Nikon F1.8 85mm or F1.4 50mm Prime Lens

AMediaLuz · 28th December 2008

Thinking of getting a either F1.8, 85mm or F1.4, 50mm Prime Lens for photoshoots at low light, movements. (Eg. Performances on streets at night).

Apart from the fact that I have to stand closer/further away because of the focal length, what's the main difference in terms of effects between these two lens?

Sorry to ask such a noob question, I am quite new to photography.

jnet6 · 28th December 2008

tried doing a search on these 2 lenses? lots of answers are out there.

Stuffed · 29th December 2008

Originally Posted by AMediaLuz

Thinking of getting a either F1.8, 85mm or F1.4, 50mm Prime Lens for photoshoots at low light, movements. (Eg. Performances on streets at night).

Apart from the fact that I have to stand closer/further away because of the focal length, what's the main difference in terms of effects between these two lens?

Sorry to ask such a noob question, I am quite new to photography.

There's a thread of the same topic somewhere in this forum. Do a search for it. Also, google it... ample information for comparison there. I know because I was down that path.

shareoffroad · 29th December 2008

it is better to take a VR lens if intend to have night street scene.

hacknet · 29th December 2008

the 85 vs 50mm has got nothing about standing closer or further, after shooting awhile you will realise that the 2 different lengths are used for pretty much different things, one get you quite a bit of bokeh and the other less but more of at a closer distances, its a good idea to get both, like i did

35,50 and 85mms basically get you most of the shots that you need.

Leykid1634 · 29th December 2008

Originally Posted by AMediaLuz

Thinking of getting a either F1.8, 85mm or F1.4, 50mm Prime Lens for photoshoots at low light, movements. (Eg. Performances on streets at night).

Both are fast lens good for low light situation.
But for landscape, think a WA is more suitable, like the 20 f2.8. IMHO.

Nick80 · 30th December 2008

It depends on how close you like your subjects to be.

I have both. When I was using film, I prefer the 85mm over 50mm, as I like half body shots.

When I shoot digital, I prefer the 50 mm over 85 mm, as the 85mm becomes about 128mm and requires more space between me and the subject.

Image quality of both lenses are among the best of the Nikkor primes, se reviews in photozones. And my favourite photos have been taken using these 2, though I shoot a lot more other images using my zooms.

Hope this helps.

blue_quartz · 30th December 2008

I went with the 85 mm because I find it easier to handle with its metal hood and longer body, and also because I find its bokeh to be slightly creamier compared to the 50 mm. Sure, the most obvious trade-off is your distance from the subject, so do consider your comfortable shooting distance as well.

I took a lot of photos about a month or two ago at my school concert with an 85 f/1.8:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/blue_qu...7609116943002/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/blue_qu...7609129781041/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/blue_qu...7609136447841/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/blue_qu...7609126797706/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/blue_qu...7609130520574/

AMediaLuz · 31st December 2008

Thanks, Blue Quartz! Nice! Was thinking of shooting in that kind of light conditions!

Afew questions, if you don't mind.

-In some photos, the depth of field seem rather shallow while for some it seems rather deep. I.e. some photos, you can see that the background is clear, but others you seem to 'blur' it.
Is that because of the aperture control? Or has distance between you and the subject got to do with it?

- May I know roughly how far you were away from the subject in taking this photo?
http://www.flickr.com/photos/blue_qu...7609116943002/

Really appreciate your help. Thanks!

AMediaLuz · 31st December 2008

[quote=hacknet;4657326]the 85 vs 50mm has got nothing about standing closer or further, after shooting awhile you will realise that the 2 different lengths are used for pretty much different things, one get you quite a bit of bokeh and the other less but more of at a closer distances, its a good idea to get both, like i did

QUOTE]

Ermm Sorry for the Noob question, but which is which? Which one gives more bokeh at closer distances?

jnet6 · 31st December 2008

[quote=AMediaLuz;4661464]

Originally Posted by hacknet

the 85 vs 50mm has got nothing about standing closer or further, after shooting awhile you will realise that the 2 different lengths are used for pretty much different things, one get you quite a bit of bokeh and the other less but more of at a closer distances, its a good idea to get both, like i did
QUOTE]

Ermm Sorry for the Noob question, but which is which? Which one gives more bokeh at closer distances?

*Open your mouth ...Ah....

Click on any of the image and there is "more properties" on the lower right side under Taken with a Nikon D90.

blue_quartz · 31st December 2008

Originally Posted by AMediaLuz

Thanks, Blue Quartz! Nice! Was thinking of shooting in that kind of light conditions!

Afew questions, if you don't mind.

-In some photos, the depth of field seem rather shallow while for some it seems rather deep. I.e. some photos, you can see that the background is clear, but others you seem to 'blur' it.
Is that because of the aperture control? Or has distance between you and the subject got to do with it?

- May I know roughly how far you were away from the subject in taking this photo?
http://www.flickr.com/photos/blue_qu...7609116943002/

Really appreciate your help. Thanks!

Except for a few shots, the rest were all shot at f/1.8. So it has more to do with the distance between myself and the subjects, and also the background as well.

