Lets talk about 85 primes

Okay I want to get the canon 85 1.2, but alot of people has been talking so much hype about the sigma 85 1.4. Why choose the sigma over the canon? Can someone link me in the right direction. Thanks in advance!

If money is no object, canon all the way! It's a lifelong investment

The Sigma isn't a better lens, but it's very close in terms of performance at a fraction of the cost. If money isn't an issue, get the Canon. If you're on a budget, snag the Sigma. You won't be disappointed.

The Sigma may have the typical "Sigma focusing problems." However, the only focus problems I've had with my Sigma are a consistent front focus which I corrected with MA. Since you have a 5D2 you will be able to do the same.

In any case, I'd personally go for the Sigma...just look at the comparison charts here:

http://www.the-digital-picture.com …omp=0&FLIComp=0​&APIComp=0

The Sigma is sharper and has less CA at all focal lengths (though slightly more vignetting until stopped down a bit). Not to mention the Sigma more than likely focuses much quicker than the L.

The only downside of the Sigma is the possible focus issues (but there's the 4 year warranty for that) and you lose 1/3 stop (which I personally view as unusable due to the heavy CA, rather poor corner sharpness, and vignetting).

Thx guys

Leica 80/1.4, Vivitar 85/1.4, Zeiss 85/2.8, shall I go on?

In the real world...

the EF85 f1.8 kills them all.

I think I would prefer a lens with 1.2
Sometimes this small difference in entrance pupil diameter could make a big enough difference in the unsharp background.

I have the Zeiss 85mm f/1.4 (C/Y mount) - and bought and converted the Canon FD 85mm f/1.2.
Same with ~ 50 mm - have the EF 50mm f/1.4, and a Zeiss 50mm f/1.4 (C/Y mount) - but use the converted Minolta Rokkor 58mm f/1.2.

But I think that is a very personal decision.
If you "trust" Sigma enough, that lens could be a good decision - but probably you have some stress until you have the right focus ..
If you could and want work with manual focus, Vivitar = Samyang 85/1.4 would be probably interesting too.

Please decide very wisely: Sometimes one buy something on a rational decision, but afterwards the heart urge one to buy something without rational arguments.

I had the 85 1.8 and thought it was a great lens. Kinda wish I didn't sell it. The goal is the L but that will take a backseat due to all the other gear that's on my list

Has anyone owned both the 85 1.8 & 85 1.2?

I'm trying to decide if the extra cost and weight of the 1.2 is really worth it for the DOF it will provide

Would you buy the lens only for the thinner dof? I reckon the IQ is also a lot better, don't you think?

SamuelBurns wrote in post #12160987
Has anyone owned both the 85 1.8 & 85 1.2?

I'm trying to decide if the extra cost and weight of the 1.2 is really worth it for the DOF it will provide

DOF is a small part of 85L benefit ... you must speak also in terms of colours and contrast, even sharpness where 85L in the centre is a master, you can also add AF accuracy which is so important @f1.2

ZoneV wrote in post #12160866
I think I would prefer a lens with 1.2
Sometimes this small difference in entrance pupil diameter could make a big enough difference in the unsharp background.

I have the Zeiss 85mm f/1.4 (C/Y mount) - and bought and converted the Canon FD 85mm f/1.2.
Same with ~ 50 mm - have the EF 50mm f/1.4, and a Zeiss 50mm f/1.4 (C/Y mount) - but use the converted Minolta Rokkor 58mm f/1.2.

But I think that is a very personal decision.
If you "trust" Sigma enough, that lens could be a good decision - but probably you have some stress until you have the right focus ..
If you could and want work with manual focus, Vivitar = Samyang 85/1.4 would be probably interesting too.

Please decide very wisely: Sometimes one buy something on a rational decision, but afterwards the heart urge one to buy something without rational arguments.

kind of off topic but what did you use to convert your 85 f1.2?

i am going to get the 85 f1.8 mid may. wish i could afford the 1.2 but 1.8 is still great.

The Sigma 85mm looks excellent, especially for the price... However, it seems from what I have read, the focus issues in low light are not yet fixed...

My Sigma 30mm was excellent, except when light got dark... It would hunt and rarely lock focus accurately. I was afraid of this same issue with the Sigma, if I chose that route.

My 85L locks focus better than any lens I own in low light... And it is damn near perfect everytime focus wise.

I have not played with the Sigma personally, but my experience with the Canon has been awesome.

Brendo666 wrote in post #12161715
kind of off topic but what did you use to convert your 85 f1.2?
...

I use a M42-EF adapter as mount-part, and some aluminium and brass to make parts with a mini lathe and small Proxxon mill.
Conversion could be made easier - but I want to test if I could convert even this lens in an reversible way. Some pictures of the conversion are on my homepage.