Face off between 85mm f1.8 and 70-200 F4 L

Does anyone own both theese lenses and could possibly shoot some sample pics using both at F4 or above and 85mm fl?

I am finding it really hard to decide whch to buy. 6pm s

I phtograph children in outdoor environments, natural protraits so I like to get them in action while playing/interacting with family for a relaxed feel.

In saying that, obviously speed is a big factor, I shoot mostly in the hours of 9am-6pm so lighting should be too much and issue.

My main question is QUALITY OF THE IMAGES DIFFERENCE.

I have a 50D, so I know that would make the 85mm a 136mm equivelent.

Could anyone please help? As the L-Lens I have found on sale for more then half price, and I would have to save for either, price isn't the hugest factor here, more the practicality
It should be noted that I already have a 50m f1.8, and am wondering what (if any) the difference in quality of images since they are the same f-stop, will I really be upgrading quality or just lengh?

Sorry so much to ask, but have been researching for months and not come to a decision

Lou

Ive got both and do a quick test and post em up ina few...

dsit995 wrote in post #13946440
Ive got both and do a quick test and post em up ina few...

Thankyou so much, its doing my head in, that will really helpwith the decision

I would think the added reach of the 70-200mm would come in handy in that situation. 85mm is great if you can guarantee you will fill the frame, but if you need to quickly zoom to 160mm or all the way to 200mm, it would be a big advantage to have the zoom.

If you need 2 more stops of light to freeze action, there is only one option. The prime at f/1.8 will let you shoot at ~5x the shutter speed of the f/4L (2 and 1/3 stops)

Ok so this really quick for ya
Both taken @ F4, 1/10th, iso 1000, Neutral Pic Style, Sraw2 Converted in LR3, and I was using a tripod
btw this was w/ FF not crop
EDIT: I just redid the 85mm pics since they did not appear crisp so this was done with live view and manual focus
1st is 85mm

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2nd is the 70-200 F4:

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For crop camera, I think the 85mm is a little too long for prime lens! I will take the zoom only if it is the IS version, the IS version is not just the added IS, it has improved optics as well! I am super happy with mine, it is one of the sharpest zoom that canon ever made, just behind the 70-200 f/2.8 IS II and perhaps the upcoming 24-70mm f/2.8 II! It is worth the extra price tag!

Thankyou!

It looks like the L-lens hold a little more details in the shoe, by looking at the zoomed in photos.
Also the colours and definition looks clearer as well..any other feedback from owning both?

Thanks again for taking the trouble to photograph the for me!

thestone, I just caught your post then, thankyou!

I havn't yet owned IS, the lenses before the 50mm where film lenses for a film body, so that would be a definite with the longer fl, since AI 'shoot on the run' without tripod, most of the time!

Ekir wrote in post #13946418
Does anyone own both theese lenses and could possibly shoot some sample pics using both at F4 or above and 85mm fl?

I am finding it really hard to decide whch to buy. 6pm s

I phtograph children in outdoor environments, natural protraits so I like to get them in action while playing/interacting with family for a relaxed feel.

In saying that, obviously speed is a big factor, I shoot mostly in the hours of 9am-6pm so lighting should be too much and issue.

My main question is QUALITY OF THE IMAGES DIFFERENCE.

I have a 50D, so I know that would make the 85mm a 136mm equivelent.

Could anyone please help? As the L-Lens I have found on sale for more then half price, and I would have to save for either, price isn't the hugest factor here, more the practicality
It should be noted that I already have a 50m f1.8, and am wondering what (if any) the difference in quality of images since they are the same f-stop, will I really be upgrading quality or just lengh?

Sorry so much to ask, but have been researching for months and not come to a decision

Lou

I own the 50 f/1.8 and the 85 f/1.8 so I'll answer the comparisons of quality there first. The 85 f/1.8 is one of Canons fastest focusing lens period. Image quality and bokeh coming from a 135mm equivelent lens on your 1.6x body also will be better than your 50 f/1.8. There really is a difference when capturing children at play between the two lens.

I also owned the Sigma 70-200 f/2.8 and it was a stellar performer and the conveniance of a zoom outdoors tracking moving objects cannot be ignored. If I were going to suggest a choice given only your selections I would most likely pick the 70-200 f/4. However remember that lens will be an oudoor lens primarily because it can't be opened up as far as either a f/1.8 or f/2.8 lens.

I would suggest a Sigma 70-200 f/2.8 EX DG HSM II which can be found used or refurbished for between $550 - $600. While it may be a little steep it is a stellar performer.

Here is a shot with the Sigma at f/4.

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I own both. I use both... alot.

I also just sold off my 50mm 1.8 too because I simply didn't use it that much. wrong focal length for me, I need a 30 and the 85 for a good two prime combo.

I find I like the 85mm more but the quality between the 85 and my F4 IS is basically the same.

Thorrulz wrote in post #13946939
I The 85 f/1.8 is one of Canons fastest focusing lens period.

I don't think it's super fast. Just quick.

I have taken a lot of pictures of children with my 70-200F4. It is very convenient for outdoor use. At 70mm you get close to action full body, at 200 and F4 it is ultimate portrait lens with blured background.
I tested 70-200f4 and 50 1.8 at f4. Sharpness is almost the same on my copies, but nifty-fifty is not in the same league for colors and contrast, SOOC.
70-200f4 is sharp wide open. Highly recommend it over any prime for kids outdoor portraits.
I have 100f2 for portraits as well, but it is not so convenient as L zoom.
70-200 has big hood and it helps a lot under the sun or if near by water.

One thing that is really nice with the 70-200 F4 is its SHARP @ F4 and there is few situations where you need to stop it down to get more detail.... One thing to note if your using this on a crop camera you will def benefit from the IS version.. @ 200mm on my t2i and get get abit shakey and you really need to have good technique for keeping the camera still... or use a monopod

I added grip to my Rebel after 70-200 purchasing, helps with portrait orientation shots and to hold lens-camera still at 200mm 1/200.