Sell the RF 85mm f/1.2?

Hey guys!

Just wanted some insights and shared reflections on what might be a sensible lens garage for my Canon R 5.

So at first I got the RF 24-105mm f/4 and the RF 50mm 1.2. Both are sensible, don't see my self selling them.

Then I got the RF 35mm 1.8 for a very low price. It's the only lens that let's my R5 ble small, and I know not everyone is happy with that lens but I've taken many great shots with it, besides you don't get a lot for it used.

Then I got the RF 70-200mm 2.8 which is excellent for my hiking and outdoor hobbies. It's relatively portable, great handling and very good iq.

Then I missed a 85mm lens and got the EF 85mm 1.4 Canon IS. It was awesome but the greedy part in my upgraded this lens to the RF 85mm 1.2.

I can certainly see that the RF 85mm 1.2 is a bit sharper and that the extra DOF is visible. But I'm not sure the images look so much better.

I also got the Tamron 35mm 1.4 which I sold since I already had a 35mm. Kind of regret selling that one.

The thing about the 85 is the handling. I don't feel i'm using it as I've used other 85 on other systems. When I had a Sony A7iii and a Sigma 85mm 1.4 dg dn, I could just go around and shoot with an 85mm. Now it seems I need to plan, there needs to be  a definitive need for the RF 85 1.2 IF im going to bring it with me.

Then I also know there is a 135 1.8 and maybe a 35 mm coming. But if the 35 mm is going to be huge, I might decide to opt out.

Would you guys sell the 85? Switch it for another lens or just sell it?

I think maybe the RF 35 1.8, RF 50 1.2, RF 70-200 2.8 and RF 24-105 f 4 might be a complete set and that if i get more lenses than this it will screw with my perfect time so to speak.

Gearacquisitionsyndrom wrote:

Hey guys!

Just wanted some insights and shared reflections on what might be a sensible lens garage for my Canon R 5.

So at first I got the RF 24-105mm f/4 and the RF 50mm 1.2. Both are sensible, don't see my self selling them.

Then I got the RF 35mm 1.8 for a very low price. It's the only lens that let's my R5 ble small, and I know not everyone is happy with that lens but I've taken many great shots with it, besides you don't get a lot for it used.

Then I got the RF 70-200mm 2.8 which is excellent for my hiking and outdoor hobbies. It's relatively portable, great handling and very good iq.

Then I missed a 85mm lens and got the EF 85mm 1.4 Canon IS. It was awesome but the greedy part in my upgraded this lens to the RF 85mm 1.2.

I can certainly see that the RF 85mm 1.2 is a bit sharper and that the extra DOF is visible. But I'm not sure the images look so much better.

I also got the Tamron 35mm 1.4 which I sold since I already had a 35mm. Kind of regret selling that one.

The thing about the 85 is the handling. I don't feel i'm using it as I've used other 85 on other systems. When I had a Sony A7iii and a Sigma 85mm 1.4 dg dn, I could just go around and shoot with an 85mm. Now it seems I need to plan, there needs to be a definitive need for the RF 85 1.2 IF im going to bring it with me.

Then I also know there is a 135 1.8 and maybe a 35 mm coming. But if the 35 mm is going to be huge, I might decide to opt out.

Would you guys sell the 85? Switch it for another lens or just sell it?

I think maybe the RF 35 1.8, RF 50 1.2, RF 70-200 2.8 and RF 24-105 f 4 might be a complete set and that if i get more lenses than this it will screw with my perfect time so to speak.

Well your user name says it all - but we all understand.  If you don’t use the 85/1.2, selling it makes sense though you will lose value.  Buying a new lens at random makes little sense.  Why not use what you have and do an audit in a year’s time of what FLs you used most?

After you sell 85 1.2 you will regret it, as its unmatched sharpness and bokeh.

why do you regret selling Tamron 35mm 1.4? Thanks

Gearacquisitionsyndrom wrote:

Hey guys!

Just wanted some insights and shared reflections on what might be a sensible lens garage for my Canon R 5.

So at first I got the RF 24-105mm f/4 and the RF 50mm 1.2. Both are sensible, don't see my self selling them.

