Which Portrait Lens

[spencer]

I know this questions has been asked before, but I would like some advice on which lens to buy next for my 50D.

I am looking at the Canon 85mm f1:8 or the Canon 50mm f1:4?

At the moment I have a Sigma 24-70mm f2:8 & the nifty fifty. I know the 85mm f1:8 is really sharp & a good portrait lens, but is the 50mm f1:4 significantly sharper than my nifty fifty & Sigma?

Any advice gratefully received.

Regards Spence

[Koolvin]

The 50mm 1.2 is good but expensive - the 50mm 1.4 is only half a stop difference and way cheaper.

From what I have seen the 50mm 1.4 is a cracking lens.

[chris321]

I have an 85mm f/1.8 on my 50D, and I absolutely love it :love:

I suppose really it depends on how much room you have to shoot, how close in you like to get with your portraits etc!

[stevedunster]

The Canon 85mm f1:8 is going to be more flattering than the 50mm - avoiding the big nose, small ears thing.

Depending the portrait work you want to do, you don't need fast glass. If your aperture is too big you might have trouble getting both eyes in focus (unless it's a straight-on shot of course). Better off with higher ISO or more light.

Steve

[daugirdas]

85mm f/1.8, or 100mm macro or 135mm f/2 L or 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS. All are great. Did I mention 50mm - no, I didn't.

[trencheel303]

If you already have a nifty fifty then an 85mm seems like the best way to go, and on a cropper will be a very nice focal length for portraits. As far as quality and the fifties go, I believe there isn't much in it with regards to the optics, the nifty fifty is a very sharp lens indeed, when stopped down beating some of the L series zooms in sharpness.

[spencer]

Sorry for the delay in replying.

Many thanks for all your advice, looks like it'll have to be the 85mm f1;8.:naughty:

Regards Spence