Deciding between the two 85mm 1.8 vs. Sigma 50mm 1.4..

Sand0r wrote in post #10969308
People need to understand that a 50mm is a 50mm on both a crop and FF. The object will be just as far on a crop as on a FF, only you have a bigger frame surrounding the object on FF.

Does this rule apply for all the prime lenses?

I have both of these lenses and use them both quite a bit. They have been my most used lenses for weddings this year. I shoot with the 5D, but I think I'd be inclined to go 24 + 50 on a crop.

I recently picked up the Canon 85mm f/1.8 for my Canon 7D (which obviously is a crop sensor) and I have to say that so far I am VERY impressed with the results for head and shoulders portraiture. In terms of overall value, I have to admit, the 85mm f/1.8 is worth EVERY penny (and then some).

I agree however that it IS a bit tight on a crop (effective 136mm focal length on a crop) indoors. That being said however I find that I personally take quite a bit of my photographs outside and I'd rather have sharper images and use my feet for portraits than use a zoom.

All that being said however, I really think the very first question anyone should be asked whenever they are getting into photography is "What is your PRIMARY subject matter going to be?" The answer to that question will tell you which direction you should go in regard to FF v Crop, which will lead you to proper lens selection. I got lucky though because I picked up the 7D and it just happens to be a classic camera which I'm very happy with.

I'm now anxiously awaiting the release of the Canon 5D m.III because I primarily shoot portraits, don't have the money for the 1Ds (plus lenses), want the high dynamic range, IQ, & higher ISO performance over the speed for my primary camera.

So.....that's a long winded way of me saying to you....before you start spending money on lenses really think about what you want to shoot. Cameras and lenses have a really good resale value, so you can always sell them on eBay or on Craigslist.com if you find out that you want to change bodies and lens lineups. I'm not suggesting that's what you do.....but it's worth considering this from the bottom up.

FYI, the reason that the "50mm" is thought of as the "classic" focal length is because it's VERY natural to what your EYE naturally see's. So, if you have a crop...in order to achieve that you're going to need a 35mm lens.

Lastly...remember that cameras dont make pictures, people make pictures!

Chrisku13 wrote in post #10968673
. Anyone find the 85mm 1.8 too long for general use/indoors sometimes?

Yes, That is why I got rid of it and kept my f2.8 zoom. It's not quite as fast or small, but I can zoom out to 50mm when 85mm is too tight, and I can go from full body to headshot without changing position or perspective. But that is me, and I do miss that extra stop at times.

OUt of the two lenses mentioned in this thread, I think they are both so good for the money that I would pick solely on focal length. If you think that 85mm is too long for your needs, get the Sigma. Otherwise just keep what you have. It is a great lens.

I have decided to keep the 85mm 1.8 but I would still like to try out the Sigma 30mm / 50mm I guess. Just gotta find a place with layaway. lol

Looking at your gear list, maybe the 50 would be a better idea. I mean you have the 100mm f2.8, which is excellent at portraits, too. going to 50mm would spread out your kit a little more.

Vixen89 wrote in post #10969398
Does this rule apply for all the prime lenses?

It applies to all lenses. Search for "more pixels per duck" for more info.

Sand0r wrote in post #10969308
People need to understand that a 50mm is a 50mm on both a crop and FF. The object will be just as far on a crop as on a FF, only you have a bigger frame surrounding the object on FF.

Think about this for a minute.

Why would I suddenly accept 1.6x more empty space when I am using a 50mm on a 5D, or 1.6x less of a scene when i shoot on a 40D? I wouldn't! I would change lenses so I get the same framing from the same distance, or I would adjust my distance so I get the same framing at the same focal length. 99.5% of photographers in my imaginary focus group would do the same thing, too. That's why people say 50mm on APS-C and 85mm on FF are equivalents. Because from the same distance you get the same framing and perspective with the each setup.

I decided on getting the Sigma 50mm 1.4 and now I'm looking into getting the Canon 28mm 1.8. <<;

My lousy addiction to prime lenses. lol

Or the Sigma 30mm 1.4...ughh!! lol

At least you aren't throwing the 24Lii in there. :P I keep drooling over that one, but the Sigma 30 is awesome.

Vixen89 wrote in post #11007255
I decided on getting the Sigma 50mm 1.4 and now I'm looking into getting the Canon 28mm 1.8. <<;

My lousy addiction to prime lenses. lol

28 1.8 is an excellent lens! I recently switched to all primes and I picked one up. Very fast AF and it is quite sharp @ 1.8. Go and check out the photos on the lens archive. As far as 85 or 50 for FOV I have both an 85 1.8 and 50 1.8. Alot of people say they are too close in FL but I think they are both useful for different jobs. 85 is great for outdoor tight shots and 50 has serve me well for full body shots with enough room that I dont feel too distant. Look at my primes I have, they are pretty close in FL but I think they compliment eachother rather well. Good luck and I hope you keep the 85 cause that one lens is what started my addiction to primes!

guyzer09 wrote in post #11007328
28 1.8 is an excellent lens! I recently switched to all primes and I picked one up. Very fast AF and it is quite sharp @ 1.8. Go and check out the photos on the lens archive. As far as 85 or 50 for FOV I have both an 85 1.8 and 50 1.8. Alot of people say they are too close in FL but I think they are both useful for different jobs. 85 is great for outdoor tight shots and 50 has serve me well for full body shots with enough room that I dont feel too distant. Look at my primes I have, they are pretty close in FL but I think they compliment eachother rather well. Good luck and I hope you keep the 85 cause that one lens is what started my addiction to primes!

I have decided to keep my 85mm 1.8 because I used it the other day on my friend's portraits and I was very very pleased with the outcome. I have the Sigma 50mm 1.4 coming home in a few weeks (already decided!), but now I'm wanting either the Sigma 30mm 1.4 or the Canon 28mm 1.8. I've read reviews on the Canon and they definitely mentioned the same pros as ya said guyzer09~

Then I went reading on the Sigma 30mm 1.4...and now I'm lost. LOL

I was in the same boat about a month back. I just didnt want to deal with the AF issues the sigma had. Seeing that you also shoot with a rebel we do not have micro AF adjustment so the lens and body would have to be shipped to calibrate. It could have no issues on one body but issues with another. I really do like the bokeh and how sharp the siggy is though if you get a good copy. My 28 1.8 is used most often of my primes! I think that either way you go you will be happy.

randy98mtu wrote in post #11007325
At least you aren't throwing the 24Lii in there. :P I keep drooling over that one, but the Sigma 30 is awesome.

I just looked this one up..you got me drooling now. LOL

guyzer09 wrote in post #11007506
I was in the same boat about a month back. I just didnt want to deal with the AF issues the sigma had. Seeing that you also shoot with a rebel we do not have micro AF adjustment so the lens and body would have to be shipped to calibrate. It could have no issues on one body but issues with another. I really do like the bokeh and how sharp the siggy is though if you get a good copy. My 28 1.8 is used most often of my primes! I think that either way you go you will be happy.

This is true, the Canon 28mm 1.8 is a little more expensive though..hmm. At first I was leaning towards the Canon but the Siggy..bah. lol

Such a hard decision on both..I'm thinking of trading my macro for it. lol ><