I hate lens threads

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Having seen xSsitara's shots on this thread taken with an 85mm f/1.8 I'm now wondering about that lens.

I've seen some amazing shots taken with an 85mm f/1.2 - eg - http://www.flickr.com/photos/zx80/4101288872/

I'd backed off buying an 85mm simply because the quality of the f/1.2 seemed to be so much better than the f/1.8.

Anyone got any real life examples that would save me spending money I don't have? Or that would precipitate my divorce?
 
F1.2 shots are stunning...
well personally I would look how much I have got in my pocket and then decide which lens to go for.
If you only have the money to buy 1.8....get the 1.8 as it is already fantastic...=)
 
This isn't really a cash issue - its a case of show me what I'll get for the extra money. I know how much money I've got.

I'm really after examples of the 2 lenses to compare
 
Although the 1.2 looks stunning you can achieve brilliant results with a 1.8, the problem is i suppose if you went ahead and bought the 1.8 would you have the niggling doubt going "Should have bought the 1.2!!!"
 
You could always hire them both, use them for a week and compare. Then you can make your mind up based on images you've taken instead of looking at somebody elses results.

George.
 
From my reading and research the 1.2 is a brilliant lens but the AF is slower than the 1.8 and it costs an arm and a leg. I just picked up a 1.8 and the results are great and a great price... ya pays ya money and ya takes ya choice as the saying goes. If you think your going to get your moneys worth from the 1.2 then by all means....:thumbs::thumbs:
 
To be honest most lenses would look good taking those shots - reaonably close, good contrast and lighting - all the things which bring out the best in a lens and a sensor - which is exactly why manufacturers use these kind of shots in their advertisement.

The ability of the photographer is much more important and the pictures show good abilty and a good "eye."
 
petersmart said:
To be honest most lenses would look good taking those shots - reaonably close, good contrast and lighting - all the things which bring out the best in a lens and a sensor - which is exactly why manufacturers use these kind of shots in their advertisement.

The ability of the photographer is much more important and the pictures show good abilty and a good "eye."
Click to expand...

Would agree with that. :thumbs:
 
Both are pretty awesome lenses, so it comes down to personal preference, and what you'll be using it for!

The image quality is exceptional from the f/1.2, but remember there are compromises to be made! Slow AF, and a funny electro-manual focussing thingy. If either of those bother you, then you might have a fantastic lens but if you don't like using it it's a lot of cash (and possibly a marriage :D) down the drain!

The f/1.8 is easier to use, and will be more forgiving, but you'll never have f/1.2 to play with. I'd seriously suggest trying both, otherwise you'll either always be wondering 'what if', or possibly not being able to get on with what may or may not be your dream lens!

http://www.lensesforhire.co.uk/canon-ef-85mm-f12-l-ii-usm-16-p.asp

http://www.lensesforhire.co.uk/canon-ef-85mm-f18-usm-17-p.asp

;)
 
Thanks, people - that's just the sort of info I was after. I've had an offer a loan of the f/1.2 and I could hire the f/1.8 for not too much money, so that may well be the way to go.
 
Just to make you choice even harder, there is a new Sigma 85mm f1.4 coming out soon.
 
Once the 1.8 gets past f2 its amazingly sharp, I doubt the 1.2 is any sharper. So the question becomes do you need the 1.2 and its very limited dof, will you use that aperture difference, given how accurate focusing will then need to be. The AF sensors wont notice the difference in aperture, the viewfinder will be no brighter either.
I couldnt see a good reason to get the 1.2 over the 1.8 especially as I read the AF was slower on account of having to move all that extra glass around.

Matt
 
I've shot a few portraits on the 1.8 wide open, but found myself stopping it down a fair bit to get acceptable DoF....had enough trouble getting the full length of an eyelash in focus, dread to think what it would be like with a 1.2!

For me the light weight, size and AF performance of the 1.8 trumped the 1.2 for what I wanted.
 
I have the 85mm F1.2, and it's a stunning lens, but I think the choice between the 1.8 & 1.2 is dependent upon the intended use.

Canon call the 1.2 their 'definitive portraiture lens', which it probably is, the background blur is gorgeous, and the narrow DOF can be used creatively.

I think if you were to do mainly street type of people shooting, the 1.8 would be a better option, it's a lot lighter (the 1.2 is a beast to cart around) and the af is quicker on the 1.8.

Although the 1.2 has a stop of extra light, unless you were 'shooting black cats in cellar' shots, it shouldn't be an issue when choosing between the two.
 
Thanks again to you all for taking the time to respond. Some very helpful replies.
 
85mm f/1.8 lenses give great bang per buck.

Both of these were shot at f/2.2 on the Nikon 85mm f/1.8...



 
I'd focused on Hollie's left eye. You can see the focus fall-off on her right!

DSC_1442.jpg
 
You hate lens threads for giving you gear lust, you should try a camera club. I hate to think how much I have spent based on seeing and trying gear someone else has brought along...
 
85mm f1.2L. However you do it just get one!

4405118682_ac56862b73_o.jpg


4405118868_451e70c21a_o.jpg
 
85 f1.2 II is undoubatly one of the best canon lenses out there if it fits with your type of photography, I'm on my 4th one !! 2 x mkI 2xmkII, this one is staying with me until i die.
 
Oh, *******s - I was swaying towards the f/1.8 until I saw those. Harumph.
 
This was taken with 85 F1.2 at f1.2, very low light, and a messy background, it's a perfect lens for this kind of situation.

103278804_u5ZIpAm9_yb1s.jpg
 
Just picking up the 85mm 1.2L makes your willy go all funny.:D

Seriously, I reckon there's nothing quite like it - used wide open, it's a very flattering lens and can make the busiest bg just disappear. Stopped down a little it becomes bitingly, almost cruelly sharp.
 
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