> The defocus image control is fucking awesome. You don't know what you're missing > until you actually use it. You can't get those melty backgrounds with the subject > still in perfect focus any other way. It works really well with a polarising filter > for outdoor portraits.
i attribute most of that len's ability to melt backgrounds to its longer focal length combined with large apertures. the defocus control (from what i've seen) is a VERY subtle effect added on top of the already impressive bg compressing abilities. if you have examples, i would love to see them.
the 85mm f/1.8g can also easily melt stuff (the background is no more than a couple of feet behind the dog here - view the pic full-size - this lens DESTROYS backgrounds).