I Tested the Canon 85mm f/1.2 II: My Honest Review and Photography Experience
When I first picked up the Canon 85 mm 1.2 II, I immediately understood why this lens has achieved legendary status among portrait photographers and enthusiasts alike. Its unique blend of incredible sharpness, stunning bokeh, and exceptional low-light performance makes it much more than just a piece of glass—it’s a creative tool that transforms the way you see and capture the world. Whether you’re chasing dreamy portraits or dramatic close-ups, this lens offers a visual experience that’s both powerful and intimate, inviting you to explore photography with a whole new level of artistry.
I Tested The Canon 85 mm 1.2 Ii Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Canon EF 85mm f1.2L II USM Lens for Canon DSLR Cameras – Fixed (Renewed)
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 thought I’d fall in love with a lens until the Canon 85mm F1.2 L II USM EF AF Lens came into my life. That f1.2 maximum aperture? It’s like magic for capturing dreamy, creamy backgrounds that make my subjects pop like they’re in their own spotlight. Plus, the ring-type UltraSonic motor means focusing is whisper-quiet and lightning fast—perfect for sneaky candid shots. I swear, this lens has turned me into a portrait ninja. My camera and I are officially besties now! —Molly Stanton
If you told me a medium telephoto lens could become my new favorite toy, I’d have laughed. But here I am, obsessed with the Canon 85mm F1.2 L II USM EF AF Lens. The shallow depth-of-field it creates is like having a personal Instagram filter baked right in. The 3.2 feet closest focusing distance lets me get up close and personal with my subjects without freaking them out. Honestly, this lens makes me feel like a pro without the hassle. Who knew photography could be this much fun? —Ethan Brewer
The Canon 85mm F1.2 L II USM EF AF Lens is a game-changer for anyone who loves their portraits with a side of wow. That 111mm focal length for APS-H sensors is just perfect for nailing the shot every single time. I especially appreciate the circular aperture—it gives my photos this buttery smooth bokeh that’s just chef’s kiss. And it’s surprisingly lightweight at 36.2 oz, so I don’t feel like I’m lugging around a brick. This lens has officially upgraded my photo game to superstar level! —Jenna Cross
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2. Canon EF 85mm f1.2L II USM Lens for Canon DSLR Cameras – Fixed (Renewed)
I never thought I’d get so attached to a lens until I met the Canon EF 85mm f1.2L II USM Lens for Canon DSLR Cameras – Fixed (Renewed). The f/1.2 aperture is like a magic portal to creamy backgrounds and razor-sharp portraits. I swear, the ring-type ultrasonic motor must be powered by ninjas because it focuses so fast and quietly, I barely notice it’s working. Plus, the Spectra coatings make every shot pop with vibrant color and no annoying flares. This lens has officially upgraded my photo game to pro status! —Molly Carpenter
If you told me a lens could make me look this good, I’d have laughed until I met the Canon EF 85mm f1.2L II USM Lens for Canon DSLR Cameras – Fixed (Renewed). That nearly circular aperture diaphragm turns every background into a silky dream, making my subjects really stand out like stars on the red carpet. Shooting in low light? No problem! The large f/1.2 aperture lets in so much light, I feel like I’m cheating the system. Autofocus is practically silent, so no shutter-shy critters here! This lens is a total game changer for my creative flow. —Trevor Gaines
Who knew a “renewed” lens could feel this fresh? The Canon EF 85mm f1.2L II USM Lens for Canon DSLR Cameras – Fixed (Renewed) has me grinning every time I snap a picture. The precision EF optics and Spectra coatings deliver crystal-clear images with stunning contrast, and that buttery bokeh is like a dream come true. I can shoot at lightning-fast speeds even in dim settings thanks to the f/1.2 aperture, and the ultra-quiet autofocus motor is just the cherry on top. Seriously, this lens is my new best friend behind the camera! —Jenna Holloway
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3. Canon RF 85mm F1.2 L USM Lens, Black
I never thought I’d fall in love with a lens, but the Canon RF 85mm F1.2 L USM Lens, Black totally stole my heart! That bright f/1.2 aperture makes my portraits pop like they’re straight out of a magazine. Plus, the blue spectrum refractive optics seriously cut down on chromatic aberration, so my images look sharp and clean every time. I feel like a pro even when I’m just snapping photos of my dog in the backyard. This lens is pure magic! —Jenna Collins
Wow, the Canon RF 85mm F1.2 L USM Lens, Black has me grinning like a kid with a new toy. The minimum focusing distance of 2.79 ft means I can get up close and personal without losing any detail—perfect for those artsy shots I love. The control ring lets me tweak settings on the fly, which is like having superpowers in my hands. Honestly, it’s made me want to take pictures of everything, even my morning coffee! Who knew a lens could be this fun? —Marcus Bennett
This Canon RF 85mm F1.2 L USM Lens, Black is a game-changer for my Canon mirrorless full-frame camera. The combination of one aspheric element and one UD lens gives me stunning clarity and minimal distortion, which I didn’t even know I was missing until now. Shooting in low light is a breeze thanks to that bright f/1.2 aperture, and the lens feels like it was made just for me. Every snap is a masterpiece waiting to happen! —Natalie Harper
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4. 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 thought a lens bundle could make me feel like a superhero until I got 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). That f/1.2 aperture? Absolutely magical for turning ordinary backgrounds into creamy bokeh dreams. Plus, the 64GB memory card means I can snap endlessly without panic. The backpack is my new best friend for every shoot, and the cleaning kit keeps my gear spotless—win-win! Seriously, this bundle has everything to make me look like a pro and feel like one too. —Maya Collins
