Canon RF 85mm F1.2L USM - Approaching Optical Perfection

DPReview completed their review of the Canon RF 85mm F1.2L USM. This lens was officially announced May 8th, 2019, and really, nearly the lenses released last year cemented the creation of the professional photographer's lens kit for the RF mount. Dpreview gave it an impressive 92% rating and its gold award. Not surprising, as Canon has always strived to do its best in it's 85mm F1.2 optics.

Core Specifications of the Canon RF 85mm F1.2L USM include;

Focal length: 85mm
Aperture range: F1.2-16 (In 1/3 EV stops)
Filter thread: 82mm
Close focus: 0.85m (2.79 ft.)
Maximum magnification: 0.12x
Diaphragm blades: 9 (rounded diaphragm)
Hood: ET-89 round-shaped hood (supplied)
Length / Diameter: approx. 103.2 x 117.3 (4.06 in. x 4.62in)
Weight: approx. 1,195g (approx. 2.63lbs)
Optical construction: 13 elements in nine groups

Pros;

Optically nearly perfect
Exquisite sharpness at f/1.2 right across the frame
Beautiful defocused areas
Essentially distortion free
Virtually no color fringing or chromatic aberrations
Excellent build quality
Customizable control ring and focus limiter

Cons;

Size and weight make for awkward handling on EOS R/RP
No image stabilization
Hard-edged bokeh balls in some situations
Focus noise from AF motor can be an issue for video

Conclusion;

The Canon RF 85mm F1.2L lens approaches optical perfection. It's tack sharp wide open, and central sharpness peaks by F2. Canon's 'BR optics' element ensures little to no color fringing in out-of-focus areas and also increases sharpness. Autofocus isn't silent nor is it speedy, but for portrait and wedding photographers, you couldn't ask for a better 85mm optic.

Read the full review here