70-200 2.8 IS II vs. 85 1.2 II for Portraits?

Marcos Villaroman wrote:

I own a 70-200/2.8L IS II and 85L II. Two very different lens and I wouldn't dream of thinking a 70-200 would replace a 85L.

But, the 85L is a specialty lens. It's designed for portraits and very low light shots of stationary subjects. It also works wonders for shallow DOF, even in bright daylight (with ND and polarizer filters).

I *highly* recommend you rent a 85L and see what you can do with it before deciding your 70-200/2.8L IS II is good enough.

As for the 85L II being replaced anytime soon --- sure anything is possible. There's been lots of rumors about a lot of Canon L glass will be replaced in preparation for 30+ megapixel sensors. But, then the prices will likely double.

Same here. Own both and the 85LII is on my camera and the 70-200 II is in it's bag until I need it as a zoom and more reach. The 85 is king of primes from what I have seen and read. I have heard the 35 and 50 L's are to be updated soon, but I have heard that for a long time. If and when that happens and you want the updated version, sell the old one and update. I have the 35L and the 50L and love them both as well. If they are updated, I may be interested, but would wait at least a year for reviews to come in from the real world and the pricing to drop (As it always does). If you have the money to get a 85LII, do so. You will not be disappointed in it. Here are a few I have taken with the 85L and the 70-200LII: