Warren, I have the 12-24 (Tokina), 28-70 f/2.8, 80-200 f/2.8 and 85 f/1.8, and I will NOT give up my 85 f/1.8 (except when I get 85 f/1.4 :D). It's really good for portrait.
When I go to shot people, besides other lenses, I always carry 85 f/1.8. I really like the shallow DOF from this lens...