Canon RF 85mm F2 Macro IS STM Definitive Review 4K
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- Опубліковано 17 січ 2021
- Build and Features 02:22 | Autofocus Performance 08:16 | IBIS Performance 14:40 | Image Quality Breakdown 16:35 | Conclusion 26:23 | Video Sponsored by Ridge Wallet: www.ridge.com/DUSTIN Use Code “DUSTIN” for 10% off your order | Photographer Dustin Abbott shares a detailed review of the Canon RF 85mm F2 Macro IS STMM zoom for mirrorless. | Read the Text Review bit.ly/RF85Mreview | Visit the Image Gallery bit.ly/RF85Mimages | Purchase a Canon RF 85mm F2 Macro IS STM @ B&H Photo bhpho.to/3qoFUQF | Camera Canada shrsl.com/2qcnd | Amazon amzn.to/38MZBMc | Amazon Canada amzn.to/3ieOdvo | Amazon UK amzn.to/39y4A2l | Amazon Germany amzn.to/3suRYli | Ebay bit.ly/RF85Mda
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Keywords: Canon 85mm F2 Macro IS STM, 85mm, RF 85, RF 85mm Macro, IS, STM, Macro, F2, F/2, IS, Canon RF Macro Review, Canon EOS R5, EOS, R5, EOS R5, Canon EOS R6, EOS R6 Review, mirrorless, full frame, EOS R5 Review, Canon R5 Review, Canon EOS R5 Review, Dustin Abbott, Real World, Comparison, Handling, Samyang AF 85mm F1.4, Samyang, F1.4, Focus, Portraits, Resolution, High ISO, Image Quality, Sample Images, Photography, 45Mpx, 45MP, Canon - Наука та технологія
Dustin you are the only one presenting actual unbiased reviews. I have seen no mention of any weakness of this lens on any other channel.
it really is quite disgusting how those UA-camrs rush like crazed zombies spitting out nothing but mind numbingly blatant praises, not only with lenses but basically everything. Dustin is seriously legit and needs more credit than any other youtubers
He is even too negative, it does not look to be a bad lens for most users
@@whatsup9879 he did 11 review videos in the last month and 13 before the month before. He is more productive than any other youtube camera reviewer I ever saw.
Agreed
Thanks for the nice feedback, Viktor.
Dustin, thank you for this review. Even two years later it is still helpful for people switching over from DSLRs to Mirrorless.
Glad it was helpful!
Great review Dustin. Answered all my question about this lens. Thanks
You answered and clarified all my doubts. Extremely grateful for your thorough and honest reviews. Thank you Sir!
Glad it was helpful!
Thank you, it's been very informative now I'm looking into my first RF lens (and camera as well). The portraits look great which is a bonus for me as mostly I do a lot of close-up nature ones - the leaves were just 👌yummy.
Glad it was helpful!
What I can say so far is, I have received my Samyang 85mm f1.4 RF Mount today, tested iy for hours on my EOS R and was blown away from its fast and reliable AF. Even wide open it's sharp (tested from 4 ft. away and focused on the tip of a straw in a glass and it was spot on, same for distance shots from 60ft on a car's plate, the plate was super sharp wide open, even the car dealer's name on the plate holder frame that's printed in 1cm size was sharp). Tested further and was amazed by it's sharpness and level of detail it was rendering. As I shoot portraits I don't mind a minimal loss of sharpness in the tip of the corners as I don't see a necessary to have a corner in the same sharpness level as the center. Stopping down the aperture just improves sharpness. I saw some CA but that's nothing I'm worried about when shooting at f1.4.
I also have one of the sharpest macro lenses, the Tokina 100mm f2.8 for EF mount and I think the Samyang easily is better than the already sharp Tokina.
What I didn't like about the Canon 85mm f2 RF was its AF performance and sharpness, also the fact that the front element moves out of the barrel is a no go for me. The slower AF wasn't much of a deal breaker, especially when you know that's common for macro lenses. Sometimes it was focus hunting and I didn't like that. Just like the fact that the lens hood isn't part of the deal.
Long story short, I love my Samyang and don't think I'm gonna miss the Canon 85mm.
I'm glad you are enjoying your new lens. I too really enjoy the Samyang.
Splendid as always, thank you very much for the review.
My pleasure!
Brilliant review - thank you !
Glad it was helpful!
Love they way you review photography equipment, so professional and easy to understand. Do you ever review any Nikon equipment?
I'm afraid I don't. I have the time or money to invest in another platform when I can't keep up with the demand for the reviews on the platforms I already use.
Finally, someone provides a direct comparison with Samyang, Thanks so much for that Dustin, overall a great review.
My pleasure!
Glad to see your persistence: Holding Canon’s feet over the fire re : no lens hood and no rear weather seal. 👍👍👍😊
So far my appeals have fallen on deaf ears...
I recently got the RF 85mm F2 Macro and I'm very happy with the image quality. The AF isn't special as said. My main reasoning for getting this lens at the time versus the Samyang 85mm 1.4 was reliability. I shoot a lot of weddings and I'm not a 1.2/1.4 shooter too much (mainly for budget reasons and I like a little more depth of field). My concern was the Samyang wasn't playing nice with IBIS in the R6 (which I have). I understand it's fixed, but there was also a time where getting a dock to flash the firmware was only had overseas, etc. Nevertheless, knowing its a canon lens, and won't have issues and such, was worth it to me to get this lens instead of the Samyang. Maybe one day that will change and I'll switch. For now, I'm happy though.
Your points are well taken. Samyang definitely didn't play the firmware update issue wisely. The other advantage for you as a wedding shooter is that the RF 85mm F2 will be really handy for getting in close to decorations, rings, etc... and getting unique shots.
Great video Dustin!
Glad you enjoyed it
Thank you for the informative review of this lens. I'm looking to get an RF macro lens for my new R5 (I currently have the EF L-version 100mm macro). The AF issues of this lens are a bummer. I was also considering the RF version of the 100mm, but the focus shifting honestly turns me off to it a lot (I use AF between f/2.8 and f/11 for butterflies and other insects, as well as reptiles). I think I will just stick to my trusty EF L 100mm macro for now. Thank you for providing a comprehensive review of this lens and its issues. I might consider purchasing it if it was just a bit cheaper.
I think you are probably choosing the best solution for now.
Excellent Dustin , I have been waiting for this one , my dilemma is do i go for this one or the Samyang , tough decision , many thanks.
It is a tough call, but I would say: Samyang for portraits (if that's your top priority); Canon for general purpose/macro (if portraits are a secondary priority).
great test!
I see all of your test regarding all the 3 lens 85 mm rf mount affordable for me and I have the possibility to buy one of them next week. I Have ( THANKS TO YOU) my idea but finally I want here your think about: mainly for portrait and only for photo ( no movie) what should be your personal choice between AF 85mm RF (Samyang F1,4 - Viltrox f1,8 and Canon f2,0) ? first second position is strongly appreciated! Thank you again!
You may find that due to Canon shutting down third party lenses, only the Canon is available (at least new).
great in depth review, thank you. you mentioned you needed to turn the manual focus ring 21 times. will this improve substantially if you limit your focus area by exclusing close focusing distances? if so, it. ight be not so bad for manual video work occasionally especially with IS.
A longer throw in the macro zone is okay, but everywhere else it is overkill.
Great review
Thank you.
thx for the review, probably going with the Samyang rf 85mm, nice bonus the weather sealing and the lense IS is not a big deal, with IBIS. Since I already own a macro lense for Fuji-X, the missing macro capabilities of the samyang are also not a big loss.
I think it is a solid choice.
I value your honest opinion greately - Sharing what you expirienced while using it, what issues you had and what worked well is much more important to me than someone just reading spec sheets and comparing two pictures to define his conclusion.
I still own the old old EF 85mm f1.8 with USM, yes its a very old lense but the difference between USM even from the 90's compared to the STM in the 85... i think ill wait - There is nothing worse to me than being annoyed by the AF system :( - and that in a Lense that costs 580$ here in Europe.
Thanks for the feedback.
Thanks for the review. Have you had the chance to look at the Sony 35mm f1.4 GM?
