Canon EF 50mm f1.4 or EF 85mm f1.8

[lyz77]

For portrait shooting, which want will you choose? Is it a lot of different between f1.4 and f1.8?

[Headshotzx]

Depends on the focal length I want. Image wise, they are very similar.

If I'm shooting indoors in a non-studio quite-cramped environment, I'd choose the 50mm f/1.4. If I'm shooting outdoors, I'd chose an 85mm f/1.8 for solo portraits, or a 50mm f/1.4 for small 2 to 3 group shots.

[qx881122]

......
APS........
50mm f1.4=85mm f1.4
85mm f1.8=135mm 1.8

For Portrait Shooting..I think 50mm f1.4 is better

[charlesleong]

which lens depends on

your style
your surroundings
your camera body

how does a either/or poll help?

[mlcy85]

i think it's apples to orange comparison here... i presume ur on 1.6x fovc body. so ask urself if ur shooting indoors or outdoors more often... indoors than 50mm, outdoors then 85mm my 2 cents worth....

[jlkk76]

Originally Posted by charlesleong which lens depends on your style your surroundings your camera body how does a either/or poll help?

agreed!

...

[engrmariano]

i'll choose 85mm for FF.

[Shin Howard]

I tried both before. I vote for 85f1.8, the focus speed and the sharpness is much better than 50f1.4.
It does not extend when focus, and has less CA than 50f1.4.
Worth every cent I paid.
But this is provided that you need the 85mm focal length.

[calebk]

Originally Posted by Shin Howard I tried both before. I vote for 85f1.8, the focus speed and the sharpness is much better than 50f1.4. It does not extend when focus, and has less CA than 50f1.4. Worth every cent I paid. But this is provided that you need the 85mm focal length.

Honestly, I encounter more CA on the 85 than 50. I have both lenses and use them extensively.

[Headshotzx]

Originally Posted by calebk Honestly, I encounter more CA on the 85 than 50. I have both lenses and use them extensively.

You do? Didn't know that.

The CA on 85mm is crazy till f/2.8 or sometimes even f/4-- when shooting reflective metal under lots of ceiling lights, you get purple halos everywhere.

[calebk]

Originally Posted by Headshotzx You do? Didn't know that. The CA on 85mm is crazy till f/2.8 or sometimes even f/4-- when shooting reflective metal under lots of ceiling lights, you get purple halos everywhere.

Best kept secret.

It is crazy. Drives me nuts that even Lr2's CA correction is not powerful enough to fully eliminate it.

[cancan7]

Maybe you should consider which focal length you prefer, and also where will you be using it(indoors or outdoors). I don't have either of these lens, but from what I've read, the 85mm has a solid reputation, while the 50mm has its detractors.

If I were buying a portrait lens, I'd go for the 85, as I have the 50 1.8II(yeah I know about its shortcomings).

[Shin Howard]

Originally Posted by calebk Honestly, I encounter more CA on the 85 than 50. I have both lenses and use them extensively.

Oh, so my previous 85f1.8 was a pretty good copy cause the CA was quite minimal.
Whilst the 50f1.4 seems to display a Strong Purple Aura on everyone in white. Haha

[Virgo]

Cannot compare, because the 2 lens are of different focal length. Each has its usage for different things. Also, it depends very much on what camera body your using.

[Lost Dog]

get the best of both worlds. 50mm f1.8.. hahahaha
It's 50mm but not f1.4, it's not 85mm but it's f1.8..

best part is, it's darn cheap.

[charlesleong]

Originally Posted by Lost Dog get the best of both worlds. 50mm f1.8.. hahahaha It's 50mm but not f1.4, it's not 85mm but it's f1.8.. best part is, it's darn cheap.

or get both 50/1.4 and 85/1.8, then the one you don't like give away/sell cheap/use as paperweight :P

[Snoweagle]

It's 50mm for me regardless of FF or not.

[lyz77]

Thanks for sharing....

[fWord]

Buy both and try. Give me the one you don't like.

[ThunderBolt]

I am using a 85mm and i have no regrets owning one. Loving it.
End of the day its your choice.Happy Shooting.