bodyType

customContents

entityId

entityUuid

articlePageQuery

filter

article

articleBaseAdvertisingInfoArticle

articleListArticle

articleSeoArticle

helpersCheckIsPostiesArticle

hooksArticleAcknowledgementGateOverlayArticle

hooksTrackPageViewArticle

hooksContentInterestArticle

articleLinkingDataContent

hooksAmpRedirectArticle

articleSchemaContent

liveArticle

advertZone

sentiment

contentLock

topics

types

sections

moreOnThisArticles

urlAlias

commentCount

authorLocations

authors

corrections

sponsorType

displaySlideShow

multimediaEmbed

printHeadline

seriesContainer

socialHeadline

headline

flag

firstTopic

glossary

flattenTypeIds

publishedDate

additionalInfoBoxes

quizIds

images

image

relatedLinks

relatedNewsletters

__typename

createdDate

sponsor

paywallTypes

pdfFiles

seriesReverseOrder

series

disableOffPlatformContent

published

updatedDate

summary

subHeadline

body

keywords

readingTime

customTimezone

liveContents

Derek Ting

Overall: 8
Amazing portraits for expert photographers.


Turn-ons:
– fast F1.2 aperture for low light, shallow depth of field and bokeh (out-of-focus points of light)
– amazing quality in terms of colour richness
– creates portraits that make the subject pop
– can capture distant subjects for stealthier candid street photography
We review the Canon EOS RF 35mm F/1.8 IS Macro STM lens
Turn-offs:
– your arms and hands will ache from operating it because it’s so heavy
– price is worth the performance, but still expensive
We review the new Sony Extra Bass SRS-XB22 speaker – cowbell and all

My wife Joyce Yung’s photography business in Hong Kong always has been centred on capturing portraits of people as Hong Kong’s financial and legal services have realised that professional photographs help them distinguish themselves from their competition.
When carrying big lenses and cameras like this, don’t be surprised if people are curious while you are snapping away. You will feel like a member of the paparazzi or key opinion leader influencer
Therefore, I was interested to try the Canon EOS R’s new RF 85mm F1.2 USM Lens, which Canon describes as “the ultimate portrait lens”. It is modelled on the original Canon EF lens with the same focal distance and aperture – 1.2 and 85mm (3.35 inch) – which has been very popular among portrait photographers.
Why Canon's new EOS R mirrorless camera should be on your wish list
How’s the picture-taking performance?
You will immediately notice how awesome the images are. The subject pops to the foreground with the soft-focused background elements turning beautifully hazy. But because it’s such a hefty, bulky lens, trying to take a handheld picture will make your hand ache after 15 to 20 minutes of taking photographs.
I found it tough to focus it properly, even using auto and face tracking, because of arm fatigue. Who needs to go to the gym and do planks when you can just take pictures with this lens and get the same workout?

Is it better than the original Canon EF 85mm 1.2?
Canon has developed a new type of glass combined with standard glass to align the blue optics better to eliminate the “blue fringing” that was apparent before. This optical aberration, which is caused by lens dispersion, can make images look blurred or have noticeably coloured edges around objects, especially in high-contrast situations.
You immediately notice how awesome the images are. Subjects pop to the foreground with the soft-focused background elements turning beautifully hazy. But it’s so bulky your hands will ache after 15 to 20 minutes
If you own the EOS R, you would buy this lens before the original lens because it’s made to work best with this camera and even has the control ring. If you use the 1D and 5D series cameras in addition to the R series, you might consider getting the original EF.
What about video?
I didn’t heavily test the lens for video because I think Canon was really focused on photographers with this lens. But the quality of video is great: just remember that the Canon EOS R crops your images when you shoot in 4K – effectively changing your focal length, which defeats the purpose of having an 85mm-length lens. It also lacks image stabilisation, which is a step down from Canon’s original EF 85mm.
Will Sony mirrorless cameras end Canon, Nikon’s digital duopoly?

