Register · Software · Search · Image Upload · Buy & Sell · Hosting

Moderated by: guardian
Username   Password

Visit the FM Store · Image Upload · Buy & Sell
FM Forum Rules
Canon SLRs, primes, and zooms lenses reviews
FM Forums | Canon-mount SLRs | Join Image Upload
end
Archive 2004 · 85 1.8, why all the rage? Go to previous topic Go to next topic
franzdom
Offline
Image Upload: Off
p.1 #1 · 85 1.8, why all the rage?


I would just plop and get the 1.2 but it's so heavy.

Photodo lists better numbers for the 50/1.4 and the 100/2.0 so what is it about the 85 1.8 that is so great?

I have heard much around here to that regard but I think maybe I should make due with the other 2 lenses I mentioned which I have and which have served me well.

I guess the 100 is a bit long sometimes and the 50 too short but foot-zoom should be able to make up the difference.

I am weary of zooms. The 24-70 got me hooked on L but I think I am a prime person. The 24-35 end is so soft, especially wider 2.8-4.0. Primes way out perform, even non-L..



Sep 27, 2004 at 01:36 AM
BrianP
Offline
Image Upload: Off
p.1 #2 · 85 1.8, why all the rage?


All of these are good lenses. This article will give you a better idea of the 85 f/1.8 compared to the 85 f/1.2L...

http://www.wlcastleman.com/equip/reviews/85mm/index.htm

Sep 27, 2004 at 01:51 AM
Gochugogi
Offline
Image Upload: On
p.1 #3 · 85 1.8, why all the rage?


It's a wonderful balance of excellent optics, decent build, nimble AF and reasonable price. To get a slightly better 85 you must "plop" down another grand or so. If you're well heeled or portaits are your bag, the L version is worth it. But for the rest of us the EF 85 1.8 USM is as near to perfect as it gets this side of $375.

Sep 27, 2004 at 01:55 AM
M. Best
Offline
Buy and Sell: On
p.1 #4 · 85 1.8, why all the rage?


Having had both the 50 1.4 and 85 1.8, I can say I prefered the 85's pictures better. It has better background blur and focuses worlds faster.

Sep 27, 2004 at 01:55 AM
rjk55425
Offline
Image Upload: Off
p.1 #5 · 85 1.8, why all the rage?


All that plus its very light/compact, not a whole lot bigger than the 50 1.4 and much faster/more accurate focusing. A great indoor sports/action lens.

Sep 27, 2004 at 02:03 AM
Tom Buerk
Offline
Buy and Sell: On
p.1 #6 · 85 1.8, why all the rage?


I don't have the 1.2, and frankly don't see the need for it, since the 1.8 is so good. It is a phenomenal portrait lens.

I have the 50 1.4, and the portrait results are not nearly as flattering.

The crop factor of the body you are using will have a significant effect on your lens selection.

The 85 1.8 is alot of bang for the buck. Its not far behind the 135 f2. These are definately my favorite two lenses for people shots.



Sep 27, 2004 at 02:17 AM
franzdom
Offline
Image Upload: Off
p.1 #7 · 85 1.8, why all the rage?


Thanks all!

The 135/2 is definitely on my list as well but having the 100 I know it will be long for a lot of things. I am so hooked on L glass but I still can't see that big honking 1.2, especially after the most recent review here.



Sep 27, 2004 at 02:23 AM
snowboarder
Offline
Image Upload: Off
p.1 #8 · 85 1.8, why all the rage?


Yeah, I have 100mm Macro and 70-200mm f4L, but 135mm f2L is gonna be mine too.
One day


Andrew

Sep 27, 2004 at 02:46 AM
Pondria
Offline
Image Upload: On
p.1 #9 · 85 1.8, why all the rage?


franzdom wrote:
I would just plop and get the 1.2 but it's so heavy.

Photodo lists better numbers for the 50/1.4 and the 100/2.0 so what is it about the 85 1.8 that is so great?

I have heard much around here to that regard but I think maybe I should make due with the other 2 lenses I mentioned which I have and which have served me well.

I guess the 100 is a bit long sometimes and the 50 too short but foot-zoom should be able to make up the difference.

I am weary of zooms. The 24-70 got me hooked on L but I think I am a prime person. The 24-35 end is so soft, especially wider 2.8-4.0. Primes way out perform, even non-L..


The 80/1.8 is a great lens, I heard.



Sep 27, 2004 at 02:53 AM
Jayem1
Offline
Buy and Sell: On
p.1 #10 · 85 1.8, why all the rage?


The 85f1.8 is far better than 50f1.4 wide open. 50f1.4 is noticeably soft at f1.4 - 1.8 range. I sold my old copy because of that. I just picked up another copy, but it is the same. But I like the range of 50mm on 10D.

Sep 27, 2004 at 03:28 AM
T Man
Offline
Image Upload: Off
p.1 #11 · 85 1.8, why all the rage?


Stopped down to f2, you'd be hard pressed to find any differences between the 1.2 and 1.8. It's an excellent lightweight, cheaper alternative to the monster of a 1.2.

Sep 27, 2004 at 10:35 AM
Sam Bennett
Offline
Buy and Sell: On
p.1 #12 · 85 1.8, why all the rage?


The biggest difference between the 50MM f/1.4 and the 85MM f/1.8 (besides maximum aperture) is the construction. The 50MM has a moving lens element (in/out) whereas the 85MM is "sealed". The 85MM is just a more solid package all around, without the infamous 50MM "clunk".

As for the 100MM - it's the same construction as the 85MM, but the 85MM is just more of a "usable" focal length for most people using a 1.6 crop camera.

Personally, I can't wait until I have 1.3 crop or FF camera so I can use my 85MM f/1.8 more often - it really is a fantastic lens, for all the reasons everyone else has given. I hope Canon updates the 50MM f/1.4 at some point to give it the same build quality - and while they're at it, they can give us a 35MM f/1.8 with the same construction.

Sep 27, 2004 at 11:48 AM

FM Forums | Canon-mount SLRs | Join Image Upload
end
  Go to previous topic Go to next topic

You are not logged in. Login or Register

  Username   Password  
Lost password?