Seeing how my 70-200 L IS II is STILL with Canon and I've had to use the F4 L IS instead (which isn't bad at all), I have considered buying an 85 1.8 or a 50 1.4 for myself for Christmas. I don't think I need to backup both focal lengths. I've been reading reviews and I'm inclined for the 85 1.8. Any of you own either of these lens and can tell me their experience with them?

i have had 85mm 1.8 and still have 50mm 1.4. when it comes to iq, i havent noticed any difference, there might be some if you look at 100% crops side to side, but no big difference, both have good iq. 85mm has slightly better build quality, but its still about same as 50mm. i didnt have them at the same time so its hard to say about low light af performance, but there isnt any noticeable difference. if i would have 70-200mm and wouldnt have a 50mm lens, i would definitely pick the 50mm over 85mm, but you might need the 85mm focal length with large aperture more than 50mm, so i cant really say whats better for you, just pick up whats better focal length for you

This post was edited by Antichrist- on Dec 18 2010 03:56pm

What is the purpose of the lens?

85/1.8 will have faster AF but IQ between the 50/1.4 and 85/1.8 are both similar.

You still have your 85/1.2L? If af isn't fast enough on that lens for you, consider the Sigma 84/1.4. Lots of pro wedding photographers are ditching the 85/1.2 for a sigma 85/1.4.


On a FF, 85 and 50 is about 3 steps worth of FoV. Maybe a 35mm and a 85mm set?

Yes, I still have the 1.2L II. The 1.8 will be used just as backup lenses. The 70-200 needed some serious calibration suddenly during an event, and if this happens with a prime, I want to have backups. I had been thinking 85 1.8 + 50 1.8 as backups.

Scrap it all. Buy a Nikon. Get troll'd.

I don't want ugly, orange skin tones. Sorry.

Instead you want shit gear. ^^

Get a Fuji Pro S5 then.

I have heard that 85 1.8 is extremely sharp, I would go with it.

I've heard about this camera. I hear it's good for people shots, but cannot enlarge well?