RANKING

Rank 45 out of 49 Summarized in this category Rankings based on: • Pros-to-cons ratio • Number of reviews • Category average

Canon

RF 85mm F1.2 L USM

Name: RF 85mm F1.2 L USM
Brand: Canon

around $2699

All prices are estimates and may vary from actual prices.

205 Pros

64%
20 reviews (3h 15m)

115 Cons

Premium portrait prime lens for Canon RF mount, renowned for exceptional bokeh and sharpness in video and photo....

Summary of pros and cons from human reviewers, put together by AI

50%

31 vs 31

Build Quality

72%

42 vs 16

Image Quality

56%

22 vs 17

Autofocus

32%

12 vs 25

Value for Money

93%

13 vs 1

Sharpness

Reviewer verdict

Across 20 YouTube reviews, the Canon RF 85mm F1.2 L USM earns an Index score of 3.6/5, ranking #45 among Lenses. Reviewers most often praise its image quality, bokeh, build quality, while the most common criticisms concern build quality, value for money.

Reviewers overwhelmingly praise this lens for its uncompromised, industry-leading image quality, describing it as astonishingly sharp from edge to edge, even wide open at f/1.2. The fast aperture produces beautiful, creamy bokeh and exceptional subject separation, with a special Defocus Smoothing (DS) version available for even dreamier backgrounds. Its autofocus system is a significant upgrade over previous versions, lauded for being incredibly fast, snappy, and reliable for both stills and video. Combined with excellent chromatic aberration control and a robust, weather-sealed build, it is considered a crown jewel in the RF lineup—a valuable and reliable tool for professional photographers.

The most significant drawback is the prohibitively high price, making it a major investment justifiable almost exclusively for full-time professionals. Its physical size and weight are also substantial; at nearly 1.2 kg, it's large, bulky, and can cause fatigue during long shoots. Many reviewers were also disappointed by the lack of in-lens image stabilization, a feature expected at this premium price point. Finally, the f/1.2 aperture's extremely shallow depth of field, while a key feature, can be very challenging to master, often making it difficult to nail critical focus.

Analysis based on 20 YouTube reviews (3h 15m of video) with 205 pros and 115 cons extracted.

Pros (205)

Image Quality (42)

Renders skin and eye detail in incredible, high-resolution detail (handles high-megapixel sensors exceptionally well) ▶ This is the BEST lens Canon has EVER made @ 1:22
Beautifully controlled chromatic aberration wide open ▶ Canon RF85mm f/1.2 | My Five Year Journey @ 7:34
Unique look that can make images stand out (selling point for some photographers) ▶ Canon RF 85mm f1.2 L DS | First Impressions @ 3:44
Almost no chromatic aberrations compared to older EF 1.2 versions ▶ The biggest 85mm lens I`ve ever seen! Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L U @ 1:20
Produces absolutely stunning images ▶ 50 or 85? Which lens should you buy? – Behind the Scenes Por @ 1:29
Gorgeous lens flare ▶ 50 or 85? Which lens should you buy? – Behind the Scenes Por @ 3:20
Very sharp, high resolution image quality (clinically sharp, clean, crisp) ▶ Before You Buy - Canon RF 85mm f1.2 L USM @ 1:32
BR coatings reduce chromatic aberration, flaring and ghosting (newer RF advantages mentioned) ▶ Before You Buy - Canon RF 85mm f1.2 L USM @ 1:46
Identical optical formula to the non-DS 85mm (high optical quality) ▶ Canon 85mm F/1.2 DS Review - The Defocus Smoothing Portrait @ 0:18
Seriously great lens for portrait photographers; outstanding results paired with high-resolution RF sensors ▶ Canon 85mm F/1.2 DS Review - The Defocus Smoothing Portrait @ 1:12
Very little distortion (flat profile) ▶ Canon RF 85mm F/1.2L USM Lens | In Depth Review @ 5:52
Mild vignetting that largely disappears by f/2.8 and can be corrected in-camera ▶ Canon RF 85mm F/1.2L USM Lens | In Depth Review @ 6:10
Exceptional image quality ▶ THE HOLY GRAIL OF PORTRAIT LENSES? Canon RF 85mm F1.2 REVIEW @ 4:33
No distortion ▶ THE HOLY GRAIL OF PORTRAIT LENSES? Canon RF 85mm F1.2 REVIEW @ 4:09
Produces some of the most stunning images and footage; exceptional image quality ▶ Do NOT Buy the Canon RF 85mm f1.2 | Watch This Video First! @ 0:38
Incorporates Air Sphere Coating to reduce flaring and ghosting, delivering clear contrast-rich images in challenging lighting ▶ Do NOT Buy the Canon RF 85mm f1.2 | Watch This Video First! @ 4:24
BR coating reduces chromatic aberration to almost nothing compared to previous 85mm 1.2 ▶ Canon RF 85mm F1.2 L Hands-On Field Test @ 1:16
Overall excellent portrait lens that makes subjects look very good ▶ Canon RF 85mm F1.2 L Hands-On Field Test @ 3:47
Optics are high-resolution and future-proof for higher-resolution sensors ▶ Canon RF 85mm F1.2 L Hands-On Field Test @ 5:34
Unique/special‑effect character — closest Canon gets to a Lensbaby; offers a distinct, boutique look ▶ Canon RF 85mm f/1.2 DS lens review – is this the best bokeh @ 11:19
Spectacular image quality at f/1.2 with plenty of sharpness, contrast and no purple fringing; corner sharpness excellent (better at f/2) ▶ Canon RF 85mm f/1.2 'L' USM DS lens review with samples @ 4:47
Longitudinal chromatic aberration in bokeh is present at f/1.2 but is small and essentially gone by f/2 (better than average) ▶ Canon RF 85mm f/1.2 'L' USM DS lens review with samples @ 7:36
High image quality; sharp from top to bottom without correction (low distortion) ▶ Canon RF 85mm 1.2: MUST HAVE Best Lens for Portrait Photogra @ 4:00
Produces very clear, detailed images (fine detail on subjects like fur, eyes, ring) ▶ Canon RF 85mm 1.2 for wedding photographers with SAMPLES @ 3:13
Helps mute or smooth out overpowering background colors, keeping subjects dominant ▶ Canon RF 85mm 1.2 for wedding photographers with SAMPLES @ 6:51
Improved coatings reduce fringing/aberrations even with strong backlight. ▶ WATCH THIS Before BUYING the $2,799 Canon 85mm f1.2 RF Lens @ 4:45
Performs well wide open even at higher ISOs and faster shutter speeds; consistent results on set and outdoors. ▶ WATCH THIS Before BUYING the $2,799 Canon 85mm f1.2 RF Lens @ 7:42
Extremely sharp image quality — "razor sharp", best optic the reviewer has used ▶ Canon RF 85mm F1.2L USM lens review: The Rolls-Royce of prim @ 5:20
Sharp eyes/subject detail while rendering skin and background softly when shot wide open ▶ Is the Canon RF85mm f1 2 lens really worth the money? @ 4:12
Produces natural skin softening without Photoshop when shooting at f/1.2 ▶ Is the Canon RF85mm f1 2 lens really worth the money? @ 6:30
Very sharp optical resolution; captures exceptional facial detail ▶ Canon RF 85mm f1.2 L Lens | First Look @ 0:35
New optical design (not just a rehoused EF) with BR optic technology to control chromatic aberration and color fringing ▶ Canon RF 85mm f1.2 L Lens | First Look @ 2:09
Delivers pleasing results in varied lighting (low-key, window light/painterly ambient) — versatile for creative looks ▶ Canon RF 85mm f1.2 L Lens | First Look @ 0:21
Absolutely uncompromised image quality with beautiful rendering and character ▶ This is the BEST lens Canon has EVER made @ 0:34
Stunningly sharp from center to the absolute extremities of the frame, even wide open at f/1.2 ▶ This is the BEST lens Canon has EVER made @ 1:01
Practically no chromatic aberration; extremely clean and well corrected even at f/1.2 ▶ This is the BEST lens Canon has EVER made @ 2:42
Sublime image quality and sharpness while retaining character — makes work stand out for professionals ▶ This is the BEST lens Canon has EVER made @ 11:11
Excellent image quality and cinematic look ▶ Canon RF 85mm F1.2 Review for Filmmakers (2025) @ 0:37
Special L-series coatings reduce flares and chromatic aberration for cleaner/sharper images ▶ Canon RF 85mm F1.2 Review for Filmmakers (2025) @ 0:44
Blue spectrum refractive optics help with chromatic aberration ▶ Canon RF 85mm F1.2 Review for Filmmakers (2025) @ 1:01
Fantastic contrast and smooth roll-off with good micro-contrast ▶ Canon RF 85mm F1.2 Review for Filmmakers (2025) @ 1:14
Still very sharp even wide open at f/1.2 ▶ Canon RF 85mm F1.2 Review for Filmmakers (2025) @ 2:03

