Find a bargain lens or camera at MPB: bit.ly/3ULU9yL The EF 85 f1.2L II bokeh-monster costs the same used at MPB as a new RF 85 f2, so why not treat yourself? See how they compare! 00:00 - Introduction and pricing 02:23 - EF 85 f1.2L vs RF 85 f2 size, weight and build 03:51 - EF 85 f1.2L vs RF 85 f2 controls 04:42 - EF 85 f1.2L vs RF 85 f2 stabilization 06:19 - EF 85 f1.2L vs RF 85 f2 focusing 08:35 - EF 85 f1.2L vs RF 85 f2 focus breathing 09:34 - EF 85 f1.2L vs RF 85 f2 landscape quality 11:54 - EF 85 f1.2L vs RF 85 f2 portrait quality 14:01 - EF 85 f1.2L vs RF 85 f2 bokeh quality 14:42 - EF 85 f1.2L vs RF 85 f2 macro close-up quality 15:21 - EF 85 f1.2L vs RF 85 f2 verdict

I own both 85mm 1.2L II EF and 85mm 1.2 RF and I have to say the difference is noticeable. Sharpness and chromatic aberration is very much improved on the RF version. Ultimately, I use the EF version at f1.8 and above but the RF at 1.2 without issues. But I agree I would buy the EF instead of the RF f2 lens.

Fantastic vid and comparisons. I have been following you Gordon, since the Canon 40D days, and still you deliver great thoughtful/balanced content. Thanks!

If I was primarily a portrait shooter, I might consider the EF 85 f1.2, but as portraiture isn't my main thing, I opted for a new (Canon refurbished) RF85 f/2 with it's IS and macro capabilities, not top mention the warranty. I hike a lot, so I appreciate the much lighter weight and smaller size of the RF lens. I also like that it has macro capability (albeit not 1:1) and thus a much closer minimum focus distance. I'm not saying the EF version isn't a good lens, it's a great lens. But for me the trade off of giving up a bit of background blur for a much lighter, native mount lens was worth it. In the future, who knows, I might buy a used EF 85 1.2 but still keep the 85mm for easy carry but pull out the "big gun" in situations that need it.

As always Gordon an amazing video! I like the subject matter. I won a 85mm f1.2L II on eBay back in 2019 for $1050 CAD which is probably around 700 quid. It blew my mind. So many people complain about the slow autofocus and such but its really a portrait lens and a lens you use on an Action figure to blow out the rest of the table. Its an amazing lens and I miss it.

I've got a 85 f1.2 II, and I'll never sell it. So unique at 1.2 for portraiture. It has never focused better (it's achilles heel on DSLR's off centre with a mirror box) now we have mirrorless, just stunning on the R5/6.

Gordon, I have been watching / following your channel since back in 2008 and for that, I bought my first DSLR because of your great reviews about photography gear in general. You’re the best mate!!!!

Great review Gordon - I am looking forward to the 135EF vs 135RF comparison when it becomes available.

I own the RF 85mm f2 and it’s an amazing lens for its size / weight which I’m happy to carry around with me on a walk. I’m getting some phenomenal shots with it on my R8. It pairs so well with the other RF macro lenses - 24mm & 35mm 1.8. It’s really sharp and that focal length is perfect for portraits.

Another awesome video from you. I think you’re the first one to compare these 2 lenses side by side. Definitely, each has its pros and cons. If I had this choice before, I would have chosen the EF 1.2. Thanks for this video

Very good comparison as always! Cheers! When can we see your Canon EOS R6 II for Video review vs A7 IV and S5 II? I'm looking forward to it!

I shoot Canon and Sony with the R7 and A7iv. I really love the Sony 85mm 1.8 for its light weight, silent fast focusing, image quality, soft backgrounds and it's feel and balance on the camera. It's just such a joy to shoot with and I wouldn't want a larger, heavier,more expensive, and wider version.

I imagine this took a while to put together Gordon but this video was incredibly helpful. Very much appreciated, thank you!!

Since switching to mirrorless Canon I've collected quite a few of the beloved old EF L lenses. 20-35mm 2.8L, 50mm 1.2L, 85mm 1.2L II, 135 2L, 100-300 5.6L, 80-200 2.8L and even an nFD 80-200 4L. Wait for nice offerings at MPB, ebay or even your local dealer.