Not yet. I'm waiting on getting a copy in hand.
Thanks for the great review. I dont expect 2,5K Perfomance out of a 600$ Lense. This piece of glas is a beast for the price.
Fair enough.
Hey Dustin, do you know when you’ll be doing a review on the 35mm GM?
Hi Dylan, I won't know that until I know when I can get a copy. I'm on a list at Sony, and also on a list through a Canadian retailer, but don't have anything definite in terms of a date.
I love your reviews! I have an EF 85mm and EOS R for food and product photography. But I lack sharpness and macro. Does it make sense to switch to a new RF 85 lens? And may be would the EF 100 mm macro or RF 100 mm macro be the best solution?
If you can find a good deal on the EF 100, it’s a good value. For a pure macro lens, check out my review of the Laowa 90mm F2.8 2x macro. It’s what I’m using on the RF platform
Great review Dustin, I was going to get one however the painfully slow manual and AF from minimum to infinity is a deal breaker for me.
It’s unfortunate, as on paper this lens is a winner in every way.
@@DustinAbbottTWI I found in the AF menu--RF lens MF focus ring sensitivity
--Varies with rotation speed on, and it will focus from infinity to close up in less than 180 degrees.
This was on a canon R6.
And aparently this lens changed after 2 years somehow. Dont have any of the issues - focuses almost as fast as my 24-70.
Hey Dustin,
great reviews, all of them, real clear and honest.
Just watched the Canon RF 50mm 1.2, 85mm 1.2 and 24-70mm 2.8.
I'm looking for a new lens for my Canon R6 Body, and want to invest
in one of the L-series from above.
I'm not a pro, but want a good and solid lens.
I mostly do portrait of my family and kids and travel photography, also a lot of indoor and really want a nice bokeh.
As you tested them all, do you think the 24-70mm 2.8 is fast enough for indoor use or should I look for one of the fast primes?
Could you recommend a lens of the above as a 'first' lens? (I just bought the RF 35mm 1.8 with the camera half a year ago.)
I'm really looking forward to an answer.
Thank you very much and go on with your great work.
The 24-70mm is often a great place to start in a pro type kit, as it is extremely versatile...and definitely fast enough indoors most of the time, particularly when paired with the excellent ISO capabilities of modern cameras.
Thank you!
Do you got a Video about the Control ring and how to Customize it? Of anywhere any info somewhere.? 😅
I probably talked most about it in my original EOS R review.
Be interested to hear what the MF experience is like if you set it to “varies with rotation speed” rather than “varies with rotation degree”. You’d hope that a couple of very swift rotations would do the trick and that it would at least be better than 21 rotations by degree! Thanks.
I think it would depend on your priority in manually focusing. The long focus throw is probably fine for precision macro focus, but a pain outside of that.
Great video thank you!
Do you think that with the autofocus from the R6 mk ii would perform better?
Yes and no. The camera AF is better, obviously, but the lens is still limited by a noisier, slower focus motor.
I ordered this one mainly because on a budget, I will never be able to justify a macro lens on its own, nor do I do that kind of photography often. For me, this will be a street and portrait lens on my R6 where I will have the macro option for my aircraft models, animals and photos of opportunity should I require it.
Sounds like a good application for this lens.
I'm looking for a lens to mount on an R5 that meets the 3 inch length requirement of Levi Stadium. This lens is about half an inch too long when mounted, but I think probably close enough. Your auto focus issues are concerning though, do you think the focus will track better when the subject is 60-100 feet away, or possibly jump from players to the lines on the field? I'll be in the 22nd row so the elevation will not be great, but the angle will be down slightly into the grass instead of the opposing side of the field fans. Its and afternoon game and I'll be looking into the sun that will work its way to the right as the game goes on. There aren't a lot of options to get any focal length in this limited size restriction.
I would think you probably could focus better at that distance. Depth of field would be considerably larger.
