Canon 85mm Showdown: f/1.2L vs f/1.8 - Ultimate Lens Comparison! 📸 | Gear Review 🎥

Summary

In this video, we compare two Canon 85mm lenses: the L version f1.2 and the non-L f1.8. The f1.2 offers superior low-light performance and image quality but at a higher price and slower autofocus. The f1.8 is lighter, cheaper, and faster focusing, making it ideal for event photography. Both lenses are suitable for portraits, but the choice depends on your photography style and budget.

Takeaways

• 📸 The Canon 85mm f/1.8 is an older lens released in 1992, known for its fast autofocus and good bokeh.
• 🔭 The Canon 85mm f/1.2 L, referred to as 'The Keg', is a more recent lens released in 2006 with a massive aperture allowing twice as much light as the f/1.8.
• 🏭 The 85mm f/1.2 L lens has superior construction with a metal body and weather sealing, compared to the plastic body of the f/1.8.
• 💰 The L lens is significantly more expensive, with a new price around $2200 at launch, versus the f/1.8 which was about $700 new and now can be found for as low as $250.
• 📈 The L lens is part of Canon's top-tier product line, offering better construction, wider apertures, and faster autofocus.
• 🔒 The f/1.2 lens is extremely sharp wide open with creamy bokeh, while the f/1.8 has its own character and is also sharp but not as creamy.
• 📹 For video, both lenses perform well, but the f/1.2 offers superior separation and creamy bokeh due to its larger aperture.
• ⚖️ The f/1.2 L lens is notably heavier, weighing just over 2 lbs, which could be a consideration for long events or use on stabilizers.
• 🔄 The autofocus on the f/1.2 L lens is slower compared to the f/1.8, which might be a disadvantage for event or action photography.
• 🤔 The choice between the two lenses should be based on the type of photography one does, with the f/1.8 being more versatile for various scenarios and the f/1.2 being ideal for portrait photography in low light.

Q & A

What are the two Canon lenses discussed in the script?

The two Canon lenses discussed are the Canon 85mm f/1.8 and the Canon 85mm f/1.2 L version.

When was the Canon 85mm f/1.8 lens released?

The Canon 85mm f/1.8 lens was released in 1992.

What is the nickname for the Canon 85mm f/1.2 L lens and why?

The Canon 85mm f/1.2 L lens is nicknamed 'The Keg' due to its massive size and weight.

What is the difference in construction between the L lens and the non-L lens?

The L lens has a metal body and weather sealing, while the non-L lens has a plastic body and lacks weather sealing.

How much does the Canon 85mm f/1.2 L lens weigh?

The Canon 85mm f/1.2 L lens weighs just over 2 lbs (approximately 2.4 lbs or 907 grams).

What is the significance of the 'L' designation in Canon lenses?

The 'L' designation in Canon lenses signifies that they are part of the top-tier product line, featuring better construction, wider apertures, and faster autofocus.

How does the autofocus performance of the Canon 85mm f/1.2 L lens compare to the 85mm f/1.8?

The autofocus on the Canon 85mm f/1.2 L lens is slower compared to the 85mm f/1.8, which is a significant drawback for event photography.

What is the price range for the Canon 85mm f/1.2 L lens when new, and what is the current used price range?

The Canon 85mm f/1.2 L lens was priced at $2,200 when new in 2006, and the current used price range is between $800 and $1,200.

What is the advantage of the 85mm f/1.2 lens over the 85mm f/1.8 in terms of image quality?

The 85mm f/1.2 lens allows in twice as much light, providing better image quality, better chromatic aberration, and ghosting reduction.

How does the Canon 85mm f/1.2 L lens perform in video?

The Canon 85mm f/1.2 L lens performs excellently in video, offering smooth autofocus and great separation due to its wide aperture.

What is the main consideration when choosing between the Canon 85mm f/1.2 L and the 85mm f/1.8 lenses?

The main consideration is the type of photography or videography one does, as well as the importance of weight and autofocus speed in their work.