Canon EF 85mm f/1.2L II USM Medium Telephoto Lens

Everything I'd hoped for and more.

Strengths: Amazing bokeh, f/1.2, tough build quality, faster focusing than the Mk I model, and an extra notch of credibility among pros.

Weakness: It is much larger than you'd expect if you've only seen photos. It extends below the body of some Canon EOS film cameras, which is a bit awkward.

This lens is everything I'd ever hoped it would be -- and I had very, very high hopes -- and more. I've owned nearly every Canon L series lens below 200mm, and the 85 1.2 is by far my favorite. I feel like I'm finally at the end of he "journey." The saying that this lens "makes light" is a surprisingly accurate desriptor. The bokeh is beautiful, the colors and contrast are amazing, and my copy is...

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Excellent Lens for the price.

Strengths: a) Sharp image b) f1.2 is a great feature to have c) sturdy build d) color reproduction is great e) an excellent choice if you play DOF nicely. You will get amazing pictures.

Weakness: a) Ok speed on focusing b) Too heavy c) pricy (but ok if you can make it back from your shootings). d) at that price, canon should throw in a free protective filter to the buyer.

This lens is heavy and expensive. But it is worth the money. With f1.2, it gives photographers a wide range of DOF to play with. It helps in your creativity in your pictures. The color reproduction of the image is great. Nicely done body. Too bad that we have to pay extra for a 72mm filter that goes with it. Canon should throw in a free filter for people who are willing to pay extra to buy this...

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Only buy it if can afford it

Strengths: f/1.2, colors, sharpness

Weakness: Weight, focus speed, price

85mm f/1.8 has always been my favorite lens, so finally I've decided to reward myself with the f/1.2 II version. So far I have the mixed feelings about it. From 1.8 and up this lens is identical to a non L version. You are really putting all your money into 1.2 and 1.4. Ask yourself if you need it. 1.4 can be obtained from 50mm which is much cheaper and more convenient for a low light in-door...

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super portrait lens

Strengths: sharp with f1.2 aperature excellent picture quality.

Weakness: a little bit heavy than i thought

Best lens made by canon, nothing more can said. It is expensive but it is worth to have one in your camera bag. Put it on your camera, you will find your all new world. It is now the best timing to get this lens in. Works excellent with low light condition. Best portrait lens ever. recommend use this lens on full frame camera will get the best result.

Sharp as knife above f/1.8 and bokeh as smooth as...

Strengths: Bokeh, very sharp above f/1.8, even at wide open of f/1.2 is very useful, outshines any lens out there in low light conditions. L quality.

Weakness: Expensive, Heavy (for some this is a negative), slow focus.

I bought this lens for indoor shoots where a flash would ruin or disturb the atmosphere. I knew this was a great lens before I bought it and it amazed me even more when I first shot with it. yes it heavy and slow focusing but what do you expect for that much glass? the thing weighs around 3 lbs! yes 3! but that's perfectly fine with me since I like to shoot with a heavy camera, I find it that it...

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A Superb Lens

Strengths: Bokeh and more bokeh, tack sharp above 2.0

Weakness: Chromatic aberation present below 2.0, a bit soft wide open, deceptively heavy, even for an L series lens, slow AF

Canon calls this their definitive portrait lens, and its easy to see why. It opens to f/1.2, but more importantly, its sharp well before 2.0, so even with lots of bokeh, it remains very sharp. The 85mm focal length is also perfect for portraits imo. Unfortunatly, it has a fairly slow AF. Paired with a decent body (20D or above), it should offer great low light auto focus, but the drive itself is...

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The best portrait lens ever!

Strengths: Most amazing bokeh I've ever seen, f/1.2 aperature, Sturdy build (L series, of course)

Weakness: Expensive, Very heavy, slow focusing for an L series, Can't manual focus while in AF mode like other L series lenses

Given, yes, this lens is heavy and expensive, it's still worth every penny. I've wanted this lens for years and finally broke down and got it. I am not disappointed. The amazing bokeh at f/1.2 is mind blowing. I'm having a hard time taking a photo that I don't like with this lens. I can't wait to shoot a wedding with this lens, I'm already confident the results will be worth the cost of the lens....

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Really excellent lense

Strengths: 1.Really good quality picture, especially at focus 2.0 or more 2.Really excellent performance in low light place

Weakness: 1. The lens is too big 2. Shot at 1.2 will feel a little soft

I choose it for it is the best portrait lens in the world by now, I owned 135f2 before, and want to try more for 85. If you choose 85 1.8, then you will miss the 85 1.2 everyday, just buy it and use it follow your heart.

best lens for in-door and night portrait

Strengths: f1.2, best for low light conditions. bokeh

Weakness: heavy, relative slow focusing,

this is the best portrait lens Canon offered so far. f/1.2 is great for low light conditions like in-door or night shooting without flash. you can get sharp photos even with the lens wide open to f/1.2. the bokeh of lens is just beautiful.

My dream came true

Strengths: the blurry background that every photographer wishes for, and very fast lens

Weakness: Price

I have wanted to buy this lens for quite sometimes, but the price held me back. Finally, I decided it is time to treat myself (and my clients) to a new lens, so I bought it. What can I say? I have few of Canon professional lenses, but this one is perfect for portraits, even under poor light condition. It gives you this nice blurry background that focus your eyes directly on the subject being...

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