The following photographs compare diffuse background blur, background highlights and aperture image, and image plane of focus between the Canon EF 85mm f/1.2L I and II and the Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 lens under constant lighting, background and working distance conditions with an EOS-1Ds Mark II. Images are processed identically from in camera large jpgs. Right eye was the focus point for the 1.2L lenses. Exposure information: aperture priority using +1 exposure compensation from spot on right eyelid. Custom white balance from greycard for each lens. ISO 100, shutter lock up, on tripod fired with cable release.

f/stop	EF 85mm f/1.2L I	EF 85mm f/1.2L II	EF 85mm f/1.8
f/1.2	full size	full size	Out of focus appearance of mannequin in the f/1.8 lens series is due to the focus point being on the grey card. Click HERE for a link to a previous bokeh test between the f/1.2L mark I and the f/1.8 lens.
f/1.4 or f/1.8	f/1.4 full size	f/1.4 full size	f/1.8 full size
f/2	full size	full size	full size
f/2.8	full size	full size	full size
f/4	full size	full size	full size
f/8	full size	full size	full size
f/16	full size	full size	full size

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© 2006, William L. Castleman
Posted 02 May 2006