This vid is so refreshing man! You hear and see these professional photographers bring suitcases full of glass to their sessions when 90% of what’s needed is your creativity. I would say my favorite focal length is 85. I think it’s just wide enough to get what you need to get and just tight enough to compress that background into oblivion.
I've used it exclusively for a few family portrait sessions...really was all I needed! Oh, and also to photograph a band at a club. The 1.2 was absolutely killing it!
For portraits of myself I typically live around 85 since I have a but of a wide face, but in general my favorite focal length has gotta be 105. It's more compressed facial features than 85 but isn't absurdly flattened like higher focal lengths can start to look. Still, I tend to primarily use focal length to frame the size of my background behind the subject and then fix faces with the Liquify filter, so my combination of an RF 24-105 f/4 and a EF 70-200 f/2.8 v.3 give me epic coverage. I'm honestly trying to take the plunge and grab an EF 11-24mm on Facebook Marketplace for $1950 one of these days so I can fit that wider end into my zoom range because I love the way it can distort a landscape style scene, even with subjects (somewhat deep) in it. I'm also loving my EF 180mm macro lens I got used on eBay…ABSOLUTELY FANTASTIC piece of glass to get super close, razor sharp, detailed shots. But yeah…for me on location it's all about framing the background relative to my subject. I think a 50 1.2 is the most impractical lens on Earth for me. An 85 DS would be fantastic, as would a 105 1.4 or a 135 1.8. That's what's so wonderful about photography. There is SO many tools to choose from, and every artist is SO different. I'm personally way more focused on lighting. I'm up to 3 strobes now and 2 speedlites, and I need more strobes. I've also already managed to get started on a huge range of modifiers from two Profoto zoom reflectors and a set of 5°/10°/20° flash head grids, all the way to umbrellas with diffusion and two Profoto style (Glow brand) white beauty dishes. Planning an octabox soon and a deep parabolic softbox… I'm super passionate about lighting and also color… Later today I have a 140-swatch ColorChecker Digital SG coming that Lumariver can use to create custom color profiles for CaptureOne. I've LOVED the results of my Passport II so much that I can't wait to expand that color gamut EVEN further! It's so addicting! Whether it's mirrorless lenses or lighting equipment or even backgrounds, there is so much available to both bring your vision to life AND get the job done efficiently!
Great point! As photographers we all have a unique vision we being to the table. How we achieve it is always up to our personal taste. You have a killer lighting kit!
@@mihugong3153 50 is sharp at 1.2 and produces gorgeous images, if you prefer 35 focal length more stay EF since no RF 35 1.4 L yet, if you have lots of $ buy both imo.
I can't decide on the RF 50 or RF 85 1.2 just because I am typically a 35/85 guy. I have a 35 but love the extra reach and compression possibilities of the RF 85 1.2 for my kit. I do love the versatility of the 50 when I rent it but the 85 is absolutely incredible overall.
I really love the focal length 50mm if it is used at 1.2 or 1.4, beyond that it just looks like a normal lens. Manier time you have to close down the aperture and then 1.2 magic is gone. Where in at 85mm even at 2.8 the photos look magical, although it hard to use at a distance.
I use the RF 24-70 f/2.8 at f/4 for group shots (6-10 people in line). I've been wondering if the RF 50 f/1.2 can make everyone decently sharp and in focus when the lens is stopped down to f/2 or at least f/2.8. Thanks in advance.
