Sony Pixel Power calrec Sony

Canon launches an iconic lens for a new generation - the RF ...

08/05/2019

Canon launches an iconic lens for a new generation - the RF 85mm F1.2L USM - offering Canon's highest resolution yet*

United Kingdom, Republic of Ireland, 8th May 2019 - Canon Europe, world leader in lens manufacturing, today builds on its ongoing commitment to photographers, with the launch of the latest generation of Canon's iconic 85mm f/1.2L lens, the RF 85mm F1.2L USM. Offering the highest resolution of a Canon lens launched to date, it features a super-fast aperture and outstanding AF speeds, making it ideal for capturing candid portraiture and wedding photography. Following Canon's lens development announcement in February, the RF 85mm F1.2L USM is the first of six RF mount lenses being introduced by Canon in 2019. This lens, endorsed by award-winning Canon Europe Ambassador F licia Sisco, will take users of the legendary EF 85mm f/1.2L II USM to the next level of performance. All six RF lenses will offer incredible quality and versatility for those looking to get the perfect shot.

Canon Europe Ambassador - award-winning wedding photographer F licia Sisco

RF 85mm F1.2L USM

Image by F licia Sisco using Canon's EOS R and the new RF 85mm F1.2L USM

Impressive resolution for every detail

Designed for the EOS R System, the RF mount redefines the possibilities of photography and videography, providing the tools for users to enhance their skills and shoot creatively without limitations. Developed in line with technological advancements and end user feedback, the RF 85mm F1.2L USM uses the RF mount's advanced possibilities to enhance image quality and communication between the lens and the full-frame mirrorless camera body.

The 85mm short telephoto lens provides the ideal focal length for portraits and a flattering perspective for faces. The RF 85mm F1.2L USM is only the second lens in Canon's line-up, after the EF 35mm f/1.4L II USM, to use Canon's unique BR optic technology, which effectively corrects axial chromatic aberration that is not completely correctable with a combination of traditional glass lenses - improving resolution and sharpness. Ensuring incredibly high image quality for every shot, the aspherical and UD lens elements reduce lens aberrations enabling stunning optical performance.

High-speed, high-quality

The RF 85MM F1.2L USM is one of Canon's fastest aperture autofocus lenses for its full-frame mirrorless range of cameras. When coupled with the short telephoto length and Dual Pixel CMOS AF, the fast f/1.2 aperture creates stunning shallow depth of field, bokeh and background separation. The lens aperture makes the subject leap from the image, whilst the nine-aperture blade system enhances the subject against the smoothly blurred background, ideal for portraiture photography. The ultra-wide aperture transmits 50 per cent more light than a f/1.4 lens for shooting in challenging, lighting conditions - down to -6EV (EOS R) and -5EV (EOS RP) - capturing the atmosphere in every moment.

Using the same ring type USM motor as the RF 50mm F1.2L USM, the RF 85mm F1.2L USM ensures sharp focus is found swiftly and accurately, allowing objects to be tracked as they move around the frame. Coupled with a new microprocessor, which uses a new high-performance CPU and firmware, the lens utilises the EOS R system increasing data transfer, resulting in faster operation and AF, allowing the photographer to capture split-second moments.

Exceptional handling and durability

Incorporated in Canon's RF lenses is a control ring - where settings are programmable to TV, AV, ISO and exposure setting - adds a layer of customisation, making it ideal for wedding photographers who need ranging settings for both perfect candid moments and beautifully modelled shots. The lens is also equipped with a full-time manual focus ring, which allows manual focusing by turning the focusing ring, without the need to switch to MF mode. Ideal for shooting outdoors, or on location, the RF 85mm F1.2L USM features the iconic L-series weatherproofing, sealing the lens to protect against adverse weather conditions when shooting outdoors or on location.

Award-winning wedding photographer and Canon Ambassador, F licia Sisco commented, As a wedding - and portrait - photographer, I need to be able to trust my tools so that I can focus on the subject and tell their story. I have been using Canon's iconic 85mm 1.2 lens for over 20 years because of its speed and wide-aperture which guarantees beautiful images, even in low light.

