50mm 1.4 or 85mm 1.8?

I want to buy my first prime so I was wondering which one is better.

I think they are both great....get them both!

I have them both and find uses for each of them. They are both reasonably priced. Snatch both if you can. If not, I'd go with the 50 first (if you have longer glass in your arsenal).

nickybegood1998 wrote in post #2082975
I think they are both great....get them both!

Don't say that cause I just might have to!! Gee, joining this forum hasn't done any good for my pocketbook!!

What do you plan to take with it? What body is it going on to?

In your signature you state that you don't list your gear because gear doesn't make the photographer. That's true, but it does help others when you ask for lens advice.

cali wrote in post #2082988
Don't say that cause I just might have to!! Gee, joining this forum hasn't done any good for my pocketbook!!

I like both too...Isn't there a special promotional offer through rebates in October, from Canon?

I have the 50 and have used the 85, I think the 85 is nicer - great wide open and lovely colors. Buy the lens that suits your intended usage.

Damn man, you want us to choose a lens based on no info? No format, no interests, no what lenses you already have?

Either lens is quite good, but the 85 f1.8 is a bit long for portrait shots on a 1.6 crop body, while the 50 f1.4 is great for that. The 85 f1.8 would be fine for indoor sports, where the 50 f1.4 would be a bit short.

So, unless you identify the intended use for the lenses, we can only give you a generic answer of their both reasonably good lenses.

Mark

Like everyone says, get both.. They are like a pair to me..
When I sold my 350D with it, I feel like my 50 f/1.4 is lonely now.. but I will get another 85 f/1.8 soon

cali wrote in post #2082972
I don't list my gear because gear doesn't make you a photographer

Your statement could actually become false now - if we give you inputs based on our assumptions of your gear

85 is a wonderful lens, but it was too long for me on a 20D. I find the 50 more useful.

You'll probably get more "votes" for the 50, but I say get the 85. It's got better build, way better AF, and way better bokeh. Between my 30f1.4 and 85f1.8, my 50f1.4 barely gets any use, as nice a lens as it is.

Okay okay, I'll list my gear which is really not much:

20D
17-85 kit lens
70-200 F4
580EX
Amvona AT CF994 Tripod
Manfrotto 679 Monopod

I plan on using my prime for portraits so it sounds like the 50mm will work best