Canon EF 85mm f/1.2 L II USM Lens

I just bought this lens in the last couple of weeks specifically for a job I was undertaking. After all the other reviews I had been reading about this lens I decided to spend the money to pick one up for the long run - believe me it wasn't cheap. I've probably had 300+ actuations/shots since getting it brand new and these are my thoughts on the lens:

Compared to all my other L series lens this is my least favourite - although its amazingly sharp, accurate and all the above - it's just so HEAVY to carry it around as an everyday walk around lens. But, and here it is, Canon says that this is their definitive lens for portraits and studio work - and this it does so very well. With a huge piece of glass and the 1.2 aperture you can shoot in the darkest of conditions - but getting that focusing spot on is not that easy - being slightly off will result in an out-of-focus subject - and that undampened focusing ring is way way too soft.

The blurred background effect you get at 1.2 is simply outstanding and when the subject is properly focused, the image is pin sharp and you will reap the rewards. You have to be ever so careful as the depth of field at 1.2 is wafer thin. That's why this lens is not really suitable for action type scenes - you need time to get the focusing right.

I do recommend this lens if you have the budget and a need for it.