even though I watch and read many reviews on a lens before I buy I always take CameraLabs as the last word and most trustworthy and reliable. I've felt with the EF lenses that you always had to go the L models to get the best image quality but I am finding that with RF the standard primes punch well above their weight...so much that I haven't had the need to get a red ring on any of my kit since moving to mirrorless. Thanks again, sir!
Yep, Canon are making some really good RF lenses outside the L series.
Looks like a great lens! The colour fringing on the bokeh of the RF 85 f2 was a little distracting though.
Thanks for this review, Gordon. I’ve always loved your reviews.
Thanks, much appreciated!
@@cameralabs you’re welcome
Perfect point of reference lens selection Gordon, another fantastic review! Seems like Canon is fighting off third party brands by infusing value oriented features like image stabilization(IS), macro capability(1/2) and an affordable price. @ f2, it’s indistinguishable in terms of sharpness vs the RF f1.2, unless of course you look at the bokeh. I prefer this strategy of adding IS and a macro capability vs third party brands, Z and FE mount. In a few months, RF mount will have 3 glass with IS and macro capability lenses; 35 f1.8, 85 f2, 24 f1.8, hopefully the 50 f1.8 will include it too.
I will jump to the RF mount as soon as the f4 trinity is complete; 14-35, 24-70 w/h macro capability and the “coke can” 70-200......speed it up Canon!
Glad you fund it useful!
Thanks for the review, Gordon. This will be my new headshot lens for my new R5.
Exactly the review I needed! I’ll be purchasing the RF 85mm F2 today.
Glad to be of service!
They all look pretty good. I would love the 1.2 but with how little I shoot small focal length it’s hard to justify the price, the F2 will work for me.
I'm prefering the rf f2 lenses (the 35mm and now the 85) over thier gigantic 1.2 siblings
Me too!
Same. After watching this review I’m definitely going to save for it. I already have the rf 35mm 1.8 and I love it.
I only wish the 35 had weather sealing...
@@Boros777 it seriously irritates me as it must cost next to nothing for it!
Looking at this video I totally agree. Really pleased that Canon has released this lens. An 85mm was nowhere near on my list anywhere - however looking at this review this 85mm lens is straight to the top of my wants list
Great review!!
Thankyou!
This is exactly what I've been looking for. I am considering purchasing a full-frame mirrorless and having this type of review is very helpful. Thank you!
What full frame mirrorless camera did you end up buying? I’m buying a canon EOS R this weekend and I’m debating on what lens to get
@@boronado I got a great deal on the R6 mostly because I am back into shooting events and I like to have the dual card slots plus the IBIS is helpful for my shaky hands.
Great review.Thx a lot!
I will get one as the better IQ the the EF 1.8 convinced me.
Very good review with useful comparision.
Have you tried tracking action with continuous autofocus for sports photography? I had the 85mm 1.8 FE that was super quick to autofocus. Thank you for making this review!
Thanks for the benchmark, it really useful to me!
you're welcome!
Best breakdown of the RF 85mm f2 I've seen... and I've seen a lot.
Great review, especially comparing with the older lens
Excellent review. Very useful. I am becoming a fan of yours.
Thanks!
Thank you very much for the review! Helped make a decision..
You're welcome!
Excellent review, very comprehensive. Personally, I preferred the images of the RF 2.0 model as the super shallow depth of field on the 1.4 removed a lot of detail from the model's face and jacket. If I really need a blurred background there are tools in post for that.....Waterproofing would be nice. I also would prefer third-party lens hoods to avoid the Canon price gouging.
I watched your video a few time now, and decided to buy this lens. :)
I did use your wex link, I hope it helps you as much as your video helped me.
Thank you.
The ‘legends’ sign at 12:26 is def sharper with the RF85 f2 than with the f1.2, amazing given the cost difference
Great review again! I'd only be curious to see the focusing in low light situations compared to the 1.2.
The EOS R bodies can autofocus in very low light, so not much benefit to the f1.2 lenses over f2 unless it's REALLY dark.
Hi Gordon. Thorough, as ever. You've sold me on the latest R offerings, still trying to balance capability against budget! Certainly for slightly long focus out and about video I much prefer the f2 version. Not just the lower weight, I think, within RUclips limits, that it looks 'nicer' in your tripod non-vlog section. Cheers. BobUK
I certainly liked it!
Holy smokes the tripod comparison towards the end showed just how crisp that 85 F2 is. Impressive!
yes, it beats the RF 85 f/1.2!
Fantastic review. I would do the 1.2 but it isn’t the money but the size that had me ordering the f2
Great review, helped me to choose the RF 85mm 2.0 for my Canon R6. I allready have the RF 35mm F1.8. Kind regards from Denmark.
That helped so much! Thanks. Im going to get the RF 85mm f2 to update my old EF 85 1.8, as it is washed out wide open (i dont think you have a faulty version, mine is the same)
Mine too! That lens is a joke 🤣
Looks like a great option for the EOS R system but as I noticed with Nikon's NIKKOR Z 85/1.8 S, this newer, better-corrected generation of lenses for mirrorless are capable of less maximum background blur compared to their SLR-designed brethren. A bit disappointing but I guess you give up something in exchange for greater overall optical performance. Did you observe anything of note about relative chromatic aberrations? It'd be great to have that become standard with your lens reviews.
