Canon EF 50mm f /1.2L USM or EF 85mm f/1.2L II USM: Okay all you Canon "experts", I am looking for a fast lens for inside use. I have narrowed it down to the Canon EF 50mm f /1.2L USM...

papakatz45 Loc: South Florida-West Palm Beach

Okay all you Canon "experts", I am looking for a fast lens for inside use. I have narrowed it down to the Canon EF 50mm f /1.2L USM or EF 85mm f/1.2L II USM. I am using a 50D but plan on getting a 7D in the fall. Any thoughts or experiences with either of these? Money is not an issue. Nikon users, while I appreciate your input I am not looking to change brands.

Artsmith Loc: Grayson, Georgia

On your camera the 50mm will probably give about 85mm range. I have the 50mm f1.2L and love it. It's built like a tank, focus very fast and the glass is great. Takes a 72mm filter and is much heavier than the other canon 50's. I bought the Sigma 85mm f1.4 lens it is also built well and very sharp. I use the 85mm for portraits. I use the 50mm as my walking around lens. I am not a expert by any means but it's what i like.

donrent Loc: Punta Gorda , Fl

Since you stated than $$ is no issue, I would get Both... There WILL be times when one will be better than the other...

papakatz45 Loc: South Florida-West Palm Beach

money is no object for one lens. If you had to choose one which would it be and why?

oldtool2 Loc: South Jersey

You want it for inside and you own a crop sensor camera? The 7D is also a crop sensor. I would get the 50mm lens. It will act as a 80mm lens on a full frame. Anything bigger than that is really going to limit you indoors. It will also be a nice portrait lens.

Have you looked at the 50mm f1.4? Very comparable reviews at 1/4 the price.

Jim D

haroldross Loc: Walthill, Nebraska

Since you didn't state what you would be using it for except that it would be indoors, it is hard to recommend one or the other.

I prefer the 85mm for portraits and such. The 85mm would be too long for most indoor candid shots. Even the 50mm could be too long under many indoor candid situations. The 85mm gets my vote since most of my photos of people are of their faces.

papakatz45 Loc: South Florida-West Palm Beach

Thanks guys, I appreciate the feedback.

PatrickTheCop Loc: Spartanburg, SC

Just my opinion but..... with money for one lens of the two not being an object here is what I would do. Get the 85 AND the 5mm f/1.4 (nifty fifty). That's so close to getting both your original choices for the price of one how could you NOT? The nifty fifty will likely add $125 to the price of the 85mm and give you a perfect combination. so if you can afford the 85mm + $125 it's a no-brainer in my mind.

papakatz45 Loc: South Florida-West Palm Beach

PatrickTheCop wrote:

Just my opinion but..... with money for one lens of the two not being an object here is what I would do. Get the 85 AND the 5mm f/1.4 (nifty fifty). That's so close to getting both your original choices for the price of one how could you NOT? The nifty fifty will likely add $125 to the price of the 85mm and give you a perfect combination. so if you can afford the 85mm + $125 it's a no-brainer in my mind.

Thanks for the recommendation. This may be the way to go.

rpavich Loc: West Virginia

I've heard good things about both lenses but on a crop body I'd say go for the 50mm f/1.2. You'd be hard pressed to have enough room for an 85mm on a crop body inside unless you lived in the astrodome.

George H Loc: Brooklyn, New York

papakatz45 wrote:

Okay all you Canon "experts", I am looking for a fast lens for inside use. I have narrowed it down to the Canon EF 50mm f /1.2L USM or EF 85mm f/1.2L II USM. I am using a 50D but plan on getting a 7D in the fall. Any thoughts or experiences with either of these? Money is not an issue. Nikon users, while I appreciate your input I am not looking to change brands.

Papa,
Since you say it is inside, then the 50 is definitely the way to go. Your crop sensor cameras make it the better choice, I love this lens and I have it on a 1Ds Mark II full frame camera.

George

Jer Loc: Mesa, Arizona

I would go to a full frame camera with either of these lens. I have a 5dm2 and the 50mm F/1.2. Wonderful combination.

jwrawlinson

The 50mm without a doubt. I made a professional choice some years ago and was never sorry. So you move a step closer to the subject to get the same result. No Problem. And, it focusses faster.
JWR

rpavich Loc: West Virginia

Jer wrote:

I would go to a full frame camera with either of these lens. I have a 5dm2 and the 50mm F/1.2. Wonderful combination.

Ohh...this gave me chills....my wallet is quivering.

ole sarg Loc: south florida

For a full frame the 50 1.2 or 1.4. For the cropped I would look at a 35 f1.2 or 1.4 if they have one. 35 gives you a 50 and a 50 gives you an 80 all this is so confusing. but whatever rocks your boat. why not rent one and see what you like?

For portraits you can always walk up to the person. Whataconcept!