Canon 85mm f/1.8

gratzi9274 wrote in post #5528015
I shoot with a super amateur camera, an Olympus D560Z. I started a thread yesterday on my intention to move on to a semi - professional camera with lenses. I am currently oscillating between a XSi and a XTi. I'm mostly a portraitist photographer and initially I decided to buy a 50mm f/1.4, but a lot of people made better suggestions: 85mm 1.8 and 60mm 2.8 macro.

I really need to know if the 85mm (the lens I favor at the moment, though the 60mm sounds tempting as well) can deliver the same sharpness and IQ if the light is not that great. I'm really a novice in this matter and your advice is greatly appreciated. Thanks

I use the EF 85mm f/1.8 on a 5D and it is spectacular. Very capable of razor sharp photos when used with a tripod or quick shutter speed. It was my primary portrait lens until I bought the 24-70mm f/2.8L. I use the L in the studio for various reasons. But almost always switch to the 85mm when outside.

Jim G wrote in post #5527998
Good enough? It takes sharp pictures with good colour. Mine's quite sharp even wide open.

How are you measuring good enough? It's nowhere near as flexible as a 24-70, for example. For a short tele prime that's a convenient length for headshots and shoulders on a 1.6x or wider on a FF (YMMV, that's my experience) it's great.

What do you shoot with? More info!

YAH! 5D + 85 1.8 @ 1.8

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Through experience, the 85mm f/1.8 is an awesome lens! It's sharp, quick and makes things pop. Since you're working with a crop camera though...I'd suggest the 50mm f/1.4. Then again if you think you have the room go for the 85mm. I feel the 50mm f/1.4 brings out more contrast and makes the blacks 'pop'. It's a pretty sweet lens too.

Taken with the 50mm f/1.4

I am very pleased with Sigma 50 1.4 as my portrait lens. Partnered it with 30 1.4 and this is my 1-2 combo. If I need to go telephoto, 70-300 IS will always be my go to lens.