85mm, but which one? Need some advice.

I have been looking at getting a 85mm lens, mainly for portraits. But I can not decide which one. So far looked at the canon 85mm 1.8 and sigma 1.4. I can not afford the canon 85mm 1.2L so No need to suggest taht one. Also after checking out both aforementioned lenses I notice they are not in the same leage as the 85L. If I would forego the AF from canon/sigma would the Zeiss 85mm 1.4 Planar be a good alternative? Can anyone please comment and maybe compare the Zeiss with either the canon and/or sigma?

I can't be of any help in the Zeiss comparison but what don't you like about the Canon 85 f/1.8? And if image quality is your primary concern and not AF have you considered the Rokinon 85 f/1.4? For a manual focus only lens that seems to get good reviews here and elsewhere.

I have the 85 1.8 and like it just fine on the 60D and 5D. I've never tried any other 85 prime, though. One of my concerns with going to a MF lens is the dynamics of the shooting situation. I use 28mm & 50mm MF lenses. I can set my 28 2.8 at f/16, focus at 5 feet and not worry about focus for hours. As the focal length gets longer, manual focus gets more difficult. Add f/1.4 to that mix and you are restricting yourself to a studio setting only. Or at the very least, tripods, 10X LV and taking your time with every shot. That is not a bad thing, it's not for me, though. At 85mm, I'd make darn sure I want a MF lens before spending any money.

for the price the 85 1.8 is rock solid, fast af, nice colours and rendition, it just produces great images, of course comparing it to the 85 1.2l the 1.2 is better , but by not as much as you would think, as for a MF lens Tommy summed it up pretty well

I've been more than happy with my canon 85 f/1.8. Does what I ask, highly responsive AF, reasonable price, and acceptable build quality.

I haven't used the others, so this doesn't really help. I would say start laying out pros and cons that are known on each lens and make your selection. That, or roll dice.

Thorrulz wrote in post #16190678
I can't be of any help in the Zeiss comparison but what don't you like about the Canon 85 f/1.8? And if image quality is your primary concern and not AF have you considered the Rokinon 85 f/1.4? For a manual focus only lens that seems to get good reviews here and elsewhere.

I don't know how much credibility the Digitalrev team are worth, but their video comparing the 85/1.2 and 85/1.8 shows the 1.8 performing better in terms of colour and contrast at 1.8 than the 1.2 at 1.8. The focus speed was markedly slower on the 1.2. Both shared admirable bokeh.

Their sole reason for suggesting the 1.2 was a better choice was how it looked and felt, and how, "you'll always be craving the red ring". I guess that depends on the owner.

UKmitch86 wrote in post #16190798
I don't know how much credibility the Digitalrev team are worth, but their video comparing the 85/1.2 and 85/1.8 shows the 1.8 performing better in terms of colour and contrast at 1.8 than the 1.2 at 1.8. The focus speed was markedly slower on the 1.2. Both shared admirable bokeh.

Their sole reason for suggesting the 1.2 was a better choice was how it looked and felt, and how, "you'll always be craving the red ring". I guess that depends on the owner.

Not going to comment on the colour and contrast, but imo the main reason why people buy the L is for f1.2->f1.8, simple as that.

If you are going to shoot pass f2 with the L, you are simply wasting your money and not using the lens right.

Just do yourself, and your wallet, a favor and buy the 85 1.8. It is sooo good for the money. I had one, sold it, wish I didn't. I really, truly believe it should replace the 85L in it's spot in the "holy trinity."

BFox549 wrote in post #16190931
Just do yourself, and your wallet, a favor and buy the 85 1.8. It is sooo good for the money. I had one, sold it, wish I didn't. I really, truly believe it should replace the 85L in it's spot in the "holy trinity."

I had one too and sold it and never regret it.

drive_75 wrote in post #16190939
I had one too and sold it and never regret it.

I had 2 before and don't miss it either.

There seem to be some mixed opinions here about the canon 1.8. Some like it very much, others do not miss it after selling it and if I am not mistaken are even glad they got rid of it. Which makes me curious, so WHY did you sell it and WHY do you not like it?

My main requirements are that the lens should be sharp and have very good subject separation. Manual focus is not a problem for me as I am from the film days, started with a canon AV-1, but I will admit that AF is nice and preferred.

I will check the canon 85 1.8 sample photo's thread again. But it looks like this lens has the best price/performance ratio.

Some like it very much because it has the best price/performance ratio which I don't disagree.

But having best price/performance ratio doesn't make it best....

A better/more expensive lens will always lose in ratio fights.

kin2son wrote in post #16191138
Some like it very much because it has the best price/performance ratio which I don't disagree.

But having best price/performance ratio doesn't make it best....

A better/more expensive lens will always lose in ratio fights.

^^^^ This.

I bought the 85 1.8, used, so I could take advantage of the focal length and aperture. I got it for $300, IIRC. No way I could ever afford the 85 1.2. Even if I could, I don't see myself making use of its benefits over the 1.8 version. Economics and utility drove my decision. Much like it does for many other decisions I make.

kin2son wrote in post #16190945
I had 2 before and don't miss it either.

i have to question why you bought it twice and still seem to be glad you sold it ....

85L 1.2. Waving the massive front glass in front of Nikon shooters is priceless.