Lens advice - Canon

Prophet · 7 May 2015 at 21:30

I'm looking to expand my lens collection and would like some advice from my fellow OcUK photographers..

I have a 5Dmk3 and the following lenses.
50mm f1.8
24-105 L f4
70-200 L f4

So, I'm looking for a fast prime to slot in. I've looked at the Canon 135mm f2 and the Sigma 85mm f1.4.. I'd like some real world opinions on these and any other which are comparable.

Main use will be walk around and for weddings/portraits.

Any info and example shots would be great..

Raymond Lin · 7 May 2015 at 21:39

85/1.4

It is easier to use (135 is quite long for portraits) and it is quite impersonal. 85 is a nice portrait focal length, a classic one.

Prophet · 7 May 2015 at 21:53

That's what I was leaning towards. Any others worth an honourable mention or is the Sigma the one to have?

I'm also thinking of switching the 24-105 for 24-70 f2.8 but that's another story...

Raymond Lin · 7 May 2015 at 21:57

The canon 1.8 is the best bang for buck, the sigma is better than the canon 1.2 in some ways (focus speed for example) but not 1.2.

The sigma is best overall. I have the canon though, it's an impressive feat of engineering and one of the greatest lens ever made, but it's double the price of the sigma.

Prophet · 7 May 2015 at 22:04

Great, thanks

2StepSteve · 7 May 2015 at 22:28

I highly recommend the Canon 85mm f1.8. Stunning lens for the price.

Steeps · 8 May 2015 at 00:16

I've got the Sigma but it spends more time on the 7D for weddings as the 5d2 has a 35L on it, but when I've tried the Sigma on the 5d2 the shots are always lovely. Considering getting a second 5d2 to use it on. 85mm is probably more useful for walking about and weddings if the venues are not that large.

Prophet · 8 May 2015 at 10:13

Anyone know if the focus issues with the Sigma 1.4 are that common?

D.P. · 8 May 2015 at 20:22

The 85mm is more typical but there is also a peRonald preference. I like longer focal length for portraits from time to time as you get a better separation to the background even at smaller apertures, more of a 3D look is possible with sharp facial edges and soft background. The bokeh is also nice ononger lenses. Plus it is handy whe you cant get close to the subject in time.