Canon 85mm for indoors??

I'm thinking of getting a Canon 85mm f/1.8. I was wondering if it's too long for indoors? I don't think I'd get too much use out of it outdoors because my 17-55mm is so versatile that I keep it mounted on my camera 90% of the time.

Stick your 28-135mm on 85mm and wander around inside with it on that length for a while - that'll tell you if it feels too long or just right for your indoors.

It's hard to make a global statement as to whether it's too long - in some places my 50mm is far too long to be usable, in others it's just right, others again it's way too short. Depends on how big your indoors is

I used the 85 F/1.8 a lot indoors, actually 99 % of the time. Since I got the 85L, I use that instead, but even so, I use it mostly indoors, currrently on my 40D, and before that, on the 400D.

It is really a little too long, but for the IQ you get, with either lens, personally I am prepared to do a few steps further back .

I did a shoot last Friday, indoors, and used the ef-s 10-22, the 50 f/1.8 MK I, and the 85L. Most shots, about 70%, were with the 85L, and most of those shots were at iSO 1600 and F/1.8, occasionally at F/2 or F/2.2, and a few at F/1.6.

Kind regards, Wim

Jim G wrote in post #4986523
Stick your 28-135mm on 85mm and wander around inside with it on that length for a while - that'll tell you if it feels too long or just right for your indoors.

It's hard to make a global statement as to whether it's too long - in some places my 50mm is far too long to be usable, in others it's just right, others again it's way too short. Depends on how big your indoors is

The 28-135mm IS that I have for sale is brand new and I left it in the box. I never even took it out of the wrapper because I'm selling it brand new. I did have an urge to mount it to see what that extra 55-135mm reach would do for me, but I knew that I wasn't going to keep the lens so I just put the lens away so the temptation doesn't get to me.

wimg wrote in post #4986545
I used the 85 F/1.8 a lot indoors, actually 99 % of the time. Since I got the 85L, I use that instead, but even so, I use it mostly indoors, currrently on my 40D, and before that, on the 400D.

It is really a little too long, but for the IQ you get, with either lens, personally I am prepared to do a few steps further back .

I did a shoot last Friday, indoors, and used the ef-s 10-22, the 50 f/1.8 MK I, and the 85L. Most shots, about 70%, were with the 85L, and most of those shots were at iSO 1600 and F/1.8, occasionally at F/2 or F/2.2, and a few at F/1.6.

Kind regards, Wim

Thanks Wim for your comments. I think I'd love the lens outdoors because of the extra space to compose a good portrait shot. I guess if I can find a good deal 2nd hand, I'll go for it. I was about to buy it locally through Craigslist for $275 with the hood. But, the owner did not have the box... yes, I'm picky like that.

85 is fine if you just want head and shoulder shots. If you're in a really small room then you might just get someone's eyes in, however

tight for indoors, great for head shots and theater. its sharp at f/1.8 and that extra f/stop makes a difference in low light.