i love that 135mm 1.8 🔥🔥🔥🔥

Easily one of the best James Reader videos yet. Bonus points to your wife for always helping you out making these comparisons ! I've shot all the EF counterparts but feel like I"m starting all over again with RF.

I loved the results from 85 f 1.2 so perfect

The RF 28-70 f2.0 is on my camera for 90% of portrait shoots these days. I'd argue it's the best all-round lens that Canon currently make due its versatility. Especially handy in the studio with strobes as your usually shooting stopped down quite a bit anyway. The 85 f1.2 is a close second, but you're stuck with a single focal length - that extra bit of light costs some usefulness. Great video, nice comparisons. Keep up the good work 👍

I like the look from 85mm f1.2 all round, fantastic work

Love seeing this review including the brand new rf 35 1.4! Interesting result comparing sharpness to 50!

My choice of lens depends on: a) the shape of my client’s head. b) How much of the background I want in the image. Amazing video!!! Concise and The best comparison I’ve seen

I had to move from watching on my iPhone to full screen on my 48" OLED to really appreciate the shots you took. The 85mm created the best background separation in my opinion, but the 135 was even more flattering on the subject. If Canon made a 135 1.4 I think that would give us the best of both background separation and subject rendering. Well done my friend.

Sick video! I've got the 85 2.0, and it feels absolutely stunning! Can only recommend it aswell, if you're a bit on a budget. Having the 35 1.8 aswell, but that feels very situational. Just in use, when the location is absolutely amazing, where it also fits to take lots of space in the picture

I have been watching your videos since I started looking for a camera, and I must say, Mrs. Reader is my favorite model.

135 mm is just perfect

Great video, James. Also big shout out to Rachel for her posting and patience with all the switching of lenses.

Brilliant video, as usual! Not only do we get a detailed comparison of the Canon RF L lenses' characteristics, but also a masterclass on the importance of focal length in general. The mood truly changes with the focal length, and the fact that you make expressive and artistic photos is paramount. Thanks for the insightful content! It would be interesting also to compare the older STM lenses.

Lens details aside, this may be the best focal length comparison video I’ve seen. You keep everything consistent and show the working distance implications very clearly. Nice work! Now, you chose nice evenly lit backgrounds, as you should, but what happens with more challenging high contrast busy backgrounds? I have the 85 f/2 which is remarkably good, amazing really, but such backgrounds get pretty messy and distracting vs. my better EF mount primes. I’ve noticed my friend’s RF 70-200 similarly suffers (his RF 50 f/1.2 does not.)

Fantastic video!! Thank you! I own them all so no bias but the 85 was stellar here as usual.

Thank you man! you are helping a lot of us to decide which focal lenght we want. Well done :)

I'm not a canon user, but this comparison is totally worth the time to watch! thanks!

My favorite portrait lens in my kit is the RF 85mm 1.2. I love the buttery bokeh, and very minimal chromatic aberration.

Very useful comparison, including showing the distance you had to have for the same results. As a side note you are a lucky man at any focal length 😊

The model has a lovely smile

Such a great video which gives you real life examples for all these RF lenses! I appreciate the raw files as well so I can take a closer look for myself.

When I shot Nikon film cameras, my favorite portrait lens was the Nikkor 105mm f/2.5. That was then, this is now, and I just purchased the Canon R6 II with the 24mm - 105 mm zoom lens. I love the look of the Canon 85mm f/1.2. Wondering if the Canon 135mm f/1.8 makes more sense because it also extends my range past the zoom. I never miss your channel updates. You videos are well thought-out and clearly presented, a treat for KZfaq. A lovely model makes it a pleasure to review your lens tests. Thanks.

This is such a great video! Congratulations on answering so many questions in just under 15 minutes! Awsome work!

I use RF135 for most of outdoor portraits.

For me, I loved the 50mm & 135mm for headshots & mid length portraits. And 35mm & 200mm for full body portraits.

I absolutely love that 135... trouble is, for full-body shots, you need a model who understands semaphores 😉 Since you were talking about missing a 100-105 in that lineup, I can vouch for the RF 100mm macro; although it's f2.8, it's razor sharp, and the SA-control ring can add some pleasing effects you won't get from other RF lenses (it's not magic though - depending on background, those effects can vary from beautiful to rubbish, so play with the dial a bit to find your sweet spot) . Just a thought!

Great video and you providing the RAW files is amazing. Keep it up!