Really appreciate your reviews. I'm in the market for 85mm lens for my EOS R. The RF 1.2 is my want, but my budget says no. I have considered the EF 85 f1.4 IS, the RF 85 f2. I heard you mention the Samyang 85mm f1.4. This video provided great information on the F2. I have been leaning towards the Canon 85mm f1.4 because it is faster AND has IS. With these choices, what would be your recommendation? Also, as I type, the Samyang has a $70.00 discount, bringing the price to $629.00.
I own the Samyang on RF and I really love it. I have no qualms recommending it for your EOS R.
If you have to do fashion photos and movies, would you either go for the Samyang or for the Canon 2.0 when the 1.2 is out of reach? I think the autofocus is too slow for dynamic portraits. But is the Samyang working without hunting and micro-correcting in dynamic photoshoots or movie shoots with an R6?
I've actually used the Samyang a lot for my channel work on the EOS R, R5, and a bit on the R6 when I was testing it. It actually seems to work quite well in video mode, though you may want to find and invest in the Lens Station (RF mount) to make sure you can get firmware updates. It can be a little hard to find in North America (That's on Samyang!)
Hey Dustin! Greetings from Brazil!! Can i suggest another video? A comparison between RF 85mm f/2 Macro against EF 85mm f/1.2 L with adaptar on a mirrorless camera? Here in Brazil, an used 85mm EF 1.2L has a price similar to a brand new RF 85mm f/2. Thanks!
Hi Marcelo, thanks for the feedback. It's unlikely that I'll be able to make that happen, as it takes a lot of work for me to get Canon loaners and the two lenses are not natural competitors. One is a macro lens and the other has a maximum aperture a stop and 2/3rds slower.
Waiting for 35GM, already preordered, want to know if I ordered as a good choice, Thank you
I'm hoping I'll get a review copy soon.
Will you be reviewing the Fujifilm 80mm f2.8 macro lens?
Probably at some point, but no immediate plans.
Was just about to buy this lens when I discovered that you cannot use a Canon ring flash with it due to the external focus ! Checked Canon's web site and it states this.
That's unfortunate, for sure. Just one of the many reasons why most macro lenses are internally focusing.
Just watched your long-term review of the Tamron SP 85mm F/1.8 Di VC USD, which was very positive, so I'm surprised it wasn't mentioned here. Any thoughts on that lens vs. this Canon? No macro on the Tamron, of course, but in terms of that busy bokeh on the Canon, etc., anything tilt in favor of the Tamron? Thanks.
If it were a native mount RF lens, I would have compared it. One would have to adapt it to make it work here, so I didn't include it. It's also not a macro lens.
@@DustinAbbottTWI I am a little torn between the EF Tamron SP 85 f1.8 and this lens. I’m most concerned about the AF speed and weather sealing differences. It almost seems from the long term tamron review that the image quality and detail sharpness is great for both lenses. Always Appreciate your insight with these lens reviews, and thanks again!
I was torn between this and the samyang 85 1.4. Definitely going with the samyang.
I'm glad it helped out.
@@DustinAbbottTWI Hi Dustin, can you tell us which one is the sharpest, Samyang 85mm RF, this Canon f2 macro or Canon 85 f1.4 L IS?
Before watching this video, I watched your most current review of the Tamron 85mm f/1.8 after using it for a few years. Now, having watched this review of the Canon 85mm f/2.0 I'm quite torn between the more available and lower priced Canon and what seems to be a somewhat higher quality Tamron. I'm currently shooting a Canon EOS R body using the RF adapter for my existing Canon and Tamron EF mount lenses and have no problems of any kind. However, I've become more interested in doing portrait and headshot work and want to upgrade from my Canon 85mm f/1.8 EF. Since iI anticipate primarily shooting in a studio environment, I'm leaning toward the Canon RF vs the Tamron EF, although I see the Tamron as having higher quality, but also being significantly older technology and I'm curious to know if you see a major downside or benefit to either of these lenses for my intended use? Thanks in advance...
The Tamron would be a nice option, though I think it has been discontinued...so you're buying used mostly likely.
Since the auto focus speed was the driver for me checking this one out… Sounds like I’m better off continuing with my EF 85mm for now until I can buy the expensive one.
Unfortunately yes.
