85 1.8 lens on crop camera

Considering purchasing a 85 1.8 lens. Have a 50d (crop) camera. Other lenses I have are 10-22 and 24-105.

I've read a lot of good things on this lens. Concerned about some feedback that 85 is too long on a crop camera.

Most of my pics are of the family. My average focal length on my pics varies quite a bit depending on how close in I want to get and what I'm shooting. I know there's the nifty fifty as a choice, but I want added versatility for outdoor shooting as well...

So, those w/ this lens and a crop camera.... what are your thoughts? Most all my pics indoors (especially in evening) have to be taken w/ a flash, which is sort of a pain. This lens gives me the low-light shooting ability that I currently don't have w/ lenses I have. Is this a good lens option or is there others I should be considering. I know of the 60 2.8 macro and the nifty fifty. I guess I just like the reach of the 85 and the 1.8. But concerned about some of the comments I've read w/ the crop camera.

Thx.

Simple test:

Put your 24-105 at 85mm (guesstimate) and walkaround with it and see how the focal length is for you.

But myself, don't go more then 50mm for indoor use... Go for the 50mm 1.4 or a 28-30mm variety.

It's too long indoors IMO.

I think 85 on a crop is a bit long for indoor shooting, unless you have a lot of room to work with. You should consider a 35L or Sigma 30. I use the 85mm as my primary lens but mainly shoot outdoors.

The test mentioned above is probably the first thing to do...

I got my 85 a couple years ago when I was using a 40d. I wanted to get head shots - mostly just tight stuff. It worked great for me - I loved it.

If you want much more than head and shoulders in your shots you'd better have some room to back up though.

Barso23 wrote in post #9486503
Considering purchasing a 85 1.8 lens. Have a 50d (crop) camera.

Excellent portrait lens, you are going to love it. It gives you the same angle of view and depth of field as 135mm f/2.8 on full frame - which is very typical for portraits.

Barso23 wrote in post #9486503
Considering purchasing a 85 1.8 lens. Have a 50d (crop) camera. Other lenses I have are 10-22 and 24-105.

Here are my thoughts.. You have 10mm to 105mm pretty well covered.. The 85mm f/1.8 would be a nice fast lens for tight head shots/candids in low light.. Another consideration would be the Canon EF 50mm f/1.4..

85 can be long on a crop. I suggest a 50 (since 50 -> 80ish on crop). But even if you do get the 85, you probably can manage. Just back up more.

85mm on crop is wayyyy too long indoors on crop.... it gives the same FOV of 136mm on FF.

For indoors on a crop camera my pick would be Sigma 30mm F1.4 and or Sigma 50mm F1.4 OR if you got a fat wallet... then Canon 24L

JayStar86 wrote in post #9487924
85mm on crop is wayyyy too long indoors on crop.... it gives the same FOV of 136mm on FF.

For indoors on a crop camera my pick would be Sigma 30mm F1.4 and or Sigma 50mm F1.4 OR if you got a fat wallet... then Canon 24L

+1 on the 30mm.. perfect indoors..

Of all my lenses, my 85 is probably the least favourite. It always seems to be too long, or not long enough. For indoor portrait-type shots, I've found my Speedlite to be a lot more useful; I often pair it with my 60 macro, which is awesome. Outdoors, on the other hand, the 85 can produce spectacular results. Despite this, if I had to sell one lens in my bag, this is the one I'd pick to let go because it's the one I use the least. My suggestion would be to spend a day or two with your zoom set at this focal length, to see if it suits you.

When I had the 85, it was way too long for indoor. My sigma 30 was my work horse lens for indoors. I had the canon 50 f/1.4 and I didn't use that much after I got my sigma 30. Btw, I was taking pics of my 1 and 3 yr old kids.

I just sold my 85mm 1.8 when I went back to crop, it was way too long indoors. Im considering the 60mm as a replacement but for now I'll just use the long end of my 17-50 to hold me off.

I would agree with what many others have said, the 85 is too long for indoor shooting on a crop, unless you have lots of room. I would go with either a 30 or 50, I own both Sigmas and the Canon 85 1.8. Think about the Canon 50 1.4 its the same price point as the 85 and will allow you more versatility for indoor shooting.

EDIT: 2.8 wont be that fast either.

We all have different shooting style. Personally, I will go with Sigma 30 or Sigma 50 for indoors but that does not mean you cannot use 85. Sometimes I think 50 is a bit short for my style. I like taking portraits me being a bit far from the subject.

Fix your 24-105 to 85 and see the FOv indoors and only you can decide if it will work for you.