Canon EF 85mm 1.8 - Feedback

[GeorgieGirl]

I have been taking portraits using my 17-55mm and my 70-200mm (2.8). I don't own a prime for my digital cameras and was thinking this might also be able to be used for for general purposes/walking around when I can't take much with me.

I am currently using a 7D and have read the tests on the full frame sensors. My take away is that this lens should work nicely on the crop, and that the reports indicate that it is as sharp as they say.

If you have one can you let me know what you think and what you are using it for? Thanks!

 

[Robin Usagani]

I think youll be happier with 35 mm or 50 mm. You already have an awesome 70-200mm in 85mm range.

 

[GeorgieGirl]

I have the Sigma 10-20 also that is amazing....

I have not read the good things about the 50 as I have the 85 and I have read the 85 can do better than even the 70-200 in terms of sharpness and bokeh. So this is what I am trying to find out more about....if its true or false.

 

[Robin Usagani]

I would definitely choose 85mm prime over 70-200mm for outdoor portrait. It is just hard to use it once you go indoor especially with your cropped sensor.

 

[Derrel]

I have an 85/1.8 EF lens. It is lightweight, compact, and very sharp. I use it for half-body and head and shoulder portraits, as well as for lower-light candids and events, like school stage shows where I am gonna be in the audience and want a fast, but small,light lens for when I am going to snap a few shots of something 30-40-50-60 feet away--and do not want a 3-pound 70-200 lens crimping my style all night long. It is very narrow-angle for use inside of 20 feet on a crop-sensor body...

 

[GeorgieGirl]

Thanks Derrel for the user insight. Thanks everyone else too!

 

[Village Idiot]

It'll definitely be a little on the long side on a crop sensor, but it's a good lens over all. It's sharper than the 50 wide open. I've been using it over my more expensive L zooms for portraits.