This is amazing, Alex! I had missed this video! You are making a strong case for me to consider the RF 50 1.2! I had been in love with the RF 85 1.2 (still am!) But as I now own the RF 85mm 2.0, I can see the versatility, creativity, possibility, options galore with the 50. Also just finished a family session, and would have LOVED this lens! Thanks for inspiring me, Alex!
just got one, canon usa has a great deal on refurbished lenses, and this video is one of the reason i got one, TY !!!! (I know in advance I'll love it)
Hmm I used to really love my 50mm back on my Pentax k20d, but when I moved to Canon I replaced it with an 85 1.2 and 135 f2.., the 50 has been more of a wish list item since but is tempting... I think I might get the 14-28 and 70+ first though 🥺
Loved this! Great lens! Awesome photos 👌🏽 but I have a question for you Alex. I have also been investing in the RF lineup and they aren’t cheap 😂 what insurance are you currently using? I just want the peace of mind you know? I want great insurance that will cover all of my gear and replace it if it gets damaged. I know about a few different options but I haven’t heard any I like yet
Your monthly payment is based on the amount of coverage you need. And you just file a claim if anything ever happens. Have yet to file a claim..... lol The PPA also has photography insurance options
I really like the look of the 85mm, 1.2 RF, expensive like the 50mm but wow, it is nice. Want the 50mm too, but they are both expensive. I use the nifty 50mm currently and for the price is remarkably good.
@@ABarrera It is not easy to make a significantly better 35mm in RF version. When Canon has got it right, we will probably get incredibly good glass. then it will make us cry after we realize we can't afford it.
I have both. They are diffrent. RF50 have unique look but RF28-70 is a best lens to have when you don't have a lot of time to change lenses or on the situation when changing lens is risky (like on the windy beach or on the cliff). I like the result from RF50 more than RF28-70. If you don't need versatility of zoom, I recommend RF50 with adapted wide primes like 35LII or 24LII
I've been rocking the Sigma 50mm f/1.4 art lens for a few years now and love it... but wondering if I should upgrade to this bad boy right here. I've always been a huge fan of a 50mm prime, and it just might be time to add this to my kit. Thanks for the vid!
Great video, Loved the photos. I've been trying to decide on lenses to get next really helped. I was also able to use Canon UKs live chat Canon Live to get a bit more information
I’ve had this lens for about 7 months now. I was so exited when I first got it but truth is I’ve only used a couple of times. It’s way too heavy and I find myself going out with the 35mm 1.8 instead.
I have the 35mm and mostly use for video on the gimbal, but not that impressed with it. It works good for close shots but don’t like it to much for stills. I have the 85mm RF 1.2. And really the difference is huge.
@@ABarrera I have a message pinned on my camera bag now. Stay away from the boring middle! Get close of go far ! But that's the fun part, we keep learning...
600mm at f/4 - I know, I'm gonna get smacked, but that's my fav! 😅Also, photographing non-humans at that focal length. ha ha! Though I love my RF 50 1.2 - trying to use it more.
Hi What’s the best focal length to photo small group shots? I just ordered a R6, but can’t decided on the lens. 2 of the lens I am looking at is Rf50mm f1.8 or 85mm f2
@@charismaticrell4206 That's a difficult question. For portraits and images outdoors that standout, definitely the 50. For video and versatility, I'd go for the 28-70. The 28-70 has some of the DNA of the 50, meaning the look of images at 50-70mm at f2 has a similar look to the 50, just with less bokeh
All about distance, the farther you are from the subject the larger the depth of field gets. The closer you are the narrower the depth of field is. Most of my shots are at a distance where 1.2 works. If you pixel peep one subject is sharper than the other but you have to pixel peep.
There weren’t many tight portraits in the sequence you showed. I suppose you could crop in post and create a few but maybe you need a higher MP count and focus inaccuracies would be more noticeable. I do not think you can do justice to a whole wedding with just a single prime.
I dont know what I’m doing wrong. I have this lens and I can’t seem to love it. I almost always prefer the slower EF 50s over this one even though I know they’re softer. Now the RF 85 1.2...that’s a different discussion.
The 85mm is my go to lens! The RF 85mm 1.2 is my FAVORITE lens of ALL TIME! Hands down! 😎
Solid choice! BOKEH MONSTER
I totally agree RF 85 1.2 is my all time favorite lens; it is creamy, sharp and beautiful
Nobody has anything on the RF glass. Absolutely fabulous.
