85mm or 105 f2 DC

Stuart,
I still have not decided between these two lenses, although I think I am leaning to the 105 because of the extra focal length and the camera shop I frequent has a very nice used one with box and all papers for 775.
Dave

 

The 105/2 DC made me forget all about the 85/1.4 but I can certaintly see the the utility of having both, especially if you shoot portraits/candids, etc., which I tend not to do.

 

Neither one is a speed to focus for sports AF, but I like my 105 F2DC for the length. I don't even need the defocus control as the F2 and F2.8 wide open generates great bokeh as it is.
You should either wait on a new version of the 85mm lens or get the current 85mm F1.4 if you really want to explore F1.4 shooting, which I do not do. Otherwise, don't waste your money and get an 85mm F1.8. Really, what's the difference? Who is shooting at F1.4 anyway? Do you realize how hard that is to do?

 

Stuart :


Focus speed-wise. they're in the same league, although the 105mm DC might be a hair slower with more body. Neither is AFS, both are the older design of lens. I've never felt cheated with their speed, but each does have a more audible focus sound than the newer AFS designs.

As for which lens you want, they're both stellar performers. I occasionally have this feeling what I'd really like is an 85mm f/1.4 DC, as the 105mm length is occasionally a bit long for indoor work, but, for me, they're very different lenses to shoot with.



John P.