It's awesome how much of that amazing glass is getting more and more affordable, now that more people are switching from EF to native RF lenses. The best time to pick up some great oldies...

I bought the EF 85mm 1.2 mk2 a few years back for around £900 then. I use it with the R5 since and love it.

I use the RF 85mm f/2 all the time for macro b-roll and product images, and it’s plenty sharp and magnified for my needs. The EF is likely a stronger portrait lens, but macro shooting with the RF is quite good for the price (even though it isn’t 1:1 - it’s close enough for me).

I don't do portraiture but that rendering on the EF f1.2 is gorgeous.

I have the Rokinon RF85 and it does a marvelous job.

Thanks MPB and thaks Gordon 🎉 I would find an all old vs new comparison using an older EF body really interesting, maybe a 5D Mark 2 There are plenty of them on MPB and would make an amazingly great first camera for someone starting to take up photography seriously.

Interesting. This is what I always do when a new lens comes out. Compare it to a used better one. Considering the L is not internal focus, isn't weather sealed, is a prime, and isn't much sharper than a USM f1.4 50mm, I find the used price STILL ridiculous for what it is. and a 50mm on an R7 is roughly 85mm with good pixel density. I never found these lenses worth the outlay. I bought 2 L lenses that are zooms for £300 each. 24-105 f4 and 17-35mm f2.8. And they are in excellent condition. It's always hit and miss though and I've sent plenty of lenses back with defects that weren't mentioned.

I always suspect digital enhancement on RF lenses. When comparing the corners, it might be interesting to see the result from DPP with lens compensation.

I had this lens for a few years , fantastic lens!

Great review! I would like to see a comparison of the EF 100mm F/2.8 and the RF 85mm F2.0. The question is do I need to buy the RF 85mm F/2.0 if I have the EF 100mm F/2.8 macro? I shoot mainly portraits.

Great comparison! I'd be very interested in more comparisons like this, e.g. with the mentioned 85 1.4 or with the 35 1.4 vs the RF 35 1.8. Or the old 50s.

I bought the RF 85mm f/2 and I'm happy with it!

Informative lens review Thanks Gordon.

I just saw a handful at Canada's Henry's camera, and i am seriously considering it judt for the sake of having a 1.2 portrait lense.

I have one of these. I love it.

I own the RF85 F2 and did a shooting for the company i work for, just badge pictures so basically tripod and flash mode, but i chose f8 just ... ya know .. its a picture on a badge and maybe on a wall and with the backdrop forced to be pure white, no need of creative DOF was needed... those pics will get a screenspace of max like 3x5cm :D On the other note... ill soon have birthday and i noticed the 50mm f1.2 to go on sale for 1750$ ... so... i decided to get that. Still have to wait until i can unpack it (rules are rules) but looking forward to using it, especially the corner-corner sharpness wide open impressed me. But the 85f2, after using it for that shoot... i see no point in upgrading really, its an excellent lense albeit at the slower end in focussing but thats probably just a design issue to keep the price where its at. anyhow - interesting comparison, liked it !

At time 10:57, when viewing the bottom right corner and both lenses at f2, I disagree with you about the RF being sharper. Look at the 4 lights on the pole. The lights look much better through the EF lens.

That 1.2L, viewed from the front, is super impressive with the large glass area ratio. It's almost all glass.

I prefer the sharpness, contrast, fps, and IS of the RF f/2 I just wish it was faster focusing. Was the EF f/1.4 L any faster at focusing? Cause the 3K for the RF version are way out of my league, esp. as a I already have a 24-70 and 70-200 f/2.8. This is just extra.

Thank you very much

Talking about great bargains, I recently got me that one lens (85mm f1.2 ii L ) from mpb for $480 only because it had a minor defect which doesn’t bother me . I am very happy with it !! 🎉 👍

I’ve had the ef 85mm canon and sigma art for my R5. Both have a front focusing issue. Focusing on the tip of the nose frequently, when targeting the eyes :(

I ll go with the RF version!

Been watching Gordon since I bought my 7D brand new, which was my first detachable lens camera. Always loved his reviews and his soothing voice.

