[radiantm3]

I'm selling my 24-70mm/2.8L and ordered the Canon 50mm/1.2 L. It was a tough choice between the 50mm and the 85mm. I ended up going 50mm because I already have a 70-200/2.8. So with the 50mm 1.2 and 70-200, in my arsenal of lenses, do you think I'll find use for the 85mm? I heard it's legendary. I know it will be much better than the 70-200 in low light situations, but other than that, where else will it shine?

[BMW F22]

It really depends on what you need. I mean a lot of people don't have the need for prime lenses while others find them absolutely necessary. The 85mm is just like your 50mm, it's fixed so if you think you can work with it then you should get it. I'm actually looking to get a 24-70mm lens right now (sold it a while back and now looking again). How much are you looking to sell yours for? Just give me a range on here since my PMs are full.

[radiantm3]

Originally Posted by BMW E90

It really depends on what you need. I mean a lot of people don't have the need for prime lenses while others find them absolutely necessary. The 85mm is just like your 50mm, it's fixed so if you think you can work with it then you should get it. I'm actually looking to get a 24-70mm lens right now (sold it a while back and now looking again). How much are you looking to sell yours for? Just give me a range on here since my PMs are full.

I'm aiming for $850 right now. It's less than a year old and in perfect condition. Have the box and everything that came with it.

[dcstep]

I like your photos Mark and understand your desire for a fast prime lens. Since you've already sold the 70-200 and chosen the new prime, I'm a little late, but...

Canon and Nikon users that enjoy zooms, should look into DxO's Optics Pro 5.2.x software. It has camera and lens-specific corrections for all the top bodies and many of the top lenses (adding to the list monthly). The software corrects for geometric errors, softness and a number of faults. For example, I was disappointed in my Canon 24-105 f4L IS on my 5D-MkII. It was particularly soft at the wider angles with open apertures. I'd spoken to Canon and they agreed to test it and adjust or replace it if needed. In the meantime I downloaded Optics Pro and processed some jpgs I'd taken (it'll handle RAW or jpg) and the pictures snapped to with incredible clarity. It was suddenly like the lens was a prime at all focal lengths and apertures. It's amazing.

I'm now using the 24-105 and the 70-200 f4L IS and relying on the 5D MkII's low noise at high ISO to make up for the slower f4 speed. I no longer have thoughts of buying a fast 24mm for my scenics.

Just a thought for the future. IF your camera and lenses are supported by DxO, then it's an incredible program to use as a RAW converter or first process before doing final work in PS, or whatever you prefer.

Dave

[Teshi]

Originally Posted by radiantm3

I'm selling my 24-70mm/2.8L and ordered the Canon 50mm/1.2 L. It was a tough choice between the 50mm and the 85mm. I ended up going 50mm because I already have a 70-200/2.8. So with the 50mm 1.2 and 70-200, in my arsenal of lenses, do you think I'll find use for the 85mm? I heard it's legendary. I know it will be much better than the 70-200 in low light situations, but other than that, where else will it shine?

As much as I loved my 24-70L, I never used it after picking up my 85 1.8. Ideally if you plan to go for it, I would rather go for the 1.8 vs the 1.2L.

In low light, it will stomp holes on your 70-200 without a doubt. IMO, no camera bag should be missing one. To be honest, the only dept where it will not shine is going to be in the zoom region. If that was not a deciding factor, I would have picked up a 135L, 200L alongside the 85 1.8.

Its a good working distance for cars




And people with lovely bokeh


I would say go for the 1.2L but I find USM is far more important at 85mm since I can double it up as a sports lens for low light gym use.

If you want a bit more of a read, check out my mini review here - http://205.214.76.22/showthread.php?t=14223

[BMW F22]

Originally Posted by radiantm3

I'm aiming for $850 right now. It's less than a year old and in perfect condition. Have the box and everything that came with it.

Hmmm. I'm interested but a little low on cash right now. Let me sleep on it for a few days.

[radiantm3]

Originally Posted by dcstep

I like your photos Mark and understand your desire for a fast prime lens. Since you've already sold the 70-200 and chosen the new prime, I'm a little late, but...

Canon and Nikon users that enjoy zooms, should look into DxO's Optics Pro 5.2.x software. It has camera and lens-specific corrections for all the top bodies and many of the top lenses (adding to the list monthly). The software corrects for geometric errors, softness and a number of faults. For example, I was disappointed in my Canon 24-105 f4L IS on my 5D-MkII. It was particularly soft at the wider angles with open apertures. I'd spoken to Canon and they agreed to test it and adjust or replace it if needed. In the meantime I downloaded Optics Pro and processed some jpgs I'd taken (it'll handle RAW or jpg) and the pictures snapped to with incredible clarity. It was suddenly like the lens was a prime at all focal lengths and apertures. It's amazing.

I'm now using the 24-105 and the 70-200 f4L IS and relying on the 5D MkII's low noise at high ISO to make up for the slower f4 speed. I no longer have thoughts of buying a fast 24mm for my scenics.

Just a thought for the future. IF your camera and lenses are supported by DxO, then it's an incredible program to use as a RAW converter or first process before doing final work in PS, or whatever you prefer.

Dave

Thanks I'll look into that software. I do enjoy using primes though. It's just one less thing to think about. I shoot 100% of the time in full manual mode.

[dcstep]

Well, any lens has some issues. DxO will work on prime lenses also.

Dave

[MikeBoldt]

I've owned the 50mm 1.2L + 85mm 1.2L and both are extremely slow for AF... if you are shooting cars, are you shooting at F1.2? That's... odd lol

[radiantm3]

Originally Posted by MikeBoldt

I've owned the 50mm 1.2L + 85mm 1.2L and both are extremely slow for AF... if you are shooting cars, are you shooting at F1.2? That's... odd lol

No I won't be shooting cars at 1.2. I don't do much car photography anyways.

[Sniz]

Originally Posted by MikeBoldt

I've owned the 50mm 1.2L + 85mm 1.2L and both are extremely slow for AF... if you are shooting cars, are you shooting at F1.2? That's... odd lol

yes autofocus is slow on my Nikon w/ a the 50mm f1.4 as well....action photography is not happening w/ that lens

Originally Posted by radiantm3

No I won't be shooting cars at 1.2. I don't do much car photography anyways.

you really cant shoot cars at f1.2, everything is out of focus for the most part. you might be able to get creative but in general you'll use at least f2 or higher.

my 50mm f1.4 is a great lens for cars.....stationary ones that is

[Mahhvinn]

85L f/1.2 from Canon is GODLY. It's a beast with buttery smooth bokeh and fast focusing. It's also very sharp from side to side.

[Teshi]

From the weekend.

85mm 1.8 @ f/1.8. Limited on space at f/2.2 would have been nice if I could get more seperation but was on the limit.

[radiantm3]

That's a beautiful shot.