Canon 85mm f/1.8 or Sigma 85mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM Lens

[ddt0725]

As some of you may remember, I have a undying love (or lust) for the 85mm f/1.2 II USM lens but it is way out of my sensible, unprofessional price range. []
Since I do own the 85mm f/1.8 and LOVE this lens, I was wondering in the more rational and educated minds of others, would the Sigma 85mm f/1/4 EX DG HSM lens that just came out be in the middle between these two Canon lenses as far as IQ goes since it is $ wise. I have never ownedanything other than Canon but am wondering if the Sigma would produce even better sharpness and bokeh than what I already achieve with my 85mm f/1.8.

Thoughts?

Thanks!
Denise

[Fast Glass]

How about the Bower 85mm f/1.4? It's cheap and about as sharp as the Canon f/1.8.


Just a thought,


John.

[clemmb]

I have a bad taste for sigma. I probably just had a bad copy but I lost money over it. I have the canon 50 f1.4 and 100 f2.0 and love them both. As bad as I have the "L" disease, I can not come around to spend the $$$

[neuroanatomist]

Hi Denise,


Like you, I only own Canon lenses - given Bryan's reviews and others available, quality seems to be hit-or-miss. Jan is happy with his Sigma 50mm f/1.4, which is reassuring. Still, I'd certainly recommend waiting until some review of the new lens become available. From their past history, I'd expect the optical quality to be good - not sure about 'in the middle between the two Canon lenses' though, since that 'middle' is a pretty narrow region and the 85mm f/1.8 is optically excellent. It will be interesting to see how the new Sigma handles chromatic aberration, though. I'd be more concerned about AF issues with the new lens, based on Sigma's reputation.

[ddt0725]

Yes, I suppose this is another one to add to my "wait and see" list. I suppose for many of the new lenses it will be a number of months yet before we start seeing reviews from consumers and various websites.


Jan did luck out with having wonderful results from his Sigma lens but you are correct, it is a "hit or miss" type of thing. Overall, would you say Tamron has a better track record than Sigma?


Denise

[neuroanatomist]

It seems that Tamron is a bit more consistent than Sigma - quality is good for some Tamron lenses, less good for others, but it seems their QC is better than Sigma's - however, it's still not up to Canon's, IMO. It stands to reason - 3rd party lenses are generally cheaper than their Canon equivalents, and the cost savings has to come from somewhere.

[doggiedoc]

Denise,


I share your lust for the 85mm f/1.2 L II USM lens. =)


I am personally uneasy purchasing non-Canon branded lenses, mostly due to the comments I have read here and elsewhere. I can recommend the EF 50mm f/1.2L USM lens as I caved and purchased it over the 85mm. It

[ddt0725]

How about the Bower 85mm f/1.4? It's cheap and about as sharp as the Canon f/1.8.

No, I haven't looked at that one. Thanks for the suggestion ...I'm on my way to do a google search now!

Denise

[ddt0725]

I can recommend the EF 50mm f/1.2L USM lens as I caved and purchased it over the 85mm. It's priced a little better. Do like me and "save up" LOL

I have a non-L 50mm so maybe I should take a closer look at the one you suggest. I am heading toward winter in Wisconsin and usually don't do a lot of shooting outdoors during that time. It will give me time to practice my portrait shooting and save up for come spring when I take inventory of my lenses and make a decision on what goes, what stays and what gets purchased. All new reviews should be out by that time also.

So in the meantime ...I'm with you on the "save up" plan!

Denise

[doggiedoc]

FWIW - I rented the 85mm f/1.2 (original version not the new one) several times before I purchased the EF 50mm f/1.2L USM and I am pleased with the focal distance. The 85mm is a little long for me when taking pictures of patients (in the exam room).


I still would like to purchase the 85mm f/1.2 L II USM some day just because it