Weddings coming up...excuse for a new lens!

[reddeathdrinker]

I've got a few weddings coming up this year, and I'm using them as an excuse for a new lens. Not being made of money (for the 85mm f/1.4), I'm stuck between choosing the Sigma or Nikon 50mm f/1.4 or the Nikon 85mm f/1.8...

I had the f/1.8 50mm Nikon, and used it quite a lot, great for portraits, but there's a buzz about the 85mm version as being even better. But the 50mm f/1.4 has me looking at it with envious eyes.

I've trawled the usual review sites, and mooched around Flickr looking at examples, but I'm still not sure. (I'd buy both the 50 and 85, but that's a bit too expensive!) What do you think TP?

[icecavern]

Based on your kit list in your sig, you definitely need a 1.4 of some kind. Just get the 85 and 50mm :D They'll pay for themselves pretty quick when you get those great wedding shots everyone wants ;)

Pete

[chris250]

is the 85mm not just the 50mm for a full frame camera?

[Steveo_Hants]

I love my AF-S 50mm f1.4. Go and find one straight away, you will not regret it!

[icecavern]

is the 85mm not just the 50mm for a full frame camera?

:thinking: Eh?

[chris250]

people always say get the niffty no matter the camera so on a cropped sensor camera it would give the same result as the 85 on a full frame camera, or am i talking gibberish?

[icecavern]

Well the 50mm on a crop Nikon gives you 75mm, the 85 would be around a 128mm effectively but that's not the point, the point is both are awesome lenses and perfect for weddings.

[V8burble]

Sigma's 50mm f/1.4 AF-S :shrug:

[DiddyDave]

There's actually a surprisingly big difference between a 50mm & an 85mm

Looking at your kit, I'd be more tempted by the 85mm for that extra 'standing back' shooting candids and the shallower DoF you'd get due to its longer focal length

From the DoF scales - 50mm f1.4 at 8ft is a DoF of about 5"; 85mm f1.8 at 8ft is about 2"

My 2p anyway

:D

DD

[icecavern]

I use my 85 for all my bridal portraits. Bash it on F2 and just fall in love with the backgrounds :D

http://blog.stewardsonphotography.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2008/10/_d702414.jpg

http://blog.stewardsonphotography.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/_d700230_2.jpg

Pete

[Wee Hels]

I use my 85 for all my bridal portraits. Bash it on F2 and just fall in love with the backgrounds :D

http://blog.stewardsonphotography.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2008/10/_d702414.jpg

http://blog.stewardsonphotography.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/_d700230_2.jpg

Pete

Wow - in my eyes - they are fantastic shots! :clap:

Hels

[merv]

Recently got the 50mm f1.4 myself. brilliant at low light but you do have to stand back - sometimes difficult in a room. I am also thinking of the 85 as I also have a wedding to do - unofficial photographer for candids. Also got the 35mm f2 - great also:clap: