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 ...

01/06/2026

Dolby Sets the New Standard for Premium Entertainment at CES 2026

January 6 2026, 05:30 (PST) Dolby Sets the New Standard for Premium Entertainment at CES 2026 Throughout the week, Dolby brings to life the latest innovatio...

02/05/2026

Dalet Flex LTS Delivers Smarter Search, Faster Editing, and an AI-Ready Foundation for Modern Media

Dalet, a leading technology and service provider for media-rich organizations, t...

01/05/2026

NBCUniversal's Peacock to Be First Streamer to Integrate Dolby's Full Suite of Premium Picture and Sound Innovations

January 5 2026, 18:30 (PST) NBCUniversal's Peacock to Be First Streamer to ...

01/04/2026

DOLBY AND DOUYIN EMPOWER THE NEXT GENERATON OF CREATORS WITH DOLBY VISION

January 4 2026, 18:00 (PST) DOLBY AND DOUYIN EMPOWER THE NEXT GENERATON OF CREATORS WITH DOLBY VISION Douyin Users Can Now Create And Share Videos With Stun...

04/03/2026

SES publishes 2025 Annual Report

Luxembourg, 3 March 2026 - SES S.A. has today published its 2025 Annual Report, following the announcement of the company's full year financial results for ...

04/03/2026

NBC Sports, USA Sports Extend Rights Deal with PGA

Share Copy link Facebook X Linkedin Bluesky Email...

04/03/2026

Broadcasters Gather in DC for NAB State Leadership Conference

Share Copy link Facebook X Linkedin Bluesky Email...

04/03/2026

Transforming Africa's Future Farmers: Satellite-Enabled IoT Powers Data-Driven Agribusinesses

Luxembourg, March 3, 2026 - SES, a leading space solutions company, along with I...

04/03/2026

March 02, 2026

Scripps Research welcomes healthcare innovator Joe Kiani to the Board of Directors Kiani brings decades of experience in patient safety and public service. Mar...

04/03/2026

March 03, 2026

Nanoparticle vaccine approach takes on a new target: Hepatitis C virus Scripps Research scientists reengineer critical proteins on the surface of HCV, paving th...

03/03/2026

LIV Golf, Beyond Sports Elevate Online Gaming Ecosystem with Launch of LIV Golf Fantasy and LIV X

Beyond Sports, a Sony group company, and LIV Golf, the world's golf league, ...

03/03/2026

Ilitch Sports + Entertainment Announces Launch of Detroit SportsNet

Ilitch Sports + Entertainment announces the launch of Detroit SportsNet (DSN), a year-round broadcast home for two of Detroit's franchises. With flexible op...

03/03/2026

Advanced Systems Group Promotes Gretchen Taipale to Vice President, Managed Services

Advanced Systems Group, LLC (ASG), a technology and services provider for media ...

03/03/2026

PGA of America, NBC Sports, and USA Sports Extend Media Rights Agreement Through 2033

The PGA of America, NBC Sports and USA Sports extend their media rights agreemen...

03/03/2026

HONOR, ARRI Announce Technical Collaboration to Bring ARRI Image Science into Next-Gen Consumer Devices

AI device ecosystem company HONOR enters into a strategic technical collaboratio...

03/03/2026

Telos Alliance Partners with College Radio Foundation to Support College Broadcasters

Cleveland's Telos Alliance, pioneers in broadcast technology for 30 years, l...

03/03/2026

Sennheiser Relaunches MD 9235 Wireless Mic Head

The MD 9235 microphone head for wireless handhelds has been a firm favorite with many engineers and artists for its ability to cut through high on-stage levels ...

03/03/2026

Haivision to Showcase Private 5G and Live Video Contribution Innovations at MWC 2026

Haivision Systems Inc. (Haivision), a global provider of mission-critical, real-...

03/03/2026

BMG Expands Washington Broadcast Center with 3 New TV Studios and Podcast Studio for Media Clients

Broadcast Management Group (BMG) announces the expansion of its 62,000-square-fo...

03/03/2026

Closing the Loop: Maroon 5 and the End of the Analog Era

Maroon 5's musical tour in 2025 marked a leap forward in live audio as Monitor Engineer Dave Rupsch utilized Sennheiser's all-digital Spectera wireless ...

03/03/2026

SVG in Indy: Pacers Sports & Entertainment Finds Production Sweet Spot in ST 2110-Based Control Center

Designed specifically for pro basketball, the renovated space at Gainbridge Fiel...

03/03/2026

Lawo Appoints Jamie Dunn CEO

As part of the move, former CEO Phillipp Lawo joins the broadcast-tech provider's Supervisory Board Lawo has announced appointment of Jamie Dunn as chief e...

03/03/2026

NBC Turns Back the Clock to 1990s for NBA Coast 2 Coast' Tuesday

A team of legendary announcers and analysts and a classic graphics look will bring the past to life NBC Sports and Peacock will return to yesteryear for tonigh...