Then I got the RF 35mm 1.8 for a very low price. It's the only lens that let's my R5 ble small, and I know not everyone is happy with that lens but I've taken many great shots with it, besides you don't get a lot for it used.

Then I got the RF 70-200mm 2.8 which is excellent for my hiking and outdoor hobbies. It's relatively portable, great handling and very good iq.

Then I missed a 85mm lens and got the EF 85mm 1.4 Canon IS. It was awesome but the greedy part in my upgraded this lens to the RF 85mm 1.2.

I can certainly see that the RF 85mm 1.2 is a bit sharper and that the extra DOF is visible. But I'm not sure the images look so much better.

I also got the Tamron 35mm 1.4 which I sold since I already had a 35mm. Kind of regret selling that one.

The thing about the 85 is the handling. I don't feel i'm using it as I've used other 85 on other systems. When I had a Sony A7iii and a Sigma 85mm 1.4 dg dn, I could just go around and shoot with an 85mm. Now it seems I need to plan, there needs to be a definitive need for the RF 85 1.2 IF im going to bring it with me.

Then I also know there is a 135 1.8 and maybe a 35 mm coming. But if the 35 mm is going to be huge, I might decide to opt out.

Would you guys sell the 85? Switch it for another lens or just sell it?

I think maybe the RF 35 1.8, RF 50 1.2, RF 70-200 2.8 and RF 24-105 f 4 might be a complete set and that if i get more lenses than this it will screw with my perfect time so to speak.

I got the A7IV  because of the 50mm f/1.2 GM.   It makes sense to get the A7IV because of the Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DN.  The camera is E 2450, the lens is E 1050. So that's E 3500. A new RF 85mm f/1.2 L is only E 200 less.  Slap that Sigma on the A7IV and the RF 35mm f/1.8 on your RF camera and you're good to go.

drsnoopy wrote:

Gearacquisitionsyndrom wrote:

Hey guys!

Just wanted some insights and shared reflections on what might be a sensible lens garage for my Canon R 5.

So at first I got the RF 24-105mm f/4 and the RF 50mm 1.2. Both are sensible, don't see my self selling them.

Then I got the RF 35mm 1.8 for a very low price. It's the only lens that let's my R5 ble small, and I know not everyone is happy with that lens but I've taken many great shots with it, besides you don't get a lot for it used.

Then I got the RF 70-200mm 2.8 which is excellent for my hiking and outdoor hobbies. It's relatively portable, great handling and very good iq.

Then I missed a 85mm lens and got the EF 85mm 1.4 Canon IS. It was awesome but the greedy part in my upgraded this lens to the RF 85mm 1.2.

I can certainly see that the RF 85mm 1.2 is a bit sharper and that the extra DOF is visible. But I'm not sure the images look so much better.

I also got the Tamron 35mm 1.4 which I sold since I already had a 35mm. Kind of regret selling that one.

The thing about the 85 is the handling. I don't feel i'm using it as I've used other 85 on other systems. When I had a Sony A7iii and a Sigma 85mm 1.4 dg dn, I could just go around and shoot with an 85mm. Now it seems I need to plan, there needs to be a definitive need for the RF 85 1.2 IF im going to bring it with me.

Then I also know there is a 135 1.8 and maybe a 35 mm coming. But if the 35 mm is going to be huge, I might decide to opt out.

Would you guys sell the 85? Switch it for another lens or just sell it?

I think maybe the RF 35 1.8, RF 50 1.2, RF 70-200 2.8 and RF 24-105 f 4 might be a complete set and that if i get more lenses than this it will screw with my perfect time so to speak.

Well your user name says it all - but we all understand. If you don’t use the 85/1.2, selling it makes sense though you will lose value. Buying a new lens at random makes little sense. Why not use what you have and do an audit in a year’s time of what FLs you used most?

Agree with drsnoopy
and there is no good and bad choice

only you would know what are your types of photography

Re the RF 85mm F1.2 .. yes, it’s big and heavy, but that’s to be expected with this aperture

Do you use for portraits?

I think it’s worth keeping it as it is apparently one of the 3 sharpest and most unique RF lenses.. again for very special portraits or events shootings

thunder storm wrote:

Gearacquisitionsyndrom wrote:

Hey guys!

Just wanted some insights and shared reflections on what might be a sensible lens garage for my Canon R 5.

