Prime lenses

[skydog]

I'm in the market for an 85mm and 50mm prime lens. There is a BIG price difference between an f1.2 and f1.8. Will I regret not investing in the f1.2? I currently have 16-35 f2.8 and 24-70 f2.8, but they just aren't sharp or fast enough for indoor weddings. I also want to get more of the broken (just don't get it at f2.8) look but how fast is needed?

[anwer]

all depends on what camera you have (cropped sensor or full frame). if cropped sensor
than i think 50mmm f1.4 is the best . it is flexible , cheap and sharp. of course you might
need to shoot too close to the subject which might annoy the subject. if full frame
than 85mm f1.8 is the answer. f1.2 is very expensive and it might give you feeling of
guilt that why you spend so much . but with first choice if you go wrong you can always
comfort yourself. watch out for bad copies ef 50mm f1.4 and ef 85mm f1.8 . test
the lens before buying. few clicks in the shop are enough to let you decide.

[Pictus]

The Sigma 50 F1/4 EX DG HSM is the one to look, there is a new 85 mm too...
But for Canon users I do not think that is a good idea, Canon only likes Canon lens...

http://www.the-digital-picture.com/R...mp=0&APIComp=1


http://www.pixel-peeper.com/lenses/?lens=13138
http://www.flickr.com/groups/664291@N24/


http://www.dpreview.com/lensreviews/sigma_50_1p4_c16/
http://www.slrgear.com/reviews/showp...ct/1202/cat/30
http://www.photozone.de/canon-eos/392-sigma_50_14_canon
http://www.lenstip.com/index.php?tes...wu&test_ob=177
http://www.the-digital-picture.com/R...ns-Review.aspx
http://www.modeemi.fi/~leopold/Photo/Sigma50mmF14/
http://www.bythom.com/Sigma-50-HSM-lensreview.htm
http://www.shutterbug.com/equipmentr...s/0609fastfix/

[Quantum3]

I have the 50mm f/1.4 and tried a lot the 85mm f/1.4 The 85mm is sharper than the 50mm and much better for portraits also. Firstly, if you want to take a portrait with the 50mm of medium body you will need to be very close to the model, which is not pleasant for the model. If you want to take photo of the face you will find that you have to be very close to the model and also, the lens tend to distort too much, like a wide angle at that close distance. At f/1.4 is not so sharp also. The 85mm is sharp at any f number and it doesn't distort the image. That lens is excellent in every aspect. However, I have found that using prime lenses is not the best thing because you have to move a lot your body in order to achieve the perfect framing and it ¡s quite distracting because you have to take out the eye from the viewfinder to watch your step and such. I'm saving money for the 24-70 f/2.8, that's a great lens. With the very low noise on Nikon D700 and D3 you can use high ISO's with no problems, and f/2.8 is really fast and gives a very nice bokeh. In fact, using below of 2.8 isn't so usual. If you shoot a 3/4 portrait at f/2.8 the bokeh will start to be noticeable after the farest eye more or less. Less than 2.8 makes the farest eye being blurred and that's not good for that.

[skydog]

I shoot Canon...have a 5D and a 7D. I have a prime 300 and it is sharpe as a tack. The Zooms I have are decent, but not consistent and as I mentioned the boken is not really that great at f2.8. I've read excellent results from those who own 85 f1.2, but it comes at a high price ...just wanted opinon from those who own the f1.8 and/or the f1.2.

[TreesOfMyTime]

I have the 85-f1.2. It is an extremely sharp lens. My Granddaughter shoots mostly children commercially and she has, and is happy with, the 85 f1.8.

You don't get an awful lot for all that money to get to the L lens, but the build is much better and the bokeh is unmatched. Should be some used Version 1's around at better prices than the new mark2!