New Lens

Any time I get a new lens, Autumn is the first it usually gets tried on. This time was no exception.

The latest addition to the lens arsenal is Canon’s famous EF 85mm f/1.2 L II USM. Since I have always considered myself, above all, a portrait photographer, I have been wanting this lens for a long time. 85mm is the perfect length for this purpose: it lets the photographer keep a discrete distance from the subject, yet still get those intimate shots. It’s long enough, too, so the subject is not distorted, like you often get with a shorter lens.

What makes this lens stand out, though, is it’s speed. At f/1.2, the focus is ultra-shallow, but very crisp when you get it right. Canon’s 85mm L is also know for it’s creamy smooth bokeh — that wonderful background blur the makes the focal point pop. I am not disappointed.

If I have a criticism of this lens, it’s that it focuses slowly. I would expect that a $2000 lens would be fast in every way. The focus is not. I think this has something to do with the physical length of the lens. Longer lenses can probably get bigger focusing motors in them, so they are a lot faster. This lens appears to be all big glass which leaves less room for a motor.

Another criticism that I have read about this lens is that the f/1.2 takes some getting used to — that it’s hard to achieve that razor-thin focus. On this front, I disagree. I have had a shot or two that have been slightly off, but in all, most of the shots I’ve taken have been spot on. Maybe it’s my steady hand?

Even with the slow focus, this is a stunning lens, and a great upgrade from Canon’s also very strong EF 85mm f/1.8 USM. In fact, this is the first prime lens I ever owned, and I used the heck out of it. For $400, it is a great value. However, Im glad I finally graduated to his big brother.

The 85mm L might never come off my camera. Check out some more shots with this lens in Autumn’s new gallery.