The new RF 85mm F1.2L USM is better than I could have imagined. This lens produces a depth of field and bokeh that is impossible to achieve with other lenses and I already know it will become a staple in my kitbag. It separates the subject from the background and delivers a sharp focus on the subject's eyes which is simply breath-taking, capturing every special moment.

Read more about our Canon Ambassadors' experience with the RF 85mm F1.2L USM on location:

https://www.canon.co.uk/pro/

For standalone product information on the RF 85mm F1.2L USM, please visit:

https://www.canon.co.uk/lenses/rf-lenses/

RF 85mm F1.2L USM Key Features:

Extreme high performance 85mm prime lens

85mm focal length to provide flattering perspective ideal for portraits

Very Large f/1.2 aperture with 9-aperture blade for superior low light performance and smooth background blur

BR optics (Blue Spectrum Refractive optics) reduce chromatic aberration ensuring the highest image quality

Aspherical and UD elements ensure the highest resolution across of the image

USM motor for smooth, near-silent operation

Control Ring - giving direct control over Tv/Av/ISO settings

ASC (Air Sphere Coating) prevents flare and ghosting from deteriorating image quality

Pricing & availability:

The following products will be available from Canon's online store and official
LINK: https://www.canon.co.uk/press-centre/press-releases/2019/05/iconic-len...
See more stories from canon

Most recent headlines

05/01/2027

Worlds first 802.15.4ab-UWB chip verified by Calterah and Rohde & Schwarz to be demoed at CES 2026

Worlds first 802.15.4ab-UWB chip verified by Calterah and Rohde & Schwarz to be ...

07/11/2026

Tracktion Waveform Free 14.1 now available

Mix Analysis, improved Render window & new bundled instrument The free version of Tracktion's DAW software has recently received an update that introduc...

07/11/2026

NFVF CALL FOR MARKET READINESS PROGRAMME FOR SOUTH AFRICAN GAMING STUDIOS

The National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF) is a statutory body established to promote and develop the South African film and video industry, including animat...

07/11/2026

Nielsen: 31.2 Million Viewers Watch 2026 U.S. Midterm Election Coverage

NEW YORK - November 5, 2026 - An estimated 31.2 million people watched primetime coverage of the 2026 U.S. midterm elections on Tuesday, November 3, according t...

07/11/2026

RCI Custom Selects Neutrik as Primary Source for Connectors

Share Copy link Facebook X Linkedin Bluesky Email...

07/11/2026

Audio Engineer Rachel Saldivar Deploys Sony Shotgun Mic for Drifter' Shoot

Share Copy link Facebook X Linkedin Bluesky Email...

07/11/2026

COW Jobs: Production Manager - Las Cruces, NM

COW Jobs: Production Manager - Las Cruces, NM Brie Clayton November 6, 2026 0 Comments Production Manager November 5, 2026COW Jobs: Faith-Based UGC ...

06/11/2026

Gravity Medias JockeyCam at Center of Melbourne Cup Carnival Busy Week of Horse Racing

It's been a big week in Australia horse racing as the Victoria Racing Club (...

06/11/2026

PBR Expands Production of Teams Championship With Third Mobile Unit, More Cameras

Additional gear includes a second, outside drone; a second slo-mo unit; and a wi...

06/11/2026

University of Alabama Installs Daktronics Displays at Coleman Coliseum

The University of Alabama has installed a new Daktronics display system at Coleman Coliseum in Tuscaloosa. It includes a 360-degree centerhung with four underbe...

06/11/2026

NEP Adds IP-Based Flypack Production Kits in the U.S.

NEP Americas, part of NEP Group, has expanded its remote production offering with new IP-based flypack production kits deployed from the U.S. and available to c...

