Canon EF 85mm f/1.2L II USM Lens

I have had this lens for over a year now. Initially on a 450D (what?? you might say) which performed very well but on a full frame 5D mk ii this baby truly shines! The images are sharp the colour rendition is amazing. The focal lenght is just perfect.

I have few Canon L lenses: 17-40mm f4, 100mm f2.8 IS and the 135mm f2. They all have their strengths but this is my favourite. Not quite my work horse (that would be my 17-40) but it never fail to wow me everytime I give it a bit of air-time.

It is hard to learn initially. The focusing is a bit slow compared to my fast performers but then again you know that already if you are considering this.

It is great at 1.2 even better stopped down to 1.6 or even 1.8, dependent on what you want of course.

With the 5D you might want to MA (micro-adjust) did that few times but but I always ended up going to 0 adjustment. I realised then it was my technique that needed improving rather than this wonder of a lens.

My advice is not to rent it because you'll want it even more. Sure it's not as versatile as a 70-200 2.8 for wedding portraiture but stunning images at shallow DOF is something else.

The L lens craving is an addiction (curse you Canon!) but secretly I pray that they keep giving us wonderful products.

My next target is the 24mm 1.4L mk ii. Should be great for indoor/night-time shots.

First of all, this lens is relatively HUGE. With that size, goes a considerable mass. In isolation, one wonders how it could be useful, with such a large mass/weight. However, in use on my EOS 5D/BG-E4 grip, it feels remarkably 'balanced'. I wouldn't like a day's shooting with this lens without the BG-E4 though...

As to the images it produces, it's hard to explain when you first see the first 'roll' from using this lens. Initially, you almost feel slightly underwhelmed, thinking 'Is that it?', especially when the lens is bulky, heavy and extremely slow to focus (compared to other EOS lenses).

But after further use, 'the penny drops'; you have to learn to use this lens properly. This lens literally defines the meaning of 'sharp', which takes some getting used to. I think we get used to looking at images that sometimes lack clarity and 'bite'. This lens, however, is almost brutal in it's uncompromising ability to pick out every detail, AND every flaw. It's a bit like watching HDTV after a life of standard definition.

Also, the depth-of-field at f/1.2 takes some getting used to. Ever had a portrait where the DOF is so limited that a subject's pupil is in focus (as it should be for a portrait), yet the eyelashes on the outer aspect of the upper eyelid are out of focus? Me neither, until I started shooting with this lens.

Saying that, and with all of the above, this lens has produced some of the most beautiful images I have ever produced. OK, unless you learn to use this lens properly, the 'keeper ratio' might be a little low, but when you get that image that literally blows you away, you forgive all of this len's shortcomings, shortcomings that are in reality a result of the use of incredible, superlative technology and ability in the hands of a mere amateur.

So does this lens qualify as the 'holy grail' of Canon red-ringers? Well, IMHO and with my very limited experience, it may well have the potential to do just that.

had it a couple of months now, it really is an amazing lens. the depth of field is razor thin. backgrounds completely blown out, if im going to give a little criticism i have to say its a nightmare to focus, not just because focus is razor thin, but its quite slow to focus......but the images are well worth it.

build quality 5/5
image quality 5/5
ease of use 3/5
taking it out of your bag and putting it onto the camera with other photographers present 5/5