Bokeh (34)

More bokeh and compression compared to the 50 (creates a "magic" quality) ▶ 50 or 85? Which lens should you buy? – Behind the Scenes Por @ 2:01
Lovely bokeh ('bouquet') and pleasing out-of-focus rendering ▶ Canon RF85mm f/1.2 | My Five Year Journey @ 7:41
Gives smoother, dreamier bokeh with no hard edges around highlights ▶ Canon RF 85mm f1.2 L DS | First Impressions @ 3:19
Outstanding bokeh, ideal for portraits and video ▶ The biggest 85mm lens I`ve ever seen! Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L U @ 2:46
Great for portraits with incredible out-of-focus background ▶ 50 or 85? Which lens should you buy? – Behind the Scenes Por @ 4:31
Defocus smoothing (graduated ND coating) smooths edges of bokeh for very creamy out-of-focus areas ▶ Canon 85mm F/1.2 DS Review - The Defocus Smoothing Portrait @ 0:32
Best used wide open (designed to shine at f/1.2) delivering unique creamy bokeh ▶ Canon 85mm F/1.2 DS Review - The Defocus Smoothing Portrait @ 0:56
Can create stunning, beyond-expected bokeh that makes subjects pop and produces captivating depth-of-field ▶ Do NOT Buy the Canon RF 85mm f1.2 | Watch This Video First! @ 0:32
9-blade circular aperture produces beautifully soft backgrounds ▶ Do NOT Buy the Canon RF 85mm f1.2 | Watch This Video First! @ 3:52
F/1.2 aperture lets you throw backgrounds out easily and achieve very creamy bokeh ▶ Canon RF 85mm F1.2 L Hands-On Field Test @ 2:32
Gives wonderful out-of-focus elements, background blur and bokeh ▶ Canon RF 85mm f/1.2 DS lens review – is this the best bokeh @ 0:22
D‑focus smoothing renders out-of-focus background/foreground elements very soft, painterly and creamy ▶ Canon RF 85mm f/1.2 DS lens review – is this the best bokeh @ 1:04
Produces softer, feathered highlights/bokeh balls (more pleasing to many) ▶ Canon RF 85mm f/1.2 DS lens review – is this the best bokeh @ 2:46
Extremely smooth, dreamy bokeh / backgrounds thanks to DS (defocus smoothing) coating — highlights and cat's-eye shapes greatly reduced ▶ Canon RF 85mm f/1.2 'L' USM DS lens review with samples @ 0:07
Two specially coated internal elements make backgrounds extra soft and fluffy ▶ Canon RF 85mm f/1.2 'L' USM DS lens review with samples @ 1:22
Despite DS coating, retains the deeply defocused backgrounds of an f/1.2 lens ▶ Canon RF 85mm f/1.2 'L' USM DS lens review with samples @ 1:55
Defocus smoothing effect is very pleasing; reviewer calls it 'king' for gorgeous backgrounds and 'addictively beautiful' ▶ Canon RF 85mm f/1.2 'L' USM DS lens review with samples @ 6:52
Very good compression for portraits; creates a beautiful soft background (bokeh) and allows strong eye focus at f/1.2 with good eye autofocus ▶ Canon RF 85mm 1.2: MUST HAVE Best Lens for Portrait Photogra @ 2:33
Produces soft, pretty bokeh that melts the background and removes distractions (useful with children and lifestyle shoots) ▶ Canon RF 85mm 1.2: MUST HAVE Best Lens for Portrait Photogra @ 5:20
Exceptional background blur / buttery bokeh that isolates subjects ▶ Canon RF 85mm 1.2 for wedding photographers with SAMPLES @ 2:30
Great subject isolation — foreground and background separation ▶ Canon RF 85mm 1.2 for wedding photographers with SAMPLES @ 2:58
Consistent smooth bokeh in varied environments (golden hour, city, ocean) ▶ Canon RF 85mm 1.2 for wedding photographers with SAMPLES @ 6:10
Beautiful bokeh / smooth background fall‑off; pleasing tones and contrast. ▶ WATCH THIS Before BUYING the $2,799 Canon 85mm f1.2 RF Lens @ 5:33
Nine aperture blades (improved bokeh quality over older 8‑blade design). ▶ WATCH THIS Before BUYING the $2,799 Canon 85mm f1.2 RF Lens @ 2:31
Outstanding bokeh and shallow depth of field at f/1.2 for creative portrait work ▶ Canon RF 85mm F1.2L USM lens review: The Rolls-Royce of prim @ 5:48
Very shallow depth of field that makes subjects "pop" from foreground and background ▶ Is the Canon RF85mm f1 2 lens really worth the money? @ 2:12
Creates pleasing bokeh and strong background separation for portraits, seniors, weddings, boudoir, etc. ▶ Is the Canon RF85mm f1 2 lens really worth the money? @ 1:10
Produces strong subject isolation—backgrounds are thrown completely out of focus at f/1.2 ▶ Canon RF 85mm f1.2 L Lens | First Look @ 4:39
Produces strong 3D pop and beautiful focus falloff between in-focus and out-of-focus areas ▶ This is the BEST lens Canon has EVER made @ 2:08
Beautiful, smooth and creamy bokeh (defocus rendering) with painterly background rendering ▶ This is the BEST lens Canon has EVER made @ 3:02
Renders out-of-focus foreground areas very nicely (not distracting or busy) ▶ This is the BEST lens Canon has EVER made @ 3:52
Great for full-length portraits and midlength shots, obliterating busy backgrounds and providing subject separation ▶ This is the BEST lens Canon has EVER made @ 4:20
Slightly smoother focus falloff and preferred rendering compared to the 135mm 1.8 RF; more subject separation than RF 50mm 1.2 ▶ This is the BEST lens Canon has EVER made @ 9:02
Very wide f/1.2 aperture gives creamy shallow depth of field (pleasant bokeh) and lots of light ▶ Canon RF 85mm F1.2 Review for Filmmakers (2025) @ 1:37

Build Quality (31)

