Focal length: 85mm vs 100mm

[Wildewinds]

For those of you who have a 20D, 10D, 300D, & 350D, what focal length do you find more useful, 85mm or 100mm? I'm debating between the 85mm 1.8, 100mm 2.0, and 100mm 2.8 macro.

I'll probably end up getting both the 85mm and one of the 100mm's eventually, but I'd like to start out with one that will have a more useable focal length.

[blackviolet]

i just wanted to point out that the 85mm 1.8, regardless of sensor size, is extremely sharp.

good luck with the poll results!

[tim]

What do you take most photos of? The 100mm macro lens is great, but for general use i'd probably prefer the 85mm, just from its reputation.

[Dante King]

I have to say that my 85mm 1.8 is quite a good length for my 20D and may thihngs I shoot, which is peope, portraits and events. Sharp and seems to bring in just what I need to the frame with out much front or back pedaling.

[Andy_T]

For portraits with my 20D I actually prefer the 50 mm focal length, but 85 mm will do, either.

It really depends on your personal shooting style and the size of your studio (or livingroom or wherever you take your pictures :wink: )

Best regards,
Andy

[blue_max]

If you like primes, the classic combination would be:

50mm, 85mm, 135mm. All f2 and under.

I am sure you would find that that combination covered all your non-wide angle needs (apart from a long telephoto).

The 100 would be an extravagance and probably not worth a lens swop between the 85 and 100.

The 85 is generally thought to be a little close for portraits, unless you have the room, or you like a more 'in your face' look. I find it fine for me. The 100 would only make that situation worse. Do you have any other lenses that enable you to assess whether you are short or long?

Graham

[roanjohn]

Get the 85...........its the fastest of the group..........and in the future, get the 100 macro.......so you still get the 100 focal length in your line-up with the macro capabilities.

Ro1

[Steve Parr]

The 85mm f/1.8 is the lens that's on my camera, probably, 80% of the time. What a great little lens...

Steve

[Jon]

I agree with Tim. If you do macro, the 85 f/1.8 is going to be inferior to the 100 macro. If you're talking general photography where you want a fast lens, the 100 f/2.8's not in it, and it's between the 85 f/1.8 and the 100 f/2. We need a little more definition here, please. I'd get the 85 f/1.8 and the 100 macro (but I have the Tamron 90 macro, so I've split the difference).

[Citizensmith]

I've had a 100 f/2 but sold it when I went digital and swapped to a 85 1.8 which I love. A 100 2.8 is on the cards for the macro abilities but for now me and my 85 are more than happy.

[Homer]

I have both the 100 2.8 Macro and the 85 1.8, I find both lenses incredibly sharp. If I had to pick just one I'd probably go with the 100 just because of its awesome macro ability. Of course if speed is more important to you, then definitely you won't go wrong with the 85

[J Rabin]

I'll use anything from 70-200mm, 85, 100, 135, etc. almost never 50 or shorter, unless it's a group shot of course, even on a smaller sensor. I'm American, not European or other in outlook, and don't like invading the personal space of subjects. We Yankees value and respect personal space. Affects lens choice for a few of us weirdos... J

[tim]

We Yankees value and respect personal space.

There's a political comment I could make, but I think that would be very un-PC of me so I better not ;)

[Wildewinds]

lol, what a perfect "ugly American" comment that was, Rabin. It takes a very special person to bring politics into a lens discussion. Well done. :?

Anyways, back to the subject. Thanks for the recommendations. The poll really shows 85mm as the winner. Of course, none of the local shops have the 85mm 1.8 in stock, so I'm gonna have to order it, and I hate having to wait.

[J Rabin]

Say what? I'll apologize for being misunderstood. One of the problems of forums, e-mail, etc. I meant no ugly American chauvenism at all. I was just trying to express there are cultural differences in acceptible distance between people casually, same as food preferences, clothing fashion/color use, or any other cultural norm. There are even documented differences in how different cultures describe pain. Not good, bad, just different. Observation, not political statement. Did not mean for it to come across the way it did. Certainly meant nothing poliltical implied in it.

lol, what a perfect "ugly American" comment that was, Rabin. It takes a very special person to bring politics into a lens discussion. Well done. :?

Anyways, back to the subject. Thanks for the recommendations. The poll really shows 85mm as the winner. Of course, none of the local shops have the 85mm 1.8 in stock, so I'm gonna have to order it, and I hate having to wait.

[tim]

I think everyone understands what you meant J Rabin, we're just having a little fun. I don't think there's any place for politics on a photography board so I suggest we just move onto the matter at hand :)

[Az2Africa]

Perhaps there could be a thread in General Discussions on cultural(not political) sensitivity. Having travelled and shot in 70+ countries, it does affect how and what I shoot. "Nuf said.

[J Rabin]

You guys are going to send me to poor house and divorce court. With a 50mm on reduced format 20D, I need to be 1.5-2 meters to fill frame with head and shoulder. Yesterday, I went to local Canon dealer. With the 85 f/1.8 I was 3+ meters and still nice shot. Not only that, but even at f/4.5 the background was blurred beautifully, as long as the background was 2 meters+ behind subject. I can now see lots of uses for a lens like this for casual street photography.....

Anyways, back to the subject. Thanks for the recommendations. The poll really shows 85mm as the winner. Of course, none of the local shops have the 85mm 1.8 in stock, so I'm gonna have to order it, and I hate having to wait.[/QUOTE]

[roanjohn]

............ and I hate having to wait.[/QUOTE]

Patience grasshopper, patience..........

Good luck on the 85!!! YOu will love it!!!

Ro1

[tim]

When I order stuff from B&H there's usually 7 day wait for me, and even longer this time because they're not open until next week and they're sure to have a big backlog! :(

[Wildewinds]

Well Canoga Camera had it in stock, and though it's about 45 minutes away, I decided to make the trip. I'm glad I did. Great guys over there. So far, I'm liking it!

http://www.pbase.com/wildewinds/image/42732997.jpg

[mdm]

I think I want the 85mm.

[Tom W]

You guys are going to send me to poor house and divorce court. With a 50mm on reduced format 20D, I need to be 1.5-2 meters to fill frame with head and shoulder. Yesterday, I went to local Canon dealer. With the 85 f/1.8 I was 3+ meters and still nice shot. Not only that, but even at f/4.5 the background was blurred beautifully, as long as the background was 2 meters+ behind subject. I can now see lots of uses for a lens like this for casual street photography.....

Anyways, back to the subject. Thanks for the recommendations. The poll really shows 85mm as the winner. Of course, none of the local shops have the 85mm 1.8 in stock, so I'm gonna have to order it, and I hate having to wait.[/QUOTE]

Do note that the 85/1.8 and the 100/2 are of similar build and have similar characteristics. The question really is which one fits in your line of lenses better.

[roanjohn]

NICE!!!

Ro1