Customers value the EF 85mm f/1.2L II USM Medium Telephoto Lens for its exceptional image quality and beautiful bokeh, creating stunningly sharp images with smoothly blurred backgrounds, ideal for portraits. However, some find the lens heavy and the focus ring somewhat loose, requiring careful handling. The high price point is also a factor for some potential buyers.
This summary was generated by AI based on customer reviews.
The vast majority of our reviews come from verified purchases. Reviews from customers may include My Best Buy members, employees, and Tech Insider Network members (as tagged). Select reviewers may receive discounted products, promotional considerations or entries into drawings for honest, helpful reviews.
Page 1 Showing 1-20 of 60 reviews
Pros mentioned:
Bokeh, Image quality
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Phenomenal Lens!
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This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
I am using this lens with my Canon 5d miii. I rented it out first (from Calumet Photo) tested out, fell in love, and bought it the following week. I am pleased with every shot it makes. It is super sharp. Wide open, it creates superior bokeh that is out of this world. Portraits come out just stunning. According to other peoples reviews, it's slow, I don't think so. On the other hand, I am not chasing deers to take portraits. It is heavy but I don't mind, I feel like it gives me more stability at hand. It looks sexy on my camera, really draws people attention. Price is high, but you get what you pay for. I love it.
I would recommend this to a friend
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
best camera
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This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
The camera I am looking for is for Profesional purpose, thanks.
I would recommend this to a friend
Cons mentioned:
Focus ring
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Superb in performance
Posted .
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
Here's a few facts you'll want to know to help you decide if this lens is worth your penny:
What's in the Box
• Canon EF 85mm f/1.2L II USM Autofocus Lens
• 72mm Snap-On Lens Cap
• Lens Dust Cap E (Rear)
• ES-79 II Lens Hood
• LP1219 Soft Lens Case
• Year Canon USA & Canada Limited Warranty
• Filter Size 72mm
• Minimum Focus Distance : 3.2'
Notes of Interest:
• f/Stop Range f/1.2-16 :
• Lens Hood is a pinch/clip on – not the usual Bayonet style
• Lens Hood turns with focus ring – but front lens element doesn’t turn
• Slow auto focus in lower light situations – fine for Portrait, but, better go manual for dance floor shots!
• Very fast focus in good light (overcast day – quick focus!)
• Manual focus Ring – spins super easily (many don’t prefer it…very, very loose. Of note – when turning the focus ring manually, the focus ring bobbles a bit (like its not “screwed on tightly” – kind of like the sound of batteries in an old remote control where the end connections have weakened a bit – though tight enough to work, they “bobble around” a bit inside.) I was surprised by this and thought maybe my model was damaged. But, it only bobbles ever-so-lightly when you are manually turning it. Once it stops turning, it’s tight and rock solid again.
• Focus Ring bobble has no apparent effect on the quality of the pic as far as I can tell.
This lens is best suited for :
a) Professionals who "grew up" on non-is, non-auto focus lenses - they'll adopt it with aplomb!
b) Aspiring Professionals who opt to use "M/Manual Mode" on Your DSLR - it'll challenge you manual focus skills and make you a better photographer overall... and aide in setting you apart in skill level
But if you're just seeking a fast lens with a great hit rate, then I'd suggest the 50mm 1.4 or the 85mm 1.8 from Canon. They both give similar image quality at 1/4th price (just about).
For me, this lens was worth every penny
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Bokeh, Image quality
Cons mentioned:
Focus ring
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
I am in Love with this beast
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This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
I am not an expert photographer. This is just my opinion.
I did lot of research before buying this beast. I wanted a best lens and quality should be noticeable when comparing with other lenses. I considered 85mm lenses - Canon's 1.8 USM, Tamron 1.8, Sigma 1.4 ART. I can't comment on Tamron and Sigma lenses as I never used.
I am not disappointed on spending $1900 on this lens. I can shoot at 1.2. The bokey is excellent. Amazing sharpness. I own Canon 100mm 2.8 Macro, Tamron 70-200mm, Tamron 24-70mm. This one is the highest priority now over other lenses for portrait.
If you want the best output irrespective of money and some below negative Feedback, go and get it.
Slow Auto Focus (May not be an issue with 5D Mk III)
Outer focus.
May not be weather sealed.
