Q for those w/ 85Lii and 70-200ii

Like all the other threads on this topic that I have read, I am comfortable with knowing the differences/similariti​es between these two fine lenses. I currently have the 70-200ii and had to sell my 85L a couple years back. Now I can't stop lusting over it again, but I don't want a 2K lens just sitting in my bag most of the time. I do realize that this is a personal thing, and that it mainly depends on my style, however I would like to hear about your uses of the two, and your styles.

So, my question is, for those of you who have both and use both, when do you go for one over the other?

I use the 70-200ii for sports/events and use the 85L for portrait sessions/family get togethers. The 85L is much less intimidating to point at your average portrait subject/family member. The 1.2 is nice too for low light capability and bokeh.

And the 85L is a little more discreet when walking around and shooting compared to the big white 70-200.

I find the 85L great for low light.

Buy a used copy of the 85L and it won't hurt the wallet as much

70-200 definitely stands out and gives you "big camera in my face" look if you are taking pictures of people not familiar with being models.

I use both all the time. 85L for portrait, 70-200 II for activities of my kid outside. Very versatile and perfect combo. The only time I don't have 70-200 II in my bag is when I know I will stay indoor all the time which I will use 35 1.4

Voaky999 wrote in post #15837460
I use the 70-200ii for sports/events and use the 85L for portrait sessions/family get togethers. The 85L is much less intimidating to point at your average portrait subject/family member. The 1.2 is nice too for low light capability and bokeh.

^ This.

Exactly this. If I know I might be in an out of a specific distance, I would prefer the 70-200ii for the quick zoom, rather than trying to potentially maneuver through a crowd of people.

For weddings and things like that, I use my 50L or 85L for the pre-photos of the groom and bride, etc... but during the ceremony and reception, it's two cameras, one with my 24-70ii and the other with my 70-200ii.

This is all excellent feedback and exactly what I was looking for, feel free to keep it coming.

I did manage to sneak down to the camera shot this morning and I took a couple quick snaps with one and my 24-70ii at 70. One thing I did notice is that the 85 produced a slightly more exposed shot under the same settings, and I figure this is due to the giant front element.

jakeg1999 wrote in post #15838263
I did manage to sneak down to the camera shot this morning and I took a couple quick snaps with one and my 24-70ii at 70. One thing I did notice is that the 85 produced a slightly more exposed shot under the same settings, and I figure this is due to the giant front element.

I have the same experience and notice I have to ettr more with the 24-70 II.

Both amazing lenses though

Voaky999 wrote in post #15837460
I use the 70-200ii for sports/events and use the 85L for portrait sessions/family get togethers. The 85L is much less intimidating to point at your average portrait subject/family member. The 1.2 is nice too for low light capability and bokeh.

Same use here, . . same reasons - but I also often use 'em both equally at the same event/wedding. After the ceremony the 70-200 usually come off with the 85 taking it's place and when I need distance or flexibilty again they get traded back. I see them as soul mates, brothers in arms. My 24-70 MKII has a similar freindship with the 35L, except the 24-70 usually stays on the second camera until much later in the day. I use a 2x5DMKIII wedding kit with those 4 lenses and I've never been at a loss for great glass in any sitation, . . very versitile kit that inspire's and handles pretty much anything that comes my way. The 85 is a great compliment to the 70-200 and visa-versa.

Note: Versitile as the core of my event rig is, I also of bring 6 x 600EX RTs and mods to every shoot (fast glass or not, gotta have my octa, beauty dish, softbox handy - can't pay an assistent to stand around!) I also keep a tokina 11-16 (16 2.8 "prime") in the bag for the odd wide use too.

When it's play creative time though, it's the 35, 85 and one flash on the belt (where it usualy stays), . . in this situation the 85 see's 80% of the action - loves me some 85L!

Well, I knew I shouldn't have started this thread....Just pulled the trigger on a new one through BH. Been thinking about it all day and had several folks offer to sell me theirs for mainly around $1700+shipping/fees. So, I took advantage of BH's low price, coupled with 6mo free financing, and 2% cash back, I figured a new one would be just fine....

By the way, everything that you guys are saying, is exactly what I wanted to hear, I sold my beloved 35L to get the 24-70, and have greatly missed faster than f/2.8. Now I have the 24-70ii/70-200ii/85L/17-40/15fish/24-105L....Thanks again, and please feel free to continue the thread as it was very helpful for me and hopefully for someone else too...

jakeg1999 wrote in post #15837441
...but I don't want a 2K lens just sitting in my bag most of the time.

Purchase a 2nd body
Purchase a camera strap system that carries 2 bodies.

Put the 85 on one body, put the 70-200 on the other.

I use both lens in the same manner as your self the 70-200mk2 for outside and moving targets and the 85Lmk2 for portraiture and low light still subjects.Having both can be justified .

Motor On wrote in post #15839553
Purchase a 2nd body
Purchase a camera strap system that carries 2 bodies.

Put the 85 on one body, put the 70-200 on the other.

Got several bodies and straps, but my statement was more along the lines that I think I will be using either the 70-200 or 85 on one body, where I keep my 24-70 on another and a 15fish/17-40 on another. I have considered getting a double strap system, whereas right now I use a single strap and a slingbag which allows me to carry just a little more. Guess I'll have to review my setup again now that I just added the jug to the mix.

jakeg1999 wrote in post #15839612
Got several bodies and straps, but my statement was more along the lines that I think I will be using either the 70-200 or 85 on one body, where I keep my 24-70 on another and a 15fish/17-40 on another. I have considered getting a double strap system, whereas right now I use a single strap and a slingbag which allows me to carry just a little more. Guess I'll have to review my setup again now that I just added the jug to the mix.

Was more a comment in jest. I much prefer having a few fast primes on hand over a zoom, and haven't used my 70-200 in quite some time, and would love to trade my 85 1.8 for a 1.2. For me it's not a matter of justifying the 85L as much as it would be justifying how often you're in a situation where you can't zoom with your feet and can't change lenses to get a different focal length. And as that was the case I want' much for legitimately justifying both. I think the 70-200 has it's place but for the vast majority of situations the prime you be what I reach for.