85 1.2L v1 versus 85 1.2 v2

I bought an 82 1.2L a few years back, and returned it after three weeks or so (generous return policy from B&H or Adorama in NYC I think it was). It took stunning images, but the focus was just too slow to be a useful tool for me, with my 20D.

Years later, I bought the Mk II and found it focuses adequately quickly on my 5Dii. Love the lens and images it produces.

Personally I would never want to shoot with the Mk I again. For general purpose use, I'd get more usable images from the 85 1.8 than the 1.2 mk I. Of course it depends what you are shooting, preferences etc.

See if you can borrow one from a friend, rent one, or try for a few days.

-V