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

Steve W wrote:

lélé 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.

If budget is a concern, I would go for the Canon EF 85mm F1.4L USM IS used.

Should you still want the Canon RF 85mm F1.2L USM, you may be able to get one used or with a good discount in a while.

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

The Fujinon XF56mmF1.2 R is equivalent to a 85mm f/1.8 on FF. Redo the comparison with a 'modern' 85mm f/1.8 FF lens and you'll see that it is approximately the same length and weight.

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.

So I thought I would make the comparison you suggested just for completeness although I only included the Fuji X-T3 with XF 56/1.2 for those wondering about APS-C

Here you go.

A7RIV + 85/1.4 GM, X-T3 + 56/1.2 , A7RIV + Batis 85/1.8 (with IS), A7RIV + FE 85/1.8

I actually used to own a Fujifilm X-T3.

And I currently own a Sony a7R IV, a Sony FE 85mm F1.8 (still deciding if I keep it as a lightweight solution), a Zeiss Batis 1.8/85 (for sale), a Sony FE 85mm F1.4 GM and a Fujinon XF56mmF1.2 R (for sale).

So I know them pretty well.

In person, the Sony FE 85mm F1.8 is quite similar to the Fujinon XF56mmF1.2 R in terms of weight and size. It a bit bigger but also bit lighter (371gr. vs. 405gr.). The Zeiss is on the larger size...but much lighter than its look may suggest (452gr.).

Having done the comparison for a whole bunch of lenses when choosing between systems, 'equivalent' FF and APS-C lenses are often very close in terms of weight and size. Sometimes the APS-C is lighter, sometimes, sometimes the FF is...