Should I get the 35mm f2 IS or 85mm 1.8?

Been looking to add a nice prime for a while, in the $500 or under range. I noticed the 35mm has dropped in price quite a bit since introduction, so I'm giving it a look.

I shoot a lot in the 35-50 and 70-90 ranges, so either prime would be great. I'll get more use out of the 35mm - I can see it as being a walkaround lens on either my 6D or SL1 (depending on how much DSLR I want to carry that day). I already do have the 40mm prime which is great for walkaround on the 6D, but I feel like it gets a tad too tight on a crop sensor.

But the 85mm I think fills a larger "gap" in my current equipment - I don't have anything faster than f/4 in that range.

They're very different lenses, with very different uses. In general terms the 35mm f2 would probably be the most useful. I have the 35mm f2 IS and find to be an excellent lens, sharp at f2.

I own a 35mm non IS and a 85 f1.8, both are used on crop (60D). I find the 35 really cool as lightweight everyday lens (I'm not a pro); the pancake could be very similar, it's a little bit longer, but you can zoom out with your feet, but it's also lightweight, sharp, silent and quite fast. That said I'd go for the 85 as it can give a whole new pont of view and a magical bokeh...its AF is also very fast so you could use it as short telepohoto for fast moving subjects

I have them both and love each of them. Since you already have the 40 2.8 and the 50 1.8, I think I would get the 85 as you don't have a fast lens in that focal length range.

The Dark Knight wrote in post #16681674
Been looking to add a nice prime for a while, in the $500 or under range. I noticed the 35mm has dropped in price quite a bit since introduction, so I'm giving it a look.

I shoot a lot in the 35-50 and 70-90 ranges, so either prime would be great. I'll get more use out of the 35mm - I can see it as being a walkaround lens on either my 6D or SL1 (depending on how much DSLR I want to carry that day). I already do have the 40mm prime which is great for walkaround on the 6D, but I feel like it gets a tad too tight on a crop sensor.

But the 85mm I think fills a larger "gap" in my current equipment - I don't have anything faster than f/4 in that range.

Heya,

I use the 35mm F2 IS & 85mm F1.8 the most. I like those two focal lengths a lot. The 35mm is my walk around lens mostly and go-to for nearly everything. The 85 is more specialized and limited than the 35 is. The 35 is also amazing in low light, 4 stop IS performance, great aperture, and sharp at F2.

I say get both. Maybe just figure out which to get first.

Very best,

I'd get the 85 first.

You already have the pancake, the 35IS is only a stop faster, and whether IS is actually useful for you is up for debate. Both are sharp wide open.

Like you said the fastest lens you have in 70mm+ is f4, and f1.8 is more than a full stop. So go 85 first.

Both are amazing.... But if you get the 35mm then I don't see the need for your 40mm pancake, useless size and weight are why you have it in the first place?

kin2son wrote in post #16682486
I'd get the 85 first.

You already have the pancake...

This.