Ok, so this isn't really a should I get this lens type of thread, because I'm totally sold on it based on all the rave reviews. But I did want to see how often people used this one at weddings before I press the buttons to buy it. Based on my current experience with the 28mm and 50mm primes, I can see myself using the 85 in a number of situations where I want to maintain more of a distance to be even less obtrusive than I usually am, as well as to get some closer details during the ceremony. Anyway, I was just wondering if people get to use this lens very often for the PJ stuff (it's a given that this is a portrait workhorse), since my main criteria for getting equipment is that it'll be in heavy rotation (I have limited dollars, gotta make the count!). If you have some PJ stuff you've taken with the 85, feel free to post it here to make this thread visually appealing

For me, it's probably my number 2 used lens. I use it ALL the time. It's great for all sorts of different situations, getting ready, first dance, bride and dad coming down the isle (particularly if you don't shoot flash for that part like me), engagement sessions, etc etc etc.

I always joke with peope cause it's the cheapest lens in my bag (cost me about $275, I bought it used), but it's almost always on one of my two cameras.

The only thing I don't like about it, is I wish it would have a shorter minimum focus distance, but other than that my only regret about the lens is that I didn't buy it sooner.

The last wedding I 2nd shot my flash didn't work and so I had to use that lens big time since it was the most light I could get during the reception. Doesn't really answer your question exactly...

Well, if the lens is Chris' number 2, it definitely deserves to be in my arsenal! Really though, that's good to hear, because I want it to carry the load with my 50, which I use a ton now.

Your comment about it being your cheapest lens is funny, because both my current lenses (28 2.8 and 50 1.8) are among canon's most affordable, and I've done well with them so far; it just goes to show it is the eye of the photographer and not always the expensive gear.

My wife and I shoot together and she uses the 85mm about 80% of the time. I am trying to get her to try some different lenses, but she absolutely loves the 85mm.

The 85 1.8 is a sweet lens. Best bang for your buck! Along with the 35 1.4 together make up about 80% of my images if not more. I would just avoid using it at 1.8, outdoors with a white or light background. Other than that get the 135 2.0 with the money you save. That is a sweet lens that I don't know how I lived with out it!
All the best!!

that last engagement shoot i posted on osp (here in case you didnt see it).... every shot you see was taken with the 85.

was my favorite and mostly on the camera b4 the 50 1.2 i just bought 2wks ago. Though a little trouble to use with a crop sensor like the 30d, but that didn't stop me. My favorite for reception dancing
But if i had a 5d i would never take it off and found it to be much faster than my 50 1.4

Hey Phil - sounds like you've had some great answers here. I also love my 85/1.8 and use it a ton. I kind of rediscovered it last week - haha. Depending on the reception location size, sometimes I really can't use it much, but then sometimes I use it a TON. I absolutely think it's my favorite lens.

Could you tell me what you think of your 28? I am debating between the 28 and 35.
I already have a 50 that's in the shop right now.

I really like the 28, it's a sharp little lens and works well in tight spaces. Here's two shots I took with the 28 (the first one is at 5.6, the second one was shot wide open at 2.8 and my dog's face is quite sharp). For a hundred whatever, the lens is a bargain (only negative, the motor is a little noisy).