06/11/2026

Telestream Appoints Joseph Hopkins Chief Revenue Officer

Telestream has appointed Joseph Hopkins Chief Revenue Officer. He has more than two decades of executive experience in media technology. In the role, he will fo...

06/11/2026

SVG GameDay, Ep. 38: Texas Rangers Chris DeRuyscher - Livin the Life at Globe Life Field

In-venue and creative video staffers at the professional and collegiate level ha...

06/11/2026

Soaring in Stamford: Major League Soccer's Seth Bacon Details the Growth of MLS Productions

It's been nearly two years since MLS Productions made the move to WWE's ...

06/11/2026

With Decision Day on Deck, MLS Productions' Stamford Hub Prepares for 15 Matches in Five Hours

All 30 clubs take the field Saturday, and every camera, graphic, and feed runs t...

06/11/2026

GForce launch Oberheim Matrix-12

Latest official Oberheim collaboration arrives Following on from the launch of their new and improved website, GForce Software have released their latest of...

06/11/2026

Avid introduce Pro Tools 2026.11

Pro Tools Extensions, MPE support & more Avid have just released Pro Tools 2026.11, which introduces built-in stem separation, a new Extensions format that ...

06/11/2026

Heritage Audio's i73 Pro gains NAM A2 support

Interface range can now run captures on internal DSP Heritage Audio have just launched a firmware update that makes it possible for their i73 Pro audio inte...

06/11/2026

SMALL TOWN. BIG DREAMS. ABSOLUTE MAYHEM. The crown is up for grabs in bold new SBS Original, Miss Sultanah

SMALL TOWN. BIG DREAMS. ABSOLUTE MAYHEM. The crown is up for grabs in bold new S...

06/11/2026

FCC Releases More Details on Nationwide EAS Test

Share Copy link Facebook X Linkedin Bluesky Email...

06/11/2026

Pro Tools Adds New AI-Powered Extension for Separating Audio Into Individual Elements

Share Copy link Facebook X Linkedin Bluesky Email...

06/11/2026

Sage Issues Mandatory Security Update for ENDECS

Share Copy link Facebook X Linkedin Bluesky Email...

06/11/2026

CNN Reports Record Setting Viewership Numbers for Midterms Coverage

Share Copy link Facebook X Linkedin Bluesky Email...

06/11/2026

Democratic Senator Sends Warning to FCC Chairman Carr

Share Copy link Facebook X Linkedin Bluesky Email...

06/11/2026

Maxon Expands Creative Possibilities with New Touch and S...

Maxon Expands Creative Possibilities with New Touch and Spatial Experiences in Cinema 4D and ZBrush for Apple Products New capabilities let artists interact wi...

06/11/2026

Big Daddy Kane to Be Inducted Into Berklee's Hip-Hop Hall of Fame

Big Daddy Kane to Be Inducted Into Berklee's Hip-Hop Hall of Fame The Grammy-winning emcee joins an iconic roster of inductees in an event that features s...

06/11/2026

NBC News Wins Midterm Elections Ratings Race

Share Copy link Facebook X Linkedin Bluesky Email...

06/11/2026

LG Ad Solutions Names Abhijit Pol SVP, Product and Engineering

Share Copy link Facebook X Linkedin Bluesky Email...

06/11/2026

Gravity Media's OB Rethink Delivers for Gravel Cycling Championship

Share Copy link Facebook X Linkedin Bluesky Email...

06/11/2026

VITEC to Retire Datapath Brand

Share Copy link Facebook X Linkedin Bluesky Email...

06/11/2026

NEP Americas Adds IP-Based Flypack Kits to Production Lineup

Share Copy link Facebook X Linkedin Bluesky Email...

06/11/2026

Black Friday Deals from Flanders Scientific, Inc - An Atomos Company

Black Friday Deals from Flanders Scientific, Inc - An Atomos Company Brie Clayton November 5, 2026 0 Comments Purchase any FSI monitor between now and...

