Is a 85mm f1.4 needed?

[dlee13]

So it is almost 9 months since I started this thread and sadly I still don't an 85mm. I have got tired of waiting for an Art or 85 IS from Canon so end of this month, I will finally be getting the current Sigma 85!

I figure that I rather get the current Sigma and enjoy what is an already amazing lens, than wait for a lens that may not even be released any time soon.

 

[R1-7D]

I decided this Christmas I wanted either a 50mm or an 85mm. After having used the 85mm f/1.2L II twice this past summer, I really fell in love with the lens. The only thing that stopped me from really considering it was the astronomical price.

I had used Canon's 50mm f/1.2 several times before too, and always loved it. The 85mm was on another level though. I managed to find a used 85mm a week ago at a phenomenal price and couldn't resist.

I've looked at Sigma products in the past and, while they have amazing optics these days, their autofocus problems scare me. Even though they are priced much better compared to Canon's offerings, they are still too expensive to have regularly occurring problems.

The 100mm f/2.8L is a fantastic lens. The 85 f/1.2 II is better for portraits though.

 

[dlee13]

I decided this Christmas I wanted either a 50mm or an 85mm. After having used the 85mm f/1.2L II twice this past summer, I really fell in love with the lens. The only thing that stopped me from really considering it was the astronomical price.

I had used Canon's 50mm f/1.2 several times before too, and always loved it. The 85mm was on another level though. I managed to find a used 85mm a week ago at a phenomenal price and couldn't resist.

I've looked at Sigma products in the past and, while they have amazing optics these days, their autofocus problems scare me. Even though they are priced much better compared to Canon's offerings, they are still too expensive to have regularly occurring problems.

The 100mm f/2.8L is a fantastic lens. The 85 f/1.2 II is better for portraits though.

The AF does worry me but my Sigma 50 1.4 was really good on my 6D once it went through AFMA so I'm hoping it's the same for the 85 when I get it. I don't have the disposable income to get the 85mm f1.2L but if I had the money, the 85L would definitely be the lens I'd get!

 

[Sporgon]

I'm not at all convinced that the 85/1.8 is mechanically capable of consistent exact focus wide open. It wouldn't surprise me if we see an EF 85/1.8 update that is in a similar spirit to the 50/1.8; that is same optics but in a better, more mechanically accurate body with improved lens coatings.

 

[dlee13]

I think with these 85's, it would take quite some time to determine if they have accurate focus. I know myself I'm horrible with holding still so I will have to take a few days to thoroughly test my 85 when I get it before I can say if it is off or not (I'll be using the dot tune method to AFMA since I've found that to be most reliable.

I wish Canon would at least be faster to update all their lenses, especially old ones like the 85mm f1.8.

 

[justaCanonuser]

That day of shooting changed my life. I immediately purchased the 85 1.2L and I use it with each client.

#LovingMyEF85L

+1, exactly what happened to me. When I bought my brandnew EF 85/1.2 L II I felt a bit sick about the loads of money I spend for such a special lens. But after the first day of shooting (a girl's first school day) I knew that I fell in love with this lens, in particular in combo with my 5D3's very precise AF system.

If this focal length suits your way of looking, such a fast 85 opens a new world of composition and painting with light. So I'd say it is needed - if it is just right for you. But to be useable in real life such a lens needs a very good AF drive IMO, that's the reason why I never would go for a Zeiss Otus 85. The Zeiss' optical performance is breathtaking, but lab results and real life performance make quite often the essential difference. Despite its sluggy focusing the EF 85/1.2 turned out to be much more useable than I expected, I even use it for street shooting.

 

[tcphoto]

I simply do not use AF and like to shoot nearly wide open. I don't want to worry about what point is active in the viewfinder, so I focus manually. I tended to use my 50L but recently added an 85LII and am in love. I used to own a Nikon 85/1.8 back in my film days(F4&F5) and liked it, the 85L is a totally different animal and worth every penny to me and my clients. I've been very happy with buying used gear, I bought my 85L II for $1425.

 

[dlee13]

Thought I would update this with after a very long time, I finally got the Sigma 85mm f1.4!

The quality of the lens is amazing, both build and IQ. I haven't had the chance to use it at a full body distance but the bokeh is certainly beautiful and it definitely has a different look to it compared to the 100L so I'm very happy I got it.

From now on the 85 will be my people lens and the 100L will be macro and product/still life. One thing worth mentioning is I forgot how much light f1.4 really lets in. My fastest lens has been the 35mm f2 for over a year now so going back to f1.4 is like a brand new experience again.

