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Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L DS Review – Is “Defocus Smoothing” Worth The Money?

Canon RF 85mm F/1.2 DS Review
The Canon RF 85mm f/1.2 DS for the EOS R system - is a less expensive 85mm lens for the EOS R on its way?

Here is a Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L DS review. The Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L DS features Canon’s “Defocus Smoothing” otpical technology (see video below to learn more about it).

Lens Rentals reviewed the Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L DS. They liked the “incredible sharpness”, fast and accurate AF, the “Defocus Smoothing” technology, and obviously the high quality build quality of a Canon L lens. They didn’t like so much the price (who does?) and the fact you loss approximately 1.3 stops of light with Defocus Smoothing.

From their conclusion:

The Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L DS left [the reviewer] conflicted. On one hand, its a really great lens with incredible sharpness. On the other hand, it’s an overpriced great lens with a gimmicky moniker. I love this lens and the images I was able to produce while using it, but I don’t think the Defocus Smoothing made the images any better or worse. For me personally, this lens has made me further my appreciation for the Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L non-DS, as it shares the same level of sharpness without the $300 added to the cost.

Read the Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L DS review at Lens Rentals

More Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L DS review stuff is listed here.

Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L DS: B&H Photo, Amazon USA, Amazon Canada, Canon Canada, Canon USA

Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L DS key features and description:

  • RF-Mount Lens/Full-Frame Format
  • Aperture Range: f/1.2 to f/16
  • Defocus Smoothing Coating for Soft Bokeh
  • Blue Spectrum Refractive Optics Element

Prioritizing bokeh, the Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM DS is a unique portrait-length prime, characterized by its flattering focal length, exceptionally bright maximum aperture, and advanced optical design. Differentiating itself from Canon’s other RF 85mm f/1.2 lens, this version features a DS (Defocus Smoothing) coating that helps to soften and smooth the bokeh quality when working at wider aperture settings, making it particularly suitable for shallow depth of field applications.

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