Canon RF 85mm f2.0L versus EF 85mm f1.4L IS USM
Discussion
Has anybody got experience of these lenses, or better still experience of both ? I'd like an 85mm lens but the £3k RF 85mm is too expensive, I'm not a pro and it doesn't have IS, and the RF f2.0 hasn't got such good reviews and the bokeh of f2.0 isn't quite so good, something that is quite important. I used to use the macro EF 100mm f2.8L and I really liked it but it was too long, so sold it ages ago - ought to have kept it !
I appreciate buying the EF 85mm f1.4 is stepping back in time slightly, for an RF mount camera, but there's no news yet of a comparable RF lens being produced and I could be waiting for years. I think buying a used EF f1.4, which I could of course sell in a years time, might be a good temporary position ?
I did look at the Sigma Art lens but it lacks IS which might be a problem as this will be a walkabout lens.
I appreciate buying the EF 85mm f1.4 is stepping back in time slightly, for an RF mount camera, but there's no news yet of a comparable RF lens being produced and I could be waiting for years. I think buying a used EF f1.4, which I could of course sell in a years time, might be a good temporary position ?
I did look at the Sigma Art lens but it lacks IS which might be a problem as this will be a walkabout lens.
The EF85mm 1.4L is a great lens, I use mine all the time. That and the EF35 1.4II is my default pair of lenses. I got the 1.4 about four years ago, for a 5DIV, and now use it on an R5. It works fine adapted on the R5, and I have no desire for the RF 1.2 - too big and too expensive. (The Sigma is cheaper, but also too big.) I'd used the EF85 f1.8 for probably 20 years but the 1.4 was a big improvement - sharper wide open and much faster focussing. The IS is nice to have, but I don't consider it vital. I default to leaving it switched off.
The only thing I miss about the EF 1.8 is the small size and weight, which is certainly worth bearing in mind if it going to be a walkabout lens. The EF 1.4L is neither small nor light, but the RF f2 is both. An R6 with a native RF 85 f2 would be wonderfully light and compact. The sort-of macro could also be useful.
Examples of 1.4L:
The only thing I miss about the EF 1.8 is the small size and weight, which is certainly worth bearing in mind if it going to be a walkabout lens. The EF 1.4L is neither small nor light, but the RF f2 is both. An R6 with a native RF 85 f2 would be wonderfully light and compact. The sort-of macro could also be useful.
Examples of 1.4L:
Given the IS already in the R6 body, along with the very good higher ISO capabilities, I really can't imagine there are that many scenarios where you're going to need IS in the lens as well?
As for the EF vs RF question, I don't honestly think it's really a question that needs asking.
When I had an M50, EF vs EF-M lenses really was a huge compromise. The lens adapters (both third party and Canon) felt cheap and wobbly, and the body to lens size was all wrong. Having moved on to an R6, however, the adapter is miles better, the control ring works perfectly with all my legacy Canon and third party lenses, and critically the form factor is absolutely spot on.
Other than the RF 24-240 which I got for travel, I can't see myself buying any RF lenses for the foreseeable future.
As for the EF vs RF question, I don't honestly think it's really a question that needs asking.
When I had an M50, EF vs EF-M lenses really was a huge compromise. The lens adapters (both third party and Canon) felt cheap and wobbly, and the body to lens size was all wrong. Having moved on to an R6, however, the adapter is miles better, the control ring works perfectly with all my legacy Canon and third party lenses, and critically the form factor is absolutely spot on.
Other than the RF 24-240 which I got for travel, I can't see myself buying any RF lenses for the foreseeable future.
Kermit power said:
Other than the RF 24-240 which I got for travel, I can't see myself buying any RF lenses for the foreseeable future.
I agree, and the 24-240 is the only RF lens I have too. I was looking for a used EF28-300L but found an immacualte used 24-240 locally instead and it's been great for days out with the family. All my other lenses work with no issues using EF-RF adapters. @Steve - if you want a cheap stop-gap while you think about it, it occurs to me that I still have my EF 85mm 1.8 which has been sitting idle for a few years now. Let me know if of any interest. I also have a mint 3rd party EF-RF adapter to go with it if of any use.
Thanks, much appreciated and thanks for the offer, but I have decided I need a 85mm 1.4L ! 
I've got one RF lens, the 24-70 f2.8L and it's a brilliant lens that I thought I'd use a lot more than I do. I've got the Canon EF-RF control ring adapter on my EF 16-35 f4.0L and that's been on the camera for ages now.
Thanks for the shots and info, much appreciated !
I've got one RF lens, the 24-70 f2.8L and it's a brilliant lens that I thought I'd use a lot more than I do. I've got the Canon EF-RF control ring adapter on my EF 16-35 f4.0L and that's been on the camera for ages now. Thanks for the shots and info, much appreciated !
You could hire direct from Canon here, try free for a couple days?
https://www.canontestdrive-uk.com/en-gb/
https://www.canontestdrive-uk.com/en-gb/products/H...
https://www.canontestdrive-uk.com/en-gb/
https://www.canontestdrive-uk.com/en-gb/products/H...
Edited by Wonderman on Tuesday 1st March 18:47
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