 

[Hjalmarg1]

I have the Canon 100mm f/2.8L and I had the Sigma 85mm f/1.4. I sold the Sigma to fund the 100L. The Sigma 85/1.4 offers excellent bokeh and subject isolation, which is something I don't get from the 100L. I am now in the fence waiting for the 85A or a Canon 85/1.8 IS

 

[kaihp]

I am now in the fence waiting for the 85A or a Canon 85/1.8 IS

Welcome to the fence. Please make yourself comfortable while we continue to wait

 

[dlee13]

I am now in the fence waiting for the 85A or a Canon 85/1.8 IS

Welcome to the fence. Please make yourself comfortable while we continue to wait

Just buy the current Sigma 85mm. When something new is released I'll see if if I like it better and if I do, I'll just sell my current 85 and pick up the new one.

 

[Luds34]

I have the Canon 100mm f/2.8L and I had the Sigma 85mm f/1.4. I sold the Sigma to fund the 100L. The Sigma 85/1.4 offers excellent bokeh and subject isolation, which is something I don't get from the 100L. I am now in the fence waiting for the 85A or a Canon 85/1.8 IS

I have the Canon 85 f/1.8 and have been very happy with it. However, I will be wondering if there is/are better lenses, something with a bit more "punch", better micro contrast, less CA, sharpness, etc. AND part of me is going to always want f/1.4. I feel pretty good with my lens as while I agree wide open is lacking a bit, stopping down to f/2 makes a significant difference on my lens.

So, no hurry as I have 85mm covered, but I'm keeping my eyes and ears open to what could be coming out. The Sigma 85mm Art I would think we see this year. I'm also intrigued by the new 85mm Tamron rumor. Those new SP 35 and 45 lenses seem to be pretty excellent. So yes, already some good choices in the 85mm prime for us Canon shooters, and the next year or so should bring a few more.

 

[drmikeinpdx]

The main reason to buy a large aperture 85mm lens is for the shallow DOF, which makes autofocus accuracy a critical issue.

Considering the autofocus problems that Sigma has had with their Art lenses, I would be very cautious about buying one of their 85 1.4 lenses.

Now if Canon wanted to update the 85 1.8, I would be very interested.

 

[dlee13]

The main reason to buy a large aperture 85mm lens is for the shallow DOF, which makes autofocus accuracy a critical issue.

Considering the autofocus problems that Sigma has had with their Art lenses, I would be very cautious about buying one of their 85 1.4 lenses.

Now if Canon wanted to update the 85 1.8, I would be very interested.

That's a strong reason that made me hesitant for so long before buying mine. My 85 is spot on with no AFMA but I would still recommend trying it before you buy it, so definitely buy in store instead of online.

 

[JoFT]

85mm f1.4 is a very classical lens on 35mm. I bought my first one somewhat 1984 - a Zeiss Planar for the Contax mount - I still do own this lens.


But this lens type is tricky to use: the DOF is pretty shallow as everybody remarks. This has it ups and downs in using it.


I do own the Sigma 85mm f1.4. It is a sharp lens stopped down to somewhat f2.8 and wide open the shots are useable but not really great. And it suffers from CA (and color fringing - even @f8 on the borders(!)). But the main downside is focusing accuracy. This is painful and you destroy a lot of shots...


The EF 100mm f2.8 L IS USM is a much better choice when it comes to image quality and focusing accuracy. But it does not offer the same DOF -of course. But it adds Macro to the portfolio. It is a very great lens - I love it and does really great portrait as well.


Due to my disappointments of the Sigma I bought the real successor to my old Planar f1.4 85mm: The Milvus 85mm f1.4. And the experience was really great -overall.


The downside of the Milvus:


[list type=decimal]
[*]weight (and size): a 1.2 kg lens is really hefty
[*]manual focus (But honestly: more a problem of the canon bodies: the lens has a 270º focusing throw which works really great)
[*]price (even much cheaper it´s still expensive)
[/list]


For more informations: here I published some photos about my Milvus experience as well as the comparison to the Sigma:


http://bit.ly/1U2oCnp


...and I still want to give the Canon 85mm f1.2 a try...


For your point: give the Canon 85mm f1.8 a try: it is really good and reasonable in pricing....

 

[dlee13]

85mm f1.4 is a very classical lens on 35mm. I bought my first one somewhat 1984 - a Zeiss Planar for the Contax mount - I still do own this lens.


But this lens type is tricky to use: the DOF is pretty shallow as everybody remarks. This has it ups and downs in using it.


I do own the Sigma 85mm f1.4. It is a sharp lens stopped down to somewhat f2.8 and wide open the shots are useable but not really great. And it suffers from CA (and color fringing - even @f8 on the borders(!)). But the main downside is focusing accuracy. This is painful and you destroy a lot of shots...


