Decisions, decisions, decisions!!!

For portraits: which would you suggest:

Canon 50 1.4 (non L) or Canon 85 1.8?????

But, you have to tell us what you are going to use it for, budget, etc. Some people actually have both.

I plan to use it for portrait shots. Budget would be less than $500.

Your signature says you have the 50mm f1.8. Do you want an upgraded version of that lens, or something 2/3 longer?

tkbslc wrote in post #11140612
Your signature says you have the 50mm f1.8. Do you want an upgraded version of that lens, or something 2/3 longer?

An upgrade. I'm trying to figure out if it's worth upgrading to the 50 1.4 or just buying the 85 1.8?

Then post a question aking if the 50/1.8 to 50/1.4 upgrade is worth it - but first, search, there already are 100+ of those threads!

Oh - and I love the bokah on both lenses!

I just want to make the right decision...not just purchase lens for the sake of purchasing a lens. Does that make sense?

You love the bokeh of the 50/1.8? Boy, you have a lot of learning to do!

gasrocks wrote in post #11140649
Then post a question aking if the 50/1.8 to 50/1.4 upgrade is worth it - but first, search, there already are 100+ of those threads!

While I appreciate your input, there is no need to be rude about my original question. Yes, there are 100+ threads on this or similar topics...and I've done quite a bit of reading online already, but like my original question stated: I wanted opinions on which of the two lenses to purchase.

gasrocks wrote in post #11140673
You love the bokeh of the 50/1.8? Boy, you have a lot of learning to do!

This is a matter of opinion...MINE. Yes, I have quite a bit of learning to do but if rude comments are all I get back, then this may not be the right forum for me (or you, for that matter). This is all a learning process for everyone as no one on here, I'm sure, knows absolutely everything there is about photography.

If you have nothing but rudeness to offer my question, please refrain from continuing to respond.

Desicde if you need a 50 or an 85 based on working distance and perspective. Which will you use more often, and which gives you the "look" you want.

LDS wrote in post #11140626
An upgrade. I'm trying to figure out if it's worth upgrading to the 50 1.4 or just buying the 85 1.8?

Personally, I like the 50mm f1.4 a little better than the 85mm f1.8 on a crop camera, but they are very similar in quality. Gasrocks may have been a bit abrupt, but I do agree that you'll just need to decide what focal length matters more to you.

Another consideration may be that 85mm is awfully close to the 100mm macro you have.

Reasonable question, I understand where you are coming from wanting specific feedback pertaining to your gear.

I have both and Really like both.

The 50 is a little bit softer wide open (at least when I compare mine). Both are very sharp stopped down just a bit. The build quality on the 85 is a little bit better. The 85 has faster AF too. It sounds like the 85 is far superior, but really they are more similar than they are different (with the exception of focal length of course). They both take 58mm filters.

Regarding focal length, the 85 will be pretty tight indoors. The 50 is nice but can still be a bit tight indoors. I am looking at a Sigma 30mm f1.4 for this reason. The 85 is great for any kind of action or if you need fast AF.

Feel free to ask me more questions regarding comparisons between the two. I have gotten lots of help here on the forum and try to reciprocate that.

Might I suggest the Sigma 1.4?

tjbrock42 wrote in post #11141997
The 50 is a little bit softer wide open (at least when I compare mine). Both are very sharp stopped down just a bit.

That is true, but remember that the 50mm is f1.4 wide open. When both are at f1.8, the 50mm is just as sharp.