03/03/2026

Sundance Film Festival: CDMX 2026 Returns for Its Third Edition

From April 30 to May 3, Sundance Film Festival: CDMX 2026 will offer a selection of exciting independent cinema. Mexico City, March 3, 2026 - At a moment of he...

03/03/2026

How Multi-Format Readers' Are Redefining Reading in the UK's National Year of Reading

For many, finding time or headspace to pick up a book can feel out of reach, but...

03/03/2026

Rohde & Schwarz and Realtek demonstrate first test solution for Bluetooth LE High Data Throughput (HDT)

Rohde & Schwarz and Realtek demonstrate first test solution for Bluetooth LE Hi...

03/03/2026

Sediba Scriptwriting Training Programme - Matatiele (Eastern Cape)

The National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF) invites aspiring and emerging filmmakers from Matatiele and surrounding areas to apply for the Sediba Scriptwritin...

03/03/2026

Clear-Com Supplies Cloud-based Communications System for SaxaVord Spaceport

eds3_5_jq(document).ready(function($) { $(#eds_sliderM519).chameleonSlider_2_1({ content_source:......

03/03/2026

Magellan AI Integrates Nielsen DMA Data to Bring Local Market Measurement to Podcast Attribution

Nielsen's DMA data gives Magellan AI users a standardized way to measure th...

03/03/2026

Lawo Promotes Jamie Dunn to CEO

Share Copy link Facebook X Linkedin Bluesky Email...

03/03/2026

Elements To Showcase Newly Unveiled GRID NAS Platform At 2026 NAB Show

Share Copy link Facebook X Linkedin Bluesky Email...

03/03/2026

Moments Lab To Feature Agentic AI For Video Workflows At 2026 NAB Show

Share Copy link Facebook X Linkedin Bluesky Email...

03/03/2026

Marshall Electronics Launches Compact CV356-10X Full HD C...

Marshall Electronics premieres the CV356-10X, its latest compact 10X camera that offers Full HD with simultaneous SDI and HDMI outputs, at NAB 2026 (Booth C8339...

03/03/2026

farmerswife and Cirkus to Showcase Smarter Media Workflow...

farmerswife, the industry-leading enterprise operations platform for broadcast and post-production, today announced it will exhibit at NAB Show 2026 in Las Vega...

03/03/2026

Manfrotto ONE Hybrid Tripod Wins iF Design Award 2026

Manfrotto has announced that the Manfrotto ONE Hybrid tripod has won the iF DESIGN AWARD 2026, one of the world's most respected design honours. Selected ...

03/03/2026

DHD to Introduce Latest Generation Broadcast Audio Mixers...

DHD is expanding the capabilities of its DX2, RX2, SX2 and TX2 broadcast audio mixers, RM1 portable production unit and XC3/XD3/XS2 processing cores with the in...

03/03/2026

Synamedia and MoMe launch first streaming CDN in Spain

Leading video software provider Synamedia and MoMe, a leading Spanish consultancy and systems integrator, today announced the launch of Spain's first stream...

03/03/2026

Long-Awaited ATSC 3.0 Rulemaking Overshadows NAB Show Expectations

Share Copy link Facebook X Linkedin Bluesky Email...

03/03/2026

Audio Tech at NAB Show: Are We in the Second Wave' of IP?

Share Copy link Facebook X Linkedin Bluesky Email...

03/03/2026

IP's Impact on Imaging Tech on Full Display at NAB Show

Share Copy link Facebook X Linkedin Bluesky Email...

03/03/2026

Live Production Over IP in 2026: Software-Defined Everything

Share Copy link Facebook X Linkedin Bluesky Email...

03/03/2026

NAB Show Leverages Revitalized LVCC To Reflect M&E Transformation

Share Copy link Facebook X Linkedin Bluesky Email...

03/03/2026

Home Post Production Strengthens Factual and Natural Hist...

Home Post Production has further expanded its factual, unscripted, and entertainment capabilities with the acquisition of Picture Shop Bristol, a leading post h...

03/03/2026

Full Year 2025 Results

Luxembourg, 2 March 2026 -- SES S.A. fully consolidates Intelsat from 17 July 2025 and announces financial results for the year ended 31 December 2025 FY25 Pe...

03/03/2026

Iyuno Taps Dante AV to Sync Audio and Video Content

Share Copy link Facebook X Linkedin Bluesky Email...

03/03/2026

HBO Max and Paramount+ Streamers to Merge

Share Copy link Facebook X Linkedin Bluesky Email...

03/03/2026

Survey: 70% of CTV Advertisers Plan to Boost Spending in 2026

Share Copy link Facebook X Linkedin Bluesky Email...

03/03/2026

XGN Global, X1 Mobile Show New 5G Broadcast Smartphone

Share Copy link Facebook X Linkedin Bluesky Email...

03/03/2026

Scripps Completes Sale of WFTX to Sun Broadcasting

Share Copy link Facebook X Linkedin Bluesky Email...