50 f/1.4 vs 85 f/1.8

[Maxima]

Which two of the above lenses give you a sharper image overall? Trying to decide which one to buy for mostly portaits of little kids, and low light photography.

[blue_max]

Very similar sharpness wise. I like my 85 as you can be a little further away. It depends on how much you want to show of the environment. Either would be a good choice.

[Andy_T]

According to what I've heard, they are both great and tack sharp lenses.

85/1.8 is also a great sports lens with very fast AF (don't know about the 50/1.4).

Maybe you use your existing lenses to define the focal length you like most for your portrait work.

Best regards,
Andy

[roanjohn]

Similar optical performance.

Pick a focal length that suits you best and go from there. The 50 is more versatile both indoors and out.

Ro1

[cactusclay]

I like them both, but the 50 seems to get more use. If I had a full frame, I know I would use the 85 more and if I had a 1.3 crop, I would probably use the 50 less. Is that confusing?

[roanjohn]

I like them both, but the 50 seems to get more use. If I had a full frame, I know I would use the 85 more and if I had a 1.3 crop, I would probably use the 50 less. Is that confusing?

Nope......!!!:D

Ro1

[Dante King]

I love them both. Finding the 85mm on more often then the 50mm as I like th ebit of longer reach as well.

[Todd Jacobsen]

Which two of the above lenses give you a sharper image overall? Trying to decide which one to buy for mostly portaits of little kids, and low light photography.

I couldn't decide. So I bought both...Room size determines which lens I use. Outdoors, I use the 85 more.

[ron chappel]

Personally i would go for the 85/1.8 because i could then aford the 50/1.8 as well

Of course if you are a serious user of the 50mm focal length the 50/1.4 starts to make sense