James! Fantastic video, I own 3 out of the 5 lenses and gave a better perpective on the overall quality of each lens, also as you said they are all fantastic lenses, keep up the good work!

great content!

Another GREAT upload James! I'm so happy I chose to go with the 135mm 1.8 over the 85mm 1.2. Quality wise, I think the 135mm 1.8 is slightly, VERY slightly under the 85mm 1.2. But overall, I don't think anyone would regret going with the 135 over the 85. Mind you, I still believe the 85mm 1.2 is the best lens in the canon lineup!

Waited this vidéo for age ! 😍 This is so real life comparison. The choice of 3 distances is perfect. But in my opinion, you should include a foreground next time if this is possible. This is where the f1.2s (especially the 85) always shine more and show something I do not see with another kind of lens.

Really nice and helpful comparison. Thanks James and Rachel of course. Your videos help me a lot everytime when I'm looking for something that I am not able to try before buy. Ahh and of course thx for the RAW files as well. Once if you gonna sell your R5, drop me a message than I sell my R6 and buying your workhorse :)

Thank you James for a fantastic video, would be nice to compare the 24-105 2.8 with these gems

Thanks for this comparison, packed with a lot of useful information.

My man. You would love the sigma 105. I adapt it and it’s wonderful.

I love the 28 to 70 f2. I cannot believe it's not a part of this video. I shot a wedding solo last month and other than arriving early and grabbing an empty venue shot fom the balcony with my 15 to 35, that lens was never off my camera. For senior portraits save the date photos and the like the 28 to 70 is also my go-to lens. My other two lenses are the 15 to 35 f2.8 and the 70 to 200 f2.8 but they see little use.

Thanks James, a great comparison done well

I love your comparison videos. They are very well done with great side-by-sides. The 85 is beautiful but, the 70-200 is surprisingly good. That is such a versatile lens! I'd be curious to get your thoughts/see a future evaluation of the Canon RF 100 f2.8L macro for portraits. I always hear it pointed out that while designed for macro, it can be good for portraits. Perhaps f2.8 just isn't wide enough. However, seeing 135 f1.8 and 200 f2.8, how far off is it? I'm sure that it will lose points on bokeh but, would you ever consider using it for portraits (if you didn't have any of the lenses in this video on you)? Might be interesting to see a comparison to see if you could get away with it.

the 50 1.2 and 85 1.2 just look amazing

Great video. I love the 50mm 1.2 and 85mm 1.2 personally. I bought the RF 50mm 1.2 L though because I'm not sure how many L lenses I will ever own. I like the versatility of the 50mm and I also like being a little closer to my sometimes high school senior subjects and couples so I can give more direction if needed.

Add a RF 100mm F2.8 macro to this and play with the soft focus control to smooth out skin and make her glow.

I can tell by your partner's face in the thumbnail who's video this is!

Brilliant comparison, James!! I have the RF50 1.2, RF100 2.8 Macro, and RF135 1.8, and they are all fantastically sharp. The RF85 1.2 looks so compelling, but I feel like I’ve got that focal length nearly surrounded. If it weren’t so bulky…

I'm very grateful for this type of comparison video (even though I can't afford any of these lenses, haha). Your down-to-earth delivery makes them so easy to watch.

Great video man, thanks. Just subscribed.

I don’t classify myself as a portrait photographer, but I have always watched your reviews with great interest. You are always incisive and incredibly helpful. James have you tested the RF 100 f2.8 macro, I note that some people find it useful for portraits!

You are doing really great content, very helpful for people who need information about these canon, RF portrait lenses. I really like that you show from the beginning to the end directly photos instead of talking for hours like others. Interestingly, on an event I could try the 50 mm 1.2 RF lens and it was razor sharp. Later I decided to buy such a lens, but my copy isn’t much sharper than the 50 mm 1.8 that I also own. It’s a tiny bit sharper but really not that much of a difference and looking to your pictures you seem to have the same issue. I honestly prefer the 85 mm 1.2 that I owned before, but it was just too heavy for me and stayed in the cupboard all the time. But I somehow miss it when I see your pictures 😇 I asked myself if you were paying this model for all your videos but it’s your wife…! Congratulations 😊

that 85 will always be the overall winner but the price point between the 135 and the 85 makes it a hard choice. both very similar if distance isnt a problem (which it usually is)

The RF 85 1.2 was my first RF lens and its spoiled my expectations of what lenses should do 😂

Thank you for the review. I like portraits at 1.8 more actually. 1.2 is too shallow of DoF for me personally. As far as focal length goes, from that set I would go with 135. 105 would be ideal though ...

