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Im a wedding photographer and Im looking at adding a new prime.
Canon EF 50mm f/1.2L USM or
Canon EF 85mm f/1.2L II USM Lens
I currently shoot with a 70-200 L series, canon ef 24-70 F2.8L and a canon 17-55 2.8 is on a crop body and a canon 5dmkii
You can see my stuff at professional wedding photographer
The 50 gives you a wider low light in the ff and a very shallow dof portrait on the crop?
If its any help at all. The 85 1.2 is likely the most sought after portrait lens in the canon lineup. Probably the most coveted as well. I have the 85 1.8 and have used it on crop and full frame and really see the versatility in that focal length. The 50 is normal and can be used I think in a more photojournalistic style.
In my honest opinion you are going to be stoked no matter which one you go with.
Good luck in making a tough choice there.
Dave.
P.S. There is always the idea of just buying both. Go big or go home right? :p
Does it have to be Canon? Lots of people have been talking up some of the Sigmas even though you lose a stop of light. The other thing to do is possibly go with a manual focus lens from Zeiss. Just throwing some extra thoughts out there.
Both are excellent, of course. Since you have zooms that cover both focal lengths, check past EXIF or set a zoom to each focal length for a while, and see where the thin DoF would be more useful.
Each lens has one 'issue'. The 50L exhibits focus shift (inherent to the lens design, you'll get backfocus at apertures between f/1.4 and ~f/4 with close subjects). The 85L autofocuses quite slowly (and manual focus is no faster because MF works by driving the AF motor).
I have never heard that - how does that work? Do you mean like the 50 f/1.8 where you have the resistance of the motor (it never de-couples)? I always wondered if that effects the life of the motor or any gearing that may exist:confused:... it just doesn't feel right.Quote:
Originally Posted by neuroanatomist
@Conropl I don't know how the 50/1.8 focuses but the 85/1.2 is basically fly-by-wire. Turning the focus ring doesn't actually touch the optics. It drives a switch which drives the AF motor. There's a bit of lag but it tracks reasonably well. However, the camera body must be on to focus the lens.
ChadS - Thanks... I did not know they powered the focus drive even in manual. Seems like that would take a little getting use to. Thanks for the information, now it makes sense.
Indeed, it does. For me, MF is fine, the issue is remembering to retract the front element (which extends with focusing) before unmounting the lens.Quote:
Originally Posted by conropl
I recommend the 35mm L over the 50mm. Pick up the 85mm L later unless you have a ton of cash to blow.
They're both great lenses. Personally, I use the 50mm focal length more often because of my style.
I own both and I use the 50 way more. For me it comes down to more usable focal length. It is usually easier to get closer than farther, usually. With the MFDs of each lens it it possible to achieve similar cropping as the 50 will allow you to get much closer to your subject. I think the 85 is a better lens but just not as practical.
Hi Paul,
I'd highly recommend the Sigma 85mm f/1.4 as an alternative to both of those lenses. I've had two copies now (dropped the first and broke it) and both have been superb. It does has some colour fringing wide open against high contrast subjects however I'm not sure how it compares to the Canon 85mm f/1.2L in this respect (whether it's similar wide open). It's a fraction of the cost of the Canon with very quick and accurate autofocus and excellent sharpness/IQ. I used it for probably 70% of my photos (on a 5D2) on a recent holiday.
On a full frame body I really like the 85mm focal length, you get slight image compression that can be flattering for portraits. 50mm on full frame doesn't excite me too much for some reason but that's just me.
If I were purely choosing between the two Canons I'd prefer the 85mm. However if you were open to other manufacturers then I would definitely recommend the Sigma 85mm.
Cheers,
Ben
I second the Sigma 85mm, I love this lens and prefer it much more over a 50mm on my 7d.
Looking at the ISO12233 crops the Sigma 85mm appears sharper to me than the Canon 85mm wide open (both at f/1.4 and f/1.2).
The Canon has similar, if not worse colour fringing at f/1.4 compared to the Sigma also. At around f/2.0 - f/2.8 the Canon appears to out resolve the Sigma and have better colour fringing performance.
In saying that, often the purpose of a super wide aperture prime is to produce good results wide open. In which case I would say that the Sigma out performs the Canon hands down.
Thanks guys, I have read a lot of poor reviews with quality over the sigma, hence the reason going down the canon line.
In real life terms the 50mm and 85mm are the same lens but have varied reviews pros and cons.
Im stuck as I want something to help in low light so I can shoot without flash.
Hmmmm
You also need to consider DoF - that ability to shoot in low light comes at the expense of very thin DoF, especially with close subjects. Personally, for low light situational shooting (indoors, outdoors at night), I use the 35mm f/1.4L.Quote:
Originally Posted by peterborough_photography
I am not trying to change your thought process here, but as I was reading down this thread, I remembered this review and thought others may be interested:Quote:
Originally Posted by peterborough_photography
http://darwinwiggett.wordpress.com/2...85mm-f1-2l-ii/