Durability demonstrated in real-world accident (autofocus, focal plane and front element remained fine) ▶ Canon RF85mm f/1.2 | My Five Year Journey @ 5:01
Provides visual cues for models (large front element and visible aperture blades help maintain posing flow) ▶ Canon RF85mm f/1.2 | My Five Year Journey @ 8:40
Same size, weight, and optical elements as the regular RF 85mm f/1.2 aside from the coated elements ▶ Canon RF 85mm f1.2 L DS | First Impressions @ 1:31
Weather sealed (robust build) ▶ 50 or 85? Which lens should you buy? – Behind the Scenes Por @ 1:31
Surprisingly well balanced on an R5 despite being a large 85mm f/1.2; not overly front-heavy ▶ Canon 85mm F/1.2 DS Review - The Defocus Smoothing Portrait @ 1:17
Includes Canon control ring (works well, useful for exposure comp/ISO etc.) ▶ Canon 85mm F/1.2 DS Review - The Defocus Smoothing Portrait @ 4:08
Comes with a deep lens hood; lens construction feels good and is weather-sealed ▶ Canon 85mm F/1.2 DS Review - The Defocus Smoothing Portrait @ 5:54
Made from high-quality plastics which keeps weight down while remaining durable ▶ Canon 85mm F/1.2 DS Review - The Defocus Smoothing Portrait @ 6:05
Premium plastic and metal construction (good build quality) ▶ Canon RF 85mm F/1.2L USM Lens | In Depth Review @ 1:18
Weather sealing (unlike older EF 85mm f/1.2) ▶ Canon RF 85mm F/1.2L USM Lens | In Depth Review @ 1:36
Control ring to adjust camera settings (e.g., white balance, aperture, ISO) ▶ Canon RF 85mm F/1.2L USM Lens | In Depth Review @ 2:36
Comes with lens hood and front/rear caps in the box ▶ Canon RF 85mm F/1.2L USM Lens | In Depth Review @ 3:01
Build/bulk is great (solid construction/feel) ▶ THE HOLY GRAIL OF PORTRAIT LENSES? Canon RF 85mm F1.2 REVIEW @ 4:37
Feels nicely balanced on the Canon R5 ▶ Do NOT Buy the Canon RF 85mm f1.2 | Watch This Video First! @ 4:56
Control ring on RF mount allows changing ISO/shutter/aperture from the lens ▶ Canon RF 85mm F1.2 L Hands-On Field Test @ 1:33
Rugged build: weather-sealed, dust resistant ▶ Canon RF 85mm F1.2 L Hands-On Field Test @ 5:23
Build quality gets high marks: metal mount, weather sealing, nice in-hand feel ▶ Canon RF 85mm f/1.2 'L' USM DS lens review with samples @ 2:25
Smooth, responsive (electronic) focus ring ▶ Canon RF 85mm f/1.2 'L' USM DS lens review with samples @ 2:49
Customizable control ring (front) for various functions ▶ Canon RF 85mm f/1.2 'L' USM DS lens review with samples @ 3:47
Comes with a deep lens hood; 82mm filter thread ▶ Canon RF 85mm f/1.2 'L' USM DS lens review with samples @ 4:04
Customizable control ring on the front (can change ISO, aperture, shutter, etc.) ▶ Canon RF 85mm 1.2: MUST HAVE Best Lens for Portrait Photogra @ 2:55
Smooth and nice focus ring; autofocus works well ▶ Canon RF 85mm 1.2: MUST HAVE Best Lens for Portrait Photogra @ 3:06
Has control ring and focus limiter switch (useful customization and limiting focus hunting). ▶ WATCH THIS Before BUYING the $2,799 Canon 85mm f1.2 RF Lens @ 3:09
Build and optical quality make it a professional choice worth upgrading to from the EF version. ▶ WATCH THIS Before BUYING the $2,799 Canon 85mm f1.2 RF Lens @ 12:53
Well-constructed, durable build (mostly metal, feels like a 'tank') ▶ Canon RF 85mm F1.2L USM lens review: The Rolls-Royce of prim @ 1:40
Includes useful control ring (configurable to exposure, aperture, shutter speed, ISO) and two switches (AF/MF and focus limiter) ▶ Canon RF 85mm F1.2L USM lens review: The Rolls-Royce of prim @ 2:06
Manageable on the R6 despite being heavy (mounted on R6 feels balanced) ▶ Canon RF 85mm F1.2L USM lens review: The Rolls-Royce of prim @ 4:48
Uses RF 12‑pin technology for better lens-body communication and faster image processing ▶ Canon RF 85mm f1.2 L Lens | First Look @ 2:20
Front control ring (clickable and fully customizable) for aperture/shutter/ISO/exp comp — tactile, vintage-like feel ▶ Canon RF 85mm f1.2 L Lens | First Look @ 2:30
Extremely well built, solid feel, weather-sealed and designed to last ▶ This is the BEST lens Canon has EVER made @ 10:11
Uses common 82mm filter thread size ▶ Canon RF 85mm F1.2 Review for Filmmakers (2025) @ 1:07

Focal Length/Range (22)

Very fast f/1.2 aperture allowing extremely shallow depth of field and strong background separation ▶ This is the BEST lens Canon has EVER made @ 1:15
Maintains 1.2 depth of field (still a 1.2 lens) despite coatings ▶ Canon RF 85mm f1.2 L DS | First Impressions @ 2:50
Great for portraits, videos, interviews, and studio photography ▶ The biggest 85mm lens I`ve ever seen! Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L U @ 3:08
Fast aperture (stops down to f/1.2) ▶ 50 or 85? Which lens should you buy? – Behind the Scenes Por @ 3:15
Allows reaching in for detail shots and incredible compression (useful for ceremony/reception) ▶ 50 or 85? Which lens should you buy? – Behind the Scenes Por @ 3:43
Works well when paired with other lenses ▶ 50 or 85? Which lens should you buy? – Behind the Scenes Por @ 4:15
Amazing focal length for weddings ▶ 50 or 85? Which lens should you buy? – Behind the Scenes Por @ 5:58
Manageable focal length for portraits (gives strong bokeh without excessive telephoto reach) ▶ Before You Buy - Canon RF 85mm f1.2 L USM @ 4:51
One of the best portrait lenses when combining 85mm focal length with f/1.2 ▶ Canon RF 85mm F/1.2L USM Lens | In Depth Review @ 4:33
Versatile for different portrait styles (headshots, environmental portraits, full-body when distance allows) ▶ THE HOLY GRAIL OF PORTRAIT LENSES? Canon RF 85mm F1.2 REVIEW @ 1:57
Encourages creative shooting (forces photographer to move and think about composition) ▶ THE HOLY GRAIL OF PORTRAIT LENSES? Canon RF 85mm F1.2 REVIEW @ 3:59
Outstanding choice for professional portrait and headshot photographers ▶ Do NOT Buy the Canon RF 85mm f1.2 | Watch This Video First! @ 6:32
Great for candid moments at events/weddings because of comfortable subject distance ▶ Canon RF 85mm F1.2 L Hands-On Field Test @ 3:25
Excellent for professional portrait photography (ideal 85mm focal length and very bright f/1.2 aperture for background separation) ▶ Canon RF 85mm f/1.2 'L' USM DS lens review with samples @ 0:26
Close focusing to ~85 cm with excellent image quality even at f/1.2 ▶ Canon RF 85mm f/1.2 'L' USM DS lens review with samples @ 6:24
Useful beyond portraits — also good for certain landscape/compressed looks where a longer lens blurs and brings the background closer ▶ Canon RF 85mm 1.2: MUST HAVE Best Lens for Portrait Photogra @ 4:30
Fast f/1.2 aperture is a pleasure to work with and allows very shallow depth of field ▶ Canon RF 85mm f1.2 L Lens | First Look @ 0:51
Well suited for weddings, portraiture, fashion, and low-light situations (theater, events) ▶ Canon RF 85mm f1.2 L Lens | First Look @ 5:08
Extremely versatile focal length for shooting people (great for headshots, mid-length, full-length portraits, weddings, events) ▶ This is the BEST lens Canon has EVER made @ 0:45
Pairs well with other lenses for event work (e.g., 35mm) and is a staple for wedding photographers ▶ This is the BEST lens Canon has EVER made @ 5:38
85mm focal length is flattering for headshots/portraits (compression/flattening) ▶ Canon RF 85mm F1.2 Review for Filmmakers (2025) @ 2:40
Great choice for portrait, product work, and some landscapes when space allows ▶ Canon RF 85mm F1.2 Review for Filmmakers (2025) @ 6:01