So at first I got the RF 24-105mm f/4 and the RF 50mm 1.2. Both are sensible, don't see my self selling them.

Then I got the RF 35mm 1.8 for a very low price. It's the only lens that let's my R5 ble small, and I know not everyone is happy with that lens but I've taken many great shots with it, besides you don't get a lot for it used.

Then I got the RF 70-200mm 2.8 which is excellent for my hiking and outdoor hobbies. It's relatively portable, great handling and very good iq.

Then I missed a 85mm lens and got the EF 85mm 1.4 Canon IS. It was awesome but the greedy part in my upgraded this lens to the RF 85mm 1.2.

I can certainly see that the RF 85mm 1.2 is a bit sharper and that the extra DOF is visible. But I'm not sure the images look so much better.

I also got the Tamron 35mm 1.4 which I sold since I already had a 35mm. Kind of regret selling that one.

The thing about the 85 is the handling. I don't feel i'm using it as I've used other 85 on other systems. When I had a Sony A7iii and a Sigma 85mm 1.4 dg dn, I could just go around and shoot with an 85mm. Now it seems I need to plan, there needs to be a definitive need for the RF 85 1.2 IF im going to bring it with me.

Then I also know there is a 135 1.8 and maybe a 35 mm coming. But if the 35 mm is going to be huge, I might decide to opt out.

Would you guys sell the 85? Switch it for another lens or just sell it?

I think maybe the RF 35 1.8, RF 50 1.2, RF 70-200 2.8 and RF 24-105 f 4 might be a complete set and that if i get more lenses than this it will screw with my perfect time so to speak.

I got the A7IV because of the 50mm f/1.2 GM. It makes sense to get the A7IV because of the Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DN. The camera is E 2450, the lens is E 1050. So that's E 3500. A new RF 85mm f/1.2 L is only E 200 less. Slap that Sigma on the A7IV and the RF 35mm f/1.8 on your RF camera and you're good to go.

Unbelievable. Your response to a question about selling a lens is to recommend buying another camera, just to use yet another lens on it! Didn’t you see the OP’s username? It’s clearly a cry for help, and instead you’re enabling. 😀

Don’t mean to feed your G.A.S., but if you are really missing that Tamron 35mm 1.4, it’s currently at its lowest price ever: $699 at B&H and Adorama. I fight GAS by renting. I don’t own the 85 1.2, or the 100–500 but rent them occasionally for special things that merit/require them.

Gearacquisitionsyndrom wrote:

thunder storm wrote:

Gearacquisitionsyndrom wrote:

Hey guys!

Just wanted some insights and shared reflections on what might be a sensible lens garage for my Canon R 5.

So at first I got the RF 24-105mm f/4 and the RF 50mm 1.2. Both are sensible, don't see my self selling them.

Then I got the RF 35mm 1.8 for a very low price. It's the only lens that let's my R5 ble small, and I know not everyone is happy with that lens but I've taken many great shots with it, besides you don't get a lot for it used.

Then I got the RF 70-200mm 2.8 which is excellent for my hiking and outdoor hobbies. It's relatively portable, great handling and very good iq.

Then I missed a 85mm lens and got the EF 85mm 1.4 Canon IS. It was awesome but the greedy part in my upgraded this lens to the RF 85mm 1.2.

I can certainly see that the RF 85mm 1.2 is a bit sharper and that the extra DOF is visible. But I'm not sure the images look so much better.

I also got the Tamron 35mm 1.4 which I sold since I already had a 35mm. Kind of regret selling that one.

The thing about the 85 is the handling. I don't feel i'm using it as I've used other 85 on other systems. When I had a Sony A7iii and a Sigma 85mm 1.4 dg dn, I could just go around and shoot with an 85mm. Now it seems I need to plan, there needs to be a definitive need for the RF 85 1.2 IF im going to bring it with me.

Then I also know there is a 135 1.8 and maybe a 35 mm coming. But if the 35 mm is going to be huge, I might decide to opt out.

Would you guys sell the 85? Switch it for another lens or just sell it?

I think maybe the RF 35 1.8, RF 50 1.2, RF 70-200 2.8 and RF 24-105 f 4 might be a complete set and that if i get more lenses than this it will screw with my perfect time so to speak.