Im staying with my EF 85mm 1.8 adapted. It is softer yes, but at this aperture I need snappy AF.
hi Stefan, fair enough, though the two lenses are not comparable. One is a 1:2 macro lens, the other a standard 85mm.
@@DustinAbbottTWI Right, thats why I was so interessted, to get details as well as closeup portraits of my two kids. The 85cm on the EF most of the times push me away to far...
My r5 was buble wrapped too.
Pretty crazy
Can anyone explain why these modern mirrorless lenses seem to require "focus by wire"? Why can't they just have traditional MF along with the newer motors?
It has to do with way that mirrorless focus works. It doesn't seem to allow for mechanical decoupling.
Thank you Dustin for your honesty. Non L lenses af and design keeps me away from R system...
I can understand that. I LOVE the current R bodies, but the system desperately needs a big dose of Sigma, Tamron, and Samyang.
I just purchased this lens and I’m not happy with it. Do you think that I would be better to get Tamron SP 90mm f/2.8 Di Macro 1:1 VC LENS. My camera is Canon RP
I like the Tamron lens, but I haven't tested it on any of the R bodies. It should be fine.
I’m looking into a lens for b roll footage, would this lens be good for this style?
I'm hard pressed to recommend this lens for video because the focus motor can be clunky. The lens is optically great.
@@DustinAbbottTWI thank you I appreciate the input and fast response! I just subscribed
Is it true the IBIS won't work on the R5 with this lens?
That's not true. I tested it on an EOS R5 and demonstrated IBIS as a part of this review.
Hey Dustin, great review as always, much appreciated. Question about the slow MF-in the EOS R you can adjust the MF focus ring sensitivity. Is this option available in the R5/R6 bodies? Does it help address the issue you pointed out?
Tough choice between this lens and the Samyang 85mm f/1.4. For the first time ever I might be leaning third-party.
ace has it right. The slow MF is probably fine for pin-point macro work. I'm not sure why you would use it outside of that.
I would trade the image stabilisation with better auto focus, non-protruding front element, and a hood.
Unfortunately I don't think that trade is available ;)
Sounds like the Samyang
@@DustinAbbottTWI Of course it’s not available, the damn lens has already been released. It’s only an opinion.
While by no means a "macro" lens, considering the price tag, I'll have no qualms about keeping my Samyang 85mm 1.4 RF (which barely costs more) with its lens hood (never thought that would even be a factor), silent and fast autofocus and complete weather sealing after seeing your (excellent, as usual) video - especially now that the firmware update allows it to work just fine with IBIS.
Once Tamron and Sigma enter the RF ecosystem (a step that I had already expected in 2020 but was presumably delayed for obvious reasons), Canon will have a genuinely hard time justifying their philosophy when it comes to value in the non-L segment I feel - especially considering that more and more consumers seem to accept third party options (as the Tamron 28-75 has certainly demonstrated).
Fast autofocus, yes, but reliable? Most of experiences I read about Samyang in this way was not positive...
@@petrbures9719 Dustin said his copy of the Samyang had AF basically as good as the Canon L lens in his review and my own experience with the Samyang and this lens matches that. You don't need to worry about the Samyang's AF as long as you have the latest firmware on both the lens and camera. The AF of this lens is a gigantic problem.
@@petrbures9719 I have had no issue with it - note that you might be seeing both Sony FE and canon RF. I have heard mixed results with early Sony FE firmware versions of this lens (though firmware seems to have resolved that on Sony as well).
I had no issue on Firmware 1 with the EOS R and it is now working fine with Firmware 3 as well.
Hi Petr, I've gotten nothing but excellent autofocus on Canon R bodies with the Samyang. I actually use it for my channel all the time because it is very reliable.
Well, at least you can get very reliable Canon RF lens hoods from third-party manufacturers for a fraction of Canon's price. JJC has served me well.
That's true, but it makes you wonder why Canon doesn't eliminate this frustration and just include that inexpensive lens hood.
@@DustinAbbottTWI Absolutely! I think they're focused too much on cash-grabbing and not enough on long-term PR and accessibility...for now anyway.
noticed a strange thing, if you shake the lens a little, then there is a slight backlash of the inner moving part, is this normal?
