Originally posted by bdery It should be popular but that's a bold statement, especially considering the existence of the FA77 and the existence of mainstream focal lengths focal lengths like 50.
Or maybe by "coveted" you mean "not purchased, but wished for"? In that case I agree, although the 200mm macro will be a strong contestant
Coveted? Definitely the 200 macro.
For the 85, I have the Sigma 70, the Tamron 90, the DFA 100 and the DA* 55 1.4, just among primes. The area around 85mm is an already heavily populated focal length.
Now lets discuss zooms.
DA*60-250, F 70-210, DA 55-300 PLM, DA 18-135, DA 16-85, you have to really want that 1.4 to want this lens.
The 85 ƒ1.4 T 1.4, at 3 meters DOF is .1 meter
The DA*200 2.8 at 5 meters is .1 meter
DA* 55 1.4 at 2 meters .11 meter
If you want narrow DoF, you might already have a lens that will get you the image you want.
Unless you're a working pro like LeRolls and that's
the focal length you're most comfortable using day in day out it would be hard to justify, at least for me.