If I could choose just one it would probably be 50mm as it is very versatile. What I would love to see is RF 200mm f 1.8 or f 2 one day. Technically RF 85mm f 1.2 L is probably the best lens that Canon has ever created. I love that 3D pop look. For some reason I do not like 35mm rendering that much. Wish they'd make photography version RF 35mm f 1.2 L.

My go to is either my RF 85 1.2 or RF135 1.8.

Sit back and enjoy 🙂. I agree with all your choices. I am surprised by the 70-200 and wonder how it compares to the 85 and 135 if set at these focal lengths. If it comes on top or even compares, this is the more versatile one and the one I would go for. The 70-200 is so sharp and has so much contrast, it is a bit too much, making the 85 more flattering. But I guess you may be able to get the 85 look in post? I'm not a pro nor am I incredibly rich, so I use the R8 with the 28-105. The combos here are all over 6k€. I could afford it, but how much use would I get out of it? However, James, thank you so much for this fantastic video, because now I have a reference for what to rent if I ever need it for an occasion! The distortion of the 35 for close-up portraits... ouch!!

Hmm interesting results in sharpness. My 50 @1.2 is definitely sharper then my 70-200 @200.

My beloved combo for portraits are Sigmas 40/1.4 and 105/1.4. RF 85/1.2 is great too yet I like the bit longer Sigma more. 28-70/2 is amazingly versatile zoom but it trails well behind Sigmas in terms of the IQ (and aperture of course). Those Sigmas are even perfectly usable on Fuji GFX format without any problems. Which is absolutely staggering considering their price...

I ALREADY HAVE 35 85 & 70-200 2.8 ALL IS MY FAVOURITE

The swirly background bokeh is rather an effect of an optical flaw, the fact that the roundish bokeh is cut off closer to the edge due to restrictions at any aperture within the optical system.

liked the 70 and the 135 for the first comparison, 135 and the 70 for the second comparison. I would pick the 135 for the price and the clarity

This is a really good comparison! Very useful. Thank you!

Canon Rf 85mm 1.2 is a dream lens for portraits.

My favorite lens is the 85mm 1.2 which I keep in my bag at all times. The other RF glass that I use is the RF 28-70 f/2.8. However my bokeh master is the Sigma 105 F/1.4 and these are the lenes ntha go with me on all shoots. I do love the glass that you have used bexause they are all some of the best lenses for the RF full frame cameras.

Such a great, thorough review! Really appreciate your work. I love the look of the 85 and 135. I suppose if you need versatility, the 70-200 should be your choice. But it's worth noting that you have to be at like 135mm+ to get any good bokeh/creamy background shots. 50 and 135 would be a good minimal prime kit I think. Such a hard decision between these. 85 will always be king I think.

stunning content 🥰

Excellent review

1. This such a good video, thanks 2. I use RF 70-200 2.8 and it's every bit as good as you say, super sharp but needs distance. for me that's good 3. I do fantasize 85mm 1.2 at times but it's hard to justify after having aforementioned zoom. 85mm is a big lens and gonna weigh me down if i carry it along with the zoom. it's not particularly affordable as well. Either choose the zoom or 85mm1.2 but having both hardly makes any sense, it's redundant... for the most part for my use case

A valuable resource. Subscribed and thanks

to do all the RF lenses you needed the RF28-70 F2 they have a RF 100 F2.8 Macro

I own all these lenses except for the new RF 35 1.4 where I have the EF version. All in all the RF 85mm f/1.2 L USM is my most used lens for all these shots! It gives me the most natural looking proportions for the model and the background separation is just beautiful. With the RF 135mm f/1.8 L IS USM faces start to look a little to wide and flat for my personal taste (depends on the model). The least used lens is my RF 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS USM... it might be that I will sell the lens despite I love the compact design and the flexiblity.

Very very very nice comparison and sharing🎉🎉🎉 Very useful

Rachel looks really good😍❤🥰

I don’t own it but the RF 85 1.2 was the best lens I’ve ever used. I have the EF version now but eventually I’m trying to get the RF. The 50 is my favorite lens I own though. 24-70 is my workhorse and same with my 15-35 before I got the 24-70. The 50 is just magic though. The 35 1.4 is my next on the list and then upgrade the body to the R5 mk II since I’m shooting on the original R. After that I’ll try for the RF 85 1.2. Great comparison. I feel like the 135 is really specialized so unless you know you need that lens the working distance is too far for me.

