Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into the Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM DS lens, a piece of glass that has been generating quite a buzz in the photography world. If you're a portrait photographer, or someone who loves capturing dreamy, bokeh-licious images, then this lens might just be your new best friend. We're going to break down everything you need to know, from its key features to its performance in real-world scenarios. So, grab your favorite beverage, get comfortable, and let’s get started!

What Makes the Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM DS Lens Special?

First off, let’s talk about what makes this lens stand out from the crowd. The Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM DS is not your average 85mm lens. Sure, it shares the classic 85mm focal length, which is beloved by portrait photographers for its flattering perspective and ability to create beautiful background separation. But the “DS” in the name? That's where the magic happens. The “DS” stands for Defocus Smoothing, a technology Canon has implemented to give you the smoothest, creamiest bokeh you've ever seen. We're talking about bokeh that's so smooth, it looks like it's been airbrushed into your photos.

But there's more to it than just dreamy backgrounds. This lens is also part of Canon's prestigious L-series, which means it's built to the highest standards of optical quality and durability. We're talking about superior sharpness, minimal aberrations, and a robust build that can withstand the rigors of professional use. The fast f/1.2 aperture is another key feature, allowing you to shoot in incredibly low light and further enhance that shallow depth of field look. So, whether you're shooting portraits, weddings, or any other genre where you want to isolate your subject and create a beautiful, artistic image, the Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM DS lens is designed to deliver.

Key Features and Specifications

Let's break down the key features and specifications of this lens in detail. Knowing these specs will give you a better understanding of what this lens is capable of and how it might fit into your photography toolkit. The 85mm focal length is a classic choice for portraiture, offering a flattering perspective that avoids distortion and allows you to maintain a comfortable distance from your subject. The ultra-fast f/1.2 aperture is a game-changer, providing exceptional low-light performance and the ability to create incredibly shallow depth of field. This means you can blur backgrounds to a stunning degree, making your subject truly pop.

The “DS” or Defocus Smoothing coating is a vapor-deposited coating applied to certain lens elements that softens the edges of out-of-focus areas, resulting in smoother, more pleasing bokeh. It's this feature that gives the lens its unique character and sets it apart from other 85mm lenses. The lens also boasts Canon's USM (Ultrasonic Motor) for fast, silent, and accurate autofocus. This is crucial for capturing sharp images, especially when shooting with a shallow depth of field.

Optically, the lens is constructed with 13 elements in 9 groups, including one aspherical element and one UD (Ultra-low Dispersion) element. These elements work together to minimize aberrations and distortions, ensuring exceptional image quality across the frame. The lens also features Canon’s Air Sphere Coating (ASC), which helps to reduce flare and ghosting, especially in challenging lighting conditions. Finally, the lens is weather-sealed, making it a reliable companion even in less-than-ideal environments. All these features combined make the Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM DS lens a true powerhouse for image creation.

Image Quality and Performance

Now, let's talk about the nitty-gritty: image quality and performance. All the fancy features in the world don't mean much if the lens doesn't deliver stunning results. Thankfully, the Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM DS lens truly shines in this department. The sharpness is simply outstanding, even wide open at f/1.2. Your subjects will be rendered with incredible detail, and the clarity is truly remarkable.

But it's the bokeh that really steals the show. The Defocus Smoothing technology works wonders, creating backgrounds that are buttery smooth and incredibly pleasing to the eye. The out-of-focus areas melt away seamlessly, drawing the viewer's attention directly to the subject. It's a look that's both dreamy and professional, perfect for portraits and any other genre where you want to create a sense of depth and separation. The colors are vibrant and accurate, and the contrast is excellent. The lens also handles flare and ghosting very well, thanks to Canon's Air Sphere Coating.

In terms of autofocus performance, the USM motor delivers fast, accurate, and silent focusing. This is crucial when shooting portraits, especially with a shallow depth of field where even slight focusing errors can be noticeable. The lens locks onto subjects quickly and reliably, ensuring you capture those fleeting moments with precision. Overall, the image quality and performance of this lens are top-notch, making it a worthy investment for serious photographers.

Real-World Usage and Sample Images

Let's move on to real-world usage. How does the Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM DS lens perform in actual shooting situations? Well, I can tell you from experience that it's a joy to use. The 85mm focal length is perfect for portraits, allowing you to create flattering images with beautiful background separation. The fast f/1.2 aperture gives you incredible flexibility in low light, and the Defocus Smoothing technology delivers stunning bokeh that will make your images stand out.

Whether you're shooting in a studio or on location, this lens is a capable performer. It's sharp enough to capture every detail, and the smooth bokeh adds a touch of magic to your images. The autofocus is fast and accurate, ensuring you nail the focus every time. The weather sealing is a welcome feature, giving you peace of mind when shooting in challenging conditions. Of course, the lens is on the larger and heavier side, which is something to keep in mind if you're used to shooting with smaller lenses. But the image quality and performance more than make up for the size and weight.

