85mm 1.8 V 85mm 1.4

[nigels]

Hi Guys,

Thinking about buying the 85mm 1.8 (couldn't afford the other).

Anyone had experience with it and how does it (or doesn't it) compare with the 1.4. Many of the reviews give it a thumbs up, but thought I'd check with the forum first.

This will be used mainly for portraits and similar

Kindest regards
Nigels

[MHD]

I have not used the 1.8 but have had the honour of using the 85/1.4

amazing lens... this lens does something to images...
many of the pics in the album I shot for my sisters wedding are with this lens
http://potofgrass.ath.cx/gallery/krw
a sample

[JordanP]

I have and use the 1.8 but can not compare it to the 1.4 as I haven't used it. I love the 1.8 and expect the 1.4 would be better.

It comes down to cost benifit I think - I find the difference between the two lenses reletivley small (based on other images I have seen and reviews), but obviously the price difference is quite noticable

Bottom line from what I have seen and experienced using the 1.8. I may one day upgrage .... but only to get that little extra edge. The 1.8 is a great lens.

Cheers,

[birddog114]

The 1.8 is good lens, the 1.4 is superb lens.
The 1.8 is plasticky and the 1.8 is "full metal jacket", the rings on 1.8 will become loose or degrade after time and the 1.4 is not.
Bokeh and clarity of 1.8 is not equal as the 1.4
All other comparison are the same as 50/1.8 and 1.4
We have few threads about these two lenses in our forum.

[Killakoala]

I havent used the 85mm 1.8 but here are a few pics from the 85mm 1.4 Some with the SB800, some with no flash. I love the 1.4 lens. It sings. I wish i owned one

http://killakoala.smugmug.com/photos/15785911-M.jpg
http://killakoala.smugmug.com/photos/15785913-M.jpg
http://killakoala.smugmug.com/photos/15785914-M.jpg
http://killakoala.smugmug.com/photos/15785916-M.jpg
http://killakoala.smugmug.com/photos/15785925-M.jpg
http://killakoala.smugmug.com/photos/15785929-M.jpg
http://killakoala.smugmug.com/photos/15785932-M.jpg
http://killakoala.smugmug.com/photos/15785934-M.jpg