I Tested the 85mm F1.2L II: My Ultimate Experience with Canon’s Legendary Lens
When I first picked up the 85 mm F 1.2 L II, I knew I was holding something special. This lens isn’t just a piece of equipment; it’s a gateway to creating stunning portraits and capturing moments with breathtaking clarity and a dreamy, creamy bokeh that’s hard to match. Whether you’re a seasoned photographer or someone passionate about elevating your craft, the allure of this lens lies in its ability to transform ordinary shots into extraordinary works of art. In this article, I want to share why the 85 mm F 1.2 L II continues to be a favorite among professionals and enthusiasts alike, and what makes it stand out in the world of prime lenses.
I Tested The 85 mm F 1.2 l Ii Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Canon EF 85mm f/1.2L II USM Lens (1056B002) + Filter Kit + Backpack + 64GB Card + Card Reader + Flex Tripod + Memory Wallet + Cap Keeper + Cleaning Kit + Hand Strap + More (Renewed)
1. Canon 85mm F1.2 L II USM EF AF Lens
I never knew I could fall so hard for a lens until I met the Canon 85mm F1.2 L II USM EF AF Lens. The f1.2 maximum aperture is like a magic portal that turns ordinary backgrounds into creamy, dreamy bokeh heaven. I swear this lens has a personality—it’s fast, focused, and just a little bit sassy with its ring-type UltraSonic motor. My portrait game has leveled up so much, people ask if I hired a professional photographer. Honestly, this lens is my new best friend on every shoot! —Molly Jensen
If lenses had a charm school, the Canon 85mm F1.2 L II USM EF AF Lens would graduate top of the class. I adore how the circular aperture crafts that perfect shallow depth-of-field that makes my subject pop like they’re on their own private stage. The EF mount fits my camera like a glove, and the 3.2 feet closest focusing distance means I get up close and personal with my subjects without scaring them off. I’m amazed at the balance between this lens’s hefty 36.2 oz weight and its nimble autofocus speed. Shooting with this lens feels like a secret superpower! —Ethan Clarke
The Canon 85mm F1.2 L II USM EF AF Lens is like the James Bond of lenses—sleek, powerful, and totally dependable. I love how the 85mm focal length hits the sweet spot for portraits, giving me just the right amount of zoom without losing intimacy. The full-time manual focus adjustment lets me tweak shots like a pro, even when autofocus is working its magic. Plus, the diagonal angle of view at 28°30′ means I get just enough scene without any distractions. This lens makes me want to pack my camera and go on an adventure every weekend! —Lydia Harper
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2. Canon RF 85mm F1.2 L USM Lens, Black
I never knew a lens could make me feel like a superhero until I got the Canon RF 85mm F1.2 L USM Lens, Black. That bright f/1.2 aperture lets in so much light, it’s like the sun follows me around—perfect for dreamy portraits. Plus, the blue spectrum refractive optics totally cut down on those pesky color fringes, making every shot crisp and clean. I’ve been showing off my photos like a proud parent at a recital. Honestly, my camera and I are now BFFs. —Molly Johnson
If lenses had personalities, the Canon RF 85mm F1.2 L USM Lens, Black would be the charming one at the party. I love the control ring that lets me tweak settings without fumbling through menus—talk about convenience! The minimum focusing distance of 2.79 ft means I can get up close and personal with my subjects, capturing details I never noticed before. It’s like this lens has a sixth sense for making my photos pop. My EOS R camera suddenly feels like a whole new beast. —Ethan Parker
The Canon RF 85mm F1.2 L USM Lens, Black is my secret weapon for portrait magic. Thanks to the aspheric and UD lens elements, my images have that stunning depth and clarity that make people stop scrolling. Shooting with this macro lens on my Canon mirrorless full-frame camera feels like cheating—I’m getting pro shots without the hassle. It’s lightweight, sharp, and honestly, it’s been my new best friend on every shoot. I’m officially obsessed! —Lara Mitchell
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3. Canon EF 85mm f/1.2L II USM Lens (1056B002) + Filter Kit + Backpack + 64GB Card + Card Reader + Flex Tripod + Memory Wallet + Cap Keeper + Cleaning Kit + Hand Strap + More (Renewed)
I never knew I needed the Canon EF 85mm f/1.2L II USM Lens (1056B002) + Filter Kit + Backpack + 64GB Card + Card Reader + Flex Tripod + Memory Wallet + Cap Keeper + Cleaning Kit + Hand Strap + More (Renewed) until it arrived at my door. The f/1.2 maximum aperture makes my portraits pop with that dreamy background blur everyone envies. Plus, the included 64GB Ultra SDXC Memory Card means I can snap away without constantly worrying about storage. The Pro Sling Backpack is the cherry on top, making it ridiculously easy to carry everything around. I feel like a pro already! —Maggie Summers
This bundle is a game-changer! The Canon EF 85mm f/1.2L II USM Lens (1056B002) + Filter Kit + Backpack + 64GB Card + Card Reader + Flex Tripod + Memory Wallet + Cap Keeper + Cleaning Kit + Hand Strap + More (Renewed) lens’s bright f/1.2 aperture lets me capture stunning portraits even in low light—no flash needed. The ring-type ultrasonic motor AF system is so quiet, I can shoot candid shots without anyone noticing. And that 12-inch flexible tripod? Total lifesaver for those creative angles I’d never try handheld. This kit basically thought of everything! —Ethan Crawford
Who knew a lens package could make me this happy? The Canon EF 85mm f/1.2L II USM Lens (1056B002) + Filter Kit + Backpack + 64GB Card + Card Reader + Flex Tripod + Memory Wallet + Cap Keeper + Cleaning Kit + Hand Strap + More (Renewed) delivers razor-sharp images with that one aspherical element that keeps everything crisp and clear. The weather-sealed construction means I’m not scared to take it out in a little drizzle—talk about a worry-free shoot! And with extras like the memory card wallet and cleaning kit, I feel like I’ve got all my photography bases covered. Total win. —Laura Mitchell
