85mm 1.8 or the Brick 24-70 L?

Assuming money is not an issue for you, and you only shoot portraits indoors and outdoors.

Witch lens would you buy between this two and why?

I own both and find myself using the "brick" more because of it's versatility, especially in an event setting. If I have time to set up for individual portraits, and I'm not being lazy, I'll put on the 85 f1/8 if I want more bokeh in the background. Both are excellent lenses. The 85 f/1.8 is sharper, faster, but less versatile. Depends on your needs, I guess.

John E wrote in post #14659635
I own both and find myself using the "brick" more because of it's versatility, especially in an event setting. If I have time to set up for individual portraits, and I'm not being lazy, I'll put on the 85 f1/8 if I want more bokeh in the background. Both are excellent lenses. The 85 f/1.8 is sharper, faster, but less versatile. Depends on your needs, I guess.

Do they both compress the background the same way? You know separation from the subject and the background. :P

I would say that the 85 f/1.8 is better at this due to it's larger aperature and longer focal length.

John E wrote in post #14659650
I would say that the 85 f/1.8 is better at this due to it's larger aperature and longer focal length.

Thank you John, good to know. I'm a bokeh lover!

the brick. Simply because you need it for both outdoor AND indoor.

I would say the 85 1.8 if you also add the Sigma 30.

kin2son wrote in post #14659662
the brick. Simply because you need it for both outdoor AND indoor.

I would say the 85 1.8 if you also add the Sigma 30.

+1 covers allot of situations

erikfig wrote in post #14659606
Assuming money is not an issue for you, and you only shoot portraits indoors and outdoors.

Witch lens would you buy between this two and why?

I think full frame + 85mm works best for portrait.

If I have to go with your scenario the 85. But if all I shot was portraits and money was not an issue, it would be the 85L not the f1.8!

For what I shoot, I'd take the brick.

24-70 F2.8 II

I recently sold my "brick" to get an 85 and another wider prime. I found the 24-70mm to be bulky and heavy when using for long periods of time. I shot a pageant and my neck, back, and shoulders were killing me. I enjoy the 85mm way more. I have some cash in my wallet. And I think my keep ratio is even better. And I don't mind the foot zoom either.

speedy_2 wrote in post #14663052
I recently sold my "brick" to get an 85 and another wider prime. I found the 24-70mm to be bulky and heavy when using for long periods of time. I shot a pageant and my neck, back, and shoulders were killing me. I enjoy the 85mm way more. I have some cash in my wallet. And I think my keep ratio is even better. And I don't mind the foot zoom either.

I'm getting a 5D2 this Friday. How you like the 85 1.8 on that body?

The 85mm focal range is BETTER on a crop body, it's not as tight. If you are getting a 5D then get a 35mm and the 85mm for the same price as the 24-70. Then you'll have 35-50-85.... ideal, for my purposes over the years.

Especially in the case that you're a bokeh lover, the 85 is the no-brainer.

Unless, of course, you are going to be a working photographer often... in which the 24-70 is very useful. If you are keeping your old body though, there are times when I run around with double primes. Which works nicely.

EnsitMike wrote in post #14663087
The 85mm focal range is BETTER on a crop body, it's not as tight. If you are getting a 5D then get a 35mm and the 85mm for the same price as the 24-70. Then you'll have 35-50-85.... ideal, for my purposes over the years.

Especially in the case that you're a bokeh lover, the 85 is the no-brainer.

Unless, of course, you are going to be a working photographer often... in which the 24-70 is very useful. If you are keeping your old body though, there are times when I run around with double primes. Which works nicely.

Good to know, thank you.

Money not an issue? of course, I'll buy 85L II