50mm vs. 85mm focal length

I'm thinking about getting either the 50/1.4 or the 85/1.8 and cannot decide at all. I think what it comes down to for me is - which focal length will be most useful for me?

Right now I use a 24-70 for walkaround, 70-200 when I need reach, and 35 when I'm hurtin' for light Lately the 35mm has been staying on the camera (40D) more than the 24-70, so I'm thinking about adding another prime to the lineup. I have heard thousands of praises for the 50 and the 85 but: (a) I'm afraid the 50 will be too close to my 35mm and may end up not using it; and (b) I'm afraid the 85 might be too long - I don't mind walking closer to the subject(as with the 35) but sometimes I don't have room to move backwards. - ps. I'm in NYC.

I tend to shoot cityscapes and street portraits after work, during dusk-ish times. Also, I'm on a crop-body now, but will eventually go to full-frame.

So what do you guys think? I appreciate your thoughts!

If you have success with your prime lenses, I bet you'll eventually get both the EF50 f/1.4 and the EF85 f/1.8. Check if you use more your 24-70 or your 70-200, and then decide on the prime you'll buy first. When I get some add'l budget, i'll probably get all three primes (35 50 and 85). If you take portraits pictures outside, you will probably prefer the 85 since you will have space to shoot between the subject and you, and the DOF is better on the 85...

I have a 35, a 50, a 58, an 85, and a 100!

I use my 58 more than my 50, but that's just because my 58 f/1.2 is pretty much the perfect lens for portraits and available light shooting, and my Zeiss 50 f/1.7 is SO sharp (and has rather mediocre bokeh) that it is unflattering for people usage (though it is spectacular for non-people needs, which is why I have it). For a little longer portraits, I reach for my 85 f/2.8 Sonnar, and for environmental portraits I grab my 35mm. I use my 100 f/2 for event shooting where I need the AF, otherwise I generally prefer the look from my 85 f/2.8.

Since you do have the 35, I'd go for the 85 first...especially considering the 85 f/1.8 is a better lens all around than the 50 f/1.4 (not that the 50 is bad...it just never connected with me.)

Sounds like your solution is to sell your 35, and buy a 28, 50, and 85. I got an 85 and may get the 50 in the future, but I've never owned a prime under 50.

Jman13 wrote in post #6116868
I have a 35, a 50, a 58, an 85, and a 100!

I use my 58 more than my 50, but that's just because my 58 f/1.2 is pretty much the perfect lens for portraits and available light shooting, and my Zeiss 50 f/1.7 is SO sharp (and has rather mediocre bokeh) that it is unflattering for people usage (though it is spectacular for non-people needs, which is why I have it). For a little longer portraits, I reach for my 85 f/2.8 Sonnar, and for environmental portraits I grab my 35mm. I use my 100 f/2 for event shooting where I need the AF, otherwise I generally prefer the look from my 85 f/2.8.

Since you do have the 35, I'd go for the 85 first...especially considering the 85 f/1.8 is a better lens all around than the 50 f/1.4 (not that the 50 is bad...it just never connected with me.)

58 rokkor is king of bokeh.... i wish i could own one

Hy there,

A month ago, i upgraded my 50mm from f1.8 to f1.4. The difference is significant.
And a few days ago, i bought the 85 f1.8. I must admit that this 85mm is softer (than 50mm f1.4) but the focal lenght is truely better for portraits on 40D !

If it was today, i would have probably kept my 50f1.8 and buy a 85f1.8 first and only !

The two prime focal lengths I would use the most are 24mm and 50mm on a 40D, as I use 35mm and 85mm the most on my 5D.

I have 50mm and 135mm primes also (like having 35mm and 85mm on a 40D) and I don't use them as much.

chalib_alex wrote in post #6116997
58 rokkor is king of bokeh.... i wish i could own one

They're not that expensive. You should be able to pick one up on eBay for around $350. The conversion process takes a few hours, but it's worth it (and it's not that hard.)

Thanks everyone! I guess I'll head over to B&H in the morning and pickup an 85. I guess even if it may be a little long on the 40D, once I go full-frame it'll widen up.

Thanks again!