[Anchor Bay Bum]

Okay. I am looking into purchasing my first great piece of glass, and am sitting on the fence between two. Either the 85mm 1.4 or the 70 - 200vr. I need anything to help me tip one way or the other.

I am really drawn in both directions, and am beating my brains out from one day to the next on this.

I ask myself what do I want to do with this lens? Well, yes, I want to do some great portraits, and indoor lighting at "no flashes allowed" dog shows, but on the other hand the 70-200mm 2.8 is pretty fast with reach and vr to boot!

To give you an idea where I stand now with equipment, camera, lens and flash; I own a D70 body with the kit lens, a 70-300ed, 50mm 1.8 and an sb800.

I know this is a good dilemma to be in, but which one! arghh!

Thanks in advance for any guidance on this.

[ChrisRabior]

I think your answer lies in your current equipment. I owned the 18-55mm kit lens and the 70-300mm non-IS canon lenses to start. Soon picked up a 50mm f/1.8 for the lower aperture, but found it wasn't versatile enough for the range I shot. Bought a 28-70mm f/2.8-4.0 sigma to hold me over until I picked up my Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 lens. It fits what I shoot. I still find myself wanting when it comes to using my 70-300 during sports. It doesn't quite cut it for indoor events and night games.

A lot depends on what you're used to using. If the 50mm f/1.8 NEVER comes off of your camera and is always in aperture mode at f/1.8 or f/2, but you just need that little extra reach, you've got your answer. On the same note, if the 70-300 almost never comes off but you aren't quite satisfied with the speed, then there again you have your answer.

I would say to go for the 70-200, but that's my personal taste. Guess I'm more a fan of zooms than primes.

Of course, the best advice would be for you to hit up a store and demo a copy of each of them. One may just jump out and scream "buy me". Chances are, both will If you can afford to rent, then I offer that as a good option before you go dumping money into something you may end up not liking as much as you thought you would.

[Dave]

As stated , 2 different beasts. If f/2.8 is fast enough for shooting at the dog shows with no flash, then it would seem sensible to have the extra focal ranges to play with , plus VR. The lens in question is raved about.

If however you are after ultimate quality shots, with the need for extra few stops of light, plus are able & don't mind moving yourself to get the correct crop of a shot, then the prime could be preferable.

Let us know what you decide

[Anchor Bay Bum]

Thanks for the input. I think I have made my decision, the prime =). Will post when I get it, yay!

[Dave]

Be looking forward to some example shots when you get it