As for that photo right, I can't really remember le, I'll give an approximate of at least five metres.

benleez · 31st December 2008

I have both using on non-FF.
When I shoot my kids, i usually use 50mm (they are usually not far from me).
When I shoot street, i usually use 85mm (no need to get so near).

boyboy · 31st December 2008

if u have a zoom lens, try it at the various focal lengths.

my take is that 35mm f2 will be the best bet for general purpose use. it's a normal lens on DX format. wider primes will be very ex. longer lenses will be more restrictive (unless u always like to shoot from far, then it's a toss up between 50 and 85)

i feel very silly to have bought my 50mm before i bought my 35mm. but u can learn from my mistake.. hahahaha. but i try to get closer whenever possible. if u "shy photog", then this doesn't apply to u.

28th December 2008	#1
AMediaLuz Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Posts: 135	Nikon F1.8 85mm or F1.4 50mm Prime Lens Thinking of getting a either F1.8, 85mm or F1.4, 50mm Prime Lens for photoshoots at low light, movements. (Eg. Performances on streets at night). Apart from the fact that I have to stand closer/further away because of the focal length, what's the main difference in terms of effects between these two lens? Sorry to ask such a noob question, I am quite new to photography.

28th December 2008	#2
jnet6 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: not here often anymore Posts: 6,259	Re: Nikon F1.8 85mm or F1.4 50mm Prime Lens tried doing a search on these 2 lenses? lots of answers are out there.

29th December 2008	#4
shareoffroad New Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Posts: 26	Re: Nikon F1.8 85mm or F1.4 50mm Prime Lens it is better to take a VR lens if intend to have night street scene.

29th December 2008	#5
hacknet Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 1,090	Re: Nikon F1.8 85mm or F1.4 50mm Prime Lens the 85 vs 50mm has got nothing about standing closer or further, after shooting awhile you will realise that the 2 different lengths are used for pretty much different things, one get you quite a bit of bokeh and the other less but more of at a closer distances, its a good idea to get both, like i did 35,50 and 85mms basically get you most of the shots that you need.

30th December 2008	#7
Nick80 Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Posts: 79	Re: Nikon F1.8 85mm or F1.4 50mm Prime Lens It depends on how close you like your subjects to be. I have both. When I was using film, I prefer the 85mm over 50mm, as I like half body shots. When I shoot digital, I prefer the 50 mm over 85 mm, as the 85mm becomes about 128mm and requires more space between me and the subject. Image quality of both lenses are among the best of the Nikkor primes, se reviews in photozones. And my favourite photos have been taken using these 2, though I shoot a lot more other images using my zooms. Hope this helps.

30th December 2008	#8
blue_quartz Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Bukit Timah Posts: 299	Re: Nikon F1.8 85mm or F1.4 50mm Prime Lens I went with the 85 mm because I find it easier to handle with its metal hood and longer body, and also because I find its bokeh to be slightly creamier compared to the 50 mm. Sure, the most obvious trade-off is your distance from the subject, so do consider your comfortable shooting distance as well. I took a lot of photos about a month or two ago at my school concert with an 85 f/1.8: http://www.flickr.com/photos/blue_qu...7609116943002/ http://www.flickr.com/photos/blue_qu...7609129781041/ http://www.flickr.com/photos/blue_qu...7609136447841/ http://www.flickr.com/photos/blue_qu...7609126797706/ http://www.flickr.com/photos/blue_qu...7609130520574/ __________________ ___BLUE_QUARTZ___ My Flickr photostream! \| Ricoh GX100 \| Nikon D90 + 18-105 + 85/1.8 Last edited by blue_quartz; 30th December 2008 at 11:11 PM.

31st December 2008	#9
AMediaLuz Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Posts: 135	Re: Nikon F1.8 85mm or F1.4 50mm Prime Lens Thanks, Blue Quartz! Nice! Was thinking of shooting in that kind of light conditions! Afew questions, if you don't mind. -In some photos, the depth of field seem rather shallow while for some it seems rather deep. I.e. some photos, you can see that the background is clear, but others you seem to 'blur' it. Is that because of the aperture control? Or has distance between you and the subject got to do with it? - May I know roughly how far you were away from the subject in taking this photo? http://www.flickr.com/photos/blue_qu...7609116943002/ Really appreciate your help. Thanks!

31st December 2008	#13
benleez Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Reservoir Dude Posts: 495	Re: Nikon F1.8 85mm or F1.4 50mm Prime Lens I have both using on non-FF. When I shoot my kids, i usually use 50mm (they are usually not far from me). When I shoot street, i usually use 85mm (no need to get so near).

31st December 2008	#14
boyboy Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 549	Re: Nikon F1.8 85mm or F1.4 50mm Prime Lens if u have a zoom lens, try it at the various focal lengths. my take is that 35mm f2 will be the best bet for general purpose use. it's a normal lens on DX format. wider primes will be very ex. longer lenses will be more restrictive (unless u always like to shoot from far, then it's a toss up between 50 and 85) i feel very silly to have bought my 50mm before i bought my 35mm. but u can learn from my mistake.. hahahaha. but i try to get closer whenever possible. if u "shy photog", then this doesn't apply to u.