85mm 1.8 Lens-What/how to shoot with it on 30D-just purchased

85mm 1.8 Lens-What/how to shoot with it -just ordered/purchased...


Just ordered the Canon Telephoto EF 85mm f/1.8 USM Autofocus Lens. I will use it with my 30D.

How far away should I expect my subjects to be? Any aperture thresholds that produce better or best photos?

I wish to use it indoors with stage lighting...

Any input will be appreciated...Please share your experiences...

You can use it any way you like, to get results you like. You'll have to experiment and see what suits you and your subjects best.

I think you'll find f/1.8 a bit hard to use at first as the DOF is so thin, but the joy of digital is that you can practice as much as you like and gain experience that would have burned a heap of 35mm in the 'good old days'!

First though you need to get used to handling the camera and setting things how you like them, read the manual etc - so that using the camera is like second nature and you can concenrate on the hard stuff - getting the picture roight in terms of framing, DOF, composition and exposure and lighting.

You'll love it!

Just think of your 50 1.4, but 1/2 longer.

I have the same lens and body. It's a 1.6 ratio, so you multiply that by 85 and what you actually have is about a 135mm.

I did my first portrait shoot today outdoors and found it to be almost a bit too much for a number of shots, wishing I had a 50 mm.

Don't get me wrong, it's a sweet lens that I know will get a lot of use. But those numbers are the reality of that mix. (Guess that's why God gave us legs, so we could back up some, eh? )

johnstoy wrote:
How far away should I expect my subjects to be? Any aperture thresholds that produce better or best photos? I wish to use it indoors with stage lighting.

This is one of the best non-L lenses available. It makes some L zooms look bad. You're going to love this cracker.

What aperture you use will depend on the lighting available and your DOF desire. For indoors and stage lighting, you're going to need to shoot at or near wide open and possibly turn up the ISO. But with practice you will be very pleased with the results. This lens is especially good for portraits and indoor sports (e.g., basketball, volleyball).

For the price it costs, it's a rare steal (like the Sigma 30 f1.4).

Wow, You guys/gals ( steved110, SuzyView, CatchingUp, fStopJojo,) are great...that sounds promissing...I've had the 30D a couple of months now and am now shooting (just for fun) at ISO1600 during live performances at a local venue...That's using the 50mm 1.4...I expect to continue using a higher set ISO to gain greater leverage on the depth of field...

I can only imagine how good the pics might look with more than just the minimal depth of field...

i have rented this lens twice, for specific venues. it's a great lens, but too long for most of the clubs i shoot. check out my sonic youth and mogwai folders in my sig link if you want to see how it turned out for me.

Use it how ever you need to. It is a great lens. I love mine.

Thanks Narlus,

I'll check your pics out right now to get an idea of this 85mm lens...It's bought and paid for. I'm just waiting on the delivery now...Mogwai, I haven't seen previously and now I get the general idea that it's an intimate lens...Sonic Youth i remember from earlier in the month...there are some group pics in there too...

I do need an intimate lens to add to the 50 mm 1.4....I'll next consider the bargain from Sigma, the highly acclaimed 30mm 1.4...

Thanks Jetmech1,

I'm building up my lens inventory and will use this lens wisely...I might take along another 50mm 1.4, lens just as a back up for tight quarters shooting at the dimly lit venue...

It's a great range. I love it. it get's you closer to your subject and you can use foot zoom for some spectacular pics.

Thanks Hef,

The great range is what interests me too...I hear others use it for indoor sports...

Since I'm stuck in my seat as a regular paid attendee for local venue events, back pedaling probably won't work...however the greater range than of my 50mm 1.4 will be a major plus...

I think I should be able to find a happy medium, between ISO speed and aperture, to make some ground up, on the shallow Depth of Field I keep hearing about...

Really looking forward to see what makes this prominent lens tick...