Portrait Lens - 85mm f1.4D?

[enetsang]

Hello everyone,

I've been considering getting a new lens for portrait photography. I'm conflicted between getting the 85mm f1.4D now....or save/ spend a bit more for the 24-70mm f2.8. I would love your advise if you have used these lens before.

I have read good reviews of the 85mm, especially in relations to the creaminess of the bokeh at shallow DOF...which is what I want for portraits. However, I have used the 24-70mm lens before and know that it's a superior piece of glass that produces ultra sharp images.

Any advise?

Thanks,

[inkista]

Errr... give up autofocus, and go for the Rokinon/Samyang/Bower/Opteka/Vivitar 85mm f/1.4 and the 24-70?

[OsmosisStudios]

Or wait a bit and see how the (rumored) AF-S 85/1.4 VR fares?

[coombzy]

I had a chance to use the 85mm 1.8D as well as the 24-70mm 2.8 this past weekend and I have to say the latter is one amazing piece of glass. It's pretty large/heavy so not something I'd carry around all day but my friend purchased it for her wedding and after a day of test shots there's no way she's going to be disappointed. I only took a few shots with the 85mm 1.4 but for the cost...well, if I had to choose I'd pick the more versatile lens. Yup, the bokeh is pretty great, but if I had the money I would have chosen the 24-70mm.

[enetsang]

Originally Posted by coombzy

I had a chance to use the 85mm 1.8D as well as the 24-70mm 2.8 this past weekend and I have to say the latter is one amazing piece of glass. It's pretty large/heavy so not something I'd carry around all day but my friend purchased it for her wedding and after a day of test shots there's no way she's going to be disappointed. I only took a few shots with the 85mm 1.4 but for the cost...well, if I had to choose I'd pick the more versatile lens. Yup, the bokeh is pretty great, but if I had the money I would have chosen the 24-70mm.

Thanks for your advise. I think I'm starting to lean the same way...given that I've already got a prime in the bag.