The Canon RF 85mm F1.2L USM DS is a specialist L-series, weather sealed portrait lens offering stu...The Canon RF 85mm F1.2L USM DS is a specialist L-series, weather sealed portrait lens offering stunning sharpness, high performance autofocus, legendary build quality and a new DS coating for the ultimate in silky smooth bokeh. This lens captures the softest out-of-focus areas and buttery smooth bokeh, almost like gaussian blur in your images, whilst retaining a pin sharp subject. It is ideal for beautiful flattering portraits with razor sharpness and superb low-light performance, offering the ultimate in creative potential. The perfect focal length for portraits, this lens provides the ideal short telephoto focal length for flattering portraits, producing elegant and detailed results with a pleasing perspective and no distortion. With a fast F1.2 aperture, the lens is superb in low light offering incredible sharpness and creative expression with pleasing bokeh and no loss of image quality. Advanced lens elements and coatings, including Blue Spectrum Refractive (BR) optics which negate colour aberrations, and a ground aspheric lens element which eliminates spherical aberrations caused by a large maximum aperture, redefine L-series quality. The lens features weather-sealing and fluorine coatings on the front and rear elements to guard against water, dust and scratches. Thanks to the fast speed of the RF mount and USM motor, this lens is fast to lock onto a subject while the Lens Control Ring provides additional control over settings.
This guide is for photographers using the Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM DS lens. It provides detailed instructions and tips to help you capture stunning portraits with exceptionally smooth bokeh and razor sharpness. While the lens offers outstanding performance, remember that achieving the desired effect may require some practice with focus and composition. This lens is ideal for portraits, offering a short telephoto focal length that produces elegant and detailed results.
All features
Brand
Canon
Extended Product Information
FAQs
What is the DS coating?
The DS (Defocus Smoothing) coating on this lens is designed to create exceptionally smooth and creamy bokeh, resulting in beautiful background blur.
What camera bodies is this lens compatible with?
This lens is compatible with Canon EOS R series mirrorless cameras that use the RF lens mount.
How do I clean the lens?
Use a lens cleaning cloth to gently wipe the front and rear lens elements. Avoid using harsh chemicals or excessive pressure.
What is the filter size for this lens?
The filter size is 82mm.
Does this lens have image stabilization?
No, this lens does not have built-in image stabilization. Stabilization is provided by the camera body.
What is the closest focusing distance?
The closest focusing distance is 0.85 meters.
What is the aperture range?
The aperture range is f/1.2 to f/16.
Troubleshooting
Autofocus is not working.
Ensure the focus mode switch on the lens or camera is set to AF. Check that there is sufficient light for the autofocus system to function properly. Clean the lens contacts.
Images are not sharp.
Ensure you are focusing correctly. If using AF, try focusing manually. Check for camera shake and use a faster shutter speed. Clean the lens elements.
Bokeh is not as smooth as expected.
Make sure the background is far enough from your subject. Use the widest aperture (f/1.2). Ensure the DS coating is clean and free of smudges. Note that DS lenses are designed to soften bokeh, which may result in slightly less overall sharpness.
Pros and Cons
Pros
Creates exceptionally smooth and creamy bokeh.
Excellent low-light performance with its fast f/1.2 aperture.
Delivers incredibly sharp images.
Offers a flattering portrait focal length.
Durable, weather-sealed design.
Fast and accurate autofocus performance.
Cons
Can be a heavy lens due to its construction.
The DS coating, while beneficial for bokeh, can slightly reduce overall sharpness in some situations.
High price point compared to other lenses.
Focusing can require precision due to the shallow depth of field at f/1.2.
Specific to Canon RF mount.
Setup, Compatibility & Care
Setup:
Mounting: Align the red or white index mark on the lens with the corresponding mark on your Canon RF mount camera body. Rotate the lens until it clicks into place.
Focus Mode: Set the focus mode on the lens or camera body to Autofocus (AF) or Manual Focus (MF), depending on your preference.
Aperture: Adjust the aperture using the camera's control dial. Experiment with different settings to control depth of field.
Compatibility:
This lens is compatible with Canon EOS R series mirrorless cameras with the RF lens mount.
Care:
Cleaning: Use a lens cleaning cloth to gently wipe the front and rear lens elements. Avoid using excessive pressure.
Storage: Store the lens in a dry, dust-free environment when not in use.
Protection: Use a lens cap to protect the front element from scratches and damage.
Weather Sealing: While weather-sealed, avoid prolonged exposure to heavy rain or extreme conditions.