Many modern lenses have something called a "floating element" that allows for better performance up close. It throws people a bit, though, as when the lens is powered off, that floating element moves a bit when shook. You'll note that it doesn't do the same thing when the lens is powered on.
@@DustinAbbottTWI When you tested the RF 85 2.0, did you notice this feature?
I can't remember, but I don't think about it much because I've reviewed dozens of lenses with floating elements...so it doesn't disturb me in the way a person who's just bought a new lens that has a rattle is disturbed!
@@DustinAbbottTWI Thanks for the feedback!
The long manual focus throw complaint seems weird since you associated it with macro. That's when you want as much throw as possible. Weird.
21 rotations worth? At 1:2 magnification? That seems a bit much, no?
@@DustinAbbottTWI I guess that's true. I didn't take the time to realize that's the kind of "macro" we talking about here either. That being said, I don't really consider that a macro range, so being concerned about using the manual focus in that range is a moot point anyways.
@@DustinAbbottTWI Also would like to thank you for being so thorough with your reviews. There is nothing missed. It's really refreshing, Dustin! Especially is you are really considering buying $2000-$3000 lenses!
My pleasure, Derek.
Great review, as always, but also, due to the lens, a great disappointment.
I have just begun dipping my toes in the RF system, and still have my 3 EF mount 85mm lenses, the old manual Samyang 85, the Canon USM 85, and the Tamron 85mm, and on top of them the Canon 100mm f/2.8L
I was hoping that this new Canon 85mm could be the one to replace all of them, for my needs.
Unfortunately, and after watching several reviews, I am more and more starting to think it will not be that.
The new Samyang AF lens seems to be great, except that it seems to have a yellowish color cast which makes me a bit cautious about that one too.
I haven't really seen an issue with the color cast on the Samyang. It's quite an excellent lens.
@@DustinAbbottTWI Glad to hear that. I hope I will get the same impression when I get to test it in real life!
It seems the older Canon EF 85 1.8 is better than the newer Canon RF 2.0 IS macro. I sold the 1.8 together with my whole EF lens collection thinking Canon would come on the market with better equivalents. I would just skip this RF 85 and go with just the RF 70-200 2.8 IS. The RF 85 1.2 and RF 135 1.8 IS seem like good alternatives. But they are almost as heavy as the RF 70-200 2.8 IS. So, they might not necessary be for me.
There are certain advantages the RF lens has (macro capabilities and better optics), but no, it isn't a slam dunk.
True, the RF 85 2.0 is not a slam dunk. But in my case, photographing children and moving people, the AF on the RF 85 doesn't seem to cope. Thank you for your realistic review.
Tragically, it appears they've discontinued the Samyang, just when I was about to try and get one :(
I'm disappointed by that, too. I blame it on Canon, who seems to be shutting out third party development in general
@@DustinAbbottTWI That's a bit rubbish really isn't it. As I photograph a lot of musicians at gigs, it seems that this lens might struggle and much as I'd love to just get the L version, I simply can't justify it financially in the current circumstances. I could just stick with my old EF 85 1.8, but it intermittently refuses to work with the adaptor. Which leaves me a bit short of options at this focal length, unless I take a punt on the Viltrox version...
The Viltrox might be worth a look. It's a pretty decent lens.
The optics certainly are great, but thanks for bringing up the other, significantly less impressive aspects of this lens. I was beginning to think I had gone crazy imagining the problems with my copy, since every review I've seen to this point has given the focusing a pass; I haven't owned a lens with AF this slow, loud and easily-confused, or MF this clumsy, since the 'micro motor' in the EF 35mm f/2 of 1990! Canon was able to make cheap, small USM systems for the EF 85mm f/1.8 and 100mm f/2 thirty years ago - why can't they do that now?
I ordered a copy the moment it was announced, hoping it would simultaneously replace the Samyang for portraits and my worn out EF 100mm f/2.8L for products. Suffice to say those two will carry on going while my copy of this lens has already been traded in. Between the awful focusing and the cheap build (I used mine for only two indoor product shoots and it managed to get filled with dust worse than most of my vintage lenses!), I don't think I've been so disappointed in a first-party lens in decades. The optics definitely are great and if Canon repackages the glass in a 'mk II' tougher housing with a USM motor in a few years I'll gladly buy that.
