Is the RF 85mm f/1.2 actually worth the massive price tag compared to the RF 85mm f/2 for professional portrait work? Im booked for a big wedding in three weeks and need to decide fast. My budget is tight but I dont want to compromise quality if the f/1.2 is noticeably sharper... just dont know if the extra grand is really justified for my gear bag.
> Honestly, for pro wedding work, the Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM is in a different league. Totally agree with that. I used to lug around the Canon RF 85mm F1.2L USM for years, and the rendering is addictive. But look, at a wedding, speed is king. If your budget is tight, that extra grand could be better spent on a solid backup body or lighting. The Canon RF 85mm F2 Macro IS STM is actually a surprisingly decent option. Its sharp enough for 95% of clients and the stabilization is a lifesaver when the dance floor gets dark and you cant use a tripod. I used the f/2 for a full season and nobody ever complained about the bokeh. If you need that extra stop for artistic flair, sure, rent the glass for the weekend instead of buying.
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Stumbled on this and had to share my thoughts. If you are on the fence about dropping that much cash, definitely check out the Canon RF 135mm f/1.8L IS USM instead. Seriously, the compression on this thing is unreal! It creates such gorgeous, creamy backgrounds that clients totally obsess over, plus the IS makes it way easier to manage during long ceremony shots. It feels basically weightless compared to the 85mm f/1.2 monster and the AF is blazing fast. Another amazing option is the Canon RF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM. It gives you that pro-level L series sharpness and the build quality is just fantastic. It handles portraits beautifully, but you also get that legit macro capability for those close-up ring and detail shots that couples love. Tbh, it is a way better value for a wedding photographer who needs to cover more ground without carrying a gym bag full of glass. Either of these will keep your images looking premium without the heart attack price tag. You have totally got this, good luck with the wedding!
Honestly, for pro wedding work, the Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM is in a different league. I have shot both, and the bokeh rendering on the L series is just smoother and more dreamlike than anything else. If you are charging premium rates, clients really do notice that subject separation.
- The 1.2 is a heavy beast and basically requires a tripod or steady hands for long events
- Focus speed on the 1.2 is lightning fast, which is crucial when you are trying to grab candids
- The Canon RF 85mm f/2 Macro IS STM is super lightweight and the macro feature is handy for ring shots, but it is definitely not as sharp wide open If you have the bookings to justify the investment, just go for the 1.2. It is a workhorse.
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@Reply #2 - good point! Honestly, if your budget is feeling the heat before that wedding, dont stress too much. While the Canon RF 85mm F1.2L USM is optically superior regarding longitudinal chromatic aberration control, the Canon RF 85mm F2 Macro IS STM is absolutely fantastic for the price! I love how sharp it is even wide open at f/2. Plus, you get that extra utility with the 0.5x magnification for those detail shots of the rings or invitations, which is amazing for a wedding workflow. You could grab the f/2 and put that extra thousand towards a solid Godox V1 Flash for Canon or some extra batteries, which are way more critical for a long day of shooting. You wont regret the versatility!