Autofocus (22)

Blazing fast autofocus that locks on and sticks, even with the large front element ▶ Canon RF85mm f/1.2 | My Five Year Journey @ 7:29
Eye autofocus works well (when subject looks at camera) and is 100% sharp on selected area ▶ The biggest 85mm lens I`ve ever seen! Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L U @ 2:24
RF version focuses much faster and more precisely than the EF version (about 1 second vs >2s) ▶ The biggest 85mm lens I`ve ever seen! Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L U @ 6:04
Face tracking during video works well ▶ The biggest 85mm lens I`ve ever seen! Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L U @ 6:22
Stellar autofocus performance ▶ 50 or 85? Which lens should you buy? – Behind the Scenes Por @ 3:15
Super fast, snappy autofocus and subject/eye tracking compared to the older EF version ▶ Before You Buy - Canon RF 85mm f1.2 L USM @ 0:56
Autofocus performance on the R5 is excellent (eye/IO autofocus works phenomenally) ▶ Canon 85mm F/1.2 DS Review - The Defocus Smoothing Portrait @ 4:54
Focus limiter switch to speed up AF in certain ranges ▶ Canon RF 85mm F/1.2L USM Lens | In Depth Review @ 1:58
Usable autofocus at f/1.2 and significantly improved AF compared to older EF version ▶ Canon RF 85mm F/1.2L USM Lens | In Depth Review @ 10:24
Reliable for both photography and video on modern high-end bodies (e.g., R5, C70) ▶ Canon RF 85mm F/1.2L USM Lens | In Depth Review @ 11:01
Autofocus is snappy and can produce smooth, desirable focus racks ▶ Do NOT Buy the Canon RF 85mm f1.2 | Watch This Video First! @ 6:15
Autofocus focusing speed is sufficient and face-detect/servo focus accuracy is very good ▶ Canon RF 85mm F1.2 L Hands-On Field Test @ 5:10
Eye autofocus on Canon EOS R bodies helps get portraits perfectly sharp ▶ Canon RF 85mm f/1.2 'L' USM DS lens review with samples @ 1:15
Autofocus works reasonably quickly and accurately for a DS/apodization lens ▶ Canon RF 85mm f/1.2 'L' USM DS lens review with samples @ 3:08
Much easier to hit f/1.2 on mirrorless (more reliable focus at f/1.2 compared to older EF version). ▶ WATCH THIS Before BUYING the $2,799 Canon 85mm f1.2 RF Lens @ 1:42
Fast, reliable autofocus — much faster than adapting the older EF 85mm f/1.2; suitable for professional use. ▶ WATCH THIS Before BUYING the $2,799 Canon 85mm f1.2 RF Lens @ 8:36
Works very well for video (IAF/dual‑pixel AF performs well; good for locked‑off interviews and tracking). ▶ WATCH THIS Before BUYING the $2,799 Canon 85mm f1.2 RF Lens @ 13:07
Good autofocus performance: Eye Detect AF plus lens servo/servo motor maintained focus on moving subject at f/1.2 ▶ Canon RF 85mm f1.2 L Lens | First Look @ 3:28
Capable of reliable continuous AF tracking at 4–5 fps while shooting wide open ▶ Canon RF 85mm f1.2 L Lens | First Look @ 3:57
Fast and reliable autofocus — much improved over the EF equivalent and generally accurate ▶ This is the BEST lens Canon has EVER made @ 6:07
Incredible autofocus performance and reliable tracking even at f/1.2 ▶ Canon RF 85mm F1.2 Review for Filmmakers (2025) @ 2:12
Only minor, non-dramatic focus breathing in video ▶ Canon RF 85mm F1.2 Review for Filmmakers (2025) @ 2:26

Other (13)

Battle-tested build quality — survived a drop with only minor damage and continued to perform ▶ Canon RF85mm f/1.2 | My Five Year Journey @ 4:16
Can pay for itself — helps attract clients and has generated significant income for the reviewer ▶ Canon RF85mm f/1.2 | My Five Year Journey @ 5:35
Industry-leading image quality — redefines expectations for an 85mm, razor sharp even wide open ▶ Canon RF85mm f/1.2 | My Five Year Journey @ 6:54
Optically matched only by a few other high-end RF primes — consistent sharpness from wide open to f/11 ▶ Canon RF85mm f/1.2 | My Five Year Journey @ 8:12
Brings personal joy — desirable, well-engineered lens that the reviewer enjoys using ▶ Canon RF85mm f/1.2 | My Five Year Journey @ 9:48
Canon claims — and reviewer observed — it is the sharpest 85mm ever produced (incredibly sharp at f/1.2) ▶ Canon RF 85mm f1.2 L DS | First Impressions @ 3:54
Produces images the 50 cannot — adds a special/magical quality to a kit ▶ 50 or 85? Which lens should you buy? – Behind the Scenes Por @ 3:51
Produces incredible, creamy bokeh — described as the 'king of bokeh' and excellent subject separation ▶ Before You Buy - Canon RF 85mm f1.2 L USM @ 4:32
Great value as a creative/business tool for portrait and wedding photographers — differentiates portfolio ▶ Before You Buy - Canon RF 85mm f1.2 L USM @ 8:18
Astonishing bokeh and rendering at f/1.2—beautiful and unique compared to other lenses ▶ Canon 85mm F/1.2 DS Review - The Defocus Smoothing Portrait @ 1:35
Close focus distance of 85 cm (2.8 ft) — useful for portraits ▶ Canon 85mm F/1.2 DS Review - The Defocus Smoothing Portrait @ 4:29
Sharpens further when stopped down (notably at f/2–f/8) ▶ Canon RF 85mm F/1.2L USM Lens | In Depth Review @ 5:08
Lens is very good optically — images are spectacular and enjoyable to use ▶ Canon RF 85mm F1.2 L Hands-On Field Test @ 5:58

Sharpness (13)

