Canon 40d and 85 1.8 lens

[westra]

I am buying a new camera. I can get a refurb 40d and a 85 1.8 lens for a bit cheaper <$50> then the package 40d with the EFS 17-85. If I got the refurb and the 85 I would like to get a 17-40 f4 L and a fast 50. I want to shoot mostly the kids and they move fast. Also I would like to do some landscape when traveling. Is the 85 to long for inside or can I learn to adapt to it. I like the reviews. Jay

[jypsee]

The effective focal length of the 85 is roughly 135mm on the 40D; the 17-40 and a 50 would be a nice range of focal lengths. The issue of focal length should also be combined with close focusing range on the 85 -- how close can you be to properly focus will determine whether or not you can use the the 85 indoors without backing up.

Here's some examples from the 40D and 85: the first is from about three feet; the second is from about 12 feet away; the third is a 100 perent crop of the first photo and not sharpened or put on a tripod...



here's some photos of the 40D and 85; the combo is pretty small, actually



click a thumbnail to see the photo full size

overall, I find the 85 f/1.8 to be a good buy and worth owning...
HTH,
Mary in SW Florida

[hiero]

Hi, when shooting kids you do not want to miss the moments. I'd advise against the three lens set up for this use because you will have to change lenses too often. The 85mm is a bit too long inside homes. On a crop camera like the 40D it's better suited for smaller sports arenas or small concert halls. An adult will fill the frame at 10 meters, an adult head at 1.5 meters (just tried it). It's a great lens, but not for your intended use.
I'd suggest to buy a standard zoom, either canon 17-55 (expensive though, but with F/2.8 across the range pretty fast and with very good IS) or the also expensive 17-40 (very good build, but you'll miss the IS and its range is obviously less versatile than the 17-55) or your wildcard option, the 18-55 (optically very good as well, with IS and very cheap, but not so fast ). If you really want to use primes for this use I'd buy a lens around 35 mm.

Best,
Jeroen

[milivista]

i'm using 40D with 85mm f.18, looking so good. soft bokeh i saw better than FF body

beyond, one choice other is 50mm f1.4

but 40D + 85mm f1.8 really good choice

all the best,

milivista

[robin_singapore]

Sigma AF 50mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM is another choice. Solid build quality and creamy bokeh. http://www.pbase.com/robin_singapore/sigma_50mm_f14