What would be better than 85 1/8 for me ?

I have a love / hate relationship with my 85. When it nails it, the results are stunning. However, sometimes they are just underwhelming, and I just can't put my finger on it; I think that lens is very sensitive to lighting conditions, distance to subject, etc. I have some photos where the main subject is razor sharp and the background is creamy; and then photos taken at seemingly same settings where eyes are sharp, hair is blurry and b/g is meh, and contrast plain sucks.

Anyway, since getting the Tamron zoom I use 85 very little. I don't want to get rid of it, but I am curious if other $300 primes that I could trade it for would give better versatility without giving up the IQ. What about Tamron 60mm macro, for example ?

on crop sigma 30mm f1.4 if good copy.

I have both the Canon 85 1.8 and the Canon 60 macro, and greatly prefer the macro. It's an outstanding lens in every respect, with the added fun element of macro capability. I love it for portraits and general photography as well as close-ups, and highly recommend it.

The Tamron 60mm is a full stop faster than any other macro lens... f2.0. If you can live with the focus speed, then it might be your perfect lens.

Be sure to use the 85/1.8 with lens hood and without any filter, to get the best out of it as consistently as possible. Watch your shutter speeds, too. The 18MP cameras seem to amplify any slight camera shake.... I'd try to keep to 1/125 or faster shutter speeds with the 85mm handheld.

I use my 85 1.8 with a hood and no filter. No complaints.

Due to weight, speed, and price, my next lens would be 85 1.8 instead of 85 1.2L.

amfoto1 wrote in post #14669561
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Be sure to use the 85/1.8 with lens hood and without any filter, to get the best out of it as consistently as possible. Watch your shutter speeds, too. The 18MP cameras seem to amplify any slight camera shake.... I'd try to keep to 1/125 or faster shutter speeds with the 85mm handheld.

This. I sometimes swap lenses and forget to keep an eye on the SS or bump the ISO. This can result in camera shake or even subject movement if the light is not great.