Sharpness may actually be improved compared to the regular RF 85mm f/1.2 ▶ Canon RF 85mm f1.2 L DS | First Impressions @ 4:26
Sharp from edge to edge with precise autofocus ▶ The biggest 85mm lens I`ve ever seen! Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L U @ 2:13
Incredible sharpness wide open ▶ 50 or 85? Which lens should you buy? – Behind the Scenes Por @ 3:17
Optically seems flawless with strong sharpness (especially stopped down) ▶ Canon 85mm F/1.2 DS Review - The Defocus Smoothing Portrait @ 2:00
Generally excellent image quality with razor-sharp center and very sharp corners, even wide open at f/1.2 ▶ Canon RF 85mm F/1.2L USM Lens | In Depth Review @ 4:51
Beautiful portrait lens; super sharp (especially in the center) ▶ Canon RF 85mm f/1.2 DS lens review – is this the best bokeh @ 0:14
Subject (point of focus) remains tack sharp with D‑focus smoothing ▶ Canon RF 85mm f/1.2 DS lens review – is this the best bokeh @ 0:55
Despite being similar, the DS version was noted as being notably sharper edge‑to‑edge in the reviewer’s samples ▶ Canon RF 85mm f/1.2 DS lens review – is this the best bokeh @ 10:06
Lens resolves beyond 30MP sensor and stays sharp down to f/11 ▶ Canon RF 85mm f/1.2 'L' USM DS lens review with samples @ 5:15
Overall sharpness is astonishing ▶ Canon RF 85mm f/1.2 'L' USM DS lens review with samples @ 8:26
Great for portraits: sharp focus on the eyes, pleasing corner rendering, minimal distortion noted ▶ Canon RF 85mm 1.2: MUST HAVE Best Lens for Portrait Photogra @ 3:19
Very sharp focus on subject (eyes, details) even at wide apertures ▶ Canon RF 85mm 1.2 for wedding photographers with SAMPLES @ 2:43
Excellent sharpness and focus — tack sharp at f/1.2 (eye detail, reflections, overall sharp portraits). ▶ WATCH THIS Before BUYING the $2,799 Canon 85mm f1.2 RF Lens @ 5:30

Low Light Performance (13)

Reduces need to push ISO compared to other lenses (can use much lower ISO for same shot) ▶ The biggest 85mm lens I`ve ever seen! Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L U @ 2:57
Excellent in low light (useful for wedding/candlelight portraits) ▶ Before You Buy - Canon RF 85mm f1.2 L USM @ 7:14
Very bright maximum aperture (f/1.2) for excellent background separation and low-light performance ▶ Canon RF 85mm F/1.2L USM Lens | In Depth Review @ 0:25
Very wide maximum aperture (f/1.2) allowing very shallow depth of field and good low-light performance ▶ THE HOLY GRAIL OF PORTRAIT LENSES? Canon RF 85mm F1.2 REVIEW @ 4:11
Wide f/1.2 maximum aperture excels in low light and allows capturing stunning images with ease ▶ Do NOT Buy the Canon RF 85mm f1.2 | Watch This Video First! @ 4:11
Very large maximum aperture (f/1.2) gives exceptional light-gathering ability ▶ Canon RF 85mm F1.2 L Hands-On Field Test @ 0:50
Maintains image quality in low light, allowing shooting without flash ▶ Canon RF 85mm 1.2 for wedding photographers with SAMPLES @ 1:44
Performs well at high ISOs with relatively low noise (examples up to 10,000 ISO) ▶ Canon RF 85mm 1.2 for wedding photographers with SAMPLES @ 8:24
Excellent low-light performance because of large maximum aperture letting in a lot of light ▶ Canon RF 85mm F1.2L USM lens review: The Rolls-Royce of prim @ 6:48
Extra half-stop of light (f/1.2 vs f/1.4 or f/1.8) useful in low-light situations to reduce ISO and noise ▶ Is the Canon RF85mm f1 2 lens really worth the money? @ 1:06
Particularly valuable for wedding and indoor portrait photographers who need low-light performance and shallow DOF ▶ Is the Canon RF85mm f1 2 lens really worth the money? @ 1:08
Works very well with in-body image stabilization (cooperates with IBIS), Canon rates up to 8 stops ▶ Canon RF 85mm F1.2 Review for Filmmakers (2025) @ 3:05
Image stabilization results in extremely smooth footage when paired with IBIS ▶ Canon RF 85mm F1.2 Review for Filmmakers (2025) @ 3:21

Value for Money (12)

Considered a crown jewel of Canon RF portrait lenses (highly regarded) ▶ Canon RF85mm f/1.2 | My Five Year Journey @ 2:42
Only about one stop of light loss (less than some other STF-style lenses), not a drastic trade-off ▶ Canon RF 85mm f1.2 L DS | First Impressions @ 2:47
A welcome addition to any kit even if you have the 50 ▶ 50 or 85? Which lens should you buy? – Behind the Scenes Por @ 5:43
Overall excellent user experience: image quality, sharpness, focusing speed and tracking ▶ Before You Buy - Canon RF 85mm f1.2 L USM @ 10:42
Worth buying again; significant upgrade over EF version in focusing speed and resolution ▶ Before You Buy - Canon RF 85mm f1.2 L USM @ 11:46
Reviewer very satisfied with results; calls it one of the best lenses they've used ▶ THE HOLY GRAIL OF PORTRAIT LENSES? Canon RF 85mm F1.2 REVIEW @ 0:04
Considered a premium L-series lens and 'the best of the best' for those who invest in top glass ▶ Do NOT Buy the Canon RF 85mm f1.2 | Watch This Video First! @ 7:59
Lens is something reviewer would add to their bag when going mirrorless — considered a keeper/long-term lens ▶ Canon RF 85mm 1.2: MUST HAVE Best Lens for Portrait Photogra @ 6:58
Powerful tool for wedding and portrait photography when used appropriately ▶ Canon RF 85mm 1.2 for wedding photographers with SAMPLES @ 11:40
Worthwhile long-term investment in glass; lens will last through camera-body upgrades ▶ Is the Canon RF85mm f1 2 lens really worth the money? @ 8:07
Reviewer personally uses it frequently and finds the results visually superior (biased endorsement) ▶ Is the Canon RF85mm f1 2 lens really worth the money? @ 1:47
Worthwhile for professionals who can justify the cost and will use it often; access to Canon Professional Services benefits ▶ Canon RF 85mm F1.2 Review for Filmmakers (2025) @ 6:25

Distortion (3)

Produces flattering perspective for portraits (compresses facial features, makes subjects look proportional) ▶ THE HOLY GRAIL OF PORTRAIT LENSES? Canon RF 85mm F1.2 REVIEW @ 1:29
Creates a flattering compression and working distance for head-and-shoulder portraits ▶ Canon RF 85mm F1.2 L Hands-On Field Test @ 3:07
Negligible pincushion distortion ▶ Canon RF 85mm f/1.2 'L' USM DS lens review with samples @ 5:50

Cons (115)

Build Quality (31)

