50mm f/1.4 vs 85mm f/1.8

[michaelb]

50mm f/1.4 vs 85mm f/1.8. So that's the question.

For those that have used both, how much better do you think the 50mm 1.4 is vs the 50mm 1.8 in terms of color, sharpness and bokeh? Is it worth the upgrade? I know it has USM, but I'm not sure how much this will mater to me as I rarely shoot moving targets. I like large aperature lenses for available light shooting, DOF creativity and portraits.

I already have two 50mm lenses, so at times I think the 85mm 1.8 would make more sense than the 50mm 1.4 and I have heard that it is superior to the 50mm 1.4 wide open.

What do you guys think?

[RebelRat]

I like the 85 better than the 50, but, I find them both too long (as far as fixed focal lenghts go) for everyday use on a 1.6 crop camera. I find it easier to walk around with the 35.

[aparmley]

Michael -

I have both of these fine lenses and can say ones superiority over the other wide open is a non factor. Of the thousands and thousands of images I've taken with both I can tell you that neither one outshines the other wide open. I think what you'll find online is that a lot of people will tell you that a lens with a 2.8 max aperture is easier for the novice to use wide open than say a lens with a 1.8 max aperture. Why? Because of DOF with a 2.8 aperture lens there is more room for user error; at 1.8 not so much. So now apply this when you have thousands of novices comparing the 85 1.8 v the 50 1.4 wide open. Both are not as sharp as they can be stopped down, but the DOF at 1.4 is pretty insane. Again, my experience has taught me neither one is great wide open, but usuable yes. Maybe if I sat down all day and compared wide open shots of batteries like I used to I determine which one in my eyes is better - but Its my belief you'd be getting into manufacturing tolerances more so than which lens is best wide open.

I think for you you have to ask yourself two questions:

1. What focal lenght would I benefit from most?
2. How dissastified with my 50 1.8 am I?

Then base your decision on the answers to those two questions.

As far as the 50 1.4 v 50 1.8, I posted a thread after having recieved my 50 1.4 highlighting some of the differences between the two; let me see if I can find it.

HERE (http://www.dcresource.com/forums/showthread.php?t=17480)

Both are fantastic lenses, enjoy!

[michaelb]

Andy, thanks for your insight.

I now remember that testing you did, but at the time I really didn't understand the significance of f/1.4 vs. f/3.5!! I've definitely learned a lot since then.

That second set of testing you did with the Jif jar really shows the superiority of the 50 1.4 over the 1.8 at large aperatures. And if I do get a 50mm f/1.4 I want to be able to use it confidently at 1.4 and 1.8!

Unless you just happen to have a super-stellar copy then I don't know what people are complaining about when they say that the 50mm f/1.4 is soft wide open - looks good enough for me.

The more I think about it the more I feel that the 50mm will be more usable to me than the 85mm. I still need to give it some more thought, but I will likely sell my 50mm f/1.8 and 28-105. Of course, eventually I'd like the 50mm f/1.4 and 85mm f/1.8. :D

What I'm thinking of doing is picking up the 50mm f/1.4 from somewhere that will allow me to return it, like Amazon, and test it as you did vs. my 50mm f/1.8. If my results are anything like yours then I'll keep the 1.4; if not then I'll return it.

[adam75south]

it's hard to say which to go with because they have different purposes. i love my 50mm 1.4 because of 1.4. i've come to have very little use for it but it's nice to have.

[cdifoto]

Base your decision on the focal length you need, not the performance of the lenses vs each other. Each will more than satisfy if used properly.

[te1221]

I usually use my 85 more for portraits only because the extra length will get me less depth of field at the same aperture...


But otherwise I love using both lenses :)

[forno]

Base your decision on the focal length you need, not the performance of the lenses vs each other. Each will more than satisfy if used properly.

^^^

Smart guy that double dee