Oh also, I'd like to take this opportunity to complain about Canon's international pricing, too. US$600 + US$50 for a hood is already a lot for an 85mm f/2. But here in the UK it's £650 (US$880) + £70 (US$95) which is _far_ more than the conversion rate + UK taxes should be. (£560+£40, for a simple currency conversion & taxes.) Meanwhile the Samyang is a mere £500 (including the hood!). And an extension tube to get the Samyang to 1:2 is only about £30...
_edit: whoa, didn't mean to go off like that, but uh... well, that's how it is with this lens.
def need to take youtubers other than dustin with a bag of salt.
Sad to read such experience, some tests look very promising (RF 85 F2 seems much sharper that EF 100 F2.8L for example).
@@petrbures9719 Sharpness doesn't mean anything if a lens is not up to the task in the first place. If it misses focus or is too slow to focus, or a lens breaks down, or if it's simply too awkward to operate to get the job done, and it screws up a shot or a whole job, a client isn't going to forgive you just because your lens is _hypothetically_ very sharp _if_ it had worked properly.
If what you are saying is true, that's pretty disappointing on other reviewers. I heard through a retailer that Canon Canada was actually complaining about my review, but it seems to me that users experiences seem to be more in line with what I saw and reported. You have to wonder about the ethics in the business sometimes...
any indoor cooking video footage?
It's been dozens of lenses that I've reviewed since this lens, so I'm afraid I'm a little lost by this comment.
@@DustinAbbottTWI what is your meaning?
This thing makes Fuji focus by wire look fast ^^
I wouldn't go that far. I've had some serious frustrations with Fuji lenses, too.
While I'm sure the image quality is fine and it's price compared to the other RF glass is certainly much more of a bargain..
I do have a Tamron SP 90mm 2.8 VC G2 that doesn't lack anything of what this seems does lack other than being an EF mount.
I'll just adapt my 90mm.. if I buy an 85mm.. I'd want a 1.4 or 1.2 instead.. non macro.
My Tamron was about $600 and seems to be much more of a bargain
Fair enough.
I consider that being a lens with the purpose of portrait photography, I think that what matters least is the speed of focus
Hmmm, that may be true for your portrait style, but it won't prove true for everyone. Many portrait photographers want their models to be moving and fluid rather than posed.
The fact that canon refuses to include a silent drive mechanism is a spit in the face. It goes right after the first spit with the no lens hood.
I don't get it, myself. Their Nano USM is great, and I don't see why it couldn't have been used here.
@@DustinAbbottTWI All I can think of is artificial market segmentation. The problem with that, other than the obvious artificial part, is that there is no higher priced 85 f2 and the 85 1.2 is massive both in size and weight.
I don't understand why people complain about manufacturers using packaging that doesn't do more than protect the product. You'd rather they use twice the materials so you can look at the extra ink and cardboard for a few minutes before you throw it out?
And yet some of the most successful companies on the planet (like Apple and Tesla) understand that presentation matters. That first impression of a product stays with you. And I never throw any of the packing materials of a lens and its box out. Camera gear has good resale value, and the closer you are to original packaging, the easier it is to sell.
@DustinAbbottTWI one person in a thousand probably saves the boxes on their iPhone so, if they could cut a single ounce of materials per phone that would be over 14.5 million pounds of waste saved in a single year. That's one product from one brand.
Apple is successful because they create a cult following of their brand who stick with them despite the planned obsolescence they got caught doing a few years ago, how they purposefully make it difficult or impossible to repair, or despite their slipping engineering and quality control you can see on their MacBook Pros.
I get presentation, but it's just a shipping container. They design their fancy packages to subliminally convince people that their product is superior.
To each their own, but I'd rather see changes in things like this to save on waste and energy than things that will cause economic disruption like mandating electric vehicles. Virtue signaling has become more important than results.
I definitely agree on your latter points. I'm sick of the virtue signaling by companies who (just like always) really just want to make a profit.
