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

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.

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.

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.

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.

I'm not switching from the EOS R as the new R5 has features I don't need and/or want.  I'm keeping the R for a long time so that colors my choice.  You should go EF if the GM images are similar to the EF 85 images and you can swap for the same money but gain the ability to use it on more bodies.

I thought the EF 85 f/1.4 had image issues like the EF 85 f/1.8 does so it had to be stopped down.  Is the GM similar?

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.

Hoka Hey wrote:

What do you plan to use the 85 for?

As I said in the original post "Also to be clear the use will be portrait shooting even though I might use the lens for other purposes."

thunder storm 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 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.

Your right I should take a look. On both Sony and Canon I have always use both 85mm and 135mm. A great 105mm wasn't available in either of these that was native even though  wanted to try it. I will take a look. I know its large and would like to keep it smaller but for this specific use perfromance is more important.

Also when I do have a portrait shoot set up I often take the 135mm and 85mm both to the shoot so the single 105mm in the end may be smaller in the bag than the two of those.

Thanks.

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.

ZX11 wrote:

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.

I'm not switching from the EOS R as the new R5 has features I don't need and/or want. I'm keeping the R for a long time so that colors my choice. You should go EF if the GM images are similar to the EF 85 images and you can swap for the same money but gain the ability to use it on more bodies.

I thought the EF 85 f/1.4 had image issues like the EF 85 f/1.8 does so it had to be stopped down. Is the GM similar?

I had not heard that the EF 85 f/1.4L had image issues in any of the reviews I've read. May have missed that. I will have to do some more digging. Thanks for the heads up.

As far as the R5 goes, if its real I would probably sell some of my Sony's and return to Canon.

I have the EF 85mm F1.2L II and it's found new life on my RP. I actually almost sold this lens but hung onto it a bit longer hoping that Canon would release a FF mirrorless. Glad I did because it found a second life with the autofocus on Canon's FF mirrorless.

If I had sold this lens I'd likely go for the RF 85 1.2L instead of trying to track down a good copy of the EF version again. If money isn't an issue, I say go for the RF.

EF 85mm f/1.4 IS has quite some CA wide open.

Dustin abbott has a comparison of several 85mm lenses (Canon EF, sigma f/1.4 Art, Otus, Tamron f/1.8 VC). Have a look at that one. He has also reviews of the Sigma 105mm Art AND the RF 85mm f/1.2.

I did a brief torture test myself, and this is what i found:

Here I found some CA from the Sigma 105mm f/1.4 on my R @f/1.4

Here's the picture as a whole.

I'll just share my thought process, which may throw a spanner in the works.

I'm preparing for the R5 by picking up some EF glass. My priorities are AF speed and weather sealing, with relatively fast apertures.

The RF 85/1.2 is the end goal, but I still think there's a fair bit of "new lens tax" on the price.

When looking at the options, I've plumped for the Tamron SP 85/1.8 to tide me over. Weather sealed, fast AF, and absolutely bargain basement pricing on the used markets. I'll probably end up turning it over for more than I paid.

No body to use it on yet (questionable tactic I know), however I test them on my Sony kit with the MC-11.

I would get this now before stocks are limited, due to limited supply not meeting rising demand, once R5 is available.

This lens also has BR optics and with work with t R5 IBIS. It is not known how the EF LIS lenses will work.

I tried the 85 f1.4 LIS and had issues with erratic focusing at apertures up to f5, stabilisation introducing blur, ugly lens flare and unpredictable washes of LOCA. Feel free to search my previous threads.

If you must buy one, rent it first and then buy it second-hand.

Personally I would get the RF 85 f1.2 or I'll wait for the RF 70-135 f2 or hope Canon make a RF 105 f1.4.

noggin2k1 wrote:

I'll just share my thought process, which may throw a spanner in the works.

I'm preparing for the R5 by picking up some EF glass. My priorities are AF speed and weather sealing, with relatively fast apertures.

The RF 85/1.2 is the end goal, but I still think there's a fair bit of "new lens tax" on the price.

It could be rather a "no competing alternative" tax......

When looking at the options, I've plumped for the Tamron SP 85/1.8 to tide me over. Weather sealed, fast AF, and absolutely bargain basement pricing on the used markets. I'll probably end up turning it over for more than I paid.

No body to use it on yet (questionable tactic I know), however I test them on my Sony kit with the MC-11.

I use the 85 1.14 for portraits and they look great. I took the attached portrait of my granddaughter with the R focusing on her eye. The image is cropped, but the edges were ok, although very out of focus due to the narrow depth of field. I also use the lens on my 5dsr and the new lens will not work on that camera. However, I would not spend the very significant extra money on the 1.2 lens as I do not think you will see that much difference in quality and I think you are giving up IS, requiring you to purchase the new, untested and expensive R5.

RHWeber wrote:

I use the 85 1.14 for portraits and they look great. I took the attached portrait of my granddaughter with the R focusing on her eye. The image is cropped, but the edges were ok, although very out of focus due to the narrow depth of field. I also use the lens on my 5dsr and the new lens will not work on that camera. However, I would not spend the very significant extra money on the 1.2 lens as I do not think you will see that much difference in quality and I think you are giving up IS, requiring you to purchase the new, untested and expensive R5.

First, very nice image and thank you for sharing.

Secondly, I suspect an R5 and RF 85mm f/1.2L will price out to at least $6000 or maybe even closer to $7000 especially if you want a battery grip and have to pay tax.

I've seen a few EF 85/1.4L IS for ~ $1200 and with the great price I got for the EOS R and adapter it will cost you only about $2500. Of course that comparison assumes you want IS of some king. Either in lens IS or IBIS with the R5.

Also, having owned the original EF 85/1.2L II I know I tend to take more shots at f/1.4 than f/1.2

RHWeber wrote:  I think you are giving up IS, requiring you to purchase the new, untested and expensive R5.

For portraits the extra stop of the f/1.2 should make up for the lack of IS.

Let's say a shutter speed of about 1/160th is fast enough for a sharp 85mm, let's say for subject movement about 1/80th (could be optimistic, depending on the subject)  is the minimum shutter speed, the difference is just that one aperture stop.

The EF f/1.4 IS only has an advantage when you want to stop down a bit, which is useful of course.

The sigma 105mm f/1.4 is a bad performer for long shutterspeeds by the way. I need 1/200th to keep up with the sharpness of this lens.

Whatever lens the OP might choose: You've shared a beautiful picture. Awesome.

Found this youtube video for a little over a year ago.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ze_qp6pK1Qs

Bokeh: Canon EOS R 85mm F1.4 L vs Sony A7iii 85mm F1.4 GM w/ @bec_novak