Which would you choose? 50L or 85L?

In lieu of the upcoming 50L lens, which would you choose if both had the same image quality? For both APS-C and FF cams. What would be the advantages for either lens over the other?

The 50 is probably the more versatile lens - great portrait length for crop bodies, and great standard length for full-frame.

But personally I would buy neither, when the superb 50 1.4 and 85 1.8 are so great and so much better value.

mxwphoto wrote in post #2089499
In lieu of the upcoming 50L lens, which would you choose if both had the same image quality? For both APS-C and FF cams. What would be the advantages for either lens over the other?

That all hinges on what FL one needs and/or wants.
The 85L is a known well established quantity whereas we still know nothing about the 50 f/1.2.
I have taken a bit of a leap of faith and went ahead with ordering one (i.e., the 50 f/1.2).
If it does not have a requisite IQ wide open, I'll just return it for refund.
IQ aside, I believe it is going to be a very nice lens operationally, as it should be given its price.

I'm planning on getting a 17-40 and either 70-200 or 100-400 when the rebates come into effect. So that leaves me with a 30-60mm gap in the middle. I want to fill that gap somewhat with something fast (and preferably L) eventually. I was just wondering if either of these would be worth saving up for to fill that gap IF they had the same IQ.

Edit: 50 1.4 is too darn soft wide open and I wanted something more substantial than a 1.8. Though I agree, 1.8's an excellent value.

If the 50L is a fast focusing lens, then it might win out, but until then, the 85L for me

i really want to wait and see what the 50mm f/1.2L will offer. i think the 50mm f1.4 is way to soft not so sharp wide open. since i have the 1.6x...the 50mm might be better for me, but that 85L is really pulling me in...idk what to do...its too bad the 50 is not on the rebate list

Petkal wrote in post #2089561
That all hinges on what FL one needs and/or wants.
The 85L is a known well established quantity whereas we still know nothing about the 50 f/1.2.
I have taken a bit of a leap of faith and went ahead with ordering one (i.e., the 50 f/1.2).
If it does not have a requisite IQ wide open, I'll just return it for refund.
IQ aside, I believe it is going to be a very nice lens operationally, as it should be given its price.

Definately looking forward to seeing some shots from the 50L. Someone has got to be the first one to test this baby out for us.

AeroSmith wrote in post #2090254
Definately looking forward to seeing some shots from the 50L. Someone has got to be the first one to test this baby out for us.

First I was told I'd have it around Oct.1,06. Now, they are changing their tune....2nd half of October. Well, I am not exactly running out of lenses to shoot with, but the new 50 f/1.2 has more than peeked my curiosity. The lens is kinda positioned between that relatively lackluster 50 f/1.0 and eminently successful 85 f/1.2......will Canon now show the industry how it's done ?
Will they give us, the old Canon faithfulls, an economy alternative to Noctilux ?

We do know that optical excellence sells well. Many a photographer, amateur and professional alike, even those of us in possession of modest means, will make sacrifices and accomodations required in order to obtain a genuinely superior tool.

L sells, for sure. This thing is going to have to be very good for folks to trade up from their f/1.4s though. And while I personally adore the 85L...I always seem to use the f/1.8 these days....it's just lighter with better AF speed. I'm hoping the 50L is more akin to the 35L and the 135L...both of which, IMHO, have no equals (of similar FL) in the Canon lineup.

I'd go for a good used 85L. Wonderful lens.

Unfortunately, the 85L II and the 50L are classic examples of Canons recent policy of blatantly screwing over their users with regards pricing. The 50L is discounted in the UK at a couple of places but the cheapest I've seen is a staggering £1079 ($2050). So overpriced for what you're getting its hard to know whether to laugh or cry. Shame as I've also been disappointed by the 1.4 but it seems a positive bargain at one FIFTH the price.

AeroSmith wrote in post #2090366
L sells, for sure. This thing is going to have to be very good for folks to trade up from their f/1.4s though. And while I personally adore the 85L...I always seem to use the f/1.8 these days....it's just lighter with better AF speed. I'm hoping the 50L is more akin to the 35L and the 135L...both of which, IMHO, have no equals (of similar FL) in the Canon lineup.

The 135L (and 200 f/2.8) represent the apotheosis of Canon know-how in my little mind. If one does not like those, then there is perhaps only one place for them to go to: it's called Leica.

I sincerely hope the 50 f/1.2 will join the exalted rank of those two.

With the 70-200 f/4 IS the the design/engineering issues have probably been much simpler.....thus it is easier to forecast that the new lens will be an unmitigated ripper.

Petkal wrote in post #2090404
The 135L (and 200 f/2.8) represent the apotheosis of Canon know-how in my little mind. If one does not like those, then there is perhaps only one place for them to go to: it's called Leica.

Leica...me thinks we had better not go there.

I do have to say that the 135L has been my walkaround lens of choice lately. It seems there is nothing this lens can't do well, from landscapes to portraits. Gawd, I just love the 135L.

what do u guys think is better for 1.6x crop body? 50L or 85L for general purpose. keep in mind that i do have a 35L on the way here

flipm3 wrote in post #2090462
what do u guys think is better for 1.6x crop body? 50L or 85L for general purpose. keep in mind that i do have a 35L on the way here

I dunno, where do you find you shoot your 24-70 most of the time? If you're always at 70 then maybe the 85. If you're always in the middle than maybe the 50. On a full frame body I find uses for 50mm and 85mm all the time.

flipm3 wrote in post #2090462
what do u guys think is better for 1.6x crop body? 50L or 85L for general purpose. keep in mind that i do have a 35L on the way here

Again, in principle, 50 mm FL is more suitable "general purpose" photography on 1.6 FOVCF cameras.
However, we can't say much about the particular lens which has not hit the streets yet.