85 1.8 or 70-200 f4 Non-IS ????

In the market to pic up one of these two lenses. (Used) 70-200 is running about $500 and the 85 $3-400. Its going to be used with a 7D. Personally, I like the range of the 70-200 but would only be able to use it during the day with great lighting. On youtube there are a few videos showing how the 85 is better for portraits and such. At the moment, my only lenses are the Siggy 30, tokina 11-16 and the kit 18-55. I know the ranges of these two are different and both have different reasons for using them, but if you were me, would you go for the speed and sharpness (85 prime) or versatility and range on the 70-200?

Thank You.

I have both of them, I find I don't use the 70-200 much at the short end.

The 85/1.8 is small, it's a great value for the money and at less than $300 used has never been more affordable. It's an awesome lens at weddings on the 7d.

The 70-200/4 is a little more awkward as a carry around. It's a terrific lens, but I find I don't use it as much as the 85mm.

If I was in your gear stage. (again) I'd replace the kit lens first.

I have a 70-200 f/4 IS and 85 f/1.8. Both are excellent for their purposes. 85 1.8 gives me low light option.

Granted, 70-200 f/4 is bigger and heavier. But for your current lens list, I would buy 70-200. It gives you more reach that you don't have now.

redneckwes wrote in post #16670957
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If I was in your gear stage. (again) I'd replace the kit lens first.

Meaning you would go for the 85 1.8? Yea thats what I am leaning toward as well. Thank You for the reply!!

85 1.8 !!

l89kip wrote in post #16670983
I would buy 70-200. It gives you more reach that you don't have now.

See, thats why I am on the fence. I want the reach, but I want the low light capability as well, and the bokeh, and the extra $200 in my pocket lol

Nick_Reading.UK wrote in post #16671250
85 1.8 !!

I see that you have it in your gear list, with all those other great L lenses you have, do you use it much?

TimHphotovideo wrote in post #16670881
In the market to pic up one of these two lenses. (Used) 70-200 is running about $500 and the 85 $3-400. Its going to be used with a 7D. Personally, I like the range of the 70-200 but would only be able to use it during the day with great lighting. On youtube there are a few videos showing how the 85 is better for portraits and such. At the moment, my only lenses are the Siggy 30, tokina 11-16 and the kit 18-55. I know the ranges of these two are different and both have different reasons for using them, but if you were me, would you go for the speed and sharpness (85 prime) or versatility and range on the 70-200?

Thank You.

What do you want them for?

The 85mm F1.8 does a very specific thing. The 70-200 F4L is a very versatile zoom. If you want thin depth of field and super sharpness, even wide open, the 85mm is your lens. It's usually $320 or so used, both on Amazon, KEH, and here on POTN. The 70-200 F4L, well, it's F4. It's not nearly as sharp at F4 as the 85mm is. Using it at 200mm, without IS, means you need higher shutter speeds, especially on a crop (7D). It has nice image quality, but when you compare it to a very sharp prime, you'll quickly see the difference. I say this as someone with both of these lenses. If I wanted to take pictures of a person, I'm not reaching for the 70-200 ever. I'm reaching for my 35mm F2 or 85mm F1.8 primes.

Very best,

MalVeauX wrote in post #16671264
What do you want them for?

If I wanted to take pictures of a person, I'm not reaching for the 70-200 ever. I'm reaching for my 35mm F2 or 85mm F1.8 primes.

Very best,

Thanks for the reply. I want this as a general purpose lens. For me, I want to have short to medium-long ranges covered. I have the short side covered, and the 85 will serve as my medium-long range. Since this lens is cheaper, and I hear that it is sharper, paired with the speed, weight, etc i think the 85 is my best bet.

TimHphotovideo wrote in post #16671258
I see that you have it in your gear list, with all those other great L lenses you have, do you use it much?

All the time.. I use all of my lenses..
I (Edit try to) put real thought into my shots. I am getting a second 5D mk3 so I don't have to keep switching lenses.
the 85 1.8 on FF is worth the money.. I used to be a zoom boy but seem to be turning into a prime man..

I have both lens. If you need for general purpose, go for the 70-200 first. You will have more focal range and this is a sharp lens and very versatile and useful in daylight. I once sold off my 70-200 and regret and now I buy another used 70-200.
For 85 1.8, you can get it later when you need for portrait shot or upgrade to ff. This len really shine on ff due to it large aperture. My 2 cents.

TimHphotovideo wrote in post #16671326
Thanks for the reply. I want this as a general purpose lens.

Then I suggest you get the 70-200. The 85 1.8 is not a general purpose lens.

As for only being able to use it during the day in great lighting... When I had the non-IS, I used mine handheld during and around sunset. You don't need a glaring noonday sun to use this lens.

Hi, thought I'd weigh in here.....

When I bought my 7D my first lens was a Tamron 17-50 non IS 2.8. My second lens was a 70-200 F4 non IS; after that I bought an 85 1.8.

If I had it to do again I'd do the same. The F4 is a beauty, it does OK with portraits but it does so many other things well.

I eventually transitioned to a 5D3, and I REALLY like these two lenses now. If I had to pick one I believe it would be the zoom. Good luck

As others have said, depends on what you're shooting. I have a 7d and both lens you're looking at. The 85 gets a lot of use for indoor sports, my daughter's dancing and portraits, while the 70-200 is my outdoor sports lens. Both excellent, you won't be disappointed with either. Cheers Andrew

This is coming from a prime lover...

I sold my 85 due to lack of use, especially on a crop and i rarely used it on my FF because i prefer my 100mm.

That said...

I use the crap out of my 70-200, short end, long end, doesn't matter. Don't get me wrong, for the price the 85 is a pretty awesome lens but a 136mm FF equivalent can be a bit awkward is some situations.

Price, versatility, and sharpness of the 70-200 can't be beat honestly. Just my opinion, in the end you pick what you feel will benefit you most.