Originally posted by ll_coffee_lP Jon...I've never used any of the 85mm's before, however I think you'd find it to be too long for shooting portraits most of the time. I have and love the 77ltd, which is the most telephoto lens I have, and it has to be used almost exclusively outside because of it's length.
Just some food for thought.
c[_]
I found 85 way to close when I went to digital, then found my photography style changing where it's one of my favorite focal lengths for capturing upper body shots and outdoor work. I should mention I don't have the 1.4, (I have a few at 1.8), and have been told that the 1.4 is terrific on film but doesn't provide the same results from a crop format (I have no way of knowing if that is the case).
I'd recommend borrowing an 85 for a few days to see if it works. If I had tried it for one shoot I probably would have decided it was too close and would have missed out on my favorite lens... If you ever get over to the island, you're welcome to borrow one of mine for a few days.
I tend to leave a 85 on my camera for when I'm going out with the family.... The DA*50-135 seems to stay at home. I think it's the size I don't like (that and I don't mind manual focus). We went to a Christmas parade last night and here are the typical "family pics" I get when using a 85...