Which lens - Nikon 50mm 1.4 or 85mm 1.4?

[megkunert]

Hi all...

I am looking to purchase either the Nikon 50mm 1.4G or the 85mm 1.4G. I recently rented the 85mm 1.4G and got some AMAZING portraits from it. The only complaint I had was that because of it being a prime lens, I had to back up WAY far from my subject in order to get a full body shot. I shoot on a D5000, so it's not a full frame camera. So my question is - would I be better off with a 50mm instead? I love the quality of the 85mm, just not the focal length.

I have a couple of sessions lined up - some kids (10 and 14), a newborn, some toddlers, a family with a young toddler, and a few couples... although I occasionally do individuals, too.

Does anyone have any input on the quality of photos produced on the 50mm lens vs the 85mm lens? I would gladly take a smaller focal length if the 50mm produces quality photos like the 85mm does. Is the 50mm a better "all around" lens than the 85mm?

I guess I could rent the 50mm before purchasing, but that'd just be too easy...

Any input would be appreciated.

Thanks!

[OsmosisStudios]

The 85/1.4 is a significantly better lens optically. Theyre both good, but the 85mm is a legend. That being said, if you need a wider focal length, use a wider focal length.

[megkunert]

Originally Posted by OsmosisStudios

The 85/1.4 is a significantly better lens optically. Theyre both good, but the 85mm is a legend. That being said, if you need a wider focal length, use a wider focal length.

Thanks for your input. I may just stick with what I know and love, then - the 85mm. I don't *mind* really stepping back to get a good shot, it's just a major PITB having to move around so much right now - being fat and pregnant... I am sure that I will be DYING to get around and get moving as soon as I pop this baby out - ha!

I fell in love with the 85mm when I rented it. It was absolutely the fastest lens I have ever laid my hands on. The autofocus was just *there*. I do mostly portrait photography anyways, so I think I have convinced myself... the 85mm is the way to go.

Thanks again!

[zona5101]

$409 vs $1700
I'd be tempted to go with the 50f1.4G and get a manual focus 85 1.4 like the bower/samyong @ $350...still leaves a THOUSAND dollars for lighting, reflectors, back drops, wireless triggers, another lens like the 35mm G ...postprocessing software..a trip to tihiti...

[megkunert]

Originally Posted by zona5101

$409 vs $1700
I'd be tempted to go with the 50f1.4G and get a manual focus 85 1.4 like the bower/samyong @ $350...still leaves a THOUSAND dollars for lighting, reflectors, back drops, wireless triggers, another lens like the 35mm G ...postprocessing software..a trip to tihiti...

The $350 price tag for the 85mm sounds tempting, but one of the features I loved about the 85mm 1.4G was the extremely sharp and fast autofocus. I am not quite sure I am ready for manual focus yet... esp since my camera doesn't have an internal focus motor.

A trip to Tahiti, too? Oooh!

[RLucas]

I have the 1.8 version of the 85mm. I love mine just for the distance reason. Personal space issue. Ha!

[autofocus]

Some options to consider:
the f/1.8 versions of the 50 and 85mm...combined, both will cost you less than the 85mm F/1.4

And for infant shots, the 85mm will be too long on a crop sensor...so, don't rule out the possibility of a fast 35mm (talking from our experience, we own the the 50 F/1.4, and both the 35 and 85 at f/1.8. All pretty good lenses)

Lastly, although not real fast at a constant f/4, the new 24-120 could give you a lot of utility, and very well may be within your budget at ~$1200 US. It's also been rated very well

[zona5101]

awww but neither the 85f1.8 nor the 50f1.8 are "G" lenes and won't autofocus on a d5000

[zona5101]

Originally Posted by megkunert

... I am not quite sure I am ready for manual focus yet... esp since my camera doesn't have an internal focus motor.

not ready for manual focus but ready to drop 1700 samolians on a lens...

[autofocus]

Originally Posted by zona5101

awww but neither the 85f1.8 nor the 50f1.8 are "G" lenes and won't autofocus on a d5000

well, maybe it's time to move the bar up to a body that will autofocus...let's see, a D7000 and a 50 f/1.8 would work...and still cost less than that 85 f/1.4