I have a chance to get a good deal on this lens. I would basically use it for portraits. I now use the 50mm/f1.4. And I have nothing between 50mm and 200mm/f2.8. Is this a good option?

Color rendition, skins tones, sharpness is what I'd like to know. Yes, I did read the reviews, but after using the "L" lenses with their beautiful color rendition, I don't want something dull or less contrasty........thanks. :)

Liz

I have a chance to get a good deal on this lens. I would basically use it for portraits. I now use the 50mm/f1.4. And I have nothing between 50mm and 200mm/f2.8. Is this a good option?

Color rendition, skins tones, sharpness is what I'd like to know. Yes, I did read the reviews, but after using the "L" lenses with their beautiful color rendition, I don't want something dull or less contrasty........thanks. :)

Liz

Hi Liz,

I have the 85 f1.8 lens. It is a wonderful portrait lens when used on my Elan 7e. It is sharp and has a nice bokeh. Compared to my 'L' lens (17-40L f4) it is not as contrasty and sharpness might be on par with it but the 85 can hold its own. I have not tried this lens on my 10D yet but I know that your aware that it will effectively be a 136mm lens with the 1.6x crop factor on the 10D or your Digital Rebel. This might be a bit long for portraits indoors in tight quarters but you might be fine outdoors. The lens is quite well made, has a good feel and its AF is fast and quiet.

I'm now turning the tables and question you now. My situation is the opposite. I have the 85 f1.8 and looking at the 50 f1.4. How do you like your 50 f1.4? :)

Hi Van,
Thank you for sharing your experience. I'm going to pick up this lens today.

50mm/f1.4 - I am so glad I bought this lens. It's very sharp, good color, fast. I use it for portraits also and it does a great job. In my experience it's sharper, better color, more contrast than the 1.8; and of course, it's built better (which doesn't really matter to me).

I've never regretted getting this lens. It's nice & light (not as light as the 1.8), but it's small too, and a nice carry around lens as well. :)

Liz

Hi Liz,

I have the 85 f1.8 lens. It is a wonderful portrait lens when used on my Elan 7e. It is sharp and has a nice bokeh. Compared to my 'L' lens (17-40L f4) it is not as contrasty and sharpness might be on par with it but the 85 can hold its own. I have not tried this lens on my 10D yet but I know that your aware that it will effectively be a 136mm lens with the 1.6x crop factor on the 10D or your Digital Rebel. This might be a bit long for portraits indoors in tight quarters but you might be fine outdoors. The lens is quite well made, has a good feel and its AF is fast and quiet.

I'm now turning the tables and question you now. My situation is the opposite. I have the 85 f1.8 and looking at the 50 f1.4. How do you like your 50 f1.4? :)

Thanks for the info on the 50 f1.4, Liz. I am going to take a closer look at this lens.

Hi Van,
Thank you for sharing your experience. I'm going to pick up this lens today.

50mm/f1.4 - I am so glad I bought this lens. It's very sharp, good color, fast. I use it for portraits also and it does a great job. In my experience it's sharper, better color, more contrast than the 1.8; and of course, it's built better (which doesn't really matter to me).

I've never regretted getting this lens. It's nice & light (not as light as the 1.8), but it's small too, and a nice carry around lens as well. :)

Liz