Why the Canon 85mm f/1.2 is My Go-To Portrait Lens
When it comes to portrait photography, there's one lens that never leaves my bag—the Canon 85mm f/1.2. I’ve tried plenty of portrait lenses over the years, but nothing quite matches the magic this one brings to the table. It’s the perfect mix of technical excellence and creative beauty, and once you shoot with it, it’s hard to settle for anything less.
That Bokeh, Though...
Let’s start with the obvious: the bokeh is flawless. Dreamy. Creamy. Silky smooth. Whatever word you want to use, this lens renders backgrounds in a way that isolates your subject beautifully and creates a sense of depth that feels cinematic. It doesn’t just blur the background—it paints it. The transition from sharp to soft is so gradual and smooth, it almost feels like the subject is stepping out of the image.
Razor-Sharp Where It Counts
One of the biggest misconceptions about fast lenses is that they sacrifice sharpness wide open. Not the case here. Even at f/1.2, this lens delivers incredible sharpness right on the subject’s eyes, which is exactly what you want in portraiture. That contrast between tack-sharp focus and dreamy blur? It’s pure visual poetry.
Yes, It’s Heavy—but That’s Not a Bad Thing
Now, let’s talk about the elephant in the room: the weight. There’s no denying it—this lens is heavy. It’s probably the heaviest prime I own, and after a full day of shooting, my arms can feel it. But honestly? I’ve come to love that.
To me, the weight is a signal of what’s inside. I'm not an expert in lens manufacturing, but I can tell you this lens feels like a piece of precision-engineered art. All that glass and all those mechanics working together—there’s a reason it creates such stunning images. In fact, I sometimes joke that you know you’ve got great glass when it gives you muscles.
Why I Keep Coming Back
Despite the weight, despite the price, despite the fact that I need to be a little more intentional when handling it—I keep coming back to this lens. The images it produces are second to none. The depth, the character, the emotion it helps me capture in every portrait make it worth every ounce.
It’s not just a lens—it’s part of my creative process.
Final Thoughts
If you’re serious about portraits and want a lens that delivers breathtaking results, the Canon 85mm f/1.2 is a no-brainer. Yes, your arms might get a workout—but your portfolio will thank you.
Grace Margritz Photography | Colorado Springs Senior Photographer
