85mm f/1.8 vs 50mm f/1.4

[boomerang]

Just starting to lens shop for my 350D, just wondering if any one has a favorite between the two. 85mm f/1.8 vs 50mm f/1.4

Also wondering what would be a decent start for a zoom lens for under 600.

My total budget is 1,000 for my lenses

Purpose of shooting is my soon to be baby! family, vacations. Looking for experience so I dont make costly mistakes. I also enjoy night shooting slow shutters etc.

Thank you for your time.

[cactusclay]

50 will probably get more use. 17-40/4L is a great zoom that compliments the 50 nicely and can be found on this forum used, from time to time. Check out the market place.

[Steve Parr]

I don't have the 50 f/1.4, I have the 50mm f/1.8. it gets a lot of use, and I'm pretty pleased with it.

I also have the 85mm f/1.8, and it's my main "walkin' around" lens. I love it, and would be hard pressed to not recommend it. Given what you plan to shoot, though, I'd probably go for the 50mm first, and then go with the 85mm.

Or, Hell, get 'em both...

Steve

[Dante King]

Love my 85mm 1.8. love my 50 as well, but that 85 is one killer lens with usm. part of the fun with primes is hunting for the right angle. Part of me longs for a 50 with usm and 1.4, however when I look at the invoice for $70 bucks for the 50 1.8, I reach into my camera bag and pull out another lens that the 50 1.8 made possible due to savings.

[CyberDyneSystems]

I like the 85mm

[blue_max]

I love the 85, but I don't have the 50. I think that generally it is felt that the 85 is a little close, but in view of the baby, I think you will like to get the subject matter as large as possible.

The 85 1.8 has very quick focus and great low light ability. I think a zoom of f4 will limit you abililty inside (except for good weather or using flash).

You will be fine with either. I do think it is good to get one first and gain some experience of what it will achieve and base you next buying decision on your experience.

[pturton]

The EF 50mm f/1.4 might be a bit more practical than the EF 85mm f/1.8 in the sense that often you may want to include more than just your new arrival in the picture. The 85 is great for individual portraits in a home but the 50 will give more flexability for composition.

Both lenses have great bokeh, colour rendition and sharpness. Once your youngster gets active in sports or school activities, the 85mm f/1.8 should be considered.

As for a zoom, with a flash indoors or for use outside, the EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS makes a good 'family' and walk about lens.


Paul
http://www.iaw.com/~pturton/

[cmM]

I don't own a 50f/1.4 (i have used one however). I own a 50f/1.8 and I also have the 85f/1.8 I would deffinitely recomment the 85 out of those 2. it's a very sharp lens.

[Miika]

I have both 50/1.4 and 85/1.8

They are in many ways very similar:
- great colour, contrast
- razor sharp
- beautiful background blur (bokeh)
- quick focus
- silent

IMHO the only difference is focal length and thus the field of view.

If you can afford, get both of them.

Miika

[roanjohn]

I find that the 50 f1.4 is more versatile...........and its faster. BUT, there is something about the images that comes out of the 85 f1.8 that will make you say WOW!!! I guess its the shallower DOF and the buttery smooth bokeh.

They are both sharp with beautiful colors...........if you can afford it, get both.

Ro1

[boomerang]

Looks like its both! Than i will work on the zoom once I play with the 85 & 50

Also wanted some opinions on the 15mm fish eye for vacations, as a fun wide angle. I like the fish look- I do video work and use it often.

[roanjohn]

The fisheye is a fun lens.......if you want to save some cash, get the Sigma 15 f2.8 version.......its supposed to be just as good as the Canon at almost half the price.

Ro1

[rdenney]

The fisheye is a fun lens.......if you want to save some cash, get the Sigma 15 f2.8 version.......its supposed to be just as good as the Canon at almost half the price.

Or get the Zenitar 16/2.8 fisheye, which is almost as good as the Canon and a quarter the price. The only practical difference is you have to focus it yourself (or put it at f/11 and focus to 12 feet and just shoot all day long), and it doesn't have an auto aperture (again, not a problem if you use f/11 and 12 feet because all you use the viewfinder for is composing).

Rick "who thinks the 85 is long for a general-purpose portrait lens but good for baby pics, and the 50 perhaps a hair short for baby pictures" Denney