85 1.2 quandary

I was at my local camera shop today, trying out an 85 1.8, and thoroughly loved it. I've been taking many more portraits lately, mostly with my 70-200, and thought I'd see how the 1.8 compared. Well, you already know how it is, so we'll skip that part.

I should have gotten him to ring up the 1.8 at that point, but ooooh no, I saw that gleam in his eye and he smoothly brings up an 85 1.2 onto the counter. I swear, these guys are like drug pushers! "Go on, try it. You'll love it."

I did.

And I did.

There's no way I could afford it right now, but here's where the quandary comes in - he offered to exchange my barely used 100-400 (which he sold to me) plus almost the same amount that I'd spend on the 1.8 for the 1.2.

In truth, I've had the 1-4 out once, shooting the obligatory ducks at the local park. That was an impulse buy, and I've fretted over it since. But the 1.2 is a thing of beauty, not to mention a substantial investment. I'm leaning towards going for it, but I would be interested to hear your thoughts.

I bought the 1.8 and own it but my 1.2L is on its way... I too am getting it to more portraits then ever before... I just had to have the best I guess. I made the mistake of getting a free tryout with the 1.2 and I was hooked!!

If you plan on making a lot of portraits or shoot weddings and think it will make some $$ then go for it.

OR

If you have the money to blow, go for it!

OR

If you'll be taking out a loan to pay for it or won't make money from it, get the 1.8

And I'M the one responsible for hooking reewik!

There's no point in having a 100-400 you don't use instead of an 85 1.2 that you will use... Maybe he'll swap you back should you change your mind later

I'd say get what you're going to be happy with and end up using, there's absolutely no point in tying up your money in stuff that just sits off-camera forever.

The 85L is a great lens and I think you'll be most satisfied swapping your barely used 100-400L for it.

Thanks for the comments, guys. I'm not usually someone who relies on others to make decisions for him, but I was stuck in a train of thought of "well, I *could* use the 100-400 for this", when I simply wasn't using it at all.

Now I've got to face that "I told you so" look from my pusher tomorrow.

I got my 85/1.8 a few years back. Great lens.
A few months ago, I finally went for an 85/1.2 with the idea that I'd sell the 1.8 once I got the big boy. And it is a big, big boy!

Well, I have both, and I don't have any inclination to get rid of either one. The 1.8 is a very fast focusing lens, and it has very good image quality. The 1.2 has magic bokeh, and the ability to swallow candle-light and turn it into sunlight.

Somewhat different functions, though they do overlap. You can shoot portraits with the 1.8 without embarassment.

The best is can say is don't go in debt to get the 1.2 unless you're pretty sure that it'll be a money-maker for you, or you're certain that you want it. The 1.8 can do a lot as well, and you won't have to sell the house to get it.

I recently got the 85 f1.2L and I love it, especially on the 5D, but I'm keeping my 100-400 L.

If I were in your position, I think I'd go for the trade. Don't keep a lens you're barely using unless you see much more use for it in the future.

Mark