I got the A7IV because of the 50mm f/1.2 GM. It makes sense to get the A7IV because of the Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DN. The camera is E 2450, the lens is E 1050. So that's E 3500. A new RF 85mm f/1.2 L is only E 200 less. Slap that Sigma on the A7IV and the RF 35mm f/1.8 on your RF camera and you're good to go.

That Sony package is incredible in terms of value for money. I also loved owning the Sony 35 1.4. Just so compact. Sad Canon can't

Canon can. But Canons market segmentation dictates smaller lenses should be non L and slow focusing.

make the lenses smaller. Lens selection is also great on Sony but I gotta say I find the colors

Whatever floats your boat.  You can have your colors if the adapted EF 85mm f/1.4 IS USM is good enough for you. Otherwise it's slow AF and either too big and heavy or f/2.0 stm.

I've been through a lot of 85mm options both EF and RF. Even on the Sony side it's a bit hard. The Sigma DN is nice, but the cats eye shape bokeh remains up to fairly narrow apertures.  The 85&105mm Art lenses have round bokeh shapes at f/2.0.  Maybe those portrait lenses just need to be big. A big heavy front element, that's what you need. And maybe at 85mm it's not a big deal, as you're usually not shooting just an 85mm for hours and hours (not me at least).

I'm solving the "problem" by leaving the 70-200mm at home.  Imo one body with 50mm f/1.2 and the other with 105mm f/1.4 is more flexible. In tighter spaces I can change the 105mm for the EF 28mm f/2.8 IS USM. Another reason to change it is weight. You don't need to shoot that heavy lens all the time. Just a view shots so now and then. Two bodies, three primes, no zooms. Total weight of glass just over 2.5 Kg.

You could go 50mm f/1.2 + 85mm f/1.2 + RF 24mm f/1.8 IS stm, or maybe the 35mm f/1.8 stm + 85mm f/1.2 only. Add a body, leave the zooms at home.  Covers a lot of ground.

of the Canon system fits me better. Not a huge difference but noticeable to mye eyes. I'd switch to Sony again if they sponsored me though.

You can tweak those colors, but you can't tweak the weight of your lenses. To be honest: I think the whole color thing is largely something from the past. It's also camera dependent.  The R5 is nice, but the R is a bit closer to classic Sony. The M50 and RP are also nice, but the the M6II less so.  It seams to me a huge dynamic range and no in camera noise reduction in your RAW files makes it harder to get 300% nice colors.

The RF 85 1,2 could be the only reason for getting into the Canon realm...lol...I would never sell that lens... Just my opinion!

Laci55 wrote:

The RF 85 1,2 could be the only reason for getting into the Canon realm...lol...I would never sell that lens... Just my opinion!

Agreed

sell your zoom or your 35mm F/1.8 instead

Alastair Norcross wrote:

thunder storm wrote:

Gearacquisitionsyndrom wrote:

Hey guys!

Just wanted some insights and shared reflections on what might be a sensible lens garage for my Canon R 5.

So at first I got the RF 24-105mm f/4 and the RF 50mm 1.2. Both are sensible, don't see my self selling them.

Then I got the RF 35mm 1.8 for a very low price. It's the only lens that let's my R5 ble small, and I know not everyone is happy with that lens but I've taken many great shots with it, besides you don't get a lot for it used.

Then I got the RF 70-200mm 2.8 which is excellent for my hiking and outdoor hobbies. It's relatively portable, great handling and very good iq.

Then I missed a 85mm lens and got the EF 85mm 1.4 Canon IS. It was awesome but the greedy part in my upgraded this lens to the RF 85mm 1.2.

I can certainly see that the RF 85mm 1.2 is a bit sharper and that the extra DOF is visible. But I'm not sure the images look so much better.

I also got the Tamron 35mm 1.4 which I sold since I already had a 35mm. Kind of regret selling that one.

The thing about the 85 is the handling. I don't feel i'm using it as I've used other 85 on other systems. When I had a Sony A7iii and a Sigma 85mm 1.4 dg dn, I could just go around and shoot with an 85mm. Now it seems I need to plan, there needs to be a definitive need for the RF 85 1.2 IF im going to bring it with me.

