Canon 85mm f1.8

kissfoto

kissfoto

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Ian
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Just bought one of these little marvels. Anybody using one and has an opinon I would like to hear it. Using it on 1Ds Mk1 and it seems great. :)

Test shot using lens @ f1.8. 100 ASA. No PP at all.

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I've actually just started to look at this lens as a possible purchase. I have the Canon 50mm 1.4 which is super, stunning detail at around f8 and above on my 5D2. Not sure how much use I would get from the 85, but the extra distance would be nice as I like to isolate objects and pick out specific details. Anyway at around £270 ish (from Kerso) it seems like a good lens for the money.
 
ShrubMonkey said:
I've actually just started to look at this lens as a possible purchase. I have the Canon 50mm 1.4 which is super, stunning detail at around f8 and above on my 5D2. Not sure how much use I would get from the 85, but the extra distance would be nice as I like to isolate objects and pick out specific details. Anyway at around £270 ish (from Kerso) it seems like a good lens for the money.
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It seems a good little performer and its a great price. Let me know how you get on... I will post some more images when I have them. :bonk::bonk:
 
I've used one with my 5D for around a year now, and it's one of my favourite lenses. Brilliant AF and sharp from F2. I found mine to be slightly softer at F1.8, but it's still useable.
More recently I was in the States, and spent several days playing the game of "only one lens". So on the day I went to the aquarium, took the 85mm, another day was with the 24-105 etc. Was a fun way to do things. I did wonder if I'd end up restricting myself with the 85mm. Certainly didn't feel like it on the day in question, and some of the shots were brill.

Here's a shot in very low light, no flash:
IMG_7488.jpg
 
Love mine, only had it a few weeks but very impressed with it. Small, light, decent built, fast AF, smooth bokeh, nice length on FF.

Was trying my hand at portraits at the weekend, it really is pin sharp, can see the arms of my brolly in the reflections in the eyes, especially stopped down a bit :) Will post some pics later, if you don't mind seeing my ugly mug :P
 
I bounced around the thought of getting an 85mm f1.8 for a short while recently after having a play with a friends' copy. In the end I decided to go for the 100mm f2.8 macro 'cos although it's a little slower, I find it to be more versatile for my uses.

Having said that, I did find the 85mm to be very, very impressive. :)

Si
 
I've just got one, and I have to say it's amazing! I'm an odd one, because I own a 100mm macro AND a 85mm f/1.8. I can see why people would chose between one or the other, because on paper they look pretty similar.

However, recently I found myself shooting some stage productions, and when you're at f/2.8, ISO at 6400 or 12800, and the shutter speeds are still only around 1/20, the time comes when f/2.8 just won't do!

I'll be keeping the 100mm as I love macro stuff (especially with extension tubes), and the 85mm for when the light means nothing else will do!

Chris
 
+1 I have both too - the 85 1.8 is on my 5D most of the time - a fantastic lens!
 
+2 I have both, love em both.
Both are slightly different and have strengths the other doesnt. Torn which one is 'best'.

Matt
 
Hmm, finding this thread potentially useful in the future, as looking to upgrade my 90mm f2.5 Tamron macro (also doubling as my portraiture / person lens) for a 180mm macro, leaving a hole in my toolbox. I certainly don't think I'd get the use out of the f1.2 for the price, but interesting to note chris321's comments on just how dark some situations are...
 
mark_farrell said:
Hmm, finding this thread potentially useful in the future, as looking to upgrade my 90mm f2.5 Tamron macro (also doubling as my portraiture / person lens) for a 180mm macro, leaving a hole in my toolbox. I certainly don't think I'd get the use out of the f1.2 for the price, but interesting to note chris321's comments on just how dark some situations are...
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To be honest, that was a bit of an exception, it was a properly dark scene, as in it was pretty tricky to even see what was going on, let alone photograph it :D

Even if I'd had a f/1.2 though, I'd have probably missed the focus, it's impossible getting actos to just stay still :lol:

Chris
 
I love this lens. It gets me out of so many tricky situations on my 7d crop sensor not only for the length but also the sheer speed of it in low light. I just love it for portaits.

Out of interest, how does everyone find they get thee sharpest out of this lens? f1.8 is excellent but sometimes a tad soft.
 
freefall said:
I love this lens. It gets me out of so many tricky situations on my 7d crop sensor not only for the length but also the sheer speed of it in low light. I just love it for portaits.

Out of interest, how does everyone find they get thee sharpest out of this lens? f1.8 is excellent but sometimes a tad soft.
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As you say 1.8 is good but a ''tad'' soft. I have found I get excellent sharpness and great DOF and Bokeh at f2 to f2.8..:thumbs::thumbs: I love the lens... worth every dollar...
 
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