@DustinAbbottTWI yeah, my favorite pencil company had a limited run of pencils glorifying something I certainly don't agree with. Nothing changes. You'd have to boycott everything if you only purchased from companies your values align with, lol.
@@commenter4799 Unfortunately true
Canons L series lenses are amazing and so is the R5. But what an incredibly expensive system to buy in to.
The RF 35mm f1.8 is like this lens. Slow, protruding front elements when focusing, noisy.
I think most people should buy into Sony for the time being, their cheaper lenses are stellar and you can adapt anything from Canon EF as well.
Professionals and prosumers will ofcourse know pros and cons and choose which system fits them, their needs and their wallet the best.
Hard to argue with this take. At the moment, I love the new Canon R bodies (R5 and R6) better than any camera from Sony, but I definitely prefer the lens selection on Sony.
@@DustinAbbottTWI I feel you. Maybe in 10 years we will have everything we could want in most systems. But probably not. Anyhow, I really appreciate every single video you make. Thanks. :)
Always a great reminder to look at your video, you just again save me some money. On the other side of this lens I don't know why Canon is insisting on making bad small prime lenses!!! look at the crap lenses they are making for the R7 worst then $50.00 lenses made in China by the worst lens maker. Shameful that I don't have access to Sigma or Tamron for RF mount. I have no other choice to go the new Sony 7C 2 when it come out with 3 prime lenses that will cost less then a prime on RF mount ( I do hate Sony menus !!!) I given up waiting for small prime with canon. ( On kudos to canon is the new RF 28 Pancake 2.8 just amazing it is only one lens :( )
I really do hope that Canon picks up its RF game.
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Man, you really missed the mark on the macro aspects of this lens which directly relates to why the AF is as slow as it is. For starters, this lens is built to use AF in macro. You would never manual focus in a macro shot with this lens and here’s why. EVERY R series camera, even the lowly R10, has built in focus bracketing. A stepped motor on any R series camera when focus bracketing is turned on allows for extreme accuracy. This feature can only be used in AF mode. This would be a primary feature of this MACRO lens and was what I was hoping to see in this review. I’ve done some focus bracketing shots with the RF 50mm f/1.8 STM and the results were spectacular! While this is a very good lens for portraits, and it’s AF is slow for video, the number one feature of this lens is its ability to shoot macro using the STM motor with extreme precision when coupled with the focus bracketing feature that is in every R series camera. Canon’s focus bracketing allows macro shots with 100% of the subject in razor sharp focus while the background is completely blow out in camera with no additional software needed. This lens should be the very best in the world at utilizing that feature. That’s the review I want to see. I mean come on man.. The best part of this lens is in its name and is barely mentioned.
The majority of macro shooters prefer manual focus for the precision and control it affords. That presents a legitimate criticism. This is also only a 1:2 macro, which means that it needs to be good at other things as well. I stand by my review, but I hope the lens works well for you in your application
You complain on many reviews that you have to pay so much more for a "Hood." There are very good/excellent after-market hood for pennies in comparison. There are crappy ones, "altura" and there are good ones "JJC." I have them on all my lenses since they are so cheap. Quit complaining so much. :)
Hi Scott, the availability of aftermarket options doesn't change the reality that Canon must get with the times and quit cheaping out on this area.
Very very slow in video
That is very true.
8 minutes into this "review" and all you are still talking about is the things this lens does not come with... stopped watching!😕
That's part of making an informed buying decision.
This guy is so negative about a lens that everyone else loves, I could only get thru a quarter of the video.
Ahhh, so an opposing honest opinion is unpalatable? If you read through the comments, you'll find that my findings are not unique.
Both of you are not wrong just coming from two different perspective I'd say ..... Dustin is always in my opinion spot on with true honest opinion, yes I also watch many UA-camr who like this lens I also personally got this lens however I do have inconvenience Dustin mentioned. My lens isn't as fast as I liked but way you describe Dustin sound like it's worse than mine do you think you may have not so good copy of the lens?
I am getting Canon RF 100mm in near future that would be my go to for Macro and portrait even street photo type of lens.