It was a simple choice for me. Both are excellent lenses but paying $1,000 more for an RF lens? Canon, what are you thinking? I don't care about using the adapter, I'm happy with the EF.
Nice video. I have owed this lens since it came out, rendering and operation are beautiful. I actually still own the Canon ef 85mm f1.8 it is a lot cheaper made, but it renders awesomely too (for photography).
@@JustinMyersPhoto I like it for street photography on my 90D because of the reach without standing out too much like I would if I used the white 70-200mm.
Great video. You are the very few in the world speaks about the color rendering of lens. This was the only point I was looking for a decision. The new lenses don't have smooth color fall offs and don't flare at all which is taking away the artistic capabilitiws of the lens.
We’ll done review Justin. I’ve never used the Canon EF 85 f1.4 so I can’t compare it to the Samyang RF 85. But I have the Samyang RF 85 f1.4 and it is legit with practically native performance. But I see your points about the flexibility of an EF L lens. My Canon EF 100 mm f2.8 L macro has a magic-like almost analog quality. I imagine that the EF 85 L is kinda like that.
Ya, I have nothing against RF lenses, in fact I love a lot of them. It’s just about finding what fits the shooter’s style. I have definitely heard good things about the Samyang, but I don’t know anyone personally who uses it, so I’ve never even seen one “ inthe wild” as it were lol
I've had this lens for about 4 years and updated to an R5 a couple of years ago. It works fine and the images are just beautifully detailed. I won't be trading up for the 1.2 anytime soon. I just don't think there's any need. I have been considering the rf 50 1.2L as an addition, but I'm not sure if I need that (I have an RF 24-70 f 2.8L). Any thoughts?
This is exactly the position I’m in. I have a 24-70 2.8 and I’m about to buy the R5 but trying to decide between the 85 1.4 EF and 85 1.2 RF is so hard. The price is double but every time I see the bokeh and sharpness on the 1.2 I’m blown away.
@@FrenchieFolk I use 1.4 only seldom, when I have a really compelling reason to do so, otherwise the effect becomes repetitive. Generally, I prefer about 5.6 or 8 for portraits for a greater DOF. I really don't think you'll notice much of a difference between 1.2 or 1.4. But in the end, it's up to you, and of course, it's your money. I'm perfectly happy with my f1.4. Some people think it's "slow" (the AF)...that's only because they have poor technique and/or never worked with manual focus lenses without IS like we did back in the film days. A lot of people like to look impressive with a large piece of glass around their neck, although their results are often less than impressive...
When looking for a replacement for my (now sold) Tamron 85mm f1.8, I tried out both the Canon EF 85mm f1.4 and the RF 85mm f1.2. I ended up going with the RF mainly because I noticed the EF was having a harder time maintaining focus on my model ( I brought along a friend 😇) as he walked toward and away from the camera. I am not sure if this is a general issue with the lens or maybe it was something that we were doing wrong. But either way it made me pick the RF 85mm ( the store had only 1 in stock 😅)
Nice! That’s an awesome lens. I’m not sure, I didn’t experience any issue with the lens keeping focus or tracking in my test, so it’s hard to say what caused it
Well, one typically buys a lens based on its optical quality. The larger aperture is often something that is included with better performing lenses, but the aperture itself is not the reason why the lens is of better quality. That photo is actually at f1.4. I didn’t end up including anything shot at f5.6, but there is a shot at f8 at 5:39 Hope that helps
I’m gonna rent this tomorrow for an elopement and pair it attached to my R6. An f/1.4 with IS to me is unreal. The dud from whom I’m renting it is selling it for $900 and, although I definitely wanna be native to the RF, $2,799 is ludicrous.
@@JustinMyersPhoto haha! I’ll hook you up with his contact. It turns out he went to HS with me too, lol. Here’s the thing: I already ditched The adapter once. The only reason I have another one is because it was bundled in with an R6 that I purchased as a second body. I have an elopement during which time I want to blow out the background because, admittedly, I have never had a 1.4 aperture before. I want to spoil my couple. If I were to buy it from him, I would be stuck using an adapter again and $900 would go along way towards getting the RF 1.2 lens.
@@JustinMyersPhoto haha! I’ll hook you up with his contact. It turns out he went to HS with me too, lol. Here’s the thing: I already ditched The adapter once. The only reason I have another one is because it was bundled in with an R6 that I purchased as a second body. I have an elopement during which time I want to blow out the background because, admittedly, I have never had a 1.4 aperture before. I want to spoil my couple. If I were to buy it from him, I would be stuck using an adapter again and $900 would go along way towards getting the RF 1.2 lens.
@@FranciscoAlvarezTV yep, I definitely understand. I don’t know if you saw my review of the RF 1.2 or my comparison of the two lenses, but it is insane. That’s cool about the elopement shoot, sounds fun! But ya, if the EF isn’t for you, put me in contact!
@@JustinMyersPhoto I'm gonna definitely give it a whirl. Who knows? I might like it and know I probably will but our R6s have IBIS built in so I don't know how crucial having an 85mm with IS is going to be; having said that, I don't mind having more. I'll keep you posted.