Then I also know there is a 135 1.8 and maybe a 35 mm coming. But if the 35 mm is going to be huge, I might decide to opt out.

Would you guys sell the 85? Switch it for another lens or just sell it?

I think maybe the RF 35 1.8, RF 50 1.2, RF 70-200 2.8 and RF 24-105 f 4 might be a complete set and that if i get more lenses than this it will screw with my perfect time so to speak.

I got the A7IV because of the 50mm f/1.2 GM. It makes sense to get the A7IV because of the Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DN. The camera is E 2450, the lens is E 1050. So that's E 3500. A new RF 85mm f/1.2 L is only E 200 less. Slap that Sigma on the A7IV and the RF 35mm f/1.8 on your RF camera and you're good to go.

Unbelievable. Your response to a question about selling a lens is to recommend buying another camera, just to use yet another lens on it! Didn’t you see the OP’s username? It’s clearly a cry for help, and instead you’re enabling. 😀

It's not my money   If you want a compact 85mm this is the solution.

You should probably hand the credit cards and debit cards to the spouse and take a step away.

But in all seriousness, sell any and all lenses that don't fit your shooting needs (regardless of how good they are). Lenses sitting on the shelf as collectors items will likely leave you with the same question later.

That lens is on my wish list, for concert photography. But my opinion is that the 85mm f/1.2 is basically a portrait lens. If you shoot portraits, or formal shots at weddings, then it's a great lens to have. It's probably the best lens you can buy for portraits. For landscape, wildlife, street photography, travel... you'll probably never pull it out of your bag. I'm sure someone uses it in other ways, but that very fast aperture makes it ideal for portraits.

So... we can't tell you whether you're going to shoot portraits or not, but if that's not your thing, then sell the lens. It probably won't gain value sitting in your camera bag. If you do shoot portraits, you would have figured out by now that it's your go-to lens.

Laci55 wrote:

The RF 85 1,2 could be the only reason for getting into the Canon realm...

True. I think it's a great lens, but if it's too heavy to bring along it's pretty poor value for money. I don't have any problems with the weight, but the price is probably a bit overdue, no matter how good it is. I think most customers prefer a 950g  f/1.4 version with fast  AF at 2500 euro in stead of 3300 euro for this somewhat slow focusing f/1.2 one.

lol...I would never sell that lens... Just my opinion!

MarshallG wrote:

That lens is on my wish list, for concert photography. But my opinion is that the 85mm f/1.2 is basically a portrait lens. If you shoot portraits, or formal shots at weddings, then it's a great lens to have. It's probably the best lens you can buy for portraits. For landscape, wildlife, street photography, travel... you'll probably never pull it out of your bag. I'm sure someone uses it in other ways, but that very fast aperture makes it ideal for portraits.

So... we can't tell you whether you're going to shoot portraits or not, but if that's not your thing, then sell the lens. It probably won't gain value sitting in your camera bag. If you do shoot portraits, you would have figured out by now that it's your go-to lens.

Agreed

Even if myself my "go-to" lens for portraits is my EF 135 F2 (I love this lens), if I had a Mirrorless FF Canon .. and an RF 85 F/1.2, I would use a lot this lens for portraits of course

If you are not into portraits, sell this lens and stop worrying too much about accumulating gear..

Gaul

Gearacquisitionsyndrom wrote:

Hey guys!

Just wanted some insights and shared reflections on what might be a sensible lens garage for my Canon R 5.

So at first I got the RF 24-105mm f/4 and the RF 50mm 1.2. Both are sensible, don't see my self selling them.

Then I got the RF 35mm 1.8 for a very low price. It's the only lens that let's my R5 ble small, and I know not everyone is happy with that lens but I've taken many great shots with it, besides you don't get a lot for it used.

Then I got the RF 70-200mm 2.8 which is excellent for my hiking and outdoor hobbies. It's relatively portable, great handling and very good iq.

Then I missed a 85mm lens and got the EF 85mm 1.4 Canon IS. It was awesome but the greedy part in my upgraded this lens to the RF 85mm 1.2.

I can certainly see that the RF 85mm 1.2 is a bit sharper and that the extra DOF is visible. But I'm not sure the images look so much better.

I also got the Tamron 35mm 1.4 which I sold since I already had a 35mm. Kind of regret selling that one.

