Quick 85mm F1.8 vs 70-200 F2.8 IS II

I have both but shoot on APS-C.

At 2.8 my 85MM is sharper and has softer bokeh. That is not to say the 70-200 is not sharp, it is. It's just the 85mm stopped down a touch is a touch sharper.

Contrast is in favour of the 70-200. As is resistance to purple fringing and flare.

For portraits, I think the 85mm is my fav if you're going to compare them both at that focal length. The versatility of the zoom is almost negated by the size and weight of it.

I had the 85mm first and then got the zoom. There's no risk of the zoom becoming redundant as it is always great to have a fast prime in that range.

The 85mm on a 5D looks amazing and I do notice it comes in to it's own when I shoot on 35mm film. I think you'd be happy with that lens in the interim if you wanted to work towards the zoom.

Andrew

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