Canon RF 85mm F1.2L USM

Canon RF

Review

The Canon RF 85mm F1.2L USM lens is a stunning piece of optical engineering designed for Canon's RF mount systems. Known for its exceptional image quality, this lens has quickly become a favorite among portrait photographers and enthusiasts who seek to create breathtaking images with beautiful bokeh and clarity.

Design and Build Quality

The build quality of the RF 85mm F1.2L is solid and robust, reflecting its status as a premium lens. Crafted from high-quality materials, it features weather sealing to protect against dust and moisture, making it suitable for outdoor shooting in various conditions. The lens's aesthetic is sleek and professional, which complements the design of Canon's RF camera bodies beautifully.

Optical Performance

Optically, the RF 85mm F1.2L is truly remarkable. With a maximum aperture of f/1.2, this lens excels in low-light situations and offers a shallow depth of field for impressive subject isolation. The sharpness across the frame is outstanding, with minimal distortion and very little chromatic aberration. The color rendition is also excellent, with vibrant colors that pop. It's particularly adept at producing creamy bokeh, which is a significant factor for many portrait photographers.

Autofocus

The autofocus performance is another strong aspect of this lens. The Dual Nano USM motor provides fast and quiet focusing, making it an excellent choice for shooting both stills and video. Eye autofocus works smoothly and accurately, ensuring that your subject’s eyes are always in sharp focus, which is especially important in portrait photography.

Size and Weight

One minor drawback is the size and weight of the lens. At approximately 1.2 kg (2.6 lbs), it's on the heavier side for an 85mm lens. This may be a factor for photographers who prefer a more lightweight setup for long shooting sessions or events. Though it balances nicely on most Canon RF bodies, you may still feel the weight after extended use.

Compatibility

The RF 85mm F1.2L is designed specifically for Canon’s RF mount systems, which means it's not compatible with other camera mounts. However, for those who own RF-mount cameras, this lens is a perfect addition to their kit, enhancing their creative capabilities significantly.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Exceptional optical performance with outstanding sharpness and color rendition.
• Beautiful bokeh, ideal for portraiture.
• Fast and accurate autofocus.
• Weather-sealed, durable construction.

Cons

• Heavy and bulky compared to other 85mm lenses.
• Limited compatibility as it only fits RF mounts.

Verdict

The Canon RF 85mm F1.2L USM is an exceptional lens that stands out for its optical quality and build. While it may be heavier than some photographers prefer, the benefits it offers in terms of image quality, low-light performance, and gorgeous bokeh make it a worthwhile investment. For anyone committed to portrait photography or looking to elevate their creative work with stunning imagery, this lens should be at the top of your list.