How’s the lowlight performance?
With a minimum aperture of F1.2, this lens was so fast that I was even able to take backlit subjects, which is no easy feat!
What about panache:
Some photographers like the feeling of carrying big lenses and cameras, so don’t be surprised if people are curious while you are snapping away. You will feel as if you are straddling the line between a member of the paparazzi and key opinion leader influencer. Just make sure you wear a soft scarf otherwise you will suffer from neck “burns” from the strap because it really feels as if you have been carrying a kettlebell around your neck.
2 next-generation Apple iPhones are tipped to have 3 rear cameras

Should it be on my wish list?
If you own a Canon EOS R series mirrorless camera, this is going to be your third or fourth lens. It’s really good and serious photographers will want one if they don’t own a 70-200mm 2.8 lens or the original EF 85mm 1.2 lens.
I love the quality of the ecosystem Canon is building. It is “focused” on producing ultra professional level quality to maximise photographs, regardless of the weight and size.
You can translate that to this 85mm lens which, while not my ultimate lens, produces heavenly photos while being as heavy as hell.
Want more stories like this? Sign up here. Follow STYLE on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and Twitter


Farewell, Post Magazine … and welcome to the new-look PostMag

After 25 years writing for the South China Morning Post, Jason Wordie tackles the editorial elephant in the room

Comedian Paul Ogata in his own words: why Robin Williams and Andy Bumatai were early role models, and I was named after Paul McCartney – not Richard Nixon

‘What I’m doing now is very related to Klimt’: how this Hong Kong home furnisher is channelling the Austrian painter’s charged symbolism

First Person

We review Canon’s new heavyweight lens – does it help make photography better?

The heavyweight Canon RF 85mm F1.2 USM lens is a great addition to your camera equipment – but be prepared for some aches and pains from carrying it around. Photo: Derek Ting

Shot by Joyce Yung on Canon 85mm in Sheung Wan Jun2019-11

Photo: Joyce Yung

CANON RF 85mm 1.2 USM

We review dao liao, an ancient Chinese massage therapy using chopping knives to restore energy balance

The knives used for the dao liao treatment at the Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong

The Spa at the Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong | FOR STYLE USE ONLY

Dao Liao practitioner Xavier Garnier has used the same knives for 10 years | FOR STYLE USE ONLY

Young adult man doing cable fly in gym. | FOR STYLE ONE TIME USE ONLY

We review the ANA’s first class meal service, and discover why it’s worth flying at five-star rates

The difference between first class and business class can be thousands of dollars – so there is a need to make the top product distinct enough to command a premium. The main way to do that is to offer more over-the-top service, featuring lavish meals. Photo: David Slotnick/Business Insider

David Slotnick/Business Insider

We review the new 2020 Bentley Continental GT V8, and it's a devastatingly handsome beast

The 2020 Bentley Continental GT V8 will go on sale in the third quarter. Photos: Richard Pardon

Bentley has said a hybrid version of its Continental GT will be available by 2023. Photographer: Richard Pardon

All told, Bentley sold more than 10,000 cars globally in 2018 and will sell more this year. Company executives say they expect half to be Continental GTs. Photographer: Richard Pardon

The new GT V8 has an intuitive infotainment system.Photographer: Richard Pardon

There are four new colors available for the exterior of the coupe, including Dove Grey, Peacock, Alpine Green, and Silver Storm. The new colors for the Convertible version include Barnato, Cricket Ball, Ice, Jetstream II, Silver Tempest, and Rose Gold. Photographer: Richard Pardon

An extensive range of veneers is available to outfit the cabin, including a new crown-cut walnut, and four new color-split options with contrast stitching and piping. The Bentley Continental GT V8 has seating for four.Photographer: Richard Pardon

Top speed in the new Continental is 198 mph. Pricing starts at $198,500.Photographer: Richard Pardon

The only way to spot the difference between the W12 and the V8 Continental GTs is by noting the minimal badging on the side of the car and on the engine. Photographer: Richard Pardon

Magazines

Style

Tech & Design


Pricey addition to camera maker’s professional-quality EOS range, aimed at expert photographers in search of great portraits



Gadget reviews

Technology

An assessment or critique of a service, product or creative endeavour.  Film reviews, restaurant reviews, reviews of art exhibitions. (Eg. Crazy Rich Asians: an important film, yes, but a good one?)


Review

Review / We review Canon’s new heavyweight lens – does it help make photography better?

Pricey addition to camera maker’s professional-quality EOS range, aimed at expert photographers in search of great portraits