The thing about the 85 is the handling. I don't feel i'm using it as I've used other 85 on other systems. When I had a Sony A7iii and a Sigma 85mm 1.4 dg dn, I could just go around and shoot with an 85mm. Now it seems I need to plan, there needs to be a definitive need for the RF 85 1.2 IF im going to bring it with me.

Then I also know there is a 135 1.8 and maybe a 35 mm coming. But if the 35 mm is going to be huge, I might decide to opt out.

Would you guys sell the 85? Switch it for another lens or just sell it?

I think maybe the RF 35 1.8, RF 50 1.2, RF 70-200 2.8 and RF 24-105 f 4 might be a complete set and that if i get more lenses than this it will screw with my perfect time so to speak.

Your complaint is the need to "plan" and needing to have a definitive need for it before bringing it.

Since it, and your R5, is more capable than your Sony A7iii and Sigma 85, there is less need to plan.  The RF 85 can handle more situations.  Just stop it down to f1.4 or f2 if you need the effect of the Sigma 85.  I use it between f1.2 and f4 (groups of people).  I don't think it is out of it's depth when used at f4.

You need to plan more with the Sigma to avoid situations that benefit from f1.2 and the big lens image quality.

Sell it if you never use it.  Like never use it because the RF 50 f1.2 and RF 70-200 f2.8 covers your 85mm needs.

Gearacquisitionsyndrom wrote:

Hey guys!

Just wanted some insights and shared reflections on what might be a sensible lens garage for my Canon R 5.

So at first I got the RF 24-105mm f/4 and the RF 50mm 1.2. Both are sensible, don't see my self selling them.

Then I got the RF 35mm 1.8 for a very low price. It's the only lens that let's my R5 ble small, and I know not everyone is happy with that lens but I've taken many great shots with it, besides you don't get a lot for it used.

Then I got the RF 70-200mm 2.8 which is excellent for my hiking and outdoor hobbies. It's relatively portable, great handling and very good iq.

Then I missed a 85mm lens and got the EF 85mm 1.4 Canon IS. It was awesome but the greedy part in my upgraded this lens to the RF 85mm 1.2.

I can certainly see that the RF 85mm 1.2 is a bit sharper and that the extra DOF is visible. But I'm not sure the images look so much better.

I also got the Tamron 35mm 1.4 which I sold since I already had a 35mm. Kind of regret selling that one.

The thing about the 85 is the handling. I don't feel i'm using it as I've used other 85 on other systems. When I had a Sony A7iii and a Sigma 85mm 1.4 dg dn, I could just go around and shoot with an 85mm. Now it seems I need to plan, there needs to be a definitive need for the RF 85 1.2 IF im going to bring it with me.

Then I also know there is a 135 1.8 and maybe a 35 mm coming. But if the 35 mm is going to be huge, I might decide to opt out.

Would you guys sell the 85? Switch it for another lens or just sell it?

I think maybe the RF 35 1.8, RF 50 1.2, RF 70-200 2.8 and RF 24-105 f 4 might be a complete set and that if i get more lenses than this it will screw with my perfect time so to speak.

It is a highly individual decision. For my use I have never bought the RF85f1.2 because I have two other 85mm which are adequate. I like my EF85f1.4L IS. I like having the IS for low light.

I also have the Sigma 85f1.4. For me the RF85f1.2 is too heavy and big for what it offers me. I feel the same way about the RF 28-70f2 that many shooter love. I do have the RF50f1.2L and soon the RF135f1.8L so the 85 mm use is overlapped. I use the primes for low light action shooting where f2.8 is not enough glass. Otherwise I use the RF 24-70f2.8L and the RF70-200f2.8L to cover these ranges when in moderate light. Bokeh is nice but low light performance is more important for me. All of these lenses have some Bokeh. If they the are big and heavy that is a important factor in some more common situations. I find the RF50f1.2 is more useful for me. I did have both the EF 85f1.2 and the EF85f1.2 Mk II. I sold them both when I got my EF85f1.4L IS for the faster focus and image stabilization.

Like I said which lens to use in each situation is an individual case for choosing and different shooters will be different.  I more commonly use 50mm and 135mm for portraits.   I like the flatter look of the 135 for head shots.