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

Steve W wrote:

ZX11 wrote:

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 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.

Save for the great lens if you are in for the long term. I would want the RF 85 f/1.2 because it's performance can't be had elsewhere. You can use wide open and not have CA or softness issues. It makes sense in that it will return great photos from the moment you have it and for the long term afterwards.

If you change systems a lot, then the cheaper lens makes sense as you may never use the wide open enough to justify the extra $1500. You may only make use of its wide open effects a few times before selling it.

I will get the RF at some point in the next few years and have it until they pry my cold dead hands from it.

I agree with you. I guess right now I am thinking while all the info on the new R5 is very positive, I want to ensure that Canon make a camera body that justifies the expense of a $2600 lens. Of course the EF 85mm f/1.4 can not only be adapted to the EOS R but even to the Sony A7x family so that's a huge positive. Right now I could sell the 85 GM and replace it with the EF 85/1.4L and not spend any money and use the EF on both camera bodies.

That makes the most sense. Unless you need more bokeh of the 1.2 or the AF advantage of the RF lens and R body combination, the EF lens will work on all your cameras.