Retaining the impressive optical performance and large aperture of the original EF 85mm f/1.2L USM, this new medium telephoto lens uses a Ring-type USM, high-speed CPU and optimized algorithms to achieve an autofocus speed approximately 1.8x faster than the original. The high-speed AF and circular aperture create a shallow depth-of-field that brings attention to the subject and blurs the background, which is ideal for portraits and weddings. The floating optical system, which includes an aspherical lens element, suppresses aberrations and ensures excellent imaging performance. Developed to succeed Canon’s highly acclaimed EF85mm f/1.2L USM lens launched in September 1989, the new EF85mm f/1.2L II USM is a mediumtelephoto lens boasting the highest brightness in its class* to deliver the high-resolution, high-contrast images for which Canon’s L-series is renowned.
Employing large, high-precision aspherical lenses in combination with a floating construction that suppresses aberrations during focusing, Canon’s new ultra-large- aperture medium-telephoto lens maintains the superior image quality throughout the shooting range that its predecessor was acclaimed for.It employs lens element positioning and lens coating to ensure excellent color balance while minimizing the ghosting and flare that can easily occur when shooting in the digital format.
Moreover,the new Canon EF85mm f/1.2L II USM lens goes even farther to meet the needs of professional and advanced amateur users by incorporating such high-performance features, high-speed CPU, and an optimized AF algorithm to realize an AF speed 1.8 times as fast as that of its predecessor. Ideal for professional photographers who shoot portraits and weddings, Canon’s EF85mm f/1.2L II USM medium-telephoto lens features a circular EMD (electromagnetic diaphragm) that achieves excellent background blur.
| EF85mm f/1.2L II USM |
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| Photo 2 EF85mm f/1.2L II USM |
Concept of development
The EF85mm f/1.2L II USM (Photo 2) is an L-series medium telephoto lens developed as a successor to the EF85mm f/1.2L USM, which is very popular for its ultra-large aperture of f/1.2 and high resolution since it was released in 1989.
The model has been redesigned to increase AF speed, while retaining the excellent optical performance of its predecessor.
The development concept is as follows:
Inheriting excellent optical performance of the original EF85mm f/1.2L USM
Much higher AF speed than its predecessor
Use of circular aperture
Feature 1: Inheriting excellent optical performance
By adopting a large aperture, precision ground and polished glass aspherical lens with the same 8 elements in 7 groups as its predecessor, the EF85mm f/1.2L II USM minimizes aberrations such as spherical aberration and provides excellent quality images with both high resolution and contrast from the maximum aperture of f/1.2 (Fig. 4). |
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| Fig. 4 EF85mm f/1.2L II USM Optical System |
The lens uses relative floating element construction in which the rear lens group is fixed and the other groups extend as a unit during focusing. This suppresses aberration variations and achieves excellent performance over the entire imaging area (Fig. 5). |
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| Fig. 5 MTF Characteristic Charts of EF85mm f/1.2L II USM |
Feature 2: Much higher-speed AF
The combination of a front lens group focusing system in which groups 1 to 7 are extended and a ring-type USM drive is the same as its predecessor, but the AF speed has been significantly improved by up to 1.8 times* compared to its predecessor through the use of a high-speed CPU and optimization of AF algorithms.
* Depends on camera and shooting conditions.
Feature 3: Circular aperture for attractive bokeh effects
Thanks to the EMD's circular aperture together with the shallow depth of field typical of a large aperture lens, the lens provides attractive blur effects (bokeh).
Feature 4: Lens coating optimized for use with digital SLR cameras
Like its predecessor, the EF85mm f/1.2L II USM uses coating optimized for use with digital SLR cameras. As a result, it successfully realizes both good color balance and minimization of ghost and flare attributable to surface reflections from the digital imaging element.
Feature 5: Superb operability
Focusing ring providing a smooth feel to operation
The electronic lens ring system provides subtlely smooth focusing. It also provides full-time manual focusing that allows manual focus after one-shot AF operation without leaving AF mode.
Distance information for improving flash exposure precision
Distance information can be sent to the camera during AF, thus making the EF85mm f/1.2L II USM compatible with the E-TTL II autoflash system for the optimal flash exposure.
Rubber coating for excellent grip
A soft rubberized outer coating has been used to provide a more secure grip and easier handling.
Dedicated hood with superb light blocking
Like its predecessor, the EF85mm f/1.2L II USM uses the ES-79II cylindrical hood, which is excellent for preventing reflection thanks to flocking on the inner surface.
Feature 6: Environmentally friendly design
The optical system contains only environmentally friendly lead-free glasses. The EF85mm f/1.2L II USM is also in compliance with Canon's own standard covering the RoHS Directive.
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