This vid is so refreshing man! You hear and see these professional photographers bring suitcases full of glass to their sessions when 90% of what’s needed is your creativity.
I would say my favorite focal length is 85. I think it’s just wide enough to get what you need to get and just tight enough to compress that background into oblivion.
I've used it exclusively for a few family portrait sessions...really was all I needed! Oh, and also to photograph a band at a club. The 1.2 was absolutely killing it!
You said 80% of the time
But what other lense did you need for the other 20% on weddings?
the 85mm 1.2 has been sitting in my online cart for a minute lol
It def hurts the pocket book lol
what happened next..? did you buy that or this..?
I have it, it is nice and heavy
It’s a fantastic lens which is my go to lens for portraits and I’ve used it for street photo also.
For portraits of myself I typically live around 85 since I have a but of a wide face, but in general my favorite focal length has gotta be 105. It's more compressed facial features than 85 but isn't absurdly flattened like higher focal lengths can start to look. Still, I tend to primarily use focal length to frame the size of my background behind the subject and then fix faces with the Liquify filter, so my combination of an RF 24-105 f/4 and a EF 70-200 f/2.8 v.3 give me epic coverage. I'm honestly trying to take the plunge and grab an EF 11-24mm on Facebook Marketplace for $1950 one of these days so I can fit that wider end into my zoom range because I love the way it can distort a landscape style scene, even with subjects (somewhat deep) in it. I'm also loving my EF 180mm macro lens I got used on eBay…ABSOLUTELY FANTASTIC piece of glass to get super close, razor sharp, detailed shots.
But yeah…for me on location it's all about framing the background relative to my subject. I think a 50 1.2 is the most impractical lens on Earth for me. An 85 DS would be fantastic, as would a 105 1.4 or a 135 1.8.
That's what's so wonderful about photography. There is SO many tools to choose from, and every artist is SO different. I'm personally way more focused on lighting. I'm up to 3 strobes now and 2 speedlites, and I need more strobes. I've also already managed to get started on a huge range of modifiers from two Profoto zoom reflectors and a set of 5°/10°/20° flash head grids, all the way to umbrellas with diffusion and two Profoto style (Glow brand) white beauty dishes. Planning an octabox soon and a deep parabolic softbox… I'm super passionate about lighting and also color… Later today I have a 140-swatch ColorChecker Digital SG coming that Lumariver can use to create custom color profiles for CaptureOne. I've LOVED the results of my Passport II so much that I can't wait to expand that color gamut EVEN further!
It's so addicting! Whether it's mirrorless lenses or lighting equipment or even backgrounds, there is so much available to both bring your vision to life AND get the job done efficiently!
Great point! As photographers we all have a unique vision we being to the table. How we achieve it is always up to our personal taste. You have a killer lighting kit!
2 lightsabers on your desk?SUBSCRIBED!!!
Still rocking the EF 35mm 1.4 II L for 95% of my shots on an EOS R, am planning to rent the RF 50 1.2 L soon, excited to see how they compare.
How did your comparison go?
@@mihugong3153 50 is sharp at 1.2 and produces gorgeous images, if you prefer 35 focal length more stay EF since no RF 35 1.4 L yet, if you have lots of $ buy both imo.
@@bushiswanonfilm hehe true. I got the 50 rf 1.2,damn,what a lens!
Would love an 85,but that would seriously overstretch the budget 😁
1.2 is delightfully shallow 🤤
You’re doing some excellent work with this lens.
I just rented this cant wait to use it on my rp.
I can't decide on the RF 50 or RF 85 1.2 just because I am typically a 35/85 guy. I have a 35 but love the extra reach and compression possibilities of the RF 85 1.2 for my kit. I do love the versatility of the 50 when I rent it but the 85 is absolutely incredible overall.
Both are great! For me the 85 is just a hair to tight. Love the versatility of the 50mm focal length.