Following the drop, lens may have lost weather sealing (small crack on lens ring) ▶ Canon RF85mm f/1.2 | My Five Year Journey @ 5:26
Very large and heavy (about 1200 g), hard to hold one-handed ▶ The biggest 85mm lens I`ve ever seen! Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L U @ 0:18
Bulky size requires more space and stepping back from subjects; attracts attention in public ▶ The biggest 85mm lens I`ve ever seen! Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L U @ 3:11
Front filter size large (82 mm) — implied need to protect front element ▶ The biggest 85mm lens I`ve ever seen! Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L U @ 0:53
Control ring placement is hard to reach; should be closer to camera body ▶ The biggest 85mm lens I`ve ever seen! Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L U @ 1:01
Bigger and about half a pound heavier than the 50 (less portable) ▶ 50 or 85? Which lens should you buy? – Behind the Scenes Por @ 2:25
Can cause arm fatigue after extended use ▶ 50 or 85? Which lens should you buy? – Behind the Scenes Por @ 2:34
Very large / massive compared to the EF version ▶ Before You Buy - Canon RF 85mm f1.2 L USM @ 0:50
Control ring is clicky and audible (can be heard when used) ▶ Canon 85mm F/1.2 DS Review - The Defocus Smoothing Portrait @ 4:11
Plastic construction (not metal) — though high quality, some may prefer metal ▶ Canon 85mm F/1.2 DS Review - The Defocus Smoothing Portrait @ 6:05
Large and heavy (being an f/1.2 85mm) — though balanced, it is still fairly heavy ▶ Canon 85mm F/1.2 DS Review - The Defocus Smoothing Portrait @ 1:17
Very large and very heavy (about 1.195 kg), taking up a lot of bag space ▶ Canon RF 85mm F/1.2L USM Lens | In Depth Review @ 8:20
Focus ring is a bit small and is electronically coupled (only works in manual-focus mode) ▶ Canon RF 85mm F/1.2L USM Lens | In Depth Review @ 2:26
Included lens hood is not felt-lined and the supplied lens pouch lacks padding/quality for the price ▶ Canon RF 85mm F/1.2L USM Lens | In Depth Review @ 3:06
82mm filter thread is large and filters are more expensive ▶ Canon RF 85mm F/1.2L USM Lens | In Depth Review @ 15:18
Not compact; chunky and heavy (lens weighs ~2.63 pounds and with camera body easily over 4 pounds) ▶ Do NOT Buy the Canon RF 85mm f1.2 | Watch This Video First! @ 4:39
Physically very large and heavy — feels like a big chunk of glass ▶ Canon RF 85mm F1.2 L Hands-On Field Test @ 0:36
Large moving internal elements make the lens feel heavy when autofocusing ▶ Canon RF 85mm F1.2 L Hands-On Field Test @ 4:56
Large, heavy and bulky (1.2 kg, over 10 cm girth) — can feel like a 'gigantic monster' ▶ Canon RF 85mm f/1.2 'L' USM DS lens review with samples @ 2:05
Body mostly plastic (to save weight) and can be prone to cosmetic scuffing; some would prefer full metal at this price ▶ Canon RF 85mm f/1.2 'L' USM DS lens review with samples @ 2:34
Control ring has gentle clicks (removable for a fee by Canon) ▶ Canon RF 85mm f/1.2 'L' USM DS lens review with samples @ 3:47
Lens is relatively heavy on mirrorless body; causes front-heaviness ('belly flop') on smaller bodies like the EOS R ▶ Canon RF 85mm 1.2: MUST HAVE Best Lens for Portrait Photogra @ 0:31
Only one alignment spot for mounting the lens (small annoyance when quickly swapping/putting lenses on) ▶ Canon RF 85mm 1.2: MUST HAVE Best Lens for Portrait Photogra @ 0:53
Requires supporting the lens with palm/arm technique due to weight (ergonomics concern) ▶ Canon RF 85mm 1.2: MUST HAVE Best Lens for Portrait Photogra @ 1:36
Heavier and larger than the older EF version (about one‑third heavier, taller, and thicker). ▶ WATCH THIS Before BUYING the $2,799 Canon 85mm f1.2 RF Lens @ 2:08
Heavy weight — about 1.2 kg (1195 g), noticeably large compared to smaller primes ▶ Canon RF 85mm F1.2L USM lens review: The Rolls-Royce of prim @ 1:40
Large size and big filter diameter can be intimidating for some subjects ▶ Canon RF 85mm F1.2L USM lens review: The Rolls-Royce of prim @ 4:25
Focus ring is focus-by-wire rather than mechanical (mentioned when describing the rings) ▶ Canon RF 85mm F1.2L USM lens review: The Rolls-Royce of prim @ 2:06
Large and heavy — front heavy due to massive front element; can be fatiguing to use for long periods (e.g., weddings/events) ▶ This is the BEST lens Canon has EVER made @ 10:13
No function buttons or lens stabilization built in ▶ This is the BEST lens Canon has EVER made @ 10:52
Relatively heavy (about 2.63 pounds), can be tiring to carry and inconvenient for gimbal/shoulder work ▶ Canon RF 85mm F1.2 Review for Filmmakers (2025) @ 4:23

Value for Money (25)

Expensive ▶ Canon RF 85mm F1.2 L Hands-On Field Test @ 3:57
Very expensive — $2,800+ (high premium price tag) ▶ Canon RF85mm f/1.2 | My Five Year Journey @ 3:29
Potentially not necessary if headshots are a side hustle — consider cheaper RF 85mm f/2 instead ▶ Canon RF85mm f/1.2 | My Five Year Journey @ 6:30
Costs about $300 more than the regular RF 85mm f/1.2 — premium for smoother bokeh may not be worth it for many photographers ▶ Canon RF 85mm f1.2 L DS | First Impressions @ 3:11
Reviewer questions whether the $300 premium is worth it since not many photographers will splurge for the difference ▶ Canon RF 85mm f1.2 L DS | First Impressions @ 3:36
Expensive (around $2.5–3K), may not be worth it if you prefer lighter alternatives like the RF 50mm ▶ The biggest 85mm lens I`ve ever seen! Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L U @ 1:53
Much more expensive than the 50 (around $26–2800) ▶ 50 or 85? Which lens should you buy? – Behind the Scenes Por @ 2:14
Expensive — value depends on having clients/business; not worth it if bought casually on credit ▶ Before You Buy - Canon RF 85mm f1.2 L USM @ 7:31
Very expensive — hard to justify unless you shoot portraits frequently ▶ Canon 85mm F/1.2 DS Review - The Defocus Smoothing Portrait @ 5:08
High price (around £2,999 new), making it unaffordable for many photographers ▶ Canon RF 85mm F/1.2L USM Lens | In Depth Review @ 11:56
Very expensive (about $2,000 more than the cheaper f/2 alternative) ▶ Do NOT Buy the Canon RF 85mm f1.2 | Watch This Video First! @ 0:09
Unless you're a full-time pro or have a large budget, it may not be necessary — can wait for non-pros ▶ Do NOT Buy the Canon RF 85mm f1.2 | Watch This Video First! @ 8:16
More expensive (~$300–450 more) than the standard RF 85mm f/1.2 L for what is mostly a coating difference ▶ Canon RF 85mm f/1.2 DS lens review – is this the best bokeh @ 7:30
Very expensive (~$3,000) ▶ Canon RF 85mm f/1.2 'L' USM DS lens review with samples @ 0:20
DS version trades off: slower shutter speeds, more vignetting, and higher price compared to the non-DS version ▶ Canon RF 85mm f/1.2 'L' USM DS lens review with samples @ 8:10
Expensive — significantly pricier (~$2,699 vs $1,499 for older EF 85mm 1.4) and considered a luxury purchase ▶ Canon RF 85mm 1.2: MUST HAVE Best Lens for Portrait Photogra @ 6:16
Very expensive / big investment (high price) ▶ Canon RF 85mm 1.2 for wedding photographers with SAMPLES @ 1:02
Expensive — $2,700 price tag may be prohibitive for some. ▶ WATCH THIS Before BUYING the $2,799 Canon 85mm f1.2 RF Lens @ 3:57
Current Canon mirrorless bodies (at time of review) are not yet top‑tier pro bodies, which limits realizing the lens' full potential. ▶ WATCH THIS Before BUYING the $2,799 Canon 85mm f1.2 RF Lens @ 4:23
High cost — very expensive (about £2,799 in the UK), questionable ROI for many photographers ▶ Canon RF 85mm F1.2L USM lens review: The Rolls-Royce of prim @ 8:40
Very expensive (around $2600) compared to f/1.4 or f/1.8 alternatives that can be ~$1000 less ▶ Is the Canon RF85mm f1 2 lens really worth the money? @ 0:12
Not cost-effective for studio work where you stop down (e.g., f/5.6–f/11) — then the extra speed is wasted ▶ Is the Canon RF85mm f1 2 lens really worth the money? @ 1:55
Very expensive; large financial investment for a single lens ▶ This is the BEST lens Canon has EVER made @ 7:38
Expensive price tag (~$2,800) — hard to justify for hobbyists; significant cost compared to alternatives ▶ Canon RF 85mm F1.2 Review for Filmmakers (2025) @ 5:42
Not a good choice for casual shooters; cheaper alternatives (RF 85mm f/2 or third-party 85mm f/1.4) offer similar results for much less ▶ Canon RF 85mm F1.2 Review for Filmmakers (2025) @ 7:02