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Bokeh, Image quality
Cons mentioned:
Weight
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Great glass high for the lens junkie
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Posted .
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
I tried out this lens over 15 years ago and have been wanting one ever since. Tac sharp, super fast and very versatile. Not for everyone but, great glass to have in the kit for the discriminating shooter. A little on the heavy side for travel, but, worth bearing the weight. A great addition for getting the most out of the newer higher resolution bodies.
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Image quality
Cons mentioned:
Price, Weight
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Professional Quality Tool
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Posted .
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
I'm a semi pro Fine Art photographer with many years of experience across traditional film and digital cameras.
This is by far the best lens that I have in my bag now. Quality of the images captured is exceptional....even if the compositions aren't all perfect :)
It is a challenging lens to use since as many others have mentioned, depth of field wide open in a sliver of focus. I like challenges and have found this aspect of using the lens to be the most fun for me.
It's heavy and expensive but I knew that well before I purchased it and frankly don't care.
Go to a local photography store and have them slap one on a pro body for you....check it out for yourself.....if you have a limited budget grab the 1.8 85...............best investment to date when paired up with my 5d Mark iii...
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Image quality
Cons mentioned:
Weight
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Love the lens!!
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This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
The lens gives a clear and crisp picture. Great quality picture. However, it's very heavy. By the end of 1 hour photo shoot, my back is hurting me.
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Bokeh, Image quality
Cons mentioned:
Weight
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Amazing lens!
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Posted .
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
Outstanding bokkeh coming off this lens. A bit heavy to hold and carry around but if its images your after then this is a must prime lens for you. It produces sharp pictures. It's a must to have steady hands when using this lens or you could get pictures that may look ok but appear blurry upon processing.
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Bokeh, Image quality
Cons mentioned:
Weight
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
This lens is like gold
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Posted . Owned for 1 year when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
This lens is everything a photographer dreams of! Soft backgrounds, crisp images, and great focus. The only thing is that it’s pretty heavy, but totally worth it!
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Image quality
Cons mentioned:
Focus ring, Weight
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Fantastic
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Posted .
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
The focus ring is a little loose on this lens but once you get it to the right focus its absolutely amazing. The quality of the image is stunning , but the lens is on the heavy side
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Image quality
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
LOVE! LOVE! THIS LENS
Posted .
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
WORTH EVERY PENNY! YOU HAVE TO GET TO KNOW THE LENSE, AND YOU WILL LOVE IT TOO.
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Image quality
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Amazing lense
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Posted .
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
Very good lense for video or photography. Amazing quality in the build and what it produces
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Image quality
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Superb Professional Lens
Posted .
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
Perfect lens for photographing females. Every serious Canon professional shooting women should have this lens.
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Image quality
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Love the quality!
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Posted .
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
These lens has to be one of my favorites! the quality is worth the price.
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Image quality
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Great Lens
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Posted .
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
The lens is great. With the big motor to control the lens, it drains the battery of the camera. But overall great lens and great image quality. Love it.
I would recommend this to a friend
Cons mentioned:
Price
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Very nice lens!
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Posted .
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
It is very nice lens, but still, I think it coast too much.
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Bokeh, Image quality
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Excellent lens for portraits
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Posted .
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
Canon L class lens always have that crystal image and this lens is not the exception. The F/1.2 stop is incredible I really recommended for somebody who wanted to excel their portrait photography.
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Bokeh
Cons mentioned:
Focus ring
Rated 4 out of 5 stars
My favorite lens
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Posted .
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
Fastest lens I own and takes ridiculously amazing stills so long as you're competent at focusing. A lens this fast has a razor thin depth of focus so you're going to need to be very careful shooting with it. This lens is not for the fainthearted but it's undoubtedly the best portrait lens Canon offers (but remember it's not a hobbyists' lens)
No, I would not recommend this to a friend
Cons mentioned:
Focus ring, Weight
Rated 4 out of 5 stars
Great lens
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This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
This lens is truly great, I've had it for approx 20 days and was able to just use it last night. I only have 4 stars for a few reasons 1.) This lens is heavy! 2.) It's expensive and 3.) The focusing ring is extremely loose I expected Canon's QC to be much better on top of it being outside of Best Buys "15 day return" policy. Super disappointed
I would recommend this to a friend
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
#levelup
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Posted .
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
This is a necessary as a photographer. Enhance my equipment.