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

Dan_168 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.

I am long time Canon user too since the 20D and 1Ds II days, and still have a 1Dx but also Sony A7R IV and 85GM, most likely I will get a Canon EOS-R_ body, but I am waiting for the 1-series equivalent with built in vertical grip, may never happen but I can wait and not in a huge hurry , for now, I will just keep on using my 85GM for portrait and 1Dx for event and spots, since I am still not that happy with the 7R 4 in terms of control layout and ergo so I am sure I will add a R or Z eventually.

Between the two Canon, I am sure I will go with the 85 1.2 RF even that means I have spend quite a bit ore, from what I have seen so far the F1,2 lens it's clearly better lens optically, plus is a native RF mount. since I am multiple system user, I can just pick the lens I really like and buy that one instead of buying everything to cover all focal length on any system. with that said , for landscape, the 7R IV and Voigtlander and Loxia primes is not going anywhere even i bought a EOS R.

Dan, thanks for your response. I am also a multi-system user although there are times I question the sanity of that decision. There is no question that right now my landscape and architectural work is based on my Sony A7RIV and Sony A7RIII backup. Sports and wildlife by the a9 where I use 70-200/2.8, 100-400/4-5.6, and 200-600/5.6-6.3. Its the midrange with events and portraits where I traditionally relied on my 5D Mark IV but since selling it I moved to the A7RIII and A9 but I might have leaned toward Canon if the EOS R offered more. I am hoping that the R5 will offer that capability since it will have two card slots.

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.

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

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...

lélé wrote:

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...

I also own the X-T3 with the XF 56/1.2, the A7RIV with both the 85/1.4 GM and Batis 85/1.8.

I bought the Batis 85/1.8 when there was no other 85mm for the Sony FE mount and just haven't gotten around to putting up for sale  after buying the GM (used). In no rush, I like its size and IS. For the Fuji I had only planned to get the 50/2 to keep small but was in the local camera shop (yes we still have one and I hope it survives the virus) and they had a mint used one at a great price. I owned it before when Fuji was my only mirrorless system.

IPTAK wrote:

For me, I don't mind paying for something, if I'll use it (or at least see the difference in the real world - not just in specs and charts). Also how easy will it be to use? If it's "that" big, and I don;t want to tote it around, then it's useless really.
I opted to drop $120 for a 3 day rental. That way i can play with them and see what they are like in the real world. i'd really rather not use an adapter if I can help it. Just another thing to carry and extend the length of lens with. Though I will be fine with it, and saving a grand if I find the 85 F1.4 performs in a manner that meets my needs. I tend to at times opt in the "best" and then down the road consider if I really "needed it". Of course I don;t "need it", but if its something that will give me images that stand out a little above the rest (in this case the F1.4), or enable me to get more keepers then I'll pay the one time entry fee. I plan on having this lens for a decade, so $100 a year extra is not a lot, again if I can see an actual real world difference.

With the equipment I own people can clearly say I've been willing to spend for a body or lens if I really think it give me an edge. What I am finding though is that gear has gotten so good year after year that the improvements, while very nice, seem to have less advantage. i.e. I know the RF 85/1.2L is fantastic but will I realize its benefits? If I think I will I am with you. Although once upon a time I thought I would never sell my EF 85/1.2L II and EF 50/1.2L but in the end I did. I'm sure the new RF combined with R5 could be huge step up and definitely consider.