Well, the 85mm f/1.8, either the older AF, or the newer AF-D model has been in the lineup for around 20 years now--and it is a fast-focusing, light lens, that is VERY GOOD at lower light level, indoor or outdoor work. The focal length is just about right for stage shows, speakers at podiums, as well as for landscapes, and it also works pretty well for close-up details. The focusing accuracy of the lens is also quite good, due to the wide aperture of f/1.8, which creates shallow DOF and brings in lots of lights, both qualities that realllllly assist autofocusing systems. The lens has only ONE focal length, and it's not too long, and it's not too short. It can be used in really, really crappy light levels, such as twilight, or at indoor sports or entertainment venues that ae lighted by crummy lights... THOSE are the things an 85mm f/1.8 lens brings to the table...
In good, bright daylight, such as at the seashore, or in sunny climates, the low-light capabilities of the 85mm 1.8 lens are not even a factor. If the places you will be photographing are more bright than dark, and more far away than close-up, then to me the zoom is the more desirable lens. HOwever, the 85mm and f/1.8 aperture makes the lens really,really useful during times when virtually any slower lens, like an f/4 or f/5.6, will be mostly useless.
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