photogenix wrote:
The 85f1.8 is wonderful at flower shows etc with either an 8 or 12mm extension tube. After seeing the results of trying this combo the first time, I felt like I'd struck gold.
But in a week, I have a baby and a 5D Mk II hopefully coming my way (bets are on which one will arrive first!) and am strongly considering adding an 85L to my lens list, just for that touch of something special which the f1.8 lacks (and no, I'm not talking about CA!).
Like what? Not sure any of the above posted images would look better for having been shot on the L?
Remember too the 1.8 is faster autofocus. Much better for children.
The 85/f1.8 is one of Canon's best values/performers while the 85L
is a slight step up in performance at a LARGE step up in price! Try the
f1.8 first and if you find it limits you in some way then there'll be many
takers on the used market for it if you decide on getting the 85L in
the future. Best of luck Lance - either one will not disappoint.
Marcus Watts wrote:
Like what? Not sure any of the above posted images would look better for having been shot on the L?
Remember too the 1.8 is faster autofocus. Much better for children.
thought I'm not the one being quoted, I feel I have to respond. Between the 2 lenses a couple of trade offs are made.
to the 1.8
-faster AF acquisition
-lighter
-BUT is not critically sharp @ f/1.8. In my experience I've had to stop down to f/2 or /2.8
-crappy MFD (it's too long! gotta get some kenkos.)
to the 1.2
-you have 1.2 as you need it
-gets sharp from 1.4 and beyond
-BUT is heavy and pricy, plus the front element is HUUUGE, like a freaking Humvee huge.
-magical colours.
So, though I love my 1.8 for fast action situations, I will be getting a 1.2 in the coming year for those artsy shallow DoF portraits and 0 lux environments. Seriously both lenses have their place and I wouldn't consider dumping one for the other.
I asked a similar question last year and was wondering whether I'd be better with my 20D+85L or a 5D+135L and the resounding responses seemed to suggest the latter. I'm excited to see how different my lenses (including the 85/1.8) will be on FF.
Liscia wrote:
The 85/f1.8 is one of Canon's best values/performers while the 85L
is a slight step up in performance at a LARGE step up in price! Try the
f1.8 first and if you find it limits you in some way then there'll be many
takers on the used market for it if you decide on getting the 85L in
the future. Best of luck Lance - either one will not disappoint.
I dont really see myself getting rid of my 1.8, but was rather trying to see how far it "goes up the 85L scale on a 5D". For me, the 1.8 is simply too versatile of a lens to ditch, especially since I paid such a small amount for it (a nice FM BnS score).
I just wanted to see if I need to start saving for an 85L right away or not, and I think at this point, the answer is "not", since people here have demonstrated the 5D + 1.8 is an outstanding combination. I think I would like to get into a used 1-series body (II-N, most likely) along with the 5-series rather than an 85L.
I am at work, so don't have examples handy, but I have the 5D-85 1.8 combo and it's by far one of my favorite combos. Due to distance of subject(s) though, I use the 50 1.8 slighly more ... but those combos are my most well-loved.
rattymouse wrote:
The 85L's bokeh is in a class all by itself. No other lens compares to it. Like it or hate it, it is truly unique.
I do hear that said and although i have seen many great images shot with the L i can't say it's really that different.
If any of the images in this thread had been posted as examples of the 85L i doubt anyone would have called them out let alone claim bokeh as the tell.
85 f/1.8 + extension tubes = excellent poor man's macro lens. It's what I use for macro since I'm too cheap (and do too little macro shooting) to buy a real macro lens.
One of the only problems with the 85 f/1.8 is strong purple fringing when used wide open, and even that shouldn't be a deal breaker. Everybody who shoots Canon should have an 85 f/1.8.
I have an 85L II, and honestly I'm sure I couldn't consistently pick out which lens took which photo when looking at photos at f/1.8 and above. The main advantage of the L for me is the f/1.2 aperture--a full stop of extra light--and it's the primary reason I keep it. It's undeniable that the 85L is a beautiful lens, but the f/1.8 is an amazing lens in its own right, especially considering its price.
I also would recommend the OP check out the EF 100mm f/2.
I quick check of these threads from Chris Sorensen will illustrate what
a 100/2 on a 5D can do. He uses it the most of any combo, he claims.
I had the 28 f1.8, 50 f1.4 and 85 f1.8. Out of all of them my 85 was my favorite by far. I know some think that is crazy but I love the focal length. I have recently sold them and while looking back through my pictures, I am really, really missing my 85. It is a very nice lens.