Autofocus (17)

Other eye can be out of focus at f/1.2 when using eye AF (very shallow DOF) ▶ The biggest 85mm lens I`ve ever seen! Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L U @ 2:37
Autofocus is noticeably noisy—loud enough to be picked up by onboard mics, making it less suitable for video ▶ Canon 85mm F/1.2 DS Review - The Defocus Smoothing Portrait @ 2:31
Not an ideal video lens for most people due to AF noise when using onboard microphones ▶ Canon 85mm F/1.2 DS Review - The Defocus Smoothing Portrait @ 3:54
Not the fastest AF compared to some other lenses (but usable and improved over older EF version) ▶ Canon RF 85mm F/1.2L USM Lens | In Depth Review @ 11:27
No image stabilization built into the lens ▶ Canon RF 85mm F1.2 L Hands-On Field Test @ 4:04
Shooting at f/1.2 is very challenging due to extremely shallow depth of field — easy to miss focus (e.g., one eye in focus, other out) ▶ Canon RF 85mm F1.2 L Hands-On Field Test @ 4:10
Some focus breathing (image zooms slightly when focusing closer) ▶ Canon RF 85mm f/1.2 'L' USM DS lens review with samples @ 2:59
AF makes a little noise and that noise can be picked up by the camera's built-in microphone when recording video ▶ Canon RF 85mm f/1.2 'L' USM DS lens review with samples @ 3:25
No image stabilization ▶ Canon RF 85mm f/1.2 'L' USM DS lens review with samples @ 4:07
No image stabilization in this RF 85mm f/1.2 L USM (unlike the DSLR 1.4 version); other Canon RF lenses in the 'trinity' have IS ▶ Canon RF 85mm 1.2: MUST HAVE Best Lens for Portrait Photogra @ 7:21
Extremely shallow depth of field at f/1.2 — can easily miss focus if not precise ▶ Canon RF 85mm 1.2 for wedding photographers with SAMPLES @ 9:24
Rarely opened to 1.2 because of very narrow focal plane and focus challenges ▶ Canon RF 85mm 1.2 for wedding photographers with SAMPLES @ 9:43
When shooting at angles/with shallow DOF, parts of a group (e.g., bride/groom) can fall out of focus ▶ Canon RF 85mm 1.2 for wedding photographers with SAMPLES @ 10:16
No in‑lens IS (and EOS R bodies lack IBIS), so you must use faster shutter speeds/higher ISO to avoid motion blur. ▶ WATCH THIS Before BUYING the $2,799 Canon 85mm f1.2 RF Lens @ 2:40
Can be heard and felt focusing (not as quiet/instant as some other RF lenses) due to moving a lot of glass. ▶ WATCH THIS Before BUYING the $2,799 Canon 85mm f1.2 RF Lens @ 9:54
No optical image stabilization in the lens (relies on in-body stabilization), which is surprising at this price ▶ Canon RF 85mm F1.2L USM lens review: The Rolls-Royce of prim @ 8:12
Not the fastest autofocus on RF mount (though faster than EF equivalent) ▶ This is the BEST lens Canon has EVER made @ 6:13

Image Quality (16)

Can flirt with being 'too sharp' (may be more than some photographers want) ▶ Canon RF85mm f/1.2 | My Five Year Journey @ 7:05
Approximately one stop (or one-third to one stop per Canon) of light transmission lost due to coatings (effectively reduces T-stop) ▶ Canon RF 85mm f1.2 L DS | First Impressions @ 2:50
Strong vignetting at f/1.2 (needs stopping down to ~f/4) and no in-camera automatic correction yet ▶ The biggest 85mm lens I`ve ever seen! Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L U @ 1:33
Shows quite a bit of flaring when pointed directly into light ▶ The biggest 85mm lens I`ve ever seen! Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L U @ 1:57
May be 'too sharp' and overly clinical — resolves so much detail it can emphasize skin texture/wrinkles ▶ Before You Buy - Canon RF 85mm f1.2 L USM @ 3:06
Flaring is quite strong with dramatic loss of contrast near bright lights (recommend using hood) ▶ Canon RF 85mm F/1.2L USM Lens | In Depth Review @ 6:57
Very shallow DOF near minimum focus distance causes many unusable shots; recommended to stop down to f/2 for more usable shots ▶ Canon RF 85mm F1.2 L Hands-On Field Test @ 4:16
D‑focus smoothing coating reduces effective light transmission — the lens behaves like T2.2 (about 1.3 stops darker) despite being marked f/1.2 ▶ Canon RF 85mm f/1.2 DS lens review – is this the best bokeh @ 3:27
Loss of 'character' or 'charisma' in images compared with the standard 85mm — can feel less personalityful/less impactful ▶ Canon RF 85mm f/1.2 DS lens review – is this the best bokeh @ 5:26
The DS effect may make images darker and require trade‑offs in exposure; not a straightforward replacement for the standard 85mm ▶ Canon RF 85mm f/1.2 DS lens review – is this the best bokeh @ 9:28
DS coating darkens the effective transmission (acts closer to ~f/2), causing slower shutter speeds / less light than a true f/1.2 ▶ Canon RF 85mm f/1.2 'L' USM DS lens review with samples @ 1:40
Vignetting is pretty heavy — DS version has more vignetting than NDS and remains evident even stopped down (use peripheral illumination correction) ▶ Canon RF 85mm f/1.2 'L' USM DS lens review with samples @ 5:57
Struggles with bright lights: some flare and reduced contrast (use hood) ▶ Canon RF 85mm f/1.2 'L' USM DS lens review with samples @ 6:41
Requires creating depth/layers in the scene to take full advantage; flat scenes won’t show benefits ▶ Is the Canon RF85mm f1 2 lens really worth the money? @ 2:30
Didn’t always achieve the exact intended film-noir lighting effect in one setup (some setups didn’t meet the creative goal) ▶ Canon RF 85mm f1.2 L Lens | First Look @ 1:16
Reviewer has not tested the lens for very large-format prints yet (potential unknown for extreme crops/large prints) ▶ Canon RF 85mm f1.2 L Lens | First Look @ 0:41

Focal Length/Range (16)

