canon 85 1.2 or 1.8

[SethAlbritton]

I'm a wedding photographer and I'm inquiring about what I'm not considering that I should consider.

From what I understand, the 1.2 will allow me to have a shutter speed of 1/80th and keep iso at 200. While the 1.8 will only allow me to stay at 800 iso at 1/80th.

Thats my perspective of why it is or isn't worth the price. ANyone want to add a factor I should consider. My math may be off too. I'm relatively new to photography.

 

[Hatch1921]

I'm a wedding photographer and I'm inquiring about what I'm not considering that I should consider.

From what I understand, the 1.2 will allow me to have a shutter speed of 1/80th and keep iso at 200. While the 1.8 will only allow me to stay at 800 iso at 1/80th.

Thats my perspective of why it is or isn't worth the price. ANyone want to add a factor I should consider. My math may be off too. I'm relatively new to photography.

I put this together about the 85L
Lens Review


For your situation... it's a tough call. The only issue with the 85L is when you focus from something up close to something far.. the lens is slow. It has to move a ton of glass... Shooting @ F/1.2 is also difficult as the super shallow depth of field makes nailing shots a challenge... not impossible by any means... but... a challenge. Both will have CA outdoors in bright conditions with the white dresses... shot wide open.

I love my 85L... I've owned the 85 F/1.8 2x's but for what I'm doing now the "L" fits my shooting style.

Do you need the faster focusing speed of the 85 F/1.8 to catch those crucial moments at the wedding? What about bumping up your ISO to get your shutter speeds up. I found the 85 f/1.8 (my copies) to be their sharpest from F/2.5 on up. With the 85L... F/1.4 is sharp... F/1.6/-F/1.8 even better and it only gets better from there.

I can't tell you what will work best for your style of shooting. I would suggest.. maybe renting each one or borrowing them to see how you like the lenses before you make the investment. LensRentals.com - Rent Canon, Nikon, Olympus, or Sony Lenses

Hope this helps.
Hatch

 

[SethAlbritton]

What was your main reason for going with the 1.2. I've heard the color and sharpness are better, but can this be adjusted in photoshop?

 

[Hatch1921]

What was your main reason for going with the 1.2. I've heard the color and sharpness are better, but can this be adjusted in photoshop?

Sharp @ F/1.2
Better color/contrast
Better bokeh
Super sharp from F/1.6 on up.

I tried the Sigma 85 F/1.4 and if the lens would have not had focusing issues... it would have been the best of both worlds really. Really nice bokeh... very sharp when it hit... color/contrast was nice as well. Maybe give the Sig 85 a chance... if you get on that hits like it should... would save you a lot of money.

For me... the 85L has just been an overall solid performer. Very pleased with the lens.
Hatch