Canon's legendary ultra-fast 85mm portrait prime with dreamlike rendering at f/1.2.
The Canon EF 85mm f/1.2L II USM is one of the most iconic portrait lenses ever made, launched in 2006. With its extraordinary f/1.2 aperture, it produces a dreamlike rendering with a three-dimensional quality that photographers describe as magical. The amount of glass needed for f/1.2 gives images a distinctive richness.
Wide open at f/1.2 the depth of field is razor-thin with soft, glowing edges and extraordinary subject separation from the background. Bokeh is creamy and three-dimensional. Sharpness wide open is deliberately not clinical — it is characterful. Stopped down to f/2 it becomes very sharp. AF is slow and can be inconsistent.
Canon EF mount only, 72mm filter thread. The RF 85mm f/1.2L USM is the mirrorless successor with dramatically improved AF speed and sharpness wide open. The EF version retains a devoted following for its specific rendering character that some prefer over the technically superior RF version.
Commands premium used prices as a legendary lens. Check AF accuracy thoroughly with multiple test shots at f/1.2. Listen for any AF motor hesitation. The rendering is the selling point — for clinical sharpness the RF version or Sigma 85mm f/1.4 Art are better. For magic, nothing else compares.