50mm f1.4 or 85mm f1.8

Borderfox

I am currently using a 50mm f1.8 to shoot indoor showjumping, I am looking to get another lens with better IQ and quicker focusing. Would anyone have any opinions on the 50mm f1.4 and the 85mm f1.8 as a replacement to the 50mm f1.8. I have heard the 85mm f1.8 has super quick focusing but the f1.4 would let me go down to 200 ISO and about 1/150th. The f1.8 is around 400 ISO and 1/160th to 1/200th at the moment.

Thanks
Keith

eas

From what I understand, many people think the IQ of the 50 1.8 is better than the 1.4, or at least there is no difference. I'm not sure on this.

I've used both lenses and have no real opinion on one being any better than the other in terms of picture quality. I do know that both lenses are very sharp, and quick/tight/accurate in focusing. The build of the 1.4 is disappointing, mostly plastic.

I also have the 85 1.8. It's super quick to focus, has lovely color/tonal characteristics. It makes for a very good portrait lens.

I'd wonder if either of these lenses really suit your needs? would'nt you be better off with short zoom + flash?

Fajitas!

You already have the 50 1.8, go for the 85! The differences wouldn't warrent get a similar lens again.

I've used both the 50 1.8 and 1.4 and think the sharpness and AF is better on the 1.4, but...go for the 85!!!

eas

are we talking Nikon or Canon here? I assumed it was NIkon. Sorry if I'm wrong.

if it is nikon, here's a thread on the 1.4 vs the 1.8

http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1007&message=20989378

Fajitas!

Aha! Canon!

*resists making Nikon joke*

mtracey

on the nikon the 1.8 is a sharper lens than the 1.4. fact

eas

oooooohhhh - I thought Borderfox was one of the other 2 nikon users in this silly group.

So, no more advice from me.....not that it's worth anything anyhow.

Morlar

mtracey wrote:

on the nikon the 1.8 is a sharper lens than the 1.4. fact

nikon schmeekon

Borderfox

Sorry Canon. Thanks for all the advice. I cant use a flash around horses. I think I will go for the 85mm. If anyone has one for sale I will gladly take it off them?

eas

I have one for sale!

Oriel

eas wrote:

I have one for sale!

He's looking for Canon isn't he (the poor chap)?

B0rG

Shooting sport with a prime? Mister likes it difficult?

50 1.4 USM - faster focusing, though the speed of autofocus actually depends on both camera and lens. And as far as I know sport photographers use prefocusing or a infinity + low apperture - to get it sharp. Which kinda make sense as you don't have enuff time to focus anyways...

Biro

I've used both, and compared them at the same time. I own the 1.4, and used a mates 1.8. Even if you set both at 1.8 and take a pic of the same object and same shutter speed, the 1.4 50mm lens will come out a tiny bit brighter... not sure why. It's nearly twice the overall mass of the 1.8 physically, and focuses a lot quicker with the USM. If you were thinking of getting it though, you should sell your 1.8 cause no point in having both. You could go for the 85mm, as it'll open up a new window for pictures if you keep the 50mm.

Borderfox

Thanks for all the advice its good to hear both sides. I had a look at the 50mm f1.4 last week and decided not to get it after hearing advice here. I plumped for the 85mm f1.8 and picked it up in Gunns today. Great build quality and tack sharp. B0rg its not too hard to shoot showjumping with a prime as you know where they will be on most jumps so just position yourself well and they come to you.