Canon RF 85mm F1.2L USM - Approaching Optical Perfection

DPReview completed their review of the Canon RF 85mm F1.2L USM.  This lens was officially announced May 8th, 2019, and really, nearly the lenses released last year cemented the creation of the professional photographer's lens kit for the RF mount.  Dpreview gave it an impressive 92% rating and its gold award. Not surprising, as Canon has always strived to do its best in it's 85mm F1.2 optics.

Core Specifications of the Canon RF 85mm F1.2L USM include;

• Focal length: 85mm
• Aperture range: F1.2-16 (In 1/3 EV stops)
• Filter thread: 82mm
• Close focus: 0.85m (2.79 ft.)
• Maximum magnification: 0.12x
• Diaphragm blades: 9 (rounded diaphragm)
• Hood: ET-89 round-shaped hood (supplied)
• Length / Diameter: approx. 103.2 x 117.3 (4.06 in. x 4.62in)
• Weight: approx. 1,195g (approx. 2.63lbs)
• Optical construction: 13 elements in nine groups

Pros;

• Optically nearly perfect
• Exquisite sharpness at f/1.2 right across the frame
• Beautiful defocused areas
• Essentially distortion free
• Virtually no color fringing or chromatic aberrations
• Excellent build quality
• Customizable control ring and focus limiter

Cons;

• Size and weight make for awkward handling on EOS R/RP
• No image stabilization
• Hard-edged bokeh balls in some situations
• Focus noise from AF motor can be an issue for video

Conclusion;

The Canon RF 85mm F1.2L lens approaches optical perfection. It's tack sharp wide open, and central sharpness peaks by F2. Canon's 'BR optics' element ensures little to no color fringing in out-of-focus areas and also increases sharpness. Autofocus isn't silent nor is it speedy, but for portrait and wedding photographers, you couldn't ask for a better 85mm optic.

Read the full review here

• DPReview