50 f/1.8 vs. 85 f/1.8

Ashura wrote in post #12334168
A 50 is more versatile so I'd get it first. I've used 50s on crop for quite a time (first a 1.8, now the 1.4 in my sig) and for me it's the good focal length for portraits inside, and outside it's also very usable for full body or environmental shots (without having to shout instructions at models).

Yeah I'm realllllly leaning towards the 50. I think it'll be good for portraits, also for my 365 which I am starting back up in a week. A good all-around lens until I save up more moola for an 85...or who knows what else. :P

the 85mm 1.8 on the 5D mkii is amazing!!!! if you can, get the 85. you won't regret it

idsurfer wrote in post #12309075
Or is there going to be a difference in the bokeh (quality of the blur)

85 has smoother bokeh, 50 has.. more unique bokeh (choppier and the circular effect)

85 f1.8

For indoors, 50 1.8; for outdoors, 85 1.8. I have both and BOTH are amazing, sharp lenses. The 50 is equal to the 85 in image quality, IMO.

i like the 50 more. i had the 85 before, and even though people say it's the best lens for portrait, 85mm is often too far for me.

vutangklan wrote in post #12343081
the 85mm 1.8 on the 5D mkii is amazing!!!! if you can, get the 85. you won't regret it

... but she's not shooting with a 5DII (yet).

nathancarter wrote in post #12397602
... but she's not shooting with a 5DII (yet).

^^correct. Maybe a miracle will happen and I'll get something in the mail tomorrow...like a huge check. haha.

Honestly without reading these other comments, i would recommend either finding someone who has both or going to a camera store to try both out and see which you like best. It really matters on what you want and how you shoot. Just because you get a lens (Not saying this is you, just throwing it out there) doesnt mean your photos magically become awesome. Can just get the 50mm 1.8 and be set if you liked it. Like i said though, see which you like and then decide. 50mm is a cheap lens. I got mine for $25 new so i dont see what just buying it would be of any loss. Still try them out and see which best suits you.

TauntDevil wrote in post #12402097
Honestly without reading these other comments, i would recommend either finding someone who has both or going to a camera store to try both out and see which you like best. It really matters on what you want and how you shoot. Just because you get a lens (Not saying this is you, just throwing it out there) doesnt mean your photos magically become awesome. Can just get the 50mm 1.8 and be set if you liked it. Like i said though, see which you like and then decide. 50mm is a cheap lens. I got mine for $25 new so i dont see what just buying it would be of any loss. Still try them out and see which best suits you.

I actually have some friends that own the 85 and the 50(they had a 501.4 but it broke. ): ) I do realize a new lens won't make my photos any better...but it night help. I'm sick of my kit lens. hahaha.

But I believe I might get the 50 1.4 first! I think it'll work for me, and once I get more $$$ saved, I'll probably get the 85...or maybe something cool like the 28. hahaha. We'll see.

I have both... I started with the Nifty Fifty on my 300D/Digital Rebel years ago, and it has stayed with me since... That said, I was always curious about the 85mm, and finally picked one up about a month ago.

I had my first opportunity to use it in a shoot yesterday, a fashion/glamour session with a gorgeous model, and after shooting with it, I realized that it spent more time on my T2i than the 70-200L 2.8 IS II I rented for the shoot. Hindsight being 20/20, I can't believe I did as many portrait/headshot shoots as I did without the 85 1.8.

If you can afford the 85, pony up the extra $100 and get both... the 50 has been tried and true, but the optics and build quality of the 85 will blow you away (as it did me).

Next... upgrade the Nifty Fifty to the 50 1.4!

How does the Sigma 30/1.4 compare to Canon's 28/1.8, especially on a Rebel T2i?

Is there an IQ difference worth the price difference?