Canon EF 135mm f/2L USM

Very clean Hatch. Well done

Just wanted to share my experience with the 135f2 lens vs. 100f2.8IS. I own the 100f2.8IS and I don't see a significant different between the 135 or 100 in ability. Of course the 135 edges out the 100 on IQ (but only slightly) and is so much less versatile. So for those of you who stalk this thread and are contemplating purchasing the 135 I would recommend the 1002.8IS macro instead.

x_tan wrote in post #12041655
Nice shoot, Hatch!

ZSutton wrote in post #12043730
Very clean Hatch. Well done

Thank you both very much! Glad you like it.
Hatch

lankforddl wrote in post #12043802
Just wanted to share my experience with the 135f2 lens vs. 100f2.8IS. I own the 100f2.8IS and I don't see a significant different between the 135 or 100 in ability. Of course the 135 edges out the 100 on IQ (but only slightly) and is so much less versatile. So for those of you who stalk this thread and are contemplating purchasing the 135 I would recommend the 1002.8IS macro instead.

I disagree. The 1002.8 IS is one of my fav lenses as well but the f 2.0 + image quality and the bokeh quality of the 135 is way better in my opinion.

I think everybody should own both if possible but 135 is definitely worth every penny you pay for it.

SheepFactory wrote in post #12044483
I disagree. The 1002.8 IS is one of my fav lenses as well but the f 2.0 + image quality and the bokeh quality of the 135 is way better in my opinion.

I think everybody should own both if possible but 135 is definitely worth every penny you pay for it.

Sheep Factory, I concede. The 135 is fantastic and destroys backgrounds. I spent some more time with my rental 135 today and it's just flat out magic. Will share some samples after I process.

SheepFactory wrote in post #12044483
I disagree. The 1002.8 IS is one of my fav lenses as well but the f 2.0 + image quality and the bokeh quality of the 135 is way better in my opinion.

I think everybody should own both if possible but 135 is definitely worth every penny you pay for it.

Completely agree. I own both and they're different tools for different jobs to me.

Nothing can match the 135L @ f2....the 100L macro isn't even in the same ballpark. If you had to compare IQ and overall sickness of the bokeh, you'd have to compare it to the 85L.

Erm....I also have all three and I would disagree. The 100L is a stunning optic and has a very simular colour and contrast. It's also has the same wonderfull buttery out of focus rendering that the 135L and 85L share. Although it's not quite as long as the 135L, it can focus closer to make taht difference up, which create great bokeh too. Don't under estimate the 100L macro, it's a stunning optic. It has none of the Loca and fringing that plague the 135L and 85IIL and it's a lot easier to use due to the great IS unit. It's also sickeningly sharp wide open...but at this IQ level, there's little between these three lenses.

Thanks Gareth, how is the 100 for low/poor light and indoor sport ?

The thing that 135L beats he 100L at is the absolutely stunning bokeh. Having said that I personally think the 100L is a more versatile lens, the 135L is a rather limited lens.. But if you love to shoot (outdoor) portraits, it's the must have lens.

@bobobird: i wouldn't recommend the 100L for sports or fastmoving stuff though, it works fine on stationary objects like portraits, the IS works wonders.

Thanks reprazent.

One more thing about the 135L that I really love is the super fast focusing. I've gotten some really good captures of moments that required split second focusing. The longer focal range of the 100L also slows down its focusing. It's definitely a more versatile lens but I guess you have to understand the strengths and weaknesses of your lenses and select appropriately.

steguis wrote in post #12048435
One more thing about the 135L that I really love is the super fast focusing. I've gotten some really good captures of moments that required split second focusing. The longer focal range of the 100L also slows down its focusing. It's definitely a more versatile lens but I guess you have to understand the strengths and weaknesses of your lenses and select appropriately.

What AF mode do you use on the 5D to capture moments like that? Center point focus?

I was considering the 135L but ever since I saw the 135 / 70-200 2.8 II comparison thread I am not sure anymore. The only advantage I see would be the f2, everything else IQ and Bokeh wise is almost identical. Color of the lens, weight and all that is not a concern to me. I still frequent this thread to see if something convinces me lol

DigiNon wrote in post #12048480
What AF mode do you use on the 5D to capture moments like that? Center point focus?

I was considering the 135L but ever since I saw the 135 / 70-200 2.8 II comparison thread I am not sure anymore. The only advantage I see would be the f2, everything else IQ and Bokeh wise is almost identical. Color of the lens, weight and all that is not a concern to me. I still frequent this thread to see if something convinces me lol

You forgot to list the $1500 price difference. 135 is much cheaper, lighter, less conspicious (you pull the 70-200 2.8 out in public and the traffic stops) with better image quality than the 70-200. 70-200 is still an excellent lens, possibly the best canon zoom lens I have ever used but in my case I found carrying three primes easier than carrying one 70-200. It all comes down to what you plan on shooting, your personal preference and your budget. Its like trying to pick between a ferrari and lamborghini, you can't go wrong with either choice.