2 things that would keep me from this lens Using an adapter (for me) the filter adapter Is a fair point. & focusing distance.. I just don't want to invest in EF glass atm. Most of my glass is RF now.
@@JustinMyersPhoto I do think... of the EF line, the 85 1.4 L would have definitely been my choice. I dunno.. I Want the RF 85 1.2 I just don't wanna pay $2800 or $3100 for the DS version. I am in the Market for an 85mm. I do already have a 90mm Macro for close focusing. But I'd like a Solid 85mm Prime & am definitely fine with F1.4 $1600 would hurt a lot less than $2800-3100 😹😹😹
@@njrivetelite ya, I can definitely relate. I’m on a short hiatus from posting videos, but will continue posting about my testing and journey toward finding the right 85mm soon!
This was a really informative and really interesting video, but you need to expunge the word "really" from your vocabulary. Listen to how many times you used the word.
I would 100% recommend this over the EF 85mm f1.2Ls. This lens is much better optically and typically less expensive, even used. If you will miss shooting f1.2 vs f1.4, well I can’t help you there, but I don’t think it’s worth it
Makes sense. Thank you Justin! I guess also the autofocus will benefit when switching my 6D Mark II probably next year to a R-ish body. Might be a lot more fun with this AF speed. :D I think I got a bit mixed up with those old reviews, where everybody is praising the “magical” property of the f/1.2 ❤️😅
@@trannel73 I do think you would see autofocus benefits, even with the 6D II. Sometimes photographers and especially reviewers, talk in “code” to describe image quality. Things like “magical” and “dream-like” typically mean lack of detail and contrast. It can definitely be a stylistic character, but then you’re stuck with it. Opening this f1.4L lens wide open can still get you that “magical, dreamy” feel, but there is better optical quality so you aren’t stuck with that look for everything
by the way. I opted for the 85mm f/1.4. And I finally got the money for a proper R full frame camera. I'll pick it up tomorrow. Let's gooooo! Thanks for your input last year!
It was a simple choice for me. Both are excellent lenses but paying $1,000 more for an RF lens? Canon, what are you thinking? I don't care about using the adapter, I'm happy with the EF.
Nice video. I have owed this lens since it came out, rendering and operation are beautiful. I actually still own the Canon ef 85mm f1.8 it is a lot cheaper made, but it renders awesomely too (for photography).
I have this lens and it is excellent. I use it on my 90D and RP.
Nice! Ya, I was really impressed with the images I got with it.
So what kind of photography and/or video do you typically shoot?
@@JustinMyersPhoto I mostly shoot street photography and family stuff.
@@ChuckinAurora very cool! So is the 85mm your go-to lens or more just for particular shots?
@@JustinMyersPhoto I like it for street photography on my 90D because of the reach without standing out too much like I would if I used the white 70-200mm.
@@ChuckinAurora gotcha, ya that 70-200mm is definitely not stealthy!
Great video. You are the very few in the world speaks about the color rendering of lens. This was the only point I was looking for a decision. The new lenses don't have smooth color fall offs and don't flare at all which is taking away the artistic capabilitiws of the lens.
We’ll done review Justin. I’ve never used the Canon EF 85 f1.4 so I can’t compare it to the Samyang RF 85. But I have the Samyang RF 85 f1.4 and it is legit with practically native performance. But I see your points about the flexibility of an EF L lens.
My Canon EF 100 mm f2.8 L macro has a magic-like almost analog quality. I imagine that the EF 85 L is kinda like that.
Ya, I have nothing against RF lenses, in fact I love a lot of them. It’s just about finding what fits the shooter’s style.
I have definitely heard good things about the Samyang, but I don’t know anyone personally who uses it, so I’ve never even seen one “ inthe wild” as it were lol
I've had this lens for about 4 years and updated to an R5 a couple of years ago. It works fine and the images are just beautifully detailed. I won't be trading up for the 1.2 anytime soon. I just don't think there's any need. I have been considering the rf 50 1.2L as an addition, but I'm not sure if I need that (I have an RF 24-70 f 2.8L). Any thoughts?
need and wants my friend
If I don't need it, I don't want it....@@tanmengazmil
This is exactly the position I’m in. I have a 24-70 2.8 and I’m about to buy the R5 but trying to decide between the 85 1.4 EF and 85 1.2 RF is so hard. The price is double but every time I see the bokeh and sharpness on the 1.2 I’m blown away.
@@FrenchieFolk I use 1.4 only seldom, when I have a really compelling reason to do so, otherwise the effect becomes repetitive. Generally, I prefer about 5.6 or 8 for portraits for a greater DOF. I really don't think you'll notice much of a difference between 1.2 or 1.4. But in the end, it's up to you, and of course, it's your money. I'm perfectly happy with my f1.4. Some people think it's "slow" (the AF)...that's only because they have poor technique and/or never worked with manual focus lenses without IS like we did back in the film days. A lot of people like to look impressive with a large piece of glass around their neck, although their results are often less than impressive...
