Canon 85mm 1.8 or Sigma 85mm 1.4

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Name
Shahin
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Just wondered if anyone has experience with both of these lenses. Pros and cons. I can afford the canon now but not the sigma, shall I save the money and wait or just go for the canon? Is the sigma worth the extra cash? Thanks in advance!
 
I've had both. The sigma is better. But the canon is awesome too. If you can afford the sigma get it. But if you want to save some of the money you won't be let down by the canon
 
Bokeh is important with a lens like this and if you look at the examples on line I think there's a clear winner... the Siggy.

I have one and IMVHO it's even better than their well regarded 50mm f1.4.
 
woof woof said:
Bokeh is important with a lens like this and if you look at the examples on line I think there's a clear winner... the Siggy.

I have one and IMVHO it's even better than their well regarded 50mm f1.4.

I agree. I sold my 85 1.2l to get an 85 and a 135. The Canon 85 1.8 I found the bokeh to be quite harsh in comparison. The sigma I found very little difference to the l apart from faster and more reliable focusing. I think the sigma should be compared with the 1.2 and not the 1.8. The only reasons for choosing the 1.8 would be price and/or focusing speed IMHO.
 
Do not want to sound like a Siggy salesman, and, in fact, I've just sold my Siggy 85 f1.4 but this is one FANTASTIC lens on both crop and FF bodies (I have a lot of glass in this FL and cannot keep everything - according to SWMBO).

I've also had the 85L and I would put the Sigma in the same bracket. The Sigma is possibly sharper than the 85L at all (wide) apertures but lacks the "dreamy" look of the 85L. It does focus A LOT faster though if that is important.

Basically, I would get another Siggy 85 in a heartbeat but have never really fussed over the Canon 85 f1.8.

Just my 2p worth.
 
Thanks all for your comments, very much appreciated :) I've seen a few images taken with the sigma and absolutely love them! But price really is an issue so that's why I thought to just go for the canon, practice with that for a while, save more money and if I want the extra bokeh fabulous siggy later on I can sell the canon and give that a try! Win win! :))
 
how would you rate the canon 85 1.8 against the 70-200 2.8L II @85mm ? charts make the latter seem better, but apart from weight, anyone used both?
 
I have both the Sigma 85 1.4 and Canon 85 1.2 L. I know this isn't the comparison you are looking for, but thought it may be of some help.

Bottom line is...both lenses are brilliant. I have had the Sigma for longer, but have used the Canon enough to make a reasonable comparison. The Sigma is quicker to focus and has excellent bokeh at 1.4. I was lucky to find one without focusing issues - I adjusted the lens at first for back focusing, but soon put it back to zero realising it was user error rather than the lens. The Canon has a more three dimensional feel to the images, and I personally prefer the colour and saturation. I am still questioning whether it was worth the money for the Canon!

The Sigma is a lovely lens for the money, and a while ago I was in the same boat as you. I did a lot of research and decided the Sigma was the better choice over the Canon 1.8. I have used the Sigma for fashion, live bands and portrait photography and have been over the moon with the results. I also own the Sigma 50mm 1.4 - it doesn't get used unless I really need it, in my mind it doesn't compare to the Sigma 85mm.

Edit: See below.
 
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