Sigma 85mm 1.4 or Canon 85mm 1.8 + Canon Speedlite 430ex ii

Hi guys,

This years there is quite of few family gatherings, 60th's, 70th's as well as formal coming of age parties. I decided to get a 85mm prime lens. I like the Sigma 85mm but I could get the Canon 85mm 1.8 with the canon speed lite 430ex ii for the same price of the Sigma 85mm.

What should I get?

If you do not currently have an external flash, I would recommend the Canon 85 and flash.

family shots don't need fast apertures so almost any wider lens with strobe/flash is better option. Not sure why you need 85mm f1.4 or f1.8,

My order of suggestion for most people is as follows. A camera with a lens (usually a normal range zoom is my suggestion) and something somewhat padded to carry them in first. Second is a flash (one that can be rotated as well as used off camera with a cord - not the built in one). Third is a tripod. After that whatever you want.

Unless you want more portrait like photos of individuals, I agree with bobbyz in that I don't see a need for the 85mm FL.

I would get a flash now and use what lenses you have for the first gathering (especially your 17-55). After that see what FL (or range) you used the most. Then if you still think you need a faster lens in that FL, then get a new lens. Chances are you will be happy with what you have and the flash.

Suggestion - learn to bounce and diffuse the flash and possibly move it off camera.

I like the Sigma 85 a lot. But I would recommend the 85 1.8 + 430EX II over it to someone who does not have an external flash.

I've never used the Sigma.
The Canon is a dandy little lens, super fast AF and useable in a lot of situations.

I don't see the logic in spending more on a Sigma for that fraction of a stop.
So 1.8 and a speedlite.

Well, another reason for the Sigma over the Canon are the 9-rounded aperture blades vs. Canon's 8 octagonal blades. Superior bokeh similar to why people pick the Sigma 50mm 1.4 over the Canon 50mm 1.4.

The price difference to get those upgrades is questionable, though.

My informal polling method uses the B&H customer reviews. I set them low to high and count how many does it take to reach 4 stars.

If the percentage is 10% or more less than 4 stars, I walk away...

Between 5% and 10% I will consider it

Under 5% I'll put it on my to buy list.

Canon EF 85 f1.8 22/1317 less than 4 stars 1.17% a MUST BUY!

Sigma 85 12/77 or 15.6% ho-hum. Now if you read the actual reviews you find that some of the dissatisfied customers have gone through the Sigma AF lottery more than once, which makes the percentages worse...

Now, if you want to see REALLY happy campers look at the Canon EF 400 f2.8. ALL 5 star ratings...

I would go for the 85 f/1.8 and a flash.

Looking at purchasing the lenses and flash through camera paradise, with Mack warranty. My intent was to use the 85mm lens to get portraits of family members in groups and as individuals.

beingaliveisnotliving wrote in post #15774630
This years there is quite of few family gatherings, 60th's, 70th's as well as formal coming of age parties. I decided to get a 85mm prime lens. I like the Sigma 85mm but I could get the Canon 85mm 1.8 with the canon speed lite 430ex ii for the same price of the Sigma 85mm.

You can't open up a f/1.4 lens of that focal length for group shots. The DOF is too shallow. Nothing against the Sigma but you need the flash.

ETA: isn't 85mm too long?

All the gatherings will be in large halls/ outside events.

85mm will be to long IMO, especially for groups. You'll nee to be standing pretty far away. You don't realize how long 85mm is until you ty to get a group shot with it. I did a family shoot this past Saturday and used only my 85...I felt like I was really far away to get all 4 of them in the shot and compose the frame. Don't get wrong, the Canon 85 1.8 is an awesome lens (I love mine!), but I would be looking for something wider.

I would stick with your 17-55 for your events.

I sold my Sigma 85 to get the Canon 85 and Canon 50 f/1.4. Two lenses gave me more than the single Sigma did.

I definitely say get the Canon 85 and the flash! The Sigma 85 is a great lens but not THAT much greater than the Canon.