Nice comparision. Would like to see the even older 85mm 1.2 FD compared.

The EF 85 1.2 is one of only two EF lenses I still own and have no intention to remove from my kit.

Great video and I am definitely a fantasiser like you and eyeing this 85mm 1.2L II lens. In DXO Mark the original 1.2L from 1989 has a higher score with Canon 5D IV .. what do you think?!

Just been using this with the Fringer on GFX100. It's phenomenal.

Thanks! Found the OG Sigma 85 1.4 EF for 250 GBP, best of most worlds :)

I seem to recall there being some benefit of the version I the EF 85 f1.2 lens. I think either it was optically better, or the focusing was faster... I forget...

I hope, there is a comparison of the old EF135 to the new one soon. But because of this heavy pricetag (I bought the EF also used) I propably stay with the EF135 forever. As for my TSE17 i wont change to anything RF. All other EF lenses I have sold or want to. The EF 70-200 2.8 II is still remaining, because the current market price really hurts to give it away so "cheap"....

My primary portrait rig is the XT3 with the new 56 1.2 WR. (85mm 1.8 equivalent) but a really darn good high end one at that. Another option :)

Hi Gordon, for the Sony A7RV, which are best G Master lens suited to architecture photography? I only have the 16-35mm GM and 24-70mm GM and 24mm GM prime, anything else you recommend? What do you think of the 12-24 GM?

After shooting with the EF 85 f/1.2 L II since its release for portraits and now adapted to the Z9, this video keeps me informed what's going with Canon's new lenses. Nevertheless, it is too late in my journey to replace it with Nikon's new Z 85 f/1.2 S. 🙂

Take a look at the Viltrox RF AF 85mm 1.8 for the RF mount😊

My tip: get the EF 85 1.4 IS instead of any of those two. even if you dont really need the IS on a modern camera body its a much better lens than the 1.2 in basically any regard. much faster focusing, sharper wide open, better (albeit not perfectly) controlled CAs and the bokeh is in fact better than the 1.2 because it does not has that lenses extremely nervous rendering at mid to far distances (example would be a full body shot with foliage in the background where the 1.2 can get really ugly wide open). i used the 1.2 for many years and i loved that chunk of glass a lot until i traded it for the 1.4 IS to have stabilized video on the R5C. the 1.4 IS is often overlooked but it bridges the gap between the old EF lenses and the newer, much better but extremely expensive RF counterparts quite well.

The EF lens actually works pretty well on GFX with the Fringer adapter. ;-) And yes, it covers. :P

Great videos as always but I notice lots of KZfaqrs are promoting the used market through keh mpb etc. I think the videos are going where the money is-the used market. Given the state of the world the camera fans are turning to used cheaper items vs the outrageously expensive new mirrorless stuff.

RF 85 F2 is reasonably good for the price point the lens is offered at. It's good for Wedding Photography.

Prefer the look of the EF lens, but I sold mine when I got a good price on the EF 200mm f2, which gives even better background separation and is much, much sharper than the 85mm. That is IMHO the best lens Canon has ever made.

Interesting I don't have a use for a 1.2 lens, today's cameras has great iso capabilities so 1.8 or in this case 2.0 works great for me! Keep up the good work!

I wish I'd bought the RF 85/f2 instead of the RF 100/f2.8L. I don't know how I overlooked it. Or, saved and put the money toward the RF 85/1.2. The EF 85/1.2 isn't my cup of tea... With an adapter on an R8, it's just doesn't feel good to use; I feel clumsy with it. The EF looks a little too soft/dreamy like I have a slight diffusion filter on it. All the non-L RF lenses have a 'technical look' to them, and unfortunately the 100/2.8L shares that trait. For an 85 prime, I'd rather be able to soften the look with a filter or in post rather than start with an already soft look. BTW, You do look better with the 1.2 EF lens... as would I, or most people our age (in general)... but for babies, pets, and other subjects that don't need a little softer look, I'd rather have the RF lenses. But one other thing: the L-glass seems to change the color a bit too.. like there is a bit of a 'glow from within' that I like. To get the best of both costs $2500 USD. With some improved lighting and post skills, I'll do the $500 USD 85/f2 lens and get a little closer for the light/color. But there's no comparison between 1.2 and 2. You either got it or you don't! :) I'll probably sell my 100 and just start saving for the 85/1.2.