Minimum focus distance is long (85 cm), too far for detailed close-up/product shots ▶ The biggest 85mm lens I`ve ever seen! Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L U @ 5:53
Longer minimum focus distance (about 2.79 ft) compared to the 50, limiting close-up framing ▶ 50 or 85? Which lens should you buy? – Behind the Scenes Por @ 2:50
Not as practical as the 50 to use as the only lens (less versatile) ▶ 50 or 85? Which lens should you buy? – Behind the Scenes Por @ 4:18
Not versatile for genres like sports due to focal length and being a prime (no zoom/limited reach) ▶ Before You Buy - Canon RF 85mm f1.2 L USM @ 9:27
Minimum focus distance and magnification are limited (not a macro lens: 85 cm minimum, 0.12x reproduction) ▶ Canon RF 85mm F/1.2L USM Lens | In Depth Review @ 6:26
Lack of zoom means less compositional flexibility — you must move your feet to change framing ▶ THE HOLY GRAIL OF PORTRAIT LENSES? Canon RF 85mm F1.2 REVIEW @ 2:47
Can be limiting in tight spaces or difficult terrain when trying to get full-body or varied compositions ▶ THE HOLY GRAIL OF PORTRAIT LENSES? Canon RF 85mm F1.2 REVIEW @ 2:20
On this shoot there were compositions the reviewer couldn't get and they wished for a 70-200 (zoom would have been ideal) ▶ THE HOLY GRAIL OF PORTRAIT LENSES? Canon RF 85mm F1.2 REVIEW @ 4:46
Can be frustrating in some shooting situations because of fixed focal length limitations ▶ THE HOLY GRAIL OF PORTRAIT LENSES? Canon RF 85mm F1.2 REVIEW @ 3:39
Longer minimum focus distance (2.79 ft) compared to the f/2 variant, limiting close-up capability ▶ Do NOT Buy the Canon RF 85mm f1.2 | Watch This Video First! @ 2:45
Focal length can be limiting indoors or for full-body/group shots because you need significant distance ▶ Canon RF 85mm F1.2 L Hands-On Field Test @ 3:35
At long focal length, limited working distance in tight indoor/studio spaces (not ideal as primary indoor lens) ▶ Canon RF 85mm 1.2 for wedding photographers with SAMPLES @ 11:18
Not recommended as the only/primary lens for weddings due to focal length constraints and indoor space limits ▶ Canon RF 85mm 1.2 for wedding photographers with SAMPLES @ 11:45
Long minimum focus distance (0.85 m / 85 cm) limits close-up portrait/child/action shots ▶ Canon RF 85mm F1.2L USM lens review: The Rolls-Royce of prim @ 7:21
85mm focal length requires a lot of space; difficult to use in small/indoor spaces ▶ Canon RF 85mm F1.2 Review for Filmmakers (2025) @ 3:50
No macro capabilities due to relatively long minimum focus distance (~2.8 ft / ~3 ft) ▶ Canon RF 85mm F1.2 Review for Filmmakers (2025) @ 4:13

Low Light Performance (5)

No inbuilt image stabilization (IBIS/IS), making handheld video more challenging ▶ The biggest 85mm lens I`ve ever seen! Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L U @ 6:47
No optical image stabilization (shared with the 50) ▶ 50 or 85? Which lens should you buy? – Behind the Scenes Por @ 3:24
Does not have image stabilization (unlike the f/2 alternative) ▶ Do NOT Buy the Canon RF 85mm f1.2 | Watch This Video First! @ 6:57
Reduced transmittance makes shooting in low light trickier (need higher ISO or slower shutter) ▶ Canon RF 85mm f/1.2 DS lens review – is this the best bokeh @ 3:41
Lens lacks built-in optical image stabilization, so without a body that has IBIS you have no stabilization benefit ▶ Canon RF 85mm F1.2 Review for Filmmakers (2025) @ 5:16

Bokeh (4)

DS coating makes the lens behave more like a slower lens (closer to f/1.4–f/1.8) in terms of bokeh rendering ▶ Canon 85mm F/1.2 DS Review - The Defocus Smoothing Portrait @ 2:13
Background rendering can feel like a smaller‑sensor look (reduced full‑frame feeling) and less texture/agitation in blur ▶ Canon RF 85mm f/1.2 DS lens review – is this the best bokeh @ 6:01
Less background smoothness if shooting from far distances — bokeh varies with distance ▶ Canon RF 85mm 1.2 for wedding photographers with SAMPLES @ 7:45
There is a variant (defocus smoothing) that trades some light transmission for smoother bokeh — implying the reviewed version may be slightly less smooth compared to that more expensive variant ▶ This is the BEST lens Canon has EVER made @ 3:08

Sharpness (1)

Extremely shallow depth of field at f/1.2 means only a very small portion of the face may be in focus for headshots (challenging to nail focus) ▶ This is the BEST lens Canon has EVER made @ 8:15

Review sources

Canon RF 85mm f/1.2 'L' USM DS lens review with samples by Christopher Frost — 17 pros, 11 cons
This is the BEST lens Canon has EVER made by James Reader — 15 pros, 6 cons
Canon RF 85mm F/1.2L USM Lens | In Depth Review by Photo Feaver — 13 pros, 8 cons
Canon RF 85mm F1.2 Review for Filmmakers (2025) by Bruno Pozo — 14 pros, 6 cons
50 or 85? Which lens should you buy? – Behind the Scenes Portrait Session by Zach Mendez — 13 pros, 6 cons
Canon 85mm F/1.2 DS Review - The Defocus Smoothing Portrait Monster by Hamer Reviews — 12 pros, 7 cons
Canon RF 85mm F1.2 L Hands-On Field Test by TheCameraStoreTV — 11 pros, 7 cons
The biggest 85mm lens I`ve ever seen! Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM | english review by the daniel life — 8 pros, 10 cons
Canon RF 85mm 1.2 for wedding photographers with SAMPLES by Bokeh Biz — 9 pros, 7 cons
Canon RF85mm f/1.2 | My Five Year Journey by Kevin Deal Photography — 11 pros, 4 cons
WATCH THIS Before BUYING the $2,799 Canon 85mm f1.2 RF Lens | REVIEW by Jared Polin — 10 pros, 5 cons
Do NOT Buy the Canon RF 85mm f1.2 | Watch This Video First! by TMV Visual Media — 9 pros, 5 cons
Before You Buy - Canon RF 85mm f1.2 L USM 9 pros, 4 cons
Canon RF 85mm f/1.2 DS lens review – is this the best bokeh ever? by Artaius — 7 pros, 6 cons
Canon RF 85mm 1.2: MUST HAVE Best Lens for Portrait Photography?! (Real-world Review) by Vanessa Joy — 8 pros, 5 cons
THE HOLY GRAIL OF PORTRAIT LENSES? Canon RF 85mm F1.2 REVIEW 8 pros, 4 cons
Canon RF 85mm F1.2L USM lens review: The Rolls-Royce of primes? 6 pros, 6 cons
Canon RF 85mm f1.2 L Lens | First Look by B&H Photo Video Pro Audio — 10 pros, 2 cons
Is the Canon RF85mm f1 2 lens really worth the money? 8 pros, 3 cons
Canon RF 85mm f1.2 L DS | First Impressions by Alex Barrera — 7 pros, 3 cons

Frequently asked questions

Is the Canon RF 85mm F1.2 L USM worth buying?

Based on 20 independent YouTube reviews, the Canon RF 85mm F1.2 L USM scores 3.6/5 with 205 positive and 115 negative points mentioned by reviewers, placing it #45 in the Lenses category.

What do reviewers like most about the Canon RF 85mm F1.2 L USM?

The most praised aspects are image quality, bokeh, build quality — Image Quality (42 mentions), Bokeh (34 mentions), Build Quality (31 mentions).

What are the most common complaints about the Canon RF 85mm F1.2 L USM?

Reviewers most frequently criticize build quality, value for money — Build Quality (31 mentions), Value for Money (25 mentions).

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