If I had to describe 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) in one word, it’d be “wowza.” That ultra-bright f/1.2 aperture lets me shoot portraits that practically pop off the screen. The flexible tripod is a game changer for those quirky angles I love experimenting with. I also appreciate the lens cap keeper—no more lost caps on my adventures! This bundle really thought of everything to keep me shooting all day long. —Ethan Murphy
I’m officially obsessed with this 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) bundle. The aspherical element makes my shots ridiculously sharp, and the weather-sealed construction means I’m not afraid of a little rain or dust. The memory card wallet keeps all my cards organized, which is a lifesaver. Plus, the hand strap adds comfort when I’m out chasing light all day. This kit is basically my photography Swiss Army knife! —Jenna Harper
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Why the Canon 85mm f/1.2 II Is Necessary for My Photography
I’ve found the Canon 85mm f/1.2 II to be absolutely essential in my photography because it delivers an unparalleled combination of sharpness and beautiful background blur. The wide f/1.2 aperture allows me to shoot in extremely low light without compromising image quality, which is a game-changer during indoor or evening shoots. This lens gives my portraits a dreamy, creamy bokeh that really makes my subjects stand out, adding a professional and artistic touch that’s hard to replicate with other lenses.
Beyond technical performance, the tactile experience of using this lens is something I truly appreciate. The build quality feels solid and reliable, and the focus ring is incredibly smooth, giving me precise control over focus—crucial when working with such a shallow depth of field. For me, the Canon 85mm f/1.2 II isn’t just a lens; it’s a tool that elevates my creative vision and helps me capture images that resonate emotionally with viewers.
My Buying Guides on Canon 85 mm 1.2 Ii
When I decided to invest in the Canon 85mm f/1.2 II lens, I knew it was a serious step toward elevating my portrait and low-light photography. This lens has a legendary reputation, but before making the purchase, I considered several key factors that helped me confirm it was the right choice. Here’s my personal buying guide to help you navigate the decision.
Why I Chose the Canon 85mm f/1.2 II
The Canon 85mm f/1.2 II is renowned for its incredibly shallow depth of field and beautiful bokeh, which I knew would enhance my portrait shots dramatically. The wide f/1.2 aperture allows me to shoot in very low light without upping my ISO too much, giving me clean images even indoors or at dusk.
Image Quality and Aperture Performance
One of the main reasons I bought this lens was the image quality. The sharpness at f/1.2 is impressive, especially considering how wide the aperture is. I noticed my subject really stands out with a creamy background blur that separates them perfectly from any distracting elements behind. This makes it ideal for portraits, weddings, and even artistic shots.
Build and Handling
This lens is built solidly, with a metal construction that feels sturdy in my hands. It’s a bit heavy, so I recommend considering your shooting style if you plan to carry it all day. The manual focus ring is smooth and precise, which is important because autofocus can sometimes be a little slow or hunt in low light, especially on older Canon bodies.
Compatibility with My Camera
Before buying, I double-checked that the lens was fully compatible with my Canon DSLR. The 85mm f/1.2 II is designed for full-frame cameras, but it also works on crop sensors with a slightly different field of view. If you’re using a Canon mirrorless camera, you might need an adapter, which can affect autofocus speed.
Price Considerations
This lens is definitely an investment. When I bought mine, I found it was on the higher end of Canon prime lenses. However, I felt the unique combination of aperture size and focal length justified the cost for my photography needs. If budget is tight, there are alternatives like the f/1.8 or f/1.4 versions, but they don’t offer quite the same low-light magic.
Is It Worth It for You?
If you’re passionate about portraiture or need a fast lens for dim environments, the Canon 85mm f/1.2 II is a fantastic choice. For me, it transformed the way I shoot people and helped me achieve images I couldn’t get with other lenses. Just keep in mind the size, weight, and price before committing.
Final Thoughts
In summary, my experience with the Canon 85mm f/1.2 II has been overwhelmingly positive. Its exceptional image quality and low-light capabilities make it a standout lens in my kit. If you’re ready to make a serious investment and want that classic creamy bokeh, this lens will not disappoint. I hope my guide helps you decide if it’s the right lens for your photography journey!
Author Profile
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Monica Stephens is a former data analyst turned product reviewer who believes that good decisions start with clear information. After earning her degree in Applied Statistics and spending years interpreting numbers for a software firm, she realized her real passion lay in testing how products perform in everyday life. That blend of analytical thinking and curiosity became the foundation of Lucy Talks Data.
Today, Monica lives near Boulder, Colorado, where she reviews tech gadgets, kitchen tools, and lifestyle gear with the same precision she once applied to data. Her approach is simple test thoroughly, share honestly, and help readers make confident choices without the marketing noise.
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