for "soothing" bokeh and "pleasing" rendering, the 100/2 will be much closer to the 85L along with all the benefits that people list for the 85/1.8... I think they are all "sharp enough."
I have never had any issues with sharpness on my 85 1.8. The focus speed in low light was a bigger factor than the maximum aperture for me. That fact and the huge price difference made my decision a no-brainer. A few minutes with the 1.2 on my body in the camera store was all I needed to experience the focus speed issue.
Have owned both and still own the 85 1.8. I don't care for the mushy noses you get @ F 1.2 so its not worth the difference in price to me. The CA on the 1.8 pretty much disappears by F2 and the focus speed is very fast. Here is a shot of a coworker taken during some AI Servo 40D testing using the 85 1.8 @ F2 with no sharpening, EXIF intact. The bokeh looks pretty creamy to me.
mh2000 wrote:
for "soothing" bokeh and "pleasing" rendering, the 100/2 will be much closer to the 85L along with all the benefits that people list for the 85/1.8... I think they are all "sharp enough."
I have similar thoughts and experiences, though others may beg to differ. My 100 F.2 seems to have that same "dreamy look" I see in the 85L pictures I see posted on the web and on this forum, at a fraction of the cost. Not the same focal length, but from my two eyes perspective very similar IQ. I have an 85 f1.8 and use it indoors, but use the 100 f2 out of door for the very same CA issues discussed prior on this thread. It took care of my needs in this way quite handily - something you might want to consider .
My 2 years old little girl through an 85L at f/9, 20D, bounce flash and (I think) 25mm extension tube). No sharpening applied after resize to 1078 wide.
http://i8./72bg39j.jpg.
I have had both 1.8 and 1.2 and I have used the 1.2 more, even though the focus on the 1.8 is faster and the lens is more convenient to carry around.
If anyone takes the time to go back through all of the threads that I've listed below, they will see superlative after superlative heaped upon the 85L: "astonishing," stunning," "fantastic," "magical," "Makes me feel good just thinking about it," "etheral bokeh," "Can't get it off my camera," and so on and so forth...
In short, when it comes to the "best" accolades, the 85L is the overwhelming recipient of these superlatives which usually refer to the shots taken with the 85L shot wide open at f/1.2 with very shallow depth of field shots which are unique to the 85L.
Some testing has shown the 85L to be sharper at f/1.2 than the 85 f/1.8 at f/1.8. Some testing refutes this. I personally prefer the 85L color rendition, especially the skin tones. My own test shows that in highlights the 85L delivers pastels where the 85 f/1.8 tends to wash out faster. But this is very slight.
OTOH, the 85 f/1.8 is recognized as the best choice for fastest focus.
The 85 f/1.8 is seen as a great practical lens value for portraits and for everyday shooting – maybe the best value per dollar lens of all of Canon lenses.
I've included some user quotes as well. These are not all-inclusive by any means.
(Link followed by actual thread title. Remember to omit special characters when using the search).
Try posting a WTB post for each lens on the buy and sell forum. I bet you can get a 85 f1.8 in no time. It takes me almost two weeks to finally locate a 85 L form CarlG . You think all 85 L owners are just trying to defend their expensive purchase. There are many lenses that are similar to the 85 f1.8 in this world, but there is no other lens that is comparable to the 85 L (note: sharpness is not everything). It is that simple!
B.T.W., the Nikon 85 f1.4 D is the sharpest 85 lens I have ever used, sharper than both canon's. It is so good that I bought a D70 just for the lens. Yet it still lacks the feeling of the 85L.
This lens is the best I've seen for color, sharpness and bokeh... very little post proccessing needed.... and the more I look and edit the more it grows on me.... man..oh man.... With a little more practise with this lens I'm afraid the results could be rather stunning and I'm not sure other lenses would find it's way to my 20D.... I'm glad I'm not about to spend money... it would be a tough choise.
I have the 85 f1.8 but I am seriously thinking of changing to the 1.2. I can see the difference in this last set of photos. Subtle but definitely there. Maybe its shooting at 1.2 vs 1.8... But the background in that last one is awesome.
The 85L has better color transitions from richer shades to pastels. Some attribute this to the 85 f/1.8 having higher contrast. IMO this smoother color handling makes for finer, less splotchy/harsh transitions; especially on available light skin tones.
In short, IMO one of the strentgths of trhe 85L is that it renders beautiful skin tones which makes this fantastic light gatherer an even more valuable available light tool.
Amazing list there Phil... I've been watching it grow over the years .
I have had two 85 1.8s and tried the 1.2L and now I have the 1.2L II.
I don't study MTF charts. I prefer to try out gear and see what it does for me in a variety of shooting situations. Both lenses are great but for me there is no doubt that the 1.2L II is the overall best performer. I invite you to a few galleries on my site to take a look if you'd like:
The 85 f/1.8 is very utilitarian. I still miss it for it's very quick AF speed. It's great for those quick natural action head shot portraits at gatherings and for sports and kids action. I sold my 50 f/1.4 to get a 85 f/1.8 and never missed the 50 f/1.4 in the least.
On the other hand, shooting the 85L at f/1.2 evokes a more contemplative/studious approach which I greatly enjoy. And the results are uniquely stunning. The 85L also works at smaller apertrures for regular shooting with beautiful results. But it is no 85 f/1.8 for AF speed and general all-around, grab and go, utility.
It appears self-indulgent to have both the 85L and 85 f/1.8 but that is what I would like to have. However, other indulgences will problably take precedence....the 5D Mark II when that appears, the new 14L to go with the FF, and so on and so forth...
On edit: This bandaid on my index finger is wreaking havoc with my typing
Edited by Phil Bonner on Nov 30, 2007 at 09:38 AM GMT
I don't think it's self-indulgent at all, they two lenses serve differnet purposes and if you shoot in the 85mm range often they are both useful to have.
The 85L is just fantastic. I'm still waiting/saving for a camera to put it on ...5D mkII or 1DsmkII
Back to the original poster: If you have to ask, then it's the 85 f1.8
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