Thanks very much for the video, James! Was debating between getting the 35 and the 50, and will be picking up the 50, thanks again!

Fantastic video, just what I was looking for! Less so for portraits but I really think Canon need to get a good 24 1.4 or 1.2 on the cards next. I’d also be interested to see an RF 200 f2.0, but that’s more so that some people sell off their ef 200 f2.0 so I can be within reach of getting one!

After testing on my side I agree 85mm 1.2 is the KING of outdoor Portaits but 50mm 1.2 wins indoor where space is limited :)

Another great video.. Will you possibly consider doing a budget version of the same video? Comparing the 35f1.8, 50f1.8 and 85f2 or more.. Thanks

135 👑

Crop in with the 85mm f1.2 and you get an equivalent 136mm at f1.92, albeit with less resolution, but still, best of both worlds 😃

Fanstastic review! It would be interesting to compare it with other systems like Nikon/Sony. Ultimate lens review :)

Amazing video! Thanks for sharing.

Great video. One point... I'm not so sure the 35mm beats the 50mm, in sharpness. If you're looking at the eye, and the tiny veins, I can see why you might think that. However, switch to looking at the forehead and the hair, and one might conclude otherwise. I think the focal point is slightly different. Maybe it's DoF difference; but that seems unlikely, given the apertures and focal lengths.

Great job, Thank you James.

Great comparison video James. I only have the 70-200 from those shown. Absolutely love it and it is on my R5 95% of the time. As a hobbyist I have no need for the 85mm f/1.2 however it would be my next lens to replace the RF85mm f/2 which I use occasionally.

As beautifully sharp as the 85 is, something about the 70-200 just blows me away everytime I use it. The fact it covers both the 85 and 135, it's a no brainer for me on that list. However my 24-70 RF lives on my camera for😊

What a great review. Full of information and detailed observations of the results . In terms of the missing 100mm prime - would the RF 100mm macro be an option?

Hey James, I would be extremely interested in seeing how you edit your photos in Lightroom. I think it would be a fantastic video idea. Love the content man!

I own all Canon's RF L lenses and the best for portraits is the 85mm/1.2

My favorites are 85 and 135mm for portrait if I have anough place to work. Otherwise this is 28-70 f2.

Another superb video, James, as always...😊 What's your view of using 100mm Macro lens F2.8 for portrait? As I know, this lens delivers stunning detail, inceedibly sharp and no distortion with great bokeh.

I like the look from the 135mm the best. I have it plus the 50mm f1.2 and the 70-200mm f 2.8. Your wife is beautiful but I wish she would smile when you take a photo of her.

The 85 1.2 is just unbeatable.

My best RF-Lens for portraits is the Sigma 105 1.4 Art EF 😅

Thanks James for this excellent comparison. From my experience, the 135mm is definitely sharper than the 70-200, and at par with the 85mm (all wide open, that is).

700-200 looks the sharpest

I take photos of families at the beach.. and I really don't like lugging 2 cameras or changing lenses... I recently used the 100-400 for some close portraits and was surprised at how good they were, but not enough light. So, I bought the 70-200/f4 to use for small group portraits and that lens is stellar. Rarely does anyone want full length portraits for what I do... so the versatility of 70-200 for varying groups and their backgrounds is great. I have a 28-70 but I hate the weight and balance. Same for the 85/1.2. These fat lenses make it less fun for me to shoot. Lugging everything long distances (especially when you add lights, etc.) just starts to get too much. Maybe if I could afford an assistant one day.. or a motorized beach cart, I could take the mobile studio.. but until then... R6+70-200 = great portraits and flexibility. If it's not too windy/sandy, I can change lenses to the 28-70 as well, and I have everything I need for a wide variety of shooting.

The 85 1.2 is unbeatable.

Hello James! Best video as always 😊 How about RF85 1.2 DS? I’m struggling is the DS better or the regular 1.2🤔

Great comparison!

Мой топ RF 85 1.2, и EF 200 2.0

I would suggest to get Canon RF 28-70mm F2 . it is prime lens from 28 to 70 focal length, it is damn sharp with beautiful background separation.

Sick video🔥 would appreciate a video for a broll lens showdown for video as well .. canon mount for sure