I want to see canon makes this lens for rf mount.
When looking for a replacement for my (now sold) Tamron 85mm f1.8, I tried out both the Canon EF 85mm f1.4 and the RF 85mm f1.2. I ended up going with the RF mainly because I noticed the EF was having a harder time maintaining focus on my model ( I brought along a friend 😇) as he walked toward and away from the camera. I am not sure if this is a general issue with the lens or maybe it was something that we were doing wrong. But either way it made me pick the RF 85mm ( the store had only 1 in stock 😅)
Nice! That’s an awesome lens.
I’m not sure, I didn’t experience any issue with the lens keeping focus or tracking in my test, so it’s hard to say what caused it
I was wondering why to bought a lens with f1.4 to use f5.6. The sample picture at min 6:00 was at f5.6?
Well, one typically buys a lens based on its optical quality. The larger aperture is often something that is included with better performing lenses, but the aperture itself is not the reason why the lens is of better quality.
That photo is actually at f1.4. I didn’t end up including anything shot at f5.6, but there is a shot at f8 at 5:39
Hope that helps
I’m gonna rent this tomorrow for an elopement and pair it attached to my R6. An f/1.4 with IS to me is unreal. The dud from whom I’m renting it is selling it for $900 and, although I definitely wanna be native to the RF, $2,799 is ludicrous.
$900? If you don’t buy it from him, I will!
@@JustinMyersPhoto haha! I’ll hook you up with his contact. It turns out he went to HS with me too, lol. Here’s the thing: I already ditched The adapter once. The only reason I have another one is because it was bundled in with an R6 that I purchased as a second body. I have an elopement during which time I want to blow out the background because, admittedly, I have never had a 1.4 aperture before. I want to spoil my couple. If I were to buy it from him, I would be stuck using an adapter again and $900 would go along way towards getting the RF 1.2 lens.
@@JustinMyersPhoto haha! I’ll hook you up with his contact. It turns out he went to HS with me too, lol. Here’s the thing: I already ditched The adapter once. The only reason I have another one is because it was bundled in with an R6 that I purchased as a second body. I have an elopement during which time I want to blow out the background because, admittedly, I have never had a 1.4 aperture before. I want to spoil my couple. If I were to buy it from him, I would be stuck using an adapter again and $900 would go along way towards getting the RF 1.2 lens.
@@FranciscoAlvarezTV yep, I definitely understand. I don’t know if you saw my review of the RF 1.2 or my comparison of the two lenses, but it is insane.
That’s cool about the elopement shoot, sounds fun!
But ya, if the EF isn’t for you, put me in contact!
@@JustinMyersPhoto I'm gonna definitely give it a whirl. Who knows? I might like it and know I probably will but our R6s have IBIS built in so I don't know how crucial having an 85mm with IS is going to be; having said that, I don't mind having more. I'll keep you posted.
2 things that would keep me from this lens
Using an adapter (for me) the filter adapter Is a fair point.
& focusing distance.. I just don't want to invest in EF glass atm. Most of my glass is RF now.
Yep, like I said in the video, if you just don’t want to have an adapter, it’s a no go, of course
@@JustinMyersPhoto I do think... of the EF line, the 85 1.4 L would have definitely been my choice.
I dunno.. I Want the RF 85 1.2
I just don't wanna pay $2800 or $3100 for the DS version.
I am in the Market for an 85mm.
I do already have a 90mm Macro for close focusing.
But I'd like a Solid 85mm Prime & am definitely fine with F1.4
$1600 would hurt a lot less than $2800-3100
😹😹😹
@@njrivetelite ya, I can definitely relate. I’m on a short hiatus from posting videos, but will continue posting about my testing and journey toward finding the right 85mm soon!
This was a really informative and really interesting video, but you need to expunge the word "really" from your vocabulary. Listen to how many times you
used the word.
Can’t decide if I get this or the older EF brother with f/1.2 (for photography). God dammit! :D
I would 100% recommend this over the EF 85mm f1.2Ls. This lens is much better optically and typically less expensive, even used. If you will miss shooting f1.2 vs f1.4, well I can’t help you there, but I don’t think it’s worth it
Makes sense. Thank you Justin! I guess also the autofocus will benefit when switching my 6D Mark II probably next year to a R-ish body. Might be a lot more fun with this AF speed. :D I think I got a bit mixed up with those old reviews, where everybody is praising the “magical” property of the f/1.2 ❤️😅
@@trannel73 I do think you would see autofocus benefits, even with the 6D II.
Sometimes photographers and especially reviewers, talk in “code” to describe image quality. Things like “magical” and “dream-like” typically mean lack of detail and contrast. It can definitely be a stylistic character, but then you’re stuck with it. Opening this f1.4L lens wide open can still get you that “magical, dreamy” feel, but there is better optical quality so you aren’t stuck with that look for everything
by the way. I opted for the 85mm f/1.4. And I finally got the money for a proper R full frame camera. I'll pick it up tomorrow. Let's gooooo! Thanks for your input last year!