DPReview Published Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM DS Lens Review (92% Overall Score)

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DPReview published their full in-depth review for Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM DS Lens (Tested on the 30.3MP Canon EOS R), and the new Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM DS Lens achieved an impressive 92% overall score and Gold Award from the experts at DPReview.

Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM DS Lens Key Features:

  • Focal length: 85mm
  • Aperture: f/1.2
  • Canon RF-Mount lens
  • Full-frame format
  • Defocus Smoothing
  • BR (Blue Spectrum Refractive) optical elements in one location
  • One UD, one ground aspherical lens
  • Constructed with 13 elements in 9 groups
  • Fluorine coating, ASC, and DS coating (two surfaces)

What we like

  • 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

What we don’t

  • 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

From DPReview 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.

Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM DS Lens: $2,999 at Amazon, B&H, Adorama.