1.6x crop DSLR owners lens help?

[wxcloud9xw]

Which prime lens would you pick for portraits If I could only pick one at first? I'm getting a Rebel XT....the EF 50mm f/1.4 or the 85mm f/1.8:confused:

At fredmiranda.com the 85mm f/1.8 gets higher rated reviews than the 50mm, but Is the 85mm on a 1.6x crop(136mm) too telephoto for portraits? I want to be able to capture lots of detail and sharpness. I just wonder if the 50mm would allow me to get more detail, because I can get closer with the lens because it's a little wider? Or does it just mean I just have to be alittle further back from the subject with the 85mm, but can get the same details and sharpness of the 50mm?

[cdifoto]

Which prime lens would you pick for portraits If I could only pick one at first? I'm getting a Rebel XT....the EF 50mm f/1.4 or the 85mm f/1.8:confused:

At fredmiranda.com the 85mm f/1.8 gets higher rated reviews than the 50mm, but Is the 85mm on a 1.6x crop(136mm) too telephoto for portraits? I want to be able to capture lots of detail and sharpness. I just wonder if the 50mm would allow me to get more detail, because I can get closer with the lens because it's a little wider? Or does it just mean I just have to be alittle further back from the subject with the 85mm, but can get the same details and sharpness of the 50mm?

I would start with the 50mm. You can usually move in but not as often back up...

[wxcloud9xw]

I know it's just I hear the 85mm is better in all the reviews and is razor sharp. It's always something to decide about isn't it. I may eventually want the 85mm f/1.2 L version later..thanks for the input.

[cdifoto]

I know it's just I hear the 85mm is better in all the reviews and is razor sharp. It's always something to decide about isn't it. I may eventually want the 85mm f/1.2 L version later..thanks for the input.

Yeah everything is a compromise. Personally I'd sacrifice the minute possibility of a teeny tiny bit of difference in sharpness so I can actually use my lens. 50mm is, IMO, more usable than 85mm (when you only have the choice of one) and the better initial investment - although eventually you would be best off with both in your arsenal. At least the 50mm could be used more indoors (although even wider would be better on a crop camera!) AND outdoors...whereas with an 85mm you'd probably find yourself needing to go outside to use it...

...and haven't you noticed how friggin' cold it is? :eek: :D :p ;)

[wxcloud9xw]

i guess I will go with the 50mm f/1.4 first and then decide what lens I need to save for next for portrait type of work outdoor and indoor. The 85mm f/1.2L will def. be on my wish list. although the next step is either the 17-40L zoom or a 24 or 35mm prime for group photos. Your feedback helped me make up my mind I think..lol

[cdifoto]

i guess I will go with the 50mm f/1.4 first and then decide what lens I need to save for next for portrait type of work outdoor and indoor. The 85mm f/1.2L will def. be on my wish list. although the next step is either the 17-40L zoom or a 24 or 35mm prime for group photos. Your feedback helped me make up my mind I think..lol

Hey don't take my word for it. I have no idea what I'm talking about! lol. I'm a zoom kinda guy myself...only prime I have is the cheapo 50.

Before purchasing, if I were you I'd wait till a portrait shooter like 24Peter and/or a wedding photog like jamison55 shows up and gives his 2 cents worth.

I'm more into motor and athletic sports so primes don't really work for me right now (although there are a few on my wishlist at B&H).

[ReF]

i've been shooting a few portraits lately with my 50 f1.8 while awaiting the arrival of the 50f1.4 and 70-200 f2.8 and here's my take: you have to be pretty close to your subject if you want head and shoulders shots. both my subject and i feel more comfortable when i shoot with the tamron at 75mm or the 70-200 f4 at the short end. i agree with cdi in that the 50 will be more versatile for other uses, and you can still get head and shoulders portraits if you want. this might prove pretty important as your 1st or second lens. for candids you'll be better off with the 85. still, like cdi said, i'd wait for jamison or 24peter to respond as they are seasoned portrait shooters. sorry if you other guy/gals are portrait shooters, i just don't know it.

[wxcloud9xw]

Anyone know if the EF 70-200mm L zoom is as sharp or close to a prime 50 or 85? I'd really like to get a zoom after I purchase a 50mm f/1.4, but I'm not sure If I should just save for an EF 85mm f/1.2L prime instead.

[cwphoto]

It's Canon's sharpest zoom IMO, I'd say on par with the 50s and slightly lower than the 85s.