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04-25-2011, 09:00 AM   #1
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Canon EF 85mm f1.8 for Canon 40D?

I wonder if the EF 85mm f1.8 will be good on 40D. This will be the lens for me to cover 75mm to 135mm. My Pentax K20D will cover <75mm range.

04-25-2011, 11:45 AM   #2
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I don't see why not. Based on a test that I read years ago, the EF beats the FA77 on pretty much every area except built quality.
04-25-2011, 11:49 AM   #3
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Great. Can't wait to test the little guy.
04-26-2011, 03:13 AM   #4
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Yes, the Canon 85mm f1.8 is a highly rated lens. Especially for its price.

04-26-2011, 01:40 PM   #5
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I went and bought a 40D just so I could use the 85 1.8 on it. It's certainly a very capable combination. If I were to do it over again, though, I'd get a 50D instead: it manages to combine what I preferred about the K20D (image quality) with what I preferred about the 40D (speed).
04-26-2011, 01:51 PM   #6
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QuoteOriginally posted by er1kksen Quote
I went and bought a 40D just so I could use the 85 1.8 on it. It's certainly a very capable combination. If I were to do it over again, though, I'd get a 50D instead: it manages to combine what I preferred about the K20D (image quality) with what I preferred about the 40D (speed).
40D is still cheaper. I don't have enough money sadly. Anyway the bad thing about 40D is the LCD screen. It's so bad even comparing to K100D. But I like the speed.
04-27-2011, 07:09 AM   #7
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That's why I ended up with the 40D as well, the price difference. I didn't mind the screen so much, but I just really, really didn't like the sensor output. Much preferred the K20D and my friend's 50D, even at higher ISOs.

04-27-2011, 08:47 AM   #8
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QuoteOriginally posted by er1kksen Quote
That's why I ended up with the 40D as well, the price difference. I didn't mind the screen so much, but I just really, really didn't like the sensor output. Much preferred the K20D and my friend's 50D, even at higher ISOs.
I saw the dpreview RAW comparison samples. It's similar to K10D or K20D. Is there difference when shooting RAW?
04-28-2011, 03:39 AM   #9
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I've got a friend that shoots with a Canon 40D and the EF 85mm f/1.8, and one thing that I've noticed is that wide open, that lens does produce a fair bit of purple fringing.
04-28-2011, 06:40 AM   #10
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QuoteOriginally posted by metalmania Quote
I saw the dpreview RAW comparison samples. It's similar to K10D or K20D. Is there difference when shooting RAW?
I've never had a chance to use a K10D, but in general I found the 40D RAW files to feel in a sense "fragile;" they showed their flaws quickly if you had to do any lifting of the shadows etc. and the colors didn't respond well to adjustment. At higher ISOs it may not have technically had more noise (I never bothered to do a scientific comparison) but the output did seem uglier to me. The K20D files felt more robust, and the 50D's files even a bit moreso, though the 50D still had the same color issues as the 40D but to a lesser degree.
04-28-2011, 07:21 AM   #11
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QuoteOriginally posted by er1kksen Quote
I've never had a chance to use a K10D, but in general I found the 40D RAW files to feel in a sense "fragile;" they showed their flaws quickly if you had to do any lifting of the shadows etc. and the colors didn't respond well to adjustment. At higher ISOs it may not have technically had more noise (I never bothered to do a scientific comparison) but the output did seem uglier to me. The K20D files felt more robust, and the 50D's files even a bit moreso, though the 50D still had the same color issues as the 40D but to a lesser degree.
I see. Thanks for the info. This weekend I will take some test shots with 40D and 85/1.8, also K20D and K10D. I will post the pictures here. Please criticize.
04-29-2011, 01:54 AM   #12
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The Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 is a very highly regarded lens given how cheap it is. Granted, the build quality is certainly not up there with the Pentax limiteds, but it is nearly two thirds cheaper. Sharpness from f/1.8 is truly excellent.
04-29-2011, 02:50 AM   #13
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QuoteOriginally posted by metalmania Quote
40D is still cheaper. I don't have enough money sadly. Anyway the bad thing about 40D is the LCD screen. It's so bad even comparing to K100D. But I like the speed.
I was very happy with my 40D and didn't think the screen was bad. I like the way you can superimpose the histogram on the pentaxes though, it makes it so much easier to see for an old guy. The shutter went on mine and Adorama gave me a refund so I had to get a 50D. I think I liked the 40D files better, but the focus adjustment is nice to have if you need it.
05-01-2011, 08:38 PM   #14
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Tried 40D and 85/1.8. The AF speed is so fast and over 99% of the photos are in focus and sharp. I really love 40D now.

The K10D is a little bit slow but not bad with Tamron 70-300mm. The thing is the K10 has back focus so I spent a couple of hours in debug mode to change the AF numbers. After that I think the problem is gone.

40D with 85mm f/1.8:

Resized:





100% crop:




K10D with Tamron 70-300mm

Resized:





100% crop:

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