Mark Ellington
Canon 85mm F1.2 L II USM Lens
Introduction
The Canon 85mm F1.2 L II USM EF AF Lens is a high-performance medium telephoto lens manufactured by Canon, a leader in photographic equipment. This lens is primarily designed for portrait photography, allowing photographers to achieve stunning images with remarkable clarity and depth of field. With its impressive maximum aperture of f/1.2, this lens is particularly favored by professionals seeking to create beautiful bokeh and exquisite subject isolation.
Product Overview
The Canon 85mm F1.2 L II USM Lens belongs to Canon’s prestigious L-series, known for their superior optical quality and robust construction. Designed for Canon’s EF mount, this lens is compatible with a variety of Canon DSLR cameras. It is an ideal choice for photographers who require a lens that performs exceptionally well in low-light conditions while delivering professional-grade results.
Appearance and Design
With its sleek black finish and robust build, the Canon 85mm F1.2 L II USM lens exudes professionalism. The lens features a solid metal construction, ensuring durability while remaining relatively lightweight for its class. Its unique design includes a large front element that aids in light gathering, as well as a rubberized focus ring that provides a smooth manual focus experience. The lens also incorporates a weather-sealed design, making it suitable for outdoor shooting in varied conditions.
Key Features and Specifications
- Maximum Aperture: f/1.2
- Focal Length: 85mm
- Diagonal Angle of View: 28°30′
- Closest Focusing Distance: 3.2 feet
- Focus Adjustment: AF with full-time manual focus
- Ring-type UltraSonic Motor (USM) for fast and silent autofocus
- Weight: 36.2 oz (1,025g)
- Dimensions: 3.6 in. x 3.3 in. (91.5mm x 84mm)
- EF mount compatibility
Experience Using the Product
In various shooting scenarios, the Canon 85mm F1.2 L II USM lens truly shines. During portrait sessions, the lens delivers stunningly sharp images with beautiful background blur, allowing subjects to stand out effortlessly. The f/1.2 aperture is a game-changer for low-light settings; whether it’s an indoor event or twilight portraits, this lens performs admirably, producing clean images with minimal noise.
Additionally, the fast autofocus is particularly beneficial for capturing fleeting moments, and the manual focus ring allows for precise adjustments when needed. However, while the lens is heavy, the weight is manageable, and the overall balance on most Canon bodies is commendable.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Exceptional image quality with stunning sharpness and beautiful bokeh.
- Fast and accurate autofocus system.
- Robust and durable construction.
- Weather-sealed for outdoor shooting.
- Excellent performance in low-light conditions.
Cons:
- High price point at $1999 may deter casual photographers.
- Heavier than most standard lenses, which can be cumbersome.
- Not zoomable, limiting versatility compared to zoom lenses.
Conclusion
In summary, the Canon 85mm F1.2 L II USM EF AF Lens is a powerhouse in the realm of portrait photography. With its outstanding optical performance, solid build quality, and user-friendly features, it is undoubtedly worth the investment for serious photographers. While the price may be steep, the results this lens delivers can elevate your photography to new heights. If you are looking for a lens that can handle a variety of challenging conditions and produce breathtaking images, the Canon 85mm F1.2 is an excellent choice.
