First lens purchase EF 85mm 1.8

Had been trying to decide between the 50mm 1.4 and the 85mm 1.8 as my first non-kit purchase.

Watching new and used prices I came across a like new 85 this morning for $305 shipped (new $389 on Amazon) Placed the order and am excited to get it and try it out.

Just wanted to share my excitement but if there are any suggestions for accessories or tips on use they would be much appreciated.

Get a hood...they are relatively inexpensive on ebay. Congratulations on your purchase and my 85mm should arrive tomorrow.

The 85 is a great lens. I love using it.

The 85 is great, I just got mine recently.

However, if you are using a 1.6x crop body (any series lower then 5D and 1D) then I would probably have chosen the 50mm just for convenience/focal length. The 85mm might seem a bit long, as you will have to back up pretty far to get a whole body in the frame.

I guess it all depends on what sort of subjects you plan on shooting going forward. If it's just portraits, the 85 is great. If it's a mix of things, the 50mm would probably be a wiser choice. Both are great lenses for the price.

It is a wonderful lens - and as others have said get a HOOD. It will go a long way to physically protecting the lens and improving your images.

I use mine on a 5D. That DOF at f/1.8 can be extremely shallow depending upon how close you are to the subject and it takes a little getting used to for some folks......especially if the subject moves slightly as you are half pressing the shutter for focus check. Just be patient, practice and enjoy the lens.

I love my 85mm also. I do need a hood for mine.

For hoods this is a pretty decent place for an aftermarket vendor:

http://www.fotodiox.co​m/index.php?cPath=22_3​6_49

I also protect mine in a small neoprene pouch when not camera-mounted:

http://www.amazon.com …UU2I/ref=pd_bxg​y_p_text_b

I can't remember if I purchased the small or medium - but these are nice quality and close up tight.

fotojennik wrote in post #14534626
The 85 is great, I just got mine recently.

However, if you are using a 1.6x crop body (any series lower then 5D and 1D) then I would probably have chosen the 50mm just for convenience/focal length. The 85mm might seem a bit long, as you will have to back up pretty far to get a whole body in the frame.

I guess it all depends on what sort of subjects you plan on shooting going forward. If it's just portraits, the 85 is great. If it's a mix of things, the 50mm would probably be a wiser choice. Both are great lenses for the price.

Thanks. I do have a T3i, but have noticed that I would like to get a bit closer than the kit lens has allowed without being on top of my subject. Plus, I don't envision getting rid of any lens purchases in the next few years at the very least, so if I do upgrade the body then I'll be good to go.

I've ordered a hood already, so that is done. Was thinking about a uv filter/ protector but figured I'd see how the photos look first.

mikeinctown wrote in post #14534843
Thanks. I do have a T3i, but have noticed that I would like to get a bit closer than the kit lens has allowed without being on top of my subject. Plus, I don't envision getting rid of any lens purchases in the next few years at the very least, so if I do upgrade the body then I'll be good to go.

I've ordered a hood already, so that is done. Was thinking about a uv filter/ protector but figured I'd see how the photos look first.

As far as protection goes, just use the hood like it's intended, it not only helps increase contract and reduce flare, but serves to protect the front element pretty well too. I would only use filters for a specific purpose (ND, Circular Polarizer, etc...)

mikeinctown wrote in post #14534843
.............Was thinking about a uv filter/ protector but figured I'd see how the photos look first.

No - don't see any point in this really unless you are shooting in extremely hazardous, dirty, dusty environments. The "UV" portion of it will provide no benefit. If you MUST buy one, purchase a multicoated B+W or one of the other expensive brands. Cheap filters will only degrade your image.

DO consider getting a high quality CPL filter. Under proper lighting those will really improve your images by increasing contrast and color saturation, reducing flare and glare, darkenning sky, and making clouds pop. These urban landscapes were all done with a CPL:

http://www.pearlphoto.​blogspot.com/2009/10/f​lats-fall.html

Mike, being a Clevelander you will probably recognize some of these scenes .

sapearl wrote in post #14535197
No - don't see any point in this really unless you are shooting in extremely hazardous, dirty, dusty environments. The "UV" portion of it will provide no benefit. If you MUST buy one, purchase a multicoated B+W or one of the other expensive brands. Cheap filters will only degrade your image.

DO consider getting a high quality CPL filter. Under proper lighting those will really improve your images by increasing contrast and color saturation, reducing flare and glare, darkenning sky, and making clouds pop. These urban landscapes were all done with a CPL:

http://www.pearlphoto.​blogspot.com/2009/10/f​lats-fall.html

Mike, being a Clevelander you will probably recognize some of these scenes .

Thanks for the advice. First picture I saw, I was like oh look, the salt mines. lol. And yes, the brownfields do offer some good photo opportunities. Well so does all the industry. If people didn't photograph the heck out of it, the West Side Market from the balcony inside is a really cool view. Loved the shots you have of the new innerbelt bridge construction. Driving through on 90/71 you don't get to see any of that construction.

mikeinctown wrote in post #14535339
Thanks for the advice. First picture I saw, I was like oh look, the salt mines. lol. And yes, the brownfields do offer some good photo opportunities. Well so does all the industry. If people didn't photograph the heck out of it, the West Side Market from the balcony inside is a really cool view. Loved the shots you have of the new innerbelt bridge construction. Driving through on 90/71 you don't get to see any of that construction.

Thank you Mike - very kind of you to look . I think our fair city has a real smorgasboard of visually opportunity that changes with the seasons, the construction projects, and the time of day. It's just a matter of picking a favorite venue and then "stalking" it through the changing light.

Regarding hoods - be aware that the hood attachment design on the 85mm 1.8 is not the usual twist and lock type. Instead, the hood has some retractable lugs that clamp onto a simple circular groove around the lens barrel. The problem I found is that the aftermarket hoods have a rather flimsy design for holding the lugs which breaks if the hood has lateral force applied to it. In my case, it broke when mounted upside-down with the lens in the bag.

I'm currently hoodless, but looking at a hood that attaches via the filter thread to avoid this problem.