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Which Canon 85mm? EF f/1.4L IS or RF f/1.2L Locked

Started Mar 21, 2020 | Discussions thread
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thunder storm Forum Pro • Posts: 10,139
Re: Which Canon 85mm? EF f/1.4L IS or RF f/1.2L

Steve W wrote:

So I have a Canon EOS R which I got to buy back into the Canon system after moving to Sony. I now want to add back a Canon 85mm and I admit I am leaning toward the EF 85mm f/1.4L IS because I can get it for a lot less used than the new RF 85mm f/1.2L. I did used to own the EF 85mm f/1.2L II but sold it when I moved on from Canon originally last year.

As shown in the picture below the f/1.4L is really not bigger and with the adapter its lighter. Also the big plus is that it has IS that with the EOS R will be more usable. Sure the new EOS R5 will come along with IS but that for me would be at least a year out if I decide to do that upgrade (very likely if I stay with Canon). So which would you go for? The used EF 85/1.4L IS is ~ $1500 cheaper than the RF 85/1.2L.

I don't know how important size is to you, and if you can live with a bit longer FL, but if you are looking for performance on a budget the Sigma 105 f/1.4 Art could be an option.

IQ of this sigma is certainly beyond the Canon EF 85mm f/1.4 IS.  It's wide open sharpness and contrast  doesn't make the bokeh suffer from harshness.  You will have a hard time to create visible CA with this lens. I am not saying it's as good as the RF 85mm f/1.2, but it could be close.

I got mine used for 1000 euro. The RF 85mm f/1.2 is 3000 euro. I think the sigma is a steal. No IS, but hey, even Canon bodies will have IBIS one day.  And: your MC-11 is optimized for Sigma, not for Canon.

I have to admit I also did compare the size and weight to the Sony A7RIV and 85 GM I currently have and even the Fuji X-T3 with XF 56mm f/1.2 (would have to switch to X-T4 if IBIS is desired). I did this comparison to do some sanity checking. These are also in order of heaviest to lightest from left to right

Hard to find a head to head comparison of the two Canon's to the Sony GM but still leaning toward getting an 85mm prime for my Canon system again.

Also to be clear the use will be portrait shooting even though I might use the lens for other purposes.

All input is appreciated.

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M for zooms, RF for primes

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