85L 1.2 or 85 1.8 for first prime?

I only use two lenses primarily right now, #1 being a 70-200 IS 2.8L for sports action & weddings and #2 a 17-55 IS 2.8L for weddings/portraits and group/team shots. I use them both on two 40D bodies and thinking of getting a better portrait lens/something that will perform better in low lit churches especially.

1. Will either/both the 85L 1.2 or 85 1.8 work on a non-FF body(40D)?
2. If yes to #1 and given the large $$ difference, is there that much difference between 1.8 & 1.2?
3. Is the bokeh that much different between the two lenses, or does being on a FF body make that change too?

I'm leaning towards the 1.8 just because of the faster focus, which will be helpful at a wedding....any input appreciated.

They'll both work. I'd go for the 1.8 on price difference alone. I don't think there is enough difference between the 2 to warrant the huge price increase.

DD974 wrote in post #10590352
I only use two lenses primarily right now, #1 being a 70-200 IS 2.8L for sports action & weddings and #2 a 17-55 IS 2.8L for weddings/portraits and group/team shots. I use them both on two 40D bodies and thinking of getting a better portrait lens/something that will perform better in low lit churches especially.

1. Will either/both the 85L 1.2 or 85 1.8 work on a non-FF body(40D)?
2. If yes to #1 and given the large $$ difference, is there that much difference between 1.8 & 1.2?
3. Is the bokeh that much different between the two lenses, or does being on a FF body make that change too?

I'm leaning towards the 1.8 just because of the faster focus, which will be helpful at a wedding....any input appreciated.

1. Both will work on 40D
2. I'd say 85 1.8 is a bargain for the price.
3. Bokeh is great with 85 1.8 too and yes FF gives you thinner DOF as you have to be on shorter focal length to have same field of view (on crop).

GO FOR 85 1.8

buy a used 1.8 and if you like the focal length, sell it and pick up the 1.2.

If you can afford the 1.2, buy it. It has a cult following for a reason. Then grab a full frame body for your portrait sessions

1.2 is a stop faster than 1.8 so you'll be at one stop lower ISO and have less noise. Depending on the body and light situation this could make or break the shot. The AF on the 85mm 1.2 II is fast enough for brides. But the 1.2 has worse CA, is heavier, and costs what, 3 times as much?

That said, I finally got a 1.2 ~2 weeks ago. I've been lusting after one forever and finally pulled the trigger. Yes the 1.8 is great, but the 1.2 is amazing.

That was my thought too...I'd rather put the $$ towards a 5D or 1DMK IV FF body...it's the 3.9 fps on the 5D that I'm not thrilled about. I guess I could just use my 40D/70-200 (sports) and then keep the 85mm 1.8 on a 5D for portraits and weddings.

If you want the 85mm 1.2 get the mark II. The focusing is faster. If you want faster focusing then get the 1.8.

jacobsen1 wrote in post #10590424
1.2 is a stop faster than 1.8 so you'll be at one stop lower ISO and have less noise. Depending on the body and light situation this could make or break the shot. The AF on the 85mm 1.2 II is fast enough for brides. But the 1.2 has worse CA, is heavier, and costs what, 3 times as much?

That said, I finally got a 1.2 ~2 weeks ago. I've been lusting after one forever and finally pulled the trigger. Yes the 1.8 is great, but the 1.2 is amazing.

didnt you move to Nikon?

jacobsen1 wrote in post #10590424
But the 1.2 has worse CA, is heavier, and costs what, 3 times as much?

5 times as much, actually

Get the 1.8, its a great lens. Put the Money you save toward a 5D2 which will give you at least 2 stops over the 40D.

I used to have 85 1.8 CA was almost non-existent and it's the same with 85L II that I have now. 85L has better natural colors/saturation and that's alone worth keeping this lens. Again 85 1.8 is a bargain at that price.

For the 40D, you'll need to make sure your running firmware 1.1.1 if you buy the 85L II. Otherwise, the camera will really misbehave. Since they are both EF mount lenses, they will work on all Canon EOS cameras.

Personally, I've got both and I would recommend the 85mm f/1.8. Though my real recommendation would be to rent them both and compare them under your own circumstances and your shooting style. The f/1.2L will probably require you to modify the way you shoot while the f/1.8 is a little bit more forgiving.

As for the bokeh, that is highly subjective and dependent on your skills. The 85mm f/1.2L can have some horrible bokeh with an ill placed subject.

Now I'm really leaning towards getting a 5D II and looking for a mint used 1.8...then selling a 40D and these practically brand new PW Flex & Minis to help fund it!

Your 40D is awesome and more than capable. Keep it and get glass.

I'd get the 1.8. The 1.2 is cool because of it's aperture, but it's focusing is really slow and drove me nuts. The 1.8 focusing is so fast and so accurate it amazes me. I sold the 85L and kept the 1.8, and haven't regretted it since. The 1.8 is EXCELLENT wide open and renders bokeh beautifully.

And with the money you save by NOT buying the 85L and getting the 85 1.8 instead, you can actually buy a 50L too! OR a 17-55 and a 50 1.4. Or a 50 1.4 and a 135L. For people who don't have an extensive kit yet, your dollar will give you MUCH MUCH more by getting 1.8 instead of the 1.2.