Canon 50mm 1.4 Vs. 85mm 1.8

[sally_05]

I am looking into getting my first prime lens and can't quite decide on which one. I have a Canon 5d Mark II, with a Canon 24-70mm L lens (f.2.8) - I have seen this question asked many times before, but I would like peoples opinion on using these lens on a full frame camera.
I would like this lens as a general walk-about alternative to my other lens (one that is less intrusive, smaller, lighter, etc) and will be using it mainly for travel photography, documentary portraits and perhaps weddings occasionally.
I am torn because I have heard many people quote the 85mm being better quality but too long on the crop (does this apply to a full frame tho)
Whats everyones opinion on this...

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[Schwettylens]

if you have a 5D and 24-70, your next lens should be either 85 or/and 70-200 2.8L (IS or non IS).

[Big Mike]

Welcome to the forum Sally.

Put your lens and 50mm and keep it there as you walk around a bit. Then zoom it out to 70mm (and try to imagine it a little tighter). Which position makes you more comfortable?

I am torn because I have heard many people quote the 85mm being better quality but too long on the crop (does this apply to a full frame tho)
Whats everyones opinion on this...

No, that does not apply to full frame....well, it's subjective to a person's personal opinion, so yes, the 85mm may be 'too long' on a crop or full frame camera. But on the full frame, it gives a wider view, so fewer people would consider it too long.

[GooniesNeverSayDie11]

The 85 is the better lens IMO. It has a true ring USM which the 50mm does not, so the focus is super quick. Its also a little sharper wide open I believe. However, they are both great lenses ( I actually just bought them both.....for a second time ) it just boils down to which focal length would serve you better.

[Derrel]

85mm on a 1.6x body *is* too long indoors; in my opinon, indoors, the 85mm length is almost unusuable in private homes, except for very tight close-up type shots, or in VERY large rooms.

A roughly 8.5 foot tall field of view is given by the 85mm lens at 34.5 feet with a 1.6x body; with the Canon 5D, the same field of view height is rendered at 20 feet. as you can see, if you wish to photograph a person standing, full-height, with an 85mm lens and a crop-body,the room you are in must be quite expansive in size. What it really comes down to is that the typical prime lens lengths of 50mm and 85mm are VERY hard to use on 1.6x bodies, in normal, everyday situations. The FF bodies really bring back the usefulness of the various prime lenses.

APS-C demands focal lengths in the UNDER-35mm range ALL OF THE TIME, indoors.

[o hey tyler]

Robinson (Schwetty) suggested that you get a 70-200mm f/2.8L. I do not mimic that suggestion in the least. From reading your first post all the way through to the last word, it sounds like you want a lighter lens that is a good as a walkaround lens. For that, you really can't go wrong with either.

I have a 5D1, and pretty much full time access to a 5D2, I have the 50mm f/1.4, as well as the SIGMA 85mm f/1.4. Both are great lenses, and they perform extremely well on a full frame body. The 85mm is definitely my walkaround lens, and has been since I got it. Don't get me wrong, I still use the 50mm quite a bit, but I prefer the 85mm focal length for portraiture and general every day shooting. If you got the 50mm f/1.4 you WOULD NOT be disappointed. It's a great performing lens, and it works great as a walkaround. It's really the preference of focal length that should make the decision for you.

For full body portraiture, it's very easy to isolate a subject from the background with an 85mm. Just keep in mind that it will not focus as close as a 50mm, and if you find yourself shooting indoors a lot in very tight spaces, that could be a problem for the 85.

The 50mm is a great wedding lens, and lots of professional photographers rely on the 50mm focal length.

Okay, in summation, you really can't go wrong with either. They're both great lenses. It's up to you to establish what would feel "right" on your camera.

[sally_05]

Thanks for your help guys! I went for the 85mm in the end, it arrived this morning and the d.o.f is amazing - it also appears to be more robust than the 50mm

[Dao]

I agree. I have both EF 50mm f/1.4 and EF 85mm f/1.8 (on cropped body) If I have enough room, I like the 85mm better. Build quality, the 85mm is better. The focus is faster and the manual focus ring is smoother. The out of focus blur is creamer.

This photo was taken couple years ago with the 85mm lens.

[callejafoto]

Aloha, The Canon 50mm 1.4 and 85mm 1.8 are excellent Lenses. I shoot with Canon's 50mm 1.4 and 85mm 1.2. My recommendation is to go down to the camera shop, when ever possible and compare the 2. before buying. Some rental shops carry both. Have a Great day.
Anthony Calleja Photography - Hawaii Photography