Great job as usual!
Thanks Gordon, I am placing an order for the RF 85mm f2 Macro now :)
Thanks Gordon, I have been waiting for this. I'm not surprised Samyang wouldn't send you a copy of their 85. The Focus is appaling on, the R5 and the lens is incompatible with IBIS. I bought one and sent it back a week later. Very poor results, it's not worth the hassle. This new f2 macro looks decent, but I think i'll just save and go for the 1.2L.
Hey Gordon, I love Your Videos 😍Right now I now that 85 mm f/2.0 is great choice. Thx
Just made a purchase on this review. Many thanks 😊
Great review as always Gordon.
Thanks!
I was looking for a comparison like this, thanks. I wish there was a better way to test AF speed. The only thing that was absent, at least from my view is the chromatic aeration was absent in the 1.2 but clearly visible especially on the bokeh balls. Also not much mention or comparison of lens flare. Overall good information though, although no surprises.
The review I have been waiting for. The RF 85mm f2 was the sharpest of the three.
An excellent review - every statement well considered..... Thank you..
Thanks!
This video is amazing, thanks Gordon. I now know which lense to buy
You're very welcome!
Hey Gordon, just found out about your channel and woah I missed out on great content for so long. I am planning on upgrading to a EOS RP from t7i. I do mostly portraits and lifestyle photography. How does EOS RP perform with RF 35 mm f1.8 and RF 85 mm f2? Do you recommend both of these lens for portraits/lifestyle photography?
Interesting and very good video! All the time i was wondering whether my 85 f1.8 had a bitt of a front focus, because the eye on my images, shot with the eos r with eye detection on, were never sharp. Instead it was always something closer to the camera that was sharp. Your images showed the same effect. It seems your beard is a little closer to the camera and thus sharp, while the eye isn't. Wonder why this is the case... Thank you for your review.
I froze the comparison at 6:43 and the focus of the 1.2 lens is not on the eye. The F/2 lens is on the eye and underneath the crows feet are sharper on the F/2 but moving down the pores on your ridge fold next to your nose are deeper and more defined on the F1.2 and there is more detail on the hairs of your moustache and the three white things on the hairs. This suggests to me that the 1.2 focus is on your top lip moustache while the F/2 is on your eye. I put on my reading glasses and leaned in close to the 4k Samsung.
Thanks Gorden. you are my most favorite reviewer of Cameras lens. Many say in photography Technical details doesnt' matter. Yes it is but when choosing gadget that's what matters. There no other reviewer in RUclips who can get to the details as you do without wasting time on stupid things. Thank you so much! When I get better i'll get you are Espresso machine.
Thankyou!
Definitely selling my EF 85 f/1.8 for the RF f/2. The old EF has served me well for many years but the RF looks considerably better with everything but maybe AF speed. It’s not your copy. I’ve owned 4 copies of the EF 85 f/1.8 and all were soft wide open. I learned around f/2.2 is about as open as I could go with f/2.8 being better still, at least for portraits where edge sharpness is more important. Same story with the EF 50 f/1.8 that I’m hoping the upcoming RF version fixes, which it should, because all of the RF primes are sharp wide open. I would like to test this against the Samyang. The RF looks plenty sharp enough with enough background blur, I’m more interested in which has the better contrast and colors.
Yes, it's way better than my old EF 85.
@@cameralabs and what's even more exciting is the sharpness, colors and contrast on the f/2 look very similar to the f/1.2 version. This was also noticeable in Irene Rudnyk's video where she put the f/2 and f/1.2 shots side by side. I'll pocket the $2,100 in savings, Im sure I can live without obliterated f/1.2 backgrounds in my portraits :)
Another great review my friend! Looks like a great lens for the money. Cheers.
You're very welcome!
As always, great review.
Just a small correction...you don't need native RF lenses to achieve 12fps on the R5/R6. You just need modern glass, even if it's adapted from EF mount. My EF 24-70 f/2.8 II, my Sigma 50mm f/1.4 Art, and my EF 40mm f/2.8 STM...they all achieve 12fps on mechanical shutter.
But my Sigma 35mm f/1.4 Art (released before the 50mm) and my EF 70-200 f/2.8 L don't.
If the battery is in good condition, I can usually get 12fps as long as I have at least 20 to 25% battery capacity remaining .
Thanks for the tip!
Agree 100% with this comment. Same experience for me. I will add the newer EF 70-200 2.8 IS III will also get 12 fps.
this was hands down the best review for this lens
Thanks!
Great work, Gordon !
Hi ,nice review love the comparison and the quality of the video as well...which lens hood was the one you used with the canon rf85mm f2 ?
It's the standard Canon accessory, although it is an optional extra
Excellent review as we’ve come to expect. Those 1.2’s are gold but man are they heavy. I’ve found out on hikes I use the new rf35. I don’t notice it on my peak clip when compared to the RF24-105L. But I still lust for the 85 f/1.2!!!
The 85 1.2 is lovely, but it's a monster!
Excellent work you have done Gordon Laing
Thanks!
Best reviews as always! 👍🏻😁
Thankyou!
Thanks for a down to earth and sensible review !
That's what i aim for!
I’ve wanted this since they announced it. What’s taking so long for them to release this lens!?!? Come on Canon!
thank you for this great review :)
You're very welcome!