Mama's got a new lens in her bag!
When I make purchases, let me rephrase that. When I make BIG purchases, I mull over the decision for weeks, sometimes longer. When it was time to get my new computer, I weighed the options between laptop or desktop. Screen size. I even looked on Craig's List to see if there was anything cheaper than what Apple was selling them for. I ended up saving money and buying it new. Then, buyer's remorse kicks in. Did I make the right choice? Was it too soon? Maybe I could have gone with out it a little longer... and well, you get the idea. I get buyer's remorse baaaad. Like, let me take it back and get the green cash back. Luckily, I needed the computer and it's been a godsend these past two years.
Recently, over the last 4 months or so, I couldn't decided whether to get the 70-200 or the 85. I normally rent the 70-200 because that lens is like $2k! To be fair, all of the lenses are usually around that much. But then, I read an article reviewing the more cost effective alternative of the 85mm.
The 85mm 1.8 USM. Sure it's not an L series, which for me isn't a deal breaker. Nor was the 1.4 because I hardly ever shoot completely wide open. Unless it's low light or a detail shot. Trying to get two people in focus at 1.4, good luck! The $2k version also has image stabilizer and really, I NEVER use that. One because it doesn't make the image look any better and at 1.8, I wouldn't even need it. So that wasn't a deal breaker either. After reading a couple more reviews, I learned that it was a pretty sharp lens for more than half the price.
Finally, last week, I went for it. And I can't wait to start using it at my portrait sessions! Just look at that bokeh! This was shot at 1.8 and at 100% it is tack sharp. Of course I had to test it on my favorite model :).
Both of these were shot at 1.8 and at a very high ISO because by this time it was 7 o'clock at night. Even with the grain, they're both 100% sharp.
So if you're looking for a more cost effective lens that is guaranteed to be your power portrait lens, get this one. I can't wait until I get to use it this weekend!
Happy Wednesday!