Canon 50/1.4 vs. Canon 85/1.8

[InfamousDX]

I sold my 50/1.8 II ... both the 50/1.4 and 85/1.8 are about the same price. I just don't know what to do. I mean... the 85 is generally for portraits right? I liked the length of the 50 I sold, but the bokeh and sharpness of the 85 are pretty amazing for hte price. Any insight on how I should be basing my decision? Sorry if this has come up.. it's hard to search 2 character terms with vBulletin.

[FSALESI]

The 85 does really well for indoor sports. If that's in your future, then go with it. The 50 will put out some great portraits. Neither one is really a walk around lens so your decision should be based on your needs.

[Jackal]

Don't forget the bokeh from the 50mm 1.4 is alot better than the 50mm 1.8

Pretty much the same bokeh as the 85mm except with the 85mm you get MORE blur since it's a longer focal range.

[calicokat]

Get the 50 first and save for the 85. Best of both worlds

[BigBlueDodge]

Mike, I had both the 50 1.4 and 85 1.8. Both are excellent lenses. However, I found that the focal range was too close so I sold the 85 1.8. It was an excellent lens, but on a 1.6x crop camera, it was simply too long for indoors shooting. It was great if you wanted a shoulder/head shot. That was the main reason for selling. The AF is lightning fast. I think it would really shine on 5D.

I kept the 50 1.4 because I really like the focal length on it. It has Micro USM as opposed to the faster Ring USM. However, it has always been fast enough to focus for my needs. I guess what I'm saying is that if I hadn't been told it had Micro USM, I would have never known. The 50 1.4 delivers just incredible pictures for the money, and with a better focal range (for my use) is the reason I kept it. You really can't go wrong with either. I don't suggest you get both because they are so close together. If you really want a 2 prime set, then a 35L & 85 1.8, or 50 1.4 & 135L would be nice pairs to have. They have enough range between them to really become more flexible in using.

[InfamousDX]

Thanks for the responses everyone. Thanks for the detailed one Dale.

I think you're right. The 85 may be too long for me and as for sports, I usually go for the daytime with good lighting so I can use my 70-200L. I loved the length of the 50 when I had the 1.8; features can only get better with the 1.4. I guess I just wanted to feel out other options, but thinking back, yea I loved the 50mm prime.

I think I'll walk me to B&H tomorrow to pick it up (bah sales tax... i could be lazy and have it shipped to my home in NJ and avoid tax but i'm impatient). Note to self: Bring 20D to work tomorrow.

[SuzyView]

I have the 2 lenses as well. Got the 85 1.8 first and then last fall got the 50 1.4. Both are great lenses. I would not trade my 85 for anything. It is the best portrait lens I have. But I have to admit, I don't use them as much for everyday. The length is long for the 85 for normal walking around. You can't go wrong either way.

[InfamousDX]

Oh god know what I just found..... PSMAR shows the 10-22 for $640!! Best price I've seen on it. I think I may have to put the 50/1.4 on hold =X

[calicokat]

Oh god know what I just found..... PSMAR shows the 10-22 for $640!! Best price I've seen on it. I think I may have to put the 50/1.4 on hold =X

So many lenses, so little time. It is a great price for a 10-22. Alot of people sell them used for more

[malla1962]

I have both,just got them but find the 50 gets the most use.:D

[InfamousDX]

Calicokat... yes, TOO many lenses.

I think the 50 1.4 will come along soon enough.. my birthday is coming up on the 27th :lol:

[pturton]

Look through the pictures you've taken with your two zooms to get an idea what focal length you've used often with these lenses. If you are often at the long end of the 28-75 and at the short end of the 70-200, the 85 may be your best choice. Check the perspective that you get at 50mm and 85mm with your zooms to see which is most pleasing to you.

Both the 50 f/1.4 and 85 f/1.8 are excellent lenses and mine get about equal usage indoors. Outdoors, my 35 and 135 see light more often.

[whiskaz]

I have both, love both. Started with the 85, a little tight indoors but I got some great shots with it, regardless. The 50 is a little better indoors (by indoors I mean in my house).

While I'm sorta drooling over the 10-22 EF-S, I've found new love for the kit lens for outdoor shooting... just have to be gentle with her and stop down a bit ;) Not as wide as 10-22 but wide enough for now (since it has to be!).