Photography gear briefs & discussion links
Canon's f/1.2 L portrait prime for RF mount, from 2019. Launched at $2,699 (US). Who it suits: portrait and wedding photographers on Canon RF.
Why it exists. Kazuto Ogawa of Canon U.S.A. said "We envision this product as being the quintessential workhorse lens for portrait photographers of all skill levels" (Canon U.S.A. release).
It is an f/1.2 prime with a BR (Blue Spectrum Refractive) element and a 9-blade aperture, in a weather-sealed L body.
Who should buy it? Canon RF portrait and wedding photographers who want the shallowest depth of field Canon offers at 85mm.
Canon U.S.A. announced the lens on May 8, 2019, at an estimated retail price of $2,699 (Canon U.S.A.).
It uses 13 elements in 9 groups and a Ring USM motor and weighs 1,195 g. It has no image stabilization.
Key specs for the Canon RF 85mm F1.2 L USM, from Canon U.S.A. Source for each row in brackets.
| Format / range | Full-frame RF mount, 85mm, f/1.2 [Canon U.S.A.] |
|---|---|
| Optics | 13 elements in 9 groups; BR element [Canon U.S.A.] |
| Aperture | 9 blades [Canon U.S.A.] |
| Autofocus | Ring USM [Canon U.S.A.] |
| Stabilization | None [Canon U.S.A.] |
| Filters | 82mm [Canon U.S.A.] |
| Build | Weather sealed; fluorine coating [Canon U.S.A.] |
| Size / weight | φ103.2 × 117.3 mm; 1,195 g [Canon U.S.A.] |
| Announced / price | May 8, 2019; $2,699 (US) [Canon release] |
Three photos taken with the Canon RF 85mm F1.2 L USM on a Canon EOS R5 by one photographer, shared on Wikimedia Commons under CC0. Select a photo to enlarge it.
Canon: Launched at $2,699 in 2019 (US).
Who it's for: Canon RF portrait and wedding photographers who want f/1.2 at 85mm.
Comparing portrait lenses? See our Lenses by purpose guide.
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