85 1.2L

[RGolfJ]

Anyone using this lense for sports or is 1.2 to narrow?

[RGolfJ]

may have already found the answer. AF is too slow.

[dmwierz]

R-

Absolutely tremendous lens....for portraits. The DOF is really thin if you shoot wide open which is only an issue when you shoot wide open, but the AF is nowhere near quick enough for sports.

[liam5100]

See I guess I'm the one that disagrees here, its not the best lens for sports but I use it as my primary dark gym indoor lens all the time, basketball, volleyball etc. I've had many sports images published taken with this lens.

[Palladium]

I use it for indoor gymnastics on a Mark III - no issues, no problems.

I'm usually somewhere between f/1.2 and 2. When I need more reach I use the 135mm f/2

[joe9047]

Read many posts on this before finally purchasing the 85 1.8. to shoot my kids basketball games.

The cost of the 85 1.2L, together with the slow AF, and finally the very shallow DOF at 1.2 (not at that skill level yet) convinced me the 1.8 was the way to go. I invested in the "Neat Image" plug-in for PS and I shoot at a higher ISO if needed. So far I'm happy with my decision.

[Huskers69]

Originally Posted by joe9047

Read many posts on this before finally purchasing the 85 1.8. to shoot my kids basketball games.

The 85 1.8 is an awesome lens for basketball. Nice choice.

[Borderfox]

The 85mm f1.2 is my most used lens, I shoot indoor Showjumping and use AIservo all the time with the 85..

ISO 3200 f1.8 1/500th

[kcassens@hvc.rr.com]

Originally Posted by Borderfox

The 85mm f1.2 is my most used lens, I shoot indoor Showjumping and use AIservo all the time with the 85..

ISO 3200 f1.8 1/500th

I currently shoot indoor sports (low light) with my 100 - 400mm 4.5/5.6L, I find that on average I'm shooting 200mm. I need a lens with a wider aperture.. for those who use the 85mm f1.2 or f1.8, do you rely on a lot of cropping to make up for not being able to zoom? I assume the quality when cropped is still very good? I do not have the option to get closer to the action (gymnastics and basketball). thanks for any advice..

[Borderfox]

135 f2
100 f2
85 f1.8

Lots of choice for what you want, click on the above picture from the SHowjumping and then on sizes and then original to see what the quality is like, that is a jpg straight from the camera

[kcassens@hvc.rr.com]

Wow, jpg sooc, that's an amazing photo. I looked at some of your other posts and photos, all amazing shots.. thanks for your help.. so many people rave about the 85mm lens.. but I'm thinking the 135 might suit my needs better. thanks again.

[PM01]

Been using the 85 1.2L and 85 1.2L EF II for many years now for college gymnastics. 1996 was first year for the lens.

If I need to get closer, the 200 1.8L EF comes out.

[Sibil]

Originally Posted by kcassens@hvc.rr.com

.... for those who use the 85mm f1.2 or f1.8, do you rely on a lot of cropping to make up for not being able to zoom? I assume the quality when cropped is still very good? I do not have the option to get closer to the action (gymnastics and basketball)....

I use the 85/1.8 for basketball at ISO 1600 and 3200. To answer your question, cropping at those high ISO values doesn't work very well for me. If I need the reach, I rent a 135/2.0. It is a great lens and on my wish list for the next basketball season.