double minded

[candleman]

I don’t know which to get
SB900 or an 85mm f/1.8 not a huge price difference when you put a decent UV filter on the 85mm
(the sb900 would be pushing the budget though)

I do need/want more power and and back-up TTL flash for my "few an far between" wedding work.... but the DOF and portrait abilities of the 85mm is crying out to me.

I have an outdoor wedding coming up, so the extra “zap” of the sb900 would be nice to fill shadows if its a harsh afternoon.. but the 85mm would throw out the background beautifully if its a nice "glowing" light ont the day.

So confused *tosses a coin*

[zona5101]

Get the sb900 and save for the 105f2.0DC.

If you're going to be doing the Neill bounce flash stuff in a big room you'll need the power (plus a battery pack!)

[candleman]

true.. i think the sb900 is the safest choice

heres the dilemma..
i can just afford an SB900, which i need.
i WANT the 85mm

but the price of the SB900 isnt all that far off a new 80-200 f/2.8 AF-D ...which is high on my want and need list.

uugh.... damned if you do, damned if you dont.

[inkista]

Rokinon/Samyang 85/1.4. It's US$250. Tons of samples and user experiences:

Inexpensive Korean 85/1.4 arrived today (photos) [Page 1]: Nikon SLR Lens Talk Forum: Digital Photography Review
Inexpensive Korean 85/1.4 thread continued [Page 1]: Nikon SLR Lens Talk Forum: Digital Photography Review
Inexpensive Korean 85/1.4 thread - part 3 [Page 1]: Nikon SLR Lens Talk Forum: Digital Photography Review

Folks who own either the Nikkor 85/1.4 or 105/2 are getting it. Just saying.

[candleman]

looks incredible....
and cheap... *cough* ....relativley speaking

seeing as there isnt a zoom ring to muddle around with it might actually be a viable option if the InFocus indicator lights up.

good sugestion.

[candleman]

i went insane and got a used Sigma 50-150 f/2.8 HSM II
if its crap i'll sell it again.

excellent condition, and under warranty still, with cas e and hood.. cant complain really.
saved myself $400 off a new one anyway.

[inkista]

Well, that's kinda like an 85/1.8. Congrats and happy new glass! Hope it works out for you!

[candleman]

Originally Posted by inkista

Well, that's kinda like an 85/1.8. Congrats and happy new glass! Hope it works out for you!

lol.. thank you

kinda..... its not prime, not f/1.8, not Nikkor ... it is however made of glass, so i guess there is some similarity.



as long as i get some serious DOF and more reach i'm happy.. my only concern is its sharpness.. some say its "really good" others have said its soft.
Sigma has let me down one before...
I guess we'll see tonight.

will update with some pics, and thanks for your guidance

the Rokinon looks incredible, really. unfortunatley i do rely on my AF as theres too many other things going on usually.

[zona5101]

i'm not sure "soft" is a bad thing especially for shooting people??
I'll be curious to learn how you like it.
It fits the bill because the 24-70 & 28-85 were too short? and the 18-135 & 75-300 too slow? Just picking your brain to see if I am on the same page.

Congrats on new glass!

[candleman]

Originally Posted by zona5101

It fit the bill becasuse the 24-70 & 28-85 were too short? and the 18-135 & 75-300 too slow? Just picking your brain to see if I am on the same page.

Congrats on new glass!

yup! thats it.
others are too slow.

this is my temporary fix until i can get a 70-200 VR

my tests thus far are saying its pretty darn good.