Which one would you recommend for photoshoots and event photography?

How do you get the blurry background?

The only EF lens I kept for my R5 was the 135 f2L. It's focusing is fast and internal, great sharpness, beautiful rendering. These 2 85's I'd pass on.

You can get a used sigma art 85mm f1.4 for several hundred pounds and it is almost perfectly sharp across the frame, but it is really big as well as heavy. However it is well corrected as well as fast. I suppose the canon ef f1.2L still has the "edge" in bokeh though. Then there are the zeiss options for sony..

I own the RF 85 f2 and like my adapted EF 85 1.4 better, for sure.

Love my EF 85, but this comparison really highlights the portability/AF speed/IS improvements. Been plenty of times the EF has been slow to commit to focus during dimly lit events, which can be frustrating. The RF would be much more of a pleasure to balance/mount on gimbal too. You’ve got me thinking now sir! 🙃 as always, appreciate the informative content ✅👍

After buying some RF glass (50mm 1.2, 28-70, 15-35...) , I sold them all and bought several fast EF L lenses to use with my R5, they are cheap in the used market here in Brazil, and they are great! The 85mm ii 1.2 is wonderful!

I only do indoor or daytime portraits for my business's IG for work, and; I take photos of my WH40k miniatures for leisure. F2 is large enough for me and I would not trade away the Macro for bigger aperture. The RF 85 definitely is perfect for me. Great affordable lens. (I am not a photographer and, TBH, I sometimes would get parts of my subject out of focus with aperture larger than 1.8 with most lenses. I guess I'm having more fun riding a donkey than a stallion with my skill level. 😂)

...and you said that you won't make a review video of Nikon Z9 because it was released quite some time ago...! I ask you, when was Canon RF 85mm f2 released?

Nice video. I owned this lens many years ago when I was shooting Canon (5D Mk II). It's an amazing portrait lens for adults, the bokeh is amazing and dreamy. I believe lens barrel size contributes to the bokeh size so when shooting at f2 the 85 f1.2 with a 72mm filter will have bigger bokeh balls (!) than the narrower 85 f2 with 67mm filter size. This effect can also be seen on the recent comparison videos of the Sony 50 f1.2 vs 50 f1.4 when both at f1.4. The problems with the Canon EF 85 f1.2 were (a) the weight, so I wouldn't carry it with me, (b) it was relatively slow to focus on the DSLR, and (c) the 95cm shortest focus distance made it hard to get really tight portraits on small children and babies. I currently shoot with the great Sigma 85 f1.4 on a Sony a7IV, but I occasionally miss the f1.2...

I prefer the look of the RF F2, much more pop at all apertures

These lenses were top of the line 10 years ago with every canon Explorer of Light telling us they were perfect. Now canon wants us to pay 3x for lenses that might be clinically sharper, but lets face it they wont' make most pros more money. We need to focus more on making art, and not on the gear. we live in a wondserful time where old pro lenses are so cheap used and more affordable to artist to use.

Gordon, man I miss you on the channel. Have you done a review of the Sony a7 iV? And can you do a review of the undisputed Hasselblad H2D please. Thanks and nice to hear your voice again:)

1.2

If the EF 1.4 is $1000 used, has fewer flaws than the 1.2 but better bokeh than the RF 2 ... then THAT could be the Goldilocks choice, no?

Were you the same bloke that used to write for PCW magazine in the 1980s ?

Does anyone use the EF 85mm f1.2L on a Sony A1/A7/A9? Is there an adapter which provides AF with this lens?

I think you got them backwards at 11 mins.

Ah the good old 85/1.2 RF. Heaviest 85mm ever produced 20% heavier than a current day 70-200 2.8 😂

Quote £ my friend. If people don’t get it… that’s on them.

You're doing reviews on used gear on sale??? Very, very.... strange.

mmmmmm i wish this was rf v rf and not ef v rf...

EF

FIRST !

Take off your winter hat next time please….

"choose?" what blasphemy is this? you need both. 🙃

Are you sure mentioned MPB enough?

EF L superiority by far. Plus, RF design is really ugly.

Well done