Is the Canon RF 85mm F1.2 Lens Worth The Money?

Share

When it comes to lenses, there are a ton of choices out there. Is the Canon RF 85mm F1.2 lens worth the money? See how the same portrait looks at F1.2, F5.6 and F11.

Equipment Used:

Team:

Photographer: Sal Cincotta 
Model: Anna May

Things to consider if you're looking
at an F1.2 lens

At over $2,600, you might be wondering if the Canon 85mm F1.2 lens is worth it, when you can get an F1.4 or F1.8 lens for $1000 less. Here’s where you might need the extra half stop.

Low light conditions

If you’re a wedding or indoor photographer, that extra half stop will be worth it for low light situations. Think dark churches or rooms. With the extra half stop, you get the ability to pull back on ISO and get less noise in your images. 
 

Studio Work

If you’re a studio or fashion photographer, or even just someone who prefers the look of images at a high F Stop, I don’t think you need this lens. The real point of a 1.2, 1.4 or 1.8 is to get a shallow depth of field and bokeh effect, so if you’re not going to shoot at those F Stops, why are you getting this lens? 🙂 

Comparison at F1.2, F5.6 and F11

Settings: f/1.2 @ 1/2,500, ISO 50
Settings: f/5.6 @ 1/1,000, ISO 400
Settings: f/11 @ 1/200, ISO 400
Settings: f/1.2 @ 1/4,000, ISO 50
Settings: f/5.6 @ 1/800, ISO 200
Settings: f/11 @ 1/200, ISO 200
Settings: f/1.2 @ 1/4,000, ISO 50
Settings: f/5.6 @ 1/200, ISO 50
Settings: f/11 @ 1/160, ISO 160

More final images

Settings: f/1.2 @ 1/4,000, ISO 50
Settings: f/1.2 @ 1/6,400, ISO 100

This Post Has 3 Comments

  1. Brad Bower

    This lens is amazing. I find it worth every penny. Sharpest L lens I have ever owned.

  2. Samantha

    Your comparison of the lens to similar options on the market really sheds light on the value of this particular lens. I appreciate the attention to detail and the thoughtful consideration given to factors such as build quality, image quality, and price. You definitely made me consider adding the Canon RF 85mm F1.2 to my kit. Thank you for the valuable insights!

  3. Martin Belmont Photography

    Great review. But the price for this thing is too high. I wil stick with my belowed EF 85 1.4.
    Martin Belmont photography

Leave a Reply

Want more content like this?

Check out our recent posts

yt thumbnail fashionportraitsusingmaskmode 2

Mask Mode Fashion Portraits Using the FJ400

One of the most underrated features of the Westcott FJ400 is its Mask Mode. It’s typically used in school and sports photography to create a mask around your subject for easy background removal in post-production. But in this video, I’m going to show you how you can create mask mode fashion portraits using the FJ400.

Read More »
yt thumbnail how i got the shot dublin, ireland

How I got the Shot in Dublin

Ready to see some behind the scenes for real on-location photoshoots? Check out this video where I breakdown some recent shoots from Dublin, Ireland.

You would be amazed at how you can easily turn any location into a work of art. Learning to see the world through the lens of your camera is key to success. Let’s break it down step-by-step.

Read More »