SUMMARY
A portrait shoot tested Canon's 20-year-old EF f/1.2 prime lenses against their modern RF replacements, adapted to an RF body. The EF lenses produced softer, lower-contrast images, while the RF lenses offered sharper files and better autofocus. Interestingly, the budget RF 50mm f/1.8 shared more of the EF lens's gentle rendering than the flagship RF 50mm f/1.2. The EF 85mm f/1.2L II provided a dreamy look preferred for certain portraits, while the RF 85mm f/1.4 VCM was sharper and tracked eyes better, though with potential for closer focus than expected. The choice between older, softer primes for a flattering in-camera look and newer, sharper lenses for efficiency depends on the photographer's workflow and desired aesthetic.
TAKEAWAYS
Older Canon EF f/1.2 primes offer softer rendering preferred for certain portrait styles.
Modern RF lenses provide sharper images and improved autofocus performance.
The budget RF 50mm f/1.8 lens exhibits rendering characteristics similar to older EF primes.
Lens choice depends on workflow: sharper RF for retouching efficiency, softer EF for in-camera flattering looks.