DPC Users with Canon 85F1.2 version I

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM

05/11/2010 11:36:14 PM · #1

I've got an chance to pick up one of these lens, and have read all the reviews and many complain about slow AF. I realize this isn't a speed demon but how bad is the speed of the AF on this lens? Any other canon lens that you have or had that compares to it's speed?

Matt

Simms

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

05/12/2010 03:11:11 AM · #2

Hi Matt,
I know you are a sports shooter and would say this isnt really suited to sports photography - however, if you use it for the niche it falls into - that is, portraiture, weddings etc - then it is an awesome lens - granted mine is the mk2 version, but I have heard its not hugely better than the mk1 - AF speed is roughly the same.

EDIT - I see you have the 85mm 1.8, the 1.2 is slower than that - its a big bit of glass it has to throw backwards and forwards.

Message edited by author 2010-05-12 03:14:47.

Brad

Olympus OM-D E-M1

Olympus 40-150mm f/2.8 PRO M.Zuiko

05/12/2010 03:38:39 AM · #3

Matt,
I've used the 85mm f/1.2 and the 85mm f/1.8, and hands-down, the f/1.8 AF is faster.
It's my top choice for weddings, as when I have to point & shoot at a moment that I can't miss, the f/1.8 never misses it. The f/1.2 is too slow and have missed a number of shots because of it's slow AF.
My 85mm f/1.8 rarely ever leaves my camera body. Rarely.

Message edited by author 2010-05-12 03:39:39.

Judi

Canon EOS-5D Mark III

Canon EF 17-40mm f/4L USM

05/12/2010 05:35:05 AM · #4

Originally posted by Brad:

YAYYYYYY....welcome back sweet!

MAK

Leica M Monochrom

Voigtlander Ultron 21mm f1.8

05/12/2010 05:51:30 AM · #5

The 85mm f1.2L mk1 will be the last lump of glass to leave my cold stiff fingers.

go for it the quality is staggering. it is not a fast focussing lens but it is a portrait lens not really a wedding snapper lens.
it takes a fair bit of getting used to as the DOF is so very slim.

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM

05/12/2010 01:31:07 PM · #6

I guess I should have mentioned, I won't be using the glass for sport, and I won't be letting go of my 85F1.8 either. Just adding the 1.2 to my kit. I am doing many more portraits then I ever imagined I'd be doing and really love the bokeh and colors of what I see with the 1.2 version. My only concern was how slow everyone says the AF is.

Matt

kevip6

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

05/12/2010 02:17:00 PM · #7

Hi Matt,

I'll chip in as well and say that I love my 85mm f/1.2L II. It took me a while to love it as it's quite tricky to use from the off and the AF is very slow compared to the 85mm f/1.8 and the 70-200mm f/2.8 but once you're used to it the focus is very accurate and you can tell which shots are from that lens as soon as you see them. I loved both the 1.8 and the 70-200mm for portraits but now I will use the 1.2L whenever I can it is just better.

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM

05/12/2010 08:12:49 PM · #8

Well I went ahead and picked it up. I'll have it in a few days and hopefully I can stand the slower then normal AF speed, if not the good thing is they hold their value real well and reselling it won't be problem.

Matt

Simms

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

05/13/2010 03:00:02 AM · #9

Originally posted by MattO:

Can`t believe you bought one. Dreadful lens.

05/13/2010 09:00:41 AM · #10

Originally posted by Simms:

Originally posted by MattO:
Well I went ahead and picked it up. I'll have it in a few days and hopefully I can stand the slower then normal AF speed, if not the good thing is they hold their value real well and reselling it won't be problem.

Matt

Can`t believe you bought one. Dreadful lens.

LOL I've seen some of your shots with it Simms. :D

Matt

Olympus 40-150mm f/2.8 PRO M.Zuiko

05/15/2010 08:13:52 PM · #11

Wow what a piece of glass this thing is! I've only had a chance to take a few quick photos with it, but from all the reviews you would think a snail was moving the glass, it's not as fast as my 300 or my 70-200 to focus, but it's not as bad as expected, and man the bokeh on this lens is very cool.

Matt

Brad

Olympus OM-D E-M1

05/16/2010 02:48:16 AM · #12

Originally posted by Judi:

Originally posted by Brad:
Matt,
I've used the 85mm f/1.2 and the 85mm f/1.8, and hands-down, the f/1.8 AF is faster.
It's my top choice for weddings, as when I have to point & shoot at a moment that I can't miss, the f/1.8 never misses it. The f/1.2 is too slow and have missed a number of shots because of it's slow AF.
My 85mm f/1.8 rarely ever leaves my camera body. Rarely.

YAYYYYYY....welcome back sweet!

;-)
DPL piqued my interest in jumping back in.
I did set a goal this year (which I have failed at miserably) at entering 1 challenge a month.
I'm working on it though.

Judi

Canon EOS-5D Mark III

Canon EF 17-40mm f/4L USM

05/16/2010 03:25:02 AM · #13

Originally posted by Brad:

Originally posted by Judi:

Originally posted by Brad:
Matt,
I've used the 85mm f/1.2 and the 85mm f/1.8, and hands-down, the f/1.8 AF is faster.
It's my top choice for weddings, as when I have to point & shoot at a moment that I can't miss, the f/1.8 never misses it. The f/1.2 is too slow and have missed a number of shots because of it's slow AF.
My 85mm f/1.8 rarely ever leaves my camera body. Rarely.

YAYYYYYY....welcome back sweet!

;-)
DPL piqued my interest in jumping back in.
I did set a goal this year (which I have failed at miserably) at entering 1 challenge a month.
I'm working on it though.

Grrrr....time to get the whips out!