The EF 100mm f2.8 L IS USM is a much better choice when it comes to image quality and focusing accuracy. But it does not offer the same DOF -of course. But it adds Macro to the portfolio. It is a very great lens - I love it and does really great portrait as well.


Due to my disappointments of the Sigma I bought the real successor to my old Planar f1.4 85mm: The Milvus 85mm f1.4. And the experience was really great -overall.


The downside of the Milvus:


[list type=decimal]
[*]weight (and size): a 1.2 kg lens is really hefty
[*]manual focus (But honestly: more a problem of the canon bodies: the lens has a 270º focusing throw which works really great)
[*]price (even much cheaper it´s still expensive)
[/list]


For more informations: here I published some photos about my Milvus experience as well as the comparison to the Sigma:


http://bit.ly/1U2oCnp


...and I still want to give the Canon 85mm f1.2 a try...


For your point: give the Canon 85mm f1.8 a try: it is really good and reasonable in pricing....

Sounds like you didn't get a very good copy of the Sigma 85mm. Mine is tack sharp even wide open.

I've had it for several months now and I really love this lens. The focus has been spot on, even in indoor lighting which my old 50EX used to struggle with. A few times I've thought that the AF motor was dead since it refused to focus. I realized every single time that I was trying to focus way too close since I'm used to using lenses like the 100L and 35 F2 IS that have a super close MFD.

My original plan was to sell this lens and get the Art version when it's finally released but this lens is so amazing I don't think I'll see a need to upgrade.

 

[captainkanji]

I'm waiting for The Sigma Art to come out to compare with Tamrons lens. The Zeiss 85mm f/1.4 Planar T* ZE Lens intreges me though. I may just purchase that one.

 

[JoFT]

85mm f1.4 is a very classical lens on 35mm. I bought my first one somewhat 1984 - a Zeiss Planar for the Contax mount - I still do own this lens.


But this lens type is tricky to use: the DOF is pretty shallow as everybody remarks. This has it ups and downs in using it.


I do own the Sigma 85mm f1.4. It is a sharp lens stopped down to somewhat f2.8 and wide open the shots are useable but not really great. And it suffers from CA (and color fringing - even @f8 on the borders(!)). But the main downside is focusing accuracy. This is painful and you destroy a lot of shots...


The EF 100mm f2.8 L IS USM is a much better choice when it comes to image quality and focusing accuracy. But it does not offer the same DOF -of course. But it adds Macro to the portfolio. It is a very great lens - I love it and does really great portrait as well.


Due to my disappointments of the Sigma I bought the real successor to my old Planar f1.4 85mm: The Milvus 85mm f1.4. And the experience was really great -overall.


The downside of the Milvus:

• weight (and size): a 1.2 kg lens is really hefty
• manual focus (But honestly: more a problem of the canon bodies: the lens has a 270º focusing throw which works really great)
• price (even much cheaper it´s still expensive)

For more informations: here I published some photos about my Milvus experience as well as the comparison to the Sigma:


http://bit.ly/1U2oCnp


...and I still want to give the Canon 85mm f1.2 a try...


For your point: give the Canon 85mm f1.8 a try: it is really good and reasonable in ph

Sounds like you didn't get a very good copy of the Sigma 85mm. Mine is tack sharp even wide open.

I've had it for several months now and I really love this lens. The focus has been spot on, even in indoor lighting which my old 50EX used to struggle with. A few times I've thought that the AF motor was dead since it refused to focus. I realized every single time that I was trying to focus way too close since I'm used to using lenses like the 100L and 35 F2 IS that have a super close MFD.

My original plan was to sell this lens and get the Art version when it's finally released but this lens is so amazing I don't think I'll see a need to upgrade.

I think my copy is not bad - look at the photos in my review. But the Zeiss glass is even better. And the focusing is a known topic - even in the Art series.


As longer I shoot with the Milvus as more I love it's rendering: it's just superb.

 

[JoFT]

I'm waiting for The Sigma Art to come out to compare with Tamrons lens. The Zeiss 85mm f/1.4 Planar T* ZE Lens intreges me though. I may just purchase that one.

I would recommend to go with the Milvus: it is much better than the older planar.

 

[canonix]

I would wait until the Sigma 85mm 1.4 ART is launched. The Art Series is really fantastic. I am currently using the 35mm ART and am really suprised by the sharp results. Considering the price and quality, I am looking forward to the new lens and hope it will be as great as the ones before. It would be perfect for portrait photography.