Originally Posted by
dche5390
The 85mm is more suited for low-light DoF play whereas the macro, does have a "slower" AF as it will try to 1:1 on most things.
I've owned both, with the 85 1.8 on Nikon and the 100 macro (USM and L version) with Canon.
In terms of focal lengths, there is minimal difference at that range (as we're not talking about wide angle).
I think you will get more bang for buck with the macro, as it produces amazingly sharp portraits.
Both lenses are sharp. The 85 is probably marginally faster. But the MFD you get with the macro, and the added bonus of 1:1, takes the pick for me.
And just to confuse you, there's also the 100mm f/2 that is identical to the 85 1.8. But it can be had for cheaper usually when secondhand.
I don't know what camera you're shooting with (1.6x or FF of 1.3x), but when I mounted my first 85 on crop, I found it way too tight for framing indoors. Just keep that in mind. You'll need quite a lot of space between you and the human subject.