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

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 dramaticlightingonlocation

Dramatic Lighting On Location

Ready to take your off camera flash to the next level? In this photography video tutorial, I show you how to use the Westcott FJ400 to light your subject up and create dark and dramatic portraits for your clients.

Read More »
yt thumbnail outdoorportraitsusingreflector

Outdoor Portraits Using a Reflector // Westcott Fusion

Harsh sunlight? No problem. You can create stunning portraits with nothing more than a reflector and clever use of blocking techniques. In this photography lighting tutorial, we use the Westcott Fusion which gives us several variations for lighting control.

Natural light photography doesn’t have to be flat and boring. Using a reflector can add dimension and that pop of life into your subjects eyes. If you have ever wondered how to use a reflector for outdoor photography – this video is for you.

Read More »