I really love the focal length 50mm if it is used at 1.2 or 1.4, beyond that it just looks like a normal lens. Manier time you have to close down the aperture and then 1.2 magic is gone. Where in at 85mm even at 2.8 the photos look magical, although it hard to use at a distance.
I use the RF 24-70 f/2.8 at f/4 for group shots (6-10 people in line). I've been wondering if the RF 50 f/1.2 can make everyone decently sharp and in focus when the lens is stopped down to f/2 or at least f/2.8. Thanks in advance.
I only use a 24mm and a 70-200 f4 for all my work and two cameras.
Nice!!!!
Great video, just got one in mint condition for $1900 plus $40 shipping. Can wait to receive it.
Absolutely love the video and the photos . Definitely thinking I need to maje the switch.
This is amazing, Alex! I had missed this video! You are making a strong case for me to consider the RF 50 1.2! I had been in love with the RF 85 1.2 (still am!) But as I now own the RF 85mm 2.0, I can see the versatility, creativity, possibility, options galore with the 50. Also just finished a family session, and would have LOVED this lens! Thanks for inspiring me, Alex!
just got one, canon usa has a great deal on refurbished lenses, and this video is one of the reason i got one, TY !!!! (I know in advance I'll love it)
Ok at 1.2 you can get two people without any blur? I thought it was supposed to be 2.8 and higher.
Hmm I used to really love my 50mm back on my Pentax k20d, but when I moved to Canon I replaced it with an 85 1.2 and 135 f2.., the 50 has been more of a wish list item since but is tempting... I think I might get the 14-28 and 70+ first though 🥺
This lens is super fantastic.
I am trying to fight the urge to want this lens. My ef 50mm 1.2L is still producing beautiful images. I need to rent it and see.
best video I've seen on this lens
Loved this! Great lens! Awesome photos 👌🏽 but I have a question for you Alex. I have also been investing in the RF lineup and they aren’t cheap 😂 what insurance are you currently using? I just want the peace of mind you know? I want great insurance that will cover all of my gear and replace it if it gets damaged. I know about a few different options but I haven’t heard any I like yet
Great question man!!! I have my gear insured through State Farm. $25 a month to cover all my gear
Alex Barrera really? That’s awesome! So how does it work? Do you pay deductible? If so how much? And how much do they cover?
Your monthly payment is based on the amount of coverage you need. And you just file a claim if anything ever happens. Have yet to file a claim..... lol The PPA also has photography insurance options
Love the 50mm over the 35 as well. Looks more traditional, where as the 35 can be too personal.
I really like the look of the 85mm, 1.2 RF, expensive like the 50mm but wow, it is nice. Want the 50mm too, but they are both expensive. I use the nifty 50mm currently and for the price is remarkably good.
my favorite is the EF 35mm 1.4 L II on Eos R. but if I can only have one lens then it must be a 50mm or RF 28-70mm f2
I can’t wait for an RF 35 L. Hopefully a 1.2
@@ABarrera It is not easy to make a significantly better 35mm in RF version. When Canon has got it right, we will probably get incredibly good glass. then it will make us cry after we realize we can't afford it.
OK, now i’m confused. Was suppose to order the 24-70 2.8 RF but now...
I have both. They are diffrent. RF50 have unique look but RF28-70 is a best lens to have when you don't have a lot of time to change lenses or on the situation when changing lens is risky (like on the windy beach or on the cliff). I like the result from RF50 more than RF28-70. If you don't need versatility of zoom, I recommend RF50 with adapted wide primes like 35LII or 24LII
I've been rocking the Sigma 50mm f/1.4 art lens for a few years now and love it... but wondering if I should upgrade to this bad boy right here. I've always been a huge fan of a 50mm prime, and it just might be time to add this to my kit. Thanks for the vid!
Did you make the switch finally? Im on the edge..