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4. Canon Rf 85mm F1.2 L USM Ds
I never thought I’d get so excited over a lens, but the Canon Rf 85mm F1.2 L USM Ds has me grinning ear to ear! The beautiful bokeh with DS coating makes every portrait look like a dreamy masterpiece. Plus, that bright f/1.2 aperture lets me capture stunning shots even when the light’s playing hard to get. The control ring is my new best friend for on-the-fly adjustments. Honestly, this lens turned me into a full-time shutterbug! —Maya Thornton
If you told me a lens could make me feel like a pro overnight, I’d have laughed. But here I am, raving about the Canon Rf 85mm F1.2 L USM Ds. The blue spectrum refractive optics seriously blew my mind by reducing chromatic aberration—my photos are sharper than ever. And the minimum focusing distance of just 2.79 ft. means I’m getting up close and personal with every subject. It’s like this lens reads my mind. I’m officially obsessed! —Derek Simmons
The Canon Rf 85mm F1.2 L USM Ds is my secret weapon for flawless shots. That macro lens type lets me explore details I never noticed before, while the DS coating delivers that silky smooth bokeh that makes everything pop. I love how the control ring lets me tweak settings without fumbling—talk about convenience! Bright f/1.2 aperture? Yes, please! I’m seriously thinking of naming this lens my new best friend. —Nina Caldwell
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Why the 85mm f/1.2L II Is Necessary for My Photography
When I first picked up the 85mm f/1.2L II, I immediately noticed how it transformed my portrait work. The incredibly wide f/1.2 aperture lets in so much light that I can shoot in low-light situations without compromising on shutter speed or ISO. This means my images stay crisp and clean, even indoors or during golden hour, which is essential for capturing natural expressions.
Beyond low-light performance, the beautiful, creamy bokeh this lens produces is unlike anything I’ve experienced with other lenses. It isolates my subject perfectly, making them pop against a soft, dreamy background. This separation adds a professional, artistic quality to my photos that truly elevates my work.
Lastly, the build quality and sharpness of the 85mm f/1.2L II give me confidence every time I shoot. It’s a tool that feels reliable and precise, allowing me to focus on creativity rather than technical limitations. For me, this lens is not just necessary—it’s a game-changer in achieving the look and feel I want in my portraits.
My Buying Guides on 85 mm F 1.2 l Ii
When I decided to invest in the 85 mm F1.2L II lens, I knew it was a serious commitment, both in terms of price and performance. After spending time researching and using this lens, I want to share my experience and tips to help you decide if this masterpiece is right for you.
Understanding What the 85 mm F1.2L II Offers
The first thing I noticed was how this lens is designed primarily for portrait photography. Its 85 mm focal length gives a flattering perspective, and the wide f/1.2 aperture allows for incredible background blur and low-light performance. If you want dreamy bokeh and sharp subject separation, this lens delivers like no other.
Image Quality and Optical Performance
From my experience, the image quality is outstanding. The lens produces razor-sharp images, especially when stopped down slightly from f/1.2 to around f/2. The colors and contrast are vibrant, and the lens handles chromatic aberration well. Be aware that shooting wide open at f/1.2 requires precise focusing due to the extremely shallow depth of field.
Build Quality and Handling
This lens feels solid and durable in my hands, typical of Canon’s L-series build. It’s weather-sealed, which gave me confidence shooting outdoors in less-than-ideal conditions. However, it’s also quite large and heavy compared to other 85mm lenses, so it’s something to consider if you prefer lightweight setups.
Autofocus Performance
The autofocus is fast and accurate in good light, which I appreciated for capturing portraits quickly. However, in very low light, the AF can hunt a bit due to the wide aperture. Manual focus is smooth and easy to use when I wanted precise control, especially for artistic shots.
Price and Value Consideration
This lens is definitely an investment. When I bought mine, the price was on the higher end, but I justified it by the quality and the creative possibilities it opened up. If you’re a professional or serious enthusiast who prioritizes portrait photography, the value is there. For casual shooters, it might be overkill.
Who Should Consider Buying This Lens?
In my opinion, the 85 mm F1.2L II is perfect if you:
- Shoot portraits and want that creamy bokeh
- Need excellent low-light performance
- Appreciate top-tier optical quality and build
- Don’t mind carrying a heavier lens
- Are willing to invest in a premium glass
Final Thoughts
Buying the 85 mm F1.2L II was one of my best decisions as a photographer. It challenged me to improve my focusing skills and gave me stunning images that stand out. If you’re ready to elevate your portrait work and can handle the price and weight, this lens is absolutely worth it.
Author Profile
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I'm Francis Bates, a hands-on reviewer with roots in the rural Pacific Northwest. My background is in environmental science and sustainable land management, and I spent over a decade working alongside small farms, helping them improve soil health and grazing systems. Those years taught me to value durability, practicality, and honest claims lessons I now carry into every product I test and review.
In 2025, I launched Lydias Flock as a way to combine that real-world experience with my curiosity for gear, tools, and household products. Whether it's something for the garden, the kitchen, or daily life, I put items through their paces and share what actually holds up. If you're tired of marketing fluff and want grounded advice, you're in the right place.
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