Need your input: 50mm vs 85mm

[Katyxa]

I'm going to have a maternity photo session and my client wants to have indoor and outdoor photos. I'm debating which lens to rent - Canon 50mm 1.2 or Canon 85mm 1.2? What do you think and why? I will also use Canon 24-105mm f/4.

[BigFuzzy]

Originally Posted by Katyxa

I'm going to have a maternity photo session and my client wants to have indoor and outdoor photos. I'm debating which lens to rent - Canon 50mm 1.2 or Canon 85mm 1.2? What do you think and why? I will also use Canon 24-105mm f/4.

To me, it all depends about the space you'll have indoors (as outdoors isn't a factor I'd guess). Personally, I'd like to have both, but it's hard for us to say which one without knowing more as it'd be foolish for me to tell you get the 85mm if the indoor spaces are small.

What I'd do is buy the 50mm 1.8 (under 100usd) and rent the 85mm.. best of both worlds as I can't even understand why every photog doesn't have a Nifty Fifty

[LoveDSLR]

Originally Posted by Katyxa

I'm debating which lens to rent - Canon 50mm 1.2 or Canon 85mm 1.2? What do you think and why? I will also use Canon 24-105mm f/4.

Don't know why you wish to shoot with a 50 f/1.2 or 85 f/1.2. I believe some 50 f/1.2 has focus shift issue.

In my case (5D Mk II), it'll be the 85 f/1.2 L II since I have one besides 28-70 f/2.8 L and 70-200 f/2.8 L IS. I haven't use my 50 f/1.4 & f/1.8 for over three decades.

BTW, if you plan to shoot at f/1.2, make sure your camera has lens fine tuning.

[BigFuzzy]

Originally Posted by LoveDSLR

Don't know why you wish to shoot with a 50 f/1.2 or 85 f/1.2. I believe some 50 f/1.2 has focus shift issue.
haven't use my 50 f/1.4 & f/1.8 for over three decades.

I don't know why you don't. Perhaps because people can choose what they're comfy with and what they feel will help them achieve what style/result they're going for? Perhaps their style calls for what a 50/85mm gets you? I can think of lots of reasons, but since MY reasons aren't the only ones, I'll not judge.

And OP, I wouldn't recommend fine tuning your lens unless you know what you're getting into fully as there are other, periferal, effects you may not want, but this is not the place for this discussion.

[Woody]

Originally Posted by LoveDSLR

Don't know why you wish to shoot with a 50 f/1.2 or 85 f/1.2. I believe some 50 f/1.2 has focus shift issue.

In my case (5D Mk II), it'll be the 85 f/1.2 L II since I have one besides 28-70 f/2.8 L and 70-200 f/2.8 L IS. I haven't use my 50 f/1.4 & f/1.8 for over three decades.

BTW, if you plan to shoot at f/1.2, make sure your camera has lens fine tuning.

I'm with Big Fuzzy, I love my 50mm 1.8 its such a great in your face lens. If you shoot RAW and take big pics you can crop as far as you like.


Cheers,

John W

[LoveDSLR]

Originally Posted by LoveDSLR

Don't know why you wish to shoot with a 50 f/1.2 or 85 f/1.2.

I want to know why OP picks those two lenses. For FF/APS-C, shallow DOF, smoothness etc? It isn't about focal lengths since we always have a lens collection for portraits.

Originally Posted by BigFuzzy

And OP, I wouldn't recommend fine tuning your lens unless you know what you're getting into fully as there are other...

Best/worst of two devils. Either getting out of focus from focus shift when shooting at f/1.2 or learn how to fine tune properly. Just something from first hand experience and transfer the knowledge to OP. The slow AF speed of the 85 f/1.2 is another factor to be considered.

Originally Posted by BigFuzzy

I don't know why you don't.

Originally Posted by Woody

I'm with Big Fuzzy, I love my 50mm 1.8 its such a great in your face lens.

Focal length wise for APS-C. But for FF (3/4 length portraits), the 85 f/1.2 L II is better for my Canon 5D Mk II and 85 f/1.4 for my Nikon D3. Zeiss 150mm for my Hasselblad MF. Better yet, a Leica 50 f/1.4 or NOCTILUX-M 50 f/0.95.

Besides focal length and sharpness, I also look at properties such as micro-contrast, color, saturation, smoothness, number of diaphragm blades etc.

[SwissJon]

I'm curious Love DSLR. Can you point me to some photos you've taken with your f/1.4 on your Nikon?

Thanks

[LoveDSLR]

Originally Posted by SwissJon

I'm curious Love DSLR. Can you point me to some photos you've taken with your f/1.4 on your Nikon?

Sorry if it read that I have a Nikon 85 f/1.4 (it'll be my choice). I prefer the 85 f/1.2 L II with my 5D Mk II than a Nikon 85 f/1.4 for my D3. I only use Nikon 14-24, 24-70, 105 and 70-200 for portraits.

As I response to your other post, you can view hundreds of samples from Nikoncafe.com, lens lust section or pbase.com.

[SwissJon]

Originally Posted by LoveDSLR

Sorry if it read that I have a Nikon 85 f/1.4 (it'll be my choice). I prefer the 85 f/1.2 L II with my 5D Mk II than a Nikon 85 f/1.4 for my D3. I only use Nikon 14-24, 24-70, 105 and 70-200 for portraits.

As I response to your other post, you can view hundreds of samples from Nikoncafe.com, lens lust section.

I have to admit, LoveDSLR, the reason I asked is because I'm just a teensy bit curious as to why, when I've seen hundreds of your posts, I've never seen a photo you've taken, just re-edits of other peoples work. Please don't take this the wrong way, it's just this is a photography forum, and you're a regular poster, I am just curious as to why you're shy, and I'm wondering what I'm missing.. I will admit to hoping to see something you took, not just random photos by people I've never met. With all those FF cameras, I'm wondering if you're a famous photographer who wants to stay anon.

However I will take a look at Nikoncafe, because I didn't know it existed before, and now I do. Thank you.

[LoveDSLR]

Originally Posted by SwissJon

Please don't take this the wrong way, it's just this is a photography forum, and you're a regular poster, I am just curious as to why you're shy, and I'm wondering what I'm missing.

It is just a hobby now so I have no need to share my snapshots (the fun of photography) or seeking improvements (I maybe six feet under before seeing any results. ).

The ooh & aah and the business of photography are my past. I rather enjoying a bottle of Dom than worrying about turning my photos into art.

Originally Posted by SwissJon

With all those FF cameras, I'm wondering if you're a famous photographer who wants to stay anon.

Old timer...I can afford those toys!