Great video, Loved the photos. I've been trying to decide on lenses to get next really helped. I was also able to use Canon UKs live chat Canon Live to get a bit more information
How good and reliable eye autofocus of Canon EOS R is?
This session looks so good,,,
I personally use 70-200 ... But wanna try RF 85 f1.2
It’s never failed me, dual pixel AF is rock solid in my opinion.
I’ve had this lens for about 7 months now. I was so exited when I first got it but truth is I’ve only used a couple of times. It’s way too heavy and I find myself going out with the 35mm 1.8 instead.
It’s not small for sure, but I’ve gotten used to the weight.
I have the 35mm and mostly use for video on the gimbal, but not that impressed with it. It works good for close shots but don’t like it to much for stills. I have the 85mm RF 1.2. And really the difference is huge.
I like the pictures, but i want to see also you go really close and fill the frame complete with the couple and see the beautiful bokeh more.
My Wife said the same thing! I’ll work on it :)
@@ABarrera I have a message pinned on my camera bag now. Stay away from the boring middle! Get close of go far ! But that's the fun part, we keep learning...
600mm at f/4 - I know, I'm gonna get smacked, but that's my fav! 😅Also, photographing non-humans at that focal length. ha ha!
Though I love my RF 50 1.2 - trying to use it more.
Hard to shoot birds with a 50mm 🤣
Lmfaooooo!!! Yea seriously 😂
28-50-85 is all you ever need
what do you think about the sigma 50mm f1.4?
I haven’t had the chance to try that lens
Hi
What’s the best focal length to photo small group shots? I just ordered a R6, but can’t decided on the lens. 2 of the lens I am looking at is Rf50mm f1.8 or 85mm f2
I personally think the 50mm is more flexible
by itself a reason to get a R, to get to shoot it. I still really prefer the 50mm APO cron but not for weddings :D
Can’t wait to try that lens. A little out of the budget right now ;)
This lens and the 28-70 F2 are the reasons I bought my first ever canon camera... well maybe the impending R5 also had something to do with it.
Which do you like the best the 28-70 F2 or the rf 50 f1.2?
@@charismaticrell4206 That's a difficult question. For portraits and images outdoors that standout, definitely the 50. For video and versatility, I'd go for the 28-70. The 28-70 has some of the DNA of the 50, meaning the look of images at 50-70mm at f2 has a similar look to the 50, just with less bokeh
My 1.8 does the job for me.
Damn man I wanted to be the first to comment! Ha! 😅
Yeahhhhhhh I think I’m going to go for the 85
Thnks to you i have it, great recommendation!
Thanks man! Hopefully you are loving it just as much
I prefer the rf 85 1.2 it is insanely beautiful; a little bit slow but worth it
How do you get both subjects in focus at F1.2?
All about distance, the farther you are from the subject the larger the depth of field gets. The closer you are the narrower the depth of field is. Most of my shots are at a distance where 1.2 works. If you pixel peep one subject is sharper than the other but you have to pixel peep.
What camera did you shoot this with?
EOS R
@@ABarrera Ha!!!!!
You really held on to that thing.
OK I am now going to get one. Do you have any videos with flash photography and the EOS R?
Not at the moment, I usually stick to natural light 😄
There weren’t many tight portraits in the sequence you showed. I suppose you could crop in post and create a few but maybe you need a higher MP count and focus inaccuracies would be more noticeable. I do not think you can do justice to a whole wedding with just a single prime.
That’s where different styles come into play. Our second most used lens in our weddings is the 35mm.
just ordered one last night, wife will kill me tho...lol
I dont know what I’m doing wrong. I have this lens and I can’t seem to love it. I almost always prefer the slower EF 50s over this one even though I know they’re softer. Now the RF 85 1.2...that’s a different discussion.
Toss up between 50 and 85
Look like the sigma art 50mm 1.4 look the same ...in some way
If you can only have 1 rf 50 or 70-200? Which would you go with
RF 501.2 hands down