85mm f1.8 on 5D or 50mm f1.4 on a 20D

[Yella Fella]

for those who have this combo (or any crop camera), to do some artistic portrait shots of the bride, what would you prefer to use?

[SuzyView]

5D with 85 .18 is the best combination, but even on FF, the 85 is a little long. Just make sure you have plenty of space.

[TheGreatDivorce]

85mm on the 5D is probably my favorite focal length. Personally I rarely find it too long. The 85 f/1.8 is a better lens, as a whole, than the 50 f/1.4. If f/1.8 is too slow, the 85L is the best of the best :)

Go for the 5D/85mm combo ... it's REALLY hard to beat.

[Rumjungle]

5D w/ 85. Nice and short DOF, great AF, and clean images.

[clengster_77]

same here. i love my 85 1.8. sometimes being a bit long is nice coz it makes you disappear/blend in the crowd meaning you'll have more natural emotions wtih your subjects

[sando]

Is this the plan then Ed? To just use one focal lengh?

Personally, I think a little zoom either way would be v.useful.

[Yella Fella]

Well im thinking for different scenarios, would stick to may be something like a 16-35mm zoom, and a fixed 50mm prime on my 5D for church stuff

at the house, im thinking 24-70mm and 85mm prime

[Borderfox]

50mm f1.4 would be my choice especially after trying an 85mm f1.8 in a small church. You run out of space very quick. At least with the 50mm you can go forwards if you need be. Also the f1.4 would be usefull in dark churches.

[sando]

50mm f1.4 would be my choice especially after trying an 85mm f1.8 in a small church. You run out of space very quick. At least with the 50mm you can go forwards if you need be. Also the f1.4 would be usefull in dark churches.
Tis a good point... you can usually move closer, but may find you're restricted to move further away.

[jamiewexler]

Well im thinking for different scenarios, would stick to may be something like a 16-35mm zoom, and a fixed 50mm prime on my 5D for church stuff

at the house, im thinking 24-70mm and 85mm prime

I like the opposite - at the house I have a 17-40 on one 5D and an 85 on the other.

At the church, a 28-70 and a longer lens on the other.

I like to be able to get close with a wide lens, and the getting ready time is perfect for this!

[Wedding Shooter]

I will often use a 50 1.4 on my 5D for bride getting ready. I find myself always using the 70-200 2.8 IS if I need something longer at the church.

Usually let my assistant use the 85 1.8 on a 20D for longer stuff at the ceremony.