is EF 50mm f/1.2L a good lens for full body portraits?

I normally do event photography (basically birthday parties, engagements, christenings etc. - no weddings yet).

Currently I own the 35/85/135 combo.. but using 35L doesn't give me that creamy bokeh even when used at 1.4 - 1.6 when comparing pictures with 85L (full body shots - obviously have to stand very far back which is a major limitations of most of the venues I shoot at).

I'm just wondering if 50L would be a good choice for full body portraits? How good does it perform within that f1.2 - f1.8 range? (sharpness, bokeh, overall IQ).

and if I get the 50L for full body portraits, would it be a good idea to sell/swap 35L for 24LII as I can then use 24L for most dancefloor / wide group shots (15-20 people).

I think I'd try a siggy 50mm 1.4.. I'm assuming you're using a FF camera body?

Why not use your 35 or move back a few steps and use the 85?

I am assuming you don't have enough room to use 85L for full body indoor. My suggestion is to rent 50L and try it out whether it meets your expectation or not. Cause in term of sharpness they are not as good as your 35, 85, and 135.

where are you located? you can take my 50L for a spin if you're in the philly area.

Yes I think it is, it's not my thing, so I don't have examples. I've been shooting with the 50L for 2 months (bought it new), but I take 3/4 shots, should have purchased the 85L.

The bokeh is great with the not-so-thrifty-50.

shot at 1.4
available light.

IMAGE LINK: http://www.flickr.com/​photos/imryanmac/74843​01800/

Oh for Pete's sake!
You ask a question related to field of view, and you don't even mention what camera format you're using?

Curtis N wrote in post #14774115
Oh for Pete's sake!
You ask a question related to field of view, and you don't even mention what camera format you're using?

kinda true
however, 35/85/135 combo.
bet you $10 he is FF

Dj R wrote in post #14774090
don't let anyone tell you the AF isn't great.
you just can't recompose.
use the AF points and it locks instantly, then fire.

BINGO!

facedodge wrote in post #14774542

I think the 50L is a great full body portrait lens... nice length for full portriat, fast and consistant AF, creamy bokeh, sharp enough at 1.2, sharper than 50/1.4 at 1.4...

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

Great shot! Just that the halo glow need to be reduce a bit, I find it quite distracting.

Dj R wrote in post #14774090
shot at 1.4
available light.

IMAGE LINK: http://www.flickr.com/​photos/imryanmac/74843​01800/

Just had a look at the original size of your photo, man that's some aggressive sharpening going on....

I like how the lens renders the oof area thou .

Curtis N wrote in post #14774115
Oh for Pete's sake!
You ask a question related to field of view, and you don't even mention what camera format you're using?

I'm using 2 x 5D Mk III's.

Usually do the 35/85 combo and never change the lenses during an event.. but now im considering 50/85 during the event until its time for the dancefloor and then putting 35 (or 24LII if i get it) for dance shots and large group shots at the end of the event (20-30 people).

Ok.
Your thread title asks about portraits and now you're talking about events, dance floors and large group shots.

For full length portraits, 85mm would be my focal length of choice on a 5D. 50mm will allow you to get closer if you want that perspective. If you're going to shoot with primes then I think it's important to have something in-between 35mm and 85mm.

For event shooting, I really think zoom lenses are the way to go. Carrying two primes, no matter the focal lengths, seems pretty limiting to me in an unpredictable environment.

35mm will work for most big groups but you may encounter situations where you don't have room to back up and you need something shorter. Generally with group shots you need to stop down for a fair amount of DOF so I don't see much advantage of using a prime lens. I would much prefer a 24-70.

Edited to add: The DOF Calculator in my signature will give you field-of-view measurements for various camera formats and focal lengths.

5W0L3 wrote in post #14773174
...I'm just wondering if 50L would be a good choice for full body portraits? How good does it perform within that f1.2 - f1.8 range? (sharpness, bokeh, overall IQ)...

Yes, 50L is a superb lens for full-body portraits; its color rendition and bokeh are truly outstanding. I own both 85 L II and 50L, and use 50L for enviromental and full-body portraits...