Is the Canon EF 85 /1.8 USM right for me?

idoteechidoteech Registered Users Posts: 145 Major grins
edited June 13, 2008 in Cameras
I am looking to purchase a new lens. I own the 50mm 1.8 already. I almost exclusively do outdoor portraits (families, children, etc.) and candids. Is the EF 85/1.8 right for me or do you have a better suggestion? I would rather stay under $500.

Advice appreciated.

Thanks!
Eva
www.ablazestudios.com

Comments

  • PineapplePhotoPineapplePhoto Registered Users Posts: 474 Major grins
    edited June 11, 2008
    the 85mm f1.8 is an EXCELLENT lens for portraiture. I love mine! thumb.gif
    Body: Canon 1D Mark II N | Canon 30D w/BG-E2 Flash: Canon 580EX II | Quantum T4d | Strobes & Monolights
    Glass: Sigma 70-200 f2.8 | Sigma 20 f1.8 | Canon 28-135 f3.5-5.6 IS USM
  • jbakerphotojbakerphoto Registered Users Posts: 251 Major grins
    edited June 11, 2008
    I dont have the 85 1.8 so I cant say anything about it but I do have the 70-200 F4 L.....I love it.....At least give it a thought..... I picked mine up used for 450


    i21AE538E-005F-4A48-8F52-993F143FFC60.jpg

    i6AEE823D-686B-4A9F-A2A9-B4206A56CF18.jpg

    Opps #3 was taken with my nifty fifty.....sorry about that.....
    40D,Rebel XT,Tamron 17-50 2.8,Tamron 28-80 3.5-5.6, Canon 50 1.8, Sigma 70-200 2.8, Canon 580EX , Sunpack 383 w/ optical slave

    www.jonbakerphotography.com
  • PhotoskipperPhotoskipper Registered Users Posts: 453 Major grins
    edited June 11, 2008
    I think that is a good choice. But since you have already had the 50 mm 1.8. Would you consider any mid-range zoom lens so that you have more flexibility for composition.
    Photoskipper
    flickr.com/photos/photoskipper/
  • silverstangssilverstangs Registered Users Posts: 40 Big grins
    edited June 11, 2008
    I love the lens, and there has been many times, where I actually prefer to leave the flash in the bag and just go with the ambient light.

    Here are some images from a dinner party.

    All these images was shot with a Canon 1D Mark II with Canon EF 85mm F1.8 USM lens
    All shot with the following settings : ET 1/160th F3.2 ISO 3200 Focal Lenght 85mm (Duhh)
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  • idoteechidoteech Registered Users Posts: 145 Major grins
    edited June 11, 2008
    Great shots. Midrange would be fine also. What lens would I be looking at for that? Thanks for all the advice. Keep it coming.

    Thanks for the examples too.
    Eva
    www.ablazestudios.com
  • silverstangssilverstangs Registered Users Posts: 40 Big grins
    edited June 11, 2008
    idoteech wrote:
    Great shots. Midrange would be fine also. What lens would I be looking at for that? Thanks for all the advice. Keep it coming.

    Thanks for the examples too.

    The 85mm is one of my favorites followed by the 135mm F2L lens and the nifty 50mm f1.8 lens.


    All these images was shot with a Canon 1D Mark II with Canon EF 85mm F1.8 USM lens
    The shot with the following settings : ET 1/640th F8 ISO 800 Focal Lenght 85mm (Duhh)
    0001.jpg
    These shots with the following settings : ET 1/80th F1.8 ISO 1600 Focal Lenght 85mm (Duhh)
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    The shot with the following settings : ET 1/125th F1.8 ISO 1600 Focal Lenght 85mm (Duhh)
    0016.jpg
    The shot with the following settings : ET 1/320th F2.5 ISO 1600 Focal Lenght 85mm (Duhh)
    0017.jpg
    The shot with the following settings : ET 1/160th F1.8 ISO 1600 Focal Lenght 85mm (Duhh)
    0018.jpg
  • Tee WhyTee Why Registered Users Posts: 2,390 Major grins
    edited June 12, 2008
    If you shoot in good light and don't need a f1.8 speed, I'd recommend a Tamron 28-75mm f2.8. It's relatively affordable at about $350 and has great optics and is very versatile due to it's range on a cropped sensor.
    My Gallery
  • idoteechidoteech Registered Users Posts: 145 Major grins
    edited June 12, 2008
    I just purchased the 85mm. clap.gif I will post pics when I get it in.

    Thanks for all the advice.
    Eva
    www.ablazestudios.com
  • jeffreaux2jeffreaux2 Registered Users Posts: 4,762 Major grins
    edited June 12, 2008
    Tee Why wrote:
    If you shoot in good light and don't need a f1.8 speed, I'd recommend a Tamron 28-75mm f2.8. It's relatively affordable at about $350 and has great optics and is very versatile due to it's range on a cropped sensor.

    I've got one of these and am considering selling it. I is great mid-ge zoom.

    ...and I live only a few miles from the OP....

    If you are interested in test driving it lemme know!
    Thanks,
    Jeff
    -Need help with Dgrin?; Wedding Photography Resources
    -My Website - Blog - Tips for Senior Portraiture
  • silverstangssilverstangs Registered Users Posts: 40 Big grins
    edited June 13, 2008
    idoteech wrote:
    I just purchased the 85mm. clap.gif I will post pics when I get it in.

    Thanks for all the advice.

    Congradulations... post pics
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