Dennis said:Between the 2 lens which would you go for and why ?.
Dennis said:Between the 2 lens which would you go for and why ?.
gadrian said:I would choose neither.. honestly I prefer the 85 1.8 or the 135 f/2. Both lenses produce much more pleasing portraits.. also I find the 135 f/2 bokeh heavenly..
gadrian said:I would choose neither.. honestly I prefer the 85 1.8 or the 135 f/2. Both lenses produce much more pleasing portraits.. also I find the 135 f/2 bokeh heavenly..
ical said:I used to own both lenses. Both are high quality so it really depend on your usage if you want to choose between them. I prefer the 85f1.4 due to it's compact size, large aperture and better in picture quality even when shooting wide open. My DC105f2 is usually kept in my dry cabinet. In general, the DC105f2 is a bit too long for my liking while the length of 85mm is more ideal.
If you've more budget to stretch, do look at the new PC Micro 85mmf/2.8 (manual). I just got it recently and the images it produce is amazing. It work like a view camera as well as a micro lense which effect you'll never be able to achieve with any other lenses, making it worth every cent. I'm using it with Nikon D2H and D1X, so on digital is not a problem. If you're interested, I can post a pic using it for your reference.
Dennis said:Yes I love to have that lens and is on my list of next lens to buy. The only problem I have with that lens is that it is a macro lens (of which I already have the 105mm) and is not wide enough for architectural photos which I prefers. In any case I would love to see some photos. Would you PM me on how much and where you got the lens ?. Thanks
Tetrode said:If you already own the 105 Micro, why would you want to replicate that focal length in the 105 DC?
I would take the 85 f1.4 if I already had the 105 Micro, although the 105 Micro hasn't got the nicest bokeh for portraiture.
Jed said:Gadrian:
I've used although never owned the 85/1.8. And I've owned both the 85/1.4 and the 135/2. Frankly I cannot honestly say that I prefer the bokeh of the 135. I do in limited contact also notice that out of focus small sources of light are rendered rather poorly by the 85/1.8.
Jed said:I'll ignore the original question for the moment.
Tetrode:
Personally, I don't consider 90mm on 135 to be ideal portrait length, it's a bit too short to take head and shoulder shots and using one makes the subject slightly uncomfortable.
Agree that you wouldn't have control over the bokeh with the 85mm like you would with the 105, but the DC is a seriously overhyped tool with regards to bokeh control. They make great soft focus lenses, but I'd take an 85/1.4 at f1.4 over a 105/2 at f2 with DC engaged.
The bokeh on the 90/2.5 Tamron is not going to be the same as that on the 85/1.4.
Gadrian:
I've used although never owned the 85/1.8. And I've owned both the 85/1.4 and the 135/2. Frankly I cannot honestly say that I prefer the bokeh of the 135. I do in limited contact also notice that out of focus small sources of light are rendered rather poorly by the 85/1.8.
Khinmarn:
Do not confuse sharpness with depth of field, neither of which are the effect a Softar produces. Also, I fail to see the relevence of focusing at f2 and not using the DC function. Care to elaborate a bit further?
Dennis:
The 85PC is not a lens meant for architecture but for table top commercial work, and to a lesser extent portraiture. Frankly I'd take one over a 105 DC if your sole reason for purchase is portraiture, and assuming you can achieve soft focus with PS after the fact. While you can to a certain extent mimic the effects of tilts with PS, the flexibility of a tilt lens is great when shooting portraits.
Dennis:
The DC lenses allow you to dial in background softness, but only to a very limited extent. If you haven't tried one, go try one first. As above, from my experience they are good primarily as a variable soft focus lens, and also for limited control over background elements without affecting the main image.
The 105DC should be at least as sharp as the 105 Micro at infinity, but not anywhere as sharp as the 105 Micro at macro distances.
Dennis:
To answer your original question, you need to decide what you want out of the lens. Frankly, I'd question the purchase of the DC, on account that you duplicate focal length, and it really only works well as a soft focus lens, which you can mimic and control within PS to a great extent. The 85/1.4 opens up dynamic possibilities in terms of extremely shallow DOF. The 85/2.8 PC affords similar play by controlling your plane of focus, and in some senses is more versatile than the 85/1.4.
I personally shoot portraits with most lenses in my arsenal. The 70-200 is a mainstay, but I also have a 50/1.4, 85/1.4, 85PC, and my current favourite portrait lens is a 400. Ultimately you need to develop your own style and vision, and use a lens which allows you to best achieve that vision.
ical said:Well said, Jed!
Dennis, if I'm you, I'll choose between the 85f1.4 or the PC85f2. My previous purchase of the DC105f2 is honestly a mistake. So I'll advice you not to repeat the same mistake I've made.
I got my PC85f2 free from Nikon Singapore, including both my digital bodys, some of the lenses and lots of other accessories. It a 2 years contract on the condition that almost all my work must be stated using Nikon if I'm shooting on digital SLR. Of course, I still can use my trustworthly PhaseOne back based on the requirement of my client.
I'll post the pic on the gallery. Will let you know once it up.
Dennis said:Thanks for the advise, Actually I inclined towards the 85mm f1.4. I don't think I have much use for the PC 85mm as it is a macro and not a wide. For a PC I would have preferred a wide.
Tetrode said:Don't discount the Tamron 90mm too.
Try and get one to test before committing big $$ on the 85 f1.4.
Unless you really need that extra speed or rolling in $$, I'd try and save myself some $$.
You might even find that you can dispense with your 105 Micro, freeing up more $$ for other goodies.
ical said:I got my PC85f2 free from Nikon Singapore, including both my digital bodys, some of the lenses and lots of other accessories. It a 2 years contract on the condition that almost all my work must be stated using Nikon if I'm shooting on digital SLR. Of course, I still can use my trustworthly PhaseOne back based on the requirement of my client.