I finally pulled the trigger on the R5 last month and now I need a real portrait beast for my cousins engagement session in three weeks. Im stuck between the 85mm f1.2 L and the 135mm f1.8 L.
The 85mm is basically the gold standard but man that price tag is heavy and I dont know if its worth the extra weight. On the other hand, people say the 135mm has amazing compression but I worry itll be too long for the indoor shots I have planned. I have about 2500 bucks saved up so I can swing either one if I find a good deal but I cant decide which is better for a one-lens setup. Is the 85mm f1.2 really that much better or should I save some cash and go with the 135...
I went through this exact same dilemma when I got my R5 and honestly, the options are kind of frustrating. Picking up the Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM seemed like the right move, but unfortunately, it’s a total brick. Carrying that thing for a full session is exhausting, and the autofocus speed was honestly a bit of a letdown compared to the newer nano USM stuff. Its not as quick as youd expect for three grand tho. As for the Canon RF 135mm f/1.8L IS USM, I had issues using it for anything other than outdoor wide-open spaces. If your cousins session has any indoor components, youre gonna be backed into a corner constantly. The compression is nice, but its just not as good as expected for general use because its so restrictive... I found myself swapping it out way too often because the focal length is just too long for a single-lens setup. If youve got $2500, youre basically forced into the 85mm f1.2 for the versatility, even if it feels like a compromise on weight. Its the better choice for your situation, but just be ready for the bulk. The cheaper Canon RF 85mm f/2 Macro IS STM is definitely not the answer either; the motor is noisy and slow, which is pretty disappointing for modern mirrorless glass. Stick with the f1.2, but yeah, its not the perfect experience everyone says it is... dont expect it to be a magic bullet.
