Nikon 50 f/1.4 vs Nikon 85 f/1.8

Digifrog

Digifrog

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Hi peeps

The pro's and cons please if you've owned these lenses. I know the 50 is faster and I know the 85 is longer but what I'm trying to get at is are they completely different lenses? I have the 50 but I'm thinking of selling it and getting the 85 and I'm wondering if it's worth it. The 85 is very popular by all accounts. Your thoughts will be interesting. Thank you.
 
Digifrog said:
what I'm trying to get at is are they completely different lenses?
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I think it might help if you could define what "completely different" means to you.
 
I would say they are basically the same only one is 50mm f/1.4 and the other is 85mm f/1.8.
 
The 50mm is a standard lens, the 85mm is a short telephoto lens. They are two different lenses with two different field of views ?

What do you want to photograph ?
 
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Well, let's assume you're talking about the current AF-S G type versions of the two lenses. Compared to the 50mm f/1.4, the 85mm f/1.8 exhibits the following differences:
* longer focal length
* slower maximum aperture
* longer, wider and heavier
* more glass elements
* fewer aperture blades
* greater minimum focus distance
* lower maximum magnification
* more expensive

But apart from that, they're basically identical.
 
stumeech said:
50 is a meh focal length on fx, neither wide or long, 85 is a nice portrait lens.
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Thanks for a laterally thought out answer Stu, was kinda what I was eluding to. I like the 50 but I am finding it's a little too wide for people shots. I wanted more distance but I don't want to lose the background softness that the 50 1.4 gives. The question is really aimed at those who own both. Does having the 85 1.8 make the 50 1.4 redundant or do they have their own specific qualities that one cannot do without? Added me on FB yet mate?

Blank_Canvas said:
The 50mm is a standard lens, the 85mm is a short telephoto lens. They are two different lenses with two different field of views ?

What do you want to photograph ?
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It's for people and very SDOF abstract landscapes.

Nawty said:
I would say they are basically the same only one is 50mm f/1.4 and the other is 85mm f/1.8.
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Oh you are a one! :rolleyes:

StewartR said:
I think it might help if you could define what "completely different" means to you.
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As in can the 50 do anything that the 85 can't & vice versa?
 
Well it's all about field of view isn't it. Both lenses are of comparable quality, its just which focal length suits your needs better, and only YOU can know that.

Given that you find the 50mm a little short for your requirements then the 85mm might make sense, don't worry about the difference in aperture as the longer focal length will make the background appear more blurred anyway.
 
Nawty said:
Well it's all about field of view isn't it. Both lenses are of comparable quality, its just which focal length suits your needs better, and only YOU can know that.

Given that you find the 50mm a little short for your requirements then the 85mm might make sense, don't worry about the difference in aperture as the longer focal length will make the background appear more blurred anyway.
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Cheers Ned.
 
I have both the canon equivalents and unlike yourself and others on this thread find I use the 50mm a lot more than the 85mm but I wouldn't give the 85mm up as when it fits a shot it is a lovely lens.
 
Digifrog said:
Thanks for a laterally thought out answer Stu, was kinda what I was eluding to. I like the 50 but I am finding it's a little too wide for people shots. I wanted more distance but I don't want to lose the background softness that the 50 1.4 gives. The question is really aimed at those who own both. Does having the 85 1.8 make the 50 1.4 redundant or do they have their own specific qualities that one cannot do without? Added me on FB yet mate?



It's for people and very SDOF abstract landscapes.



Oh you are a one! :rolleyes:



As in can the 50 do anything that the 85 can't & vice versa?
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If you want to photograph portraits and abstract landscapes then I would go for the 85mm.

That said, I notice you said people and not portraits in which case the 50mm may be better for you ?
 
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