06/11/2026

COW Jobs: Faith-Based UGC Video Creator - Remote

COW Jobs: Faith-Based UGC Video Creator - Remote Brie Clayton November 5, 2026 0 Comments Faith-Based UGC Video Creator (Remote, Part-Time) November...

06/11/2026

Thats Christmas Sorted: Sky brings entertainment icons to life in all dancing festive campaign

Friday 6 November 2026 That's Christmas Sorted: Sky brings entertainment ic...

06/11/2026

Fox Corporation Completes Acquisition of Roku

Fox Corporation Completes Acquisition of Roku FOX Is Now One of the Leading Streaming Businesses in the U.S., Inclusive of Roku, Tubi and FOX One Roku's...

06/11/2026

InterBEE. Tokyo. 18-20 November 2026

18-20 November Hall 6, stand #6413 (Restar Communications) Come and see us in Tokyo at InterBEE 2026, where you will find us with our partner Restar Communica...

06/11/2026

Exploring Water with Science Week on RT

Discover a week of themed programming and content across RT 's services Documentaries | Kids | Podcasts | Ireland's city of the future | More Includes...

06/11/2026

How NVIDIA Open Source Tools Are Helping Researchers Build Next-Generation 6G Networks

A year ago, NVIDIA open sourced its Aerial wireless software, joining Sionna and...

05/11/2026

SVG Students To Watch: Hunter Tempel, Marquette University

The Chicago native has emerged as a leader at Marquette's student-run production operation, directing broadcasts, mentoring peers, and building toward a car...

05/11/2026

Sky Sports to Show Exclusive Live Coverage of WTGL and Two More Years of TGL

Sky Sports will broadcast the inaugural 2026 and 2027 seasons of the women's TGL (WTGL) exclusively in the UK, as part of an expansion of its golf rights th...

05/11/2026

CP Communications Rigs Gravity Media SMARThead Robotic Cameras Over TCS New York City Marathon Start

CP Communications worked with Gravity Media to bring Gravity's SMARThead rob...

05/11/2026

Gravity Media Runs Remote Production of UCI Gravel World Championships From Melbourne

Gravity Media developed a remote production solution for Beyond Productions'...

05/11/2026

Canon Releases Firmware Update for Cinema EOS Cameras, Launches Camera Control Center

Canon U.S.A. has announced a firmware update for its Cinema EOS cameras, includi...

05/11/2026

Canon Marks 15 Years of the Cinema EOS System

Canon Inc. is celebrating the 15th anniversary of the Cinema EOS System this month, Canon U.S.A. announced. Launched in 2011 for professional video production, ...

05/11/2026

Canon Announces Cinema EOS Lens Kits and EOS C50 Videographer Kit

Canon U.S.A. has announced new Cinema EOS Lens Kits and an EOS C50 Videographer Kit. Sales are scheduled to begin in mid-November 2026. The lens kits pair the ...

05/11/2026

2026 Sports Broadcasting Hall of Fame: Dick Stockton, a Play-by-Play Announcer With a Journalistic Bent

Dick Stockton's broadcasting career was marked by longevity, versatility, an...

05/11/2026

Registration Open to Attend UFL 2027 Draft in St. Louis on Nov. 18

The United Football League Draft is set to take place at Ball Park Village in St. Louis on beginning on November 18 and the UFL today announced that players fro...

05/11/2026

Allen & Heath announce the Qu-3 & Qu-3D

Most compact Qu-series consoles to date Allen & Heath have just revealed two new additions to their Qu digital mixer line-up, the Qu-3 and Qu-3D. The new ar...

05/11/2026

Apple MacBook Pro PROLED XDR: First Impressions

We take a look at the first touchscreen-equipped Mac Peter Gabriel once sang: I have the touch. Now we all do. The new MacBook Pro with PROLED XDR Display b...

05/11/2026

SGL Carbon: Business performance in Q3 2026 supports an upward revision of the full-year earnings forecast

SGL Carbon's consolidated sales in the first nine months of 2026 totaled 59...