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Another cheap(ish) RF prime review/demonstration

Started Mar 24, 2022 | Discussions thread
David Franklin Senior Member • Posts: 1,692
I agree
1

I agree with Alastair that the RF 85mm f/2.0 is a very fine optic. The rumors of its faulty focusing are greatly exaggerated. Yes, it sometimes has a degree of dysfunctional hunting when the last focus area is extremely far from the new one - like going from close up at 1:2, all the way to infinity. But when focus points are closer together, the lens focuses quickly, smoothly and without truly disturbing noise.

For the bokeh connoisseurs used to using f/1.2 or f/1.4 lenses, this one doesn't have the de-focus chops to which they would like to be accustomed, but it certainly is no worse than any other 85mm f/2.0. Plus, it is so sharp at f/2.0 that you can usually just always leave the lens at f/2.0 when shooting people with eye AF and get great results. Optical faults a few and minor, the IS is very good, and the ability to shoot very close up is a great and useful feature. Add to that the already discussed very moderate, even "cheap" by RF standards, price and the quite good - but certainly not "L" level - construction, and the only thing in which a reasonable person might be disappointed would be the lack of weather sealing and a lens hood.

It's a great "people" lens for traditional portraits and for close-ups of any kind, at very agreeable price.

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