Now, let's talk about some sample images. Imagine a portrait shot with this lens at f/1.2. The subject's eyes are tack sharp, and the background melts into a creamy blur. The bokeh balls are smooth and round, with no harsh edges. The colors are rich and vibrant, and the overall image has a sense of depth and dimensionality that's hard to achieve with other lenses. Or picture a wedding photo captured with this lens. The bride's dress is beautifully rendered, and the background is blurred just enough to create a dreamy, romantic feel. These are the kinds of images you can create with the Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM DS lens.

Pros and Cons

Okay, let's break down the pros and cons of the Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM DS lens. This will give you a clear overview of its strengths and weaknesses, helping you decide if it's the right lens for you.

Pros:

• Stunning Image Quality: The sharpness is exceptional, even wide open at f/1.2. The colors are vibrant and accurate, and the contrast is excellent.
• Beautiful Bokeh: The Defocus Smoothing technology creates incredibly smooth and pleasing bokeh, making your images stand out.
• Fast f/1.2 Aperture: The ultra-fast aperture allows you to shoot in low light and create shallow depth of field effects.
• Fast and Accurate Autofocus: The USM motor delivers fast, silent, and accurate focusing.
• Robust Build Quality: The lens is part of Canon's L-series, meaning it's built to the highest standards of durability and weather-sealed for use in challenging conditions.

Cons:

• Price: This is a premium lens with a premium price tag. It's an investment, but one that can pay off in terms of image quality and performance.
• Size and Weight: The lens is relatively large and heavy, which can be a consideration for some photographers.
• DS Coating Light Transmission: The Defocus Smoothing coating reduces light transmission slightly, resulting in a slightly darker image compared to non-DS lenses. However, this is usually not a significant issue in real-world shooting.

Who is This Lens For?

So, who is the Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM DS lens really for? This is a lens designed for serious photographers who demand the best in image quality and performance. It's particularly well-suited for portrait photographers, wedding photographers, and anyone who loves to create images with shallow depth of field and beautiful bokeh.

If you're a professional photographer who relies on your gear to deliver exceptional results, this lens is a worthy investment. The stunning image quality, smooth bokeh, and fast aperture will allow you to create images that stand out from the crowd. If you're an enthusiast photographer who is passionate about your craft and wants to take your photography to the next level, this lens can help you achieve your creative vision. It's a lens that will inspire you to shoot more and push your boundaries.

However, it's important to consider the price and size of the lens. This is not a casual purchase, and it's not the most compact or lightweight lens in the world. If you're on a tight budget or prefer to travel light, there may be other options that are a better fit for you. But if you're willing to invest in top-of-the-line glass and you don't mind the size and weight, the Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM DS lens is a fantastic choice.

Alternatives to the Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM DS

Now, let's talk about some alternatives to the Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM DS lens. While this lens is exceptional, it's not the only 85mm option out there. Depending on your budget and needs, there may be other lenses that are a better fit for you.

One obvious alternative is the Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM lens (without the DS). This lens shares many of the same features as the DS version, including the fast f/1.2 aperture and L-series build quality. However, it lacks the Defocus Smoothing coating, so the bokeh won't be quite as smooth. But it's still a fantastic lens that delivers excellent image quality and performance. It's also typically less expensive than the DS version.

Another alternative is the Canon RF 85mm f/2 Macro IS STM lens. This lens is more compact and lightweight than the f/1.2L options, and it also features image stabilization and macro capabilities. The f/2 aperture is still quite fast, and the image quality is very good. This lens is a great option if you're looking for a more versatile and affordable 85mm lens.

If you're open to third-party lenses, there are also options from companies like Sigma and Tamron. These lenses can offer excellent image quality and performance at a lower price point than Canon's L-series lenses. However, it's important to do your research and read reviews before purchasing a third-party lens to ensure it's compatible with your camera and meets your needs. Ultimately, the best alternative for you will depend on your budget, shooting style, and priorities.

Final Verdict: Is the Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM DS Worth It?

So, here we are at the final verdict. Is the Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM DS lens worth the investment? In my opinion, the answer is a resounding yes, if you're the right photographer. This lens is a true masterpiece of optical engineering, delivering stunning image quality, creamy bokeh, and exceptional performance.

The Defocus Smoothing technology is a game-changer, creating backgrounds that are so smooth and pleasing to the eye. The fast f/1.2 aperture gives you incredible flexibility in low light and allows you to create shallow depth of field effects. The build quality is top-notch, and the autofocus is fast and accurate. If you're a portrait photographer, wedding photographer, or anyone who values image quality above all else, this lens is a dream come true.

Of course, the price is a significant consideration. This is a premium lens, and it comes with a premium price tag. It's also a relatively large and heavy lens, which may not be ideal for all photographers. But if you're willing to make the investment and you don't mind the size and weight, the Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM DS lens is a lens that will stay in your camera bag for years to come. It's a lens that will inspire you to create beautiful images and push your creative boundaries. So, if you're looking for the best 85mm lens on the market, the Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM DS is definitely worth considering. Happy shooting, guys!