I shoot portraits. I have a D300 and I already have a sigma 30mm f1.4. I was planning on getting an 85mm to match with it. If I opt for the cheaper f1.8, then I can also pack on a 50mm f1.4. Do you think the f1.4 version is worth it? Then again, I don't really think I need a 50 since, I already have the 30mm. I guess I am just wanting to hear what you guys think?
IF you are mostly a studio shooter, i'd get the 50/85 combo. Super/perfectly Creamy backgrounds dont mean as much in front of a seamless. Otherwise, i'd agree with the others above me, go for the 85mm f/1.4 if its in your budget.
In a studio setting, the Samyang 85 1.4 is viable for portrait work, and is a fabulous value. The Sigma 50 1.4 also is an ace portrait lens on DX.
In my shooting, I alternate between my Sigma 30 1.4 and Nikkor 85 1.8 AF-D on my D90. In some more cramped environments, the 85 is a little long on DX. However, if I did carry a 50 1.4 to an event, it would be in place of the 85, not along side of it.
I would say rent the 50 1.4 G and the 85 1.4D. Decide which focal length you're more comfortable at - I was never really comfortable with an 85mm lens on a crop sensor. As soon as I switched to FX, then it was perfect.
Another option is to just get the 50, then you'll have saved about $600 which you can turn around and immediately spend on another lens. For $600 you can get the 85 1.4 AIS on KEH.
Afer giving it some thought, I am going to go with the 85mm f1.8 route over the f1.4. I am realizing I won't be using the 85mm focal length enough to justify the price difference. I would love to have the top of the line glass, but not if it only comes out of the bag on outdoor shoots and even then, only a handfull of times.
I rented a 85 1.8 just got it Saturday. Just from messing around with it in the house over the weekend, this thing is amazing. I'm shooting my son's junior high basketball game tonight. I'll let you know how it goes.
The best way to choose between two lenses is to actually try them. Renting them is often advisable given how much they cost and how long you will own them. Good job tc-photo.
The 85mm f/1.8 and f/1.4 have very different painting styles and everyone is going to have a different opinion.
Jammy Straub wrote:
The best way to choose between two lenses is to actually try them. Renting them is often advisable given how much they cost and how long you will own them. Good job tc-photo.
The 85mm f/1.8 and f/1.4 have very different painting styles and everyone is going to have a different opinion.
85mm f/1.8 is a great lens - especially for outdoor portraits or sports, as long as you don't need a lot of reach.
If you plan on doing a lot of portraiture, then the 85mm f/1.4D is the way to go, but if the 85mm f/1.8 worls for you, then I'd consider the 50mm f/1.4G - it is a sweeter lens than the 50mm f/1.8D. The 50mm 1.8 was my first lens and I really liked it for a lot of different things, but 1.4G is a little nicer for nice oof or bokeh, depending on what's in the background.
