Add a 85 1.8 & 135L prime or upgrade to a 70-200 2.8 mk 2?

Currently I have the 70-200 f4 IS and I must say it's a very good lens. When I started the big topic back then (2.8 mk2 or f4 IS) I decided to go with the f4 IS due to smaller size and price. Now I'm craving faster apertures at longer focal lengths and once in a while wished that I just got the 2.8 back then. The f4 feels a bit slow now and just doesn't give me the background separation I want or more light when I need it.

I'm starting to enjoy primes more now so I was considering picking up a 85 1.8 and a 135L to compliment my f4 IS. I'm renting the 135L now and enjoying the images I get with it, but it does feel a bit limiting at times so I was going to use the 85 for those times. But if I go this route, I know the 7-2 f4 will rarely get used and I don't want that to happen.

This is when I thought of this option: for almost the exact same price of adding a 85 and 135L, I can sell my 7-2 and buy a 2.8 mk2. I've seen the work from that lens and it seems to be very close to what you can achieve with both 85 and 135. And many times I see people selling the 135L after getting this lens. This option may be more versatile but maybe it won't because of the size and weight?

get the 2.8 first.
If you still miss something, get yourself a prime after a while.

I sold 135L and 85 1.8 in the last week to fund a 70-200 2.8 IS, probably mark II. Reason : I found 2.8 on FF is quite shallow, and 2.8 at 200 has enough ability to isolate the backgroun and rend it into blur.
Once I got the 28-75 2.8, I noticed that I don't shoot the prime as much as before.

I'm sort of in a similar position to you in that considering a 135L to compliment my wife's 5dII. I haven't used the 70-200 f2.8II but have the f4IS so same decision applies. For me, getting the 135L makes the most sense. The 70-200 f2.8II is just too big and obtrusive for my needs. i can then chose 135L or f4IS depending on whether i want range or shower DOF.

nikesupremedunk wrote in post #12968239
But if I go this route, I know the 7-2 f4 will rarely get used and I don't want that to happen.

Does that matter? Isn't that an indicator that you don't need it?

https://photography-on-the.net …/showthread.php​?t=1082629

This will be the thread before you make your call~!

This is a lot more complicated than it appears on the surface.

Variables that affect foreground/background blur

focal length
aperture
distance to subject
distance to subject of OOF elements.

Other things to take into account, deciding between a zoom and primes. Working distance. Do you have control over that aspect ? Do you have the luxury of not losing the shot if you need to change a lens ? This has to be determined before anything else, imo.

Some would also say IQ but I am leaving that out because, using any top line lens, it won't make the difference between a good and a great image, imo.

I have all three lenses, and I can say they are all fantastic. I voted for the 70-200mm mark II though. I just got this lens, shot a wedding yesterday, and a swimsuit poster today, and this is by far the sharpest lens I have used. It is incredible what this lens can do, and the versitility is amazing.

I am not sure if this makes your decision easier or harder, but this either way you will not be dissapointed.

Great logo, Bryan.

@Op I think of the 135 as a specialty lens. So, I think that decision is independent of your zoom choice in the 70-200 range.

i love my 135mm. just used it today and it is very sharp wide open

70-200 is too good of a lens to pass up.

S.Horton wrote in post #12974103
Great logo, Bryan.

@Op I think of the 135 as a specialty lens. So, I think that decision is independent of your zoom choice in the 70-200 range.

Thank you.

Again, looking through these photos, the 70-200mm is the obvious choice. Every image is spot on, and it is crazy what it can do!

i just used the 135L for the past week and the images i got were amazing. i shot wide open 100% of the time and it was never disappointing. only disadvantage is that you can't zoom in or out although the f2 makes up for it.

bryan i'd prob have switched over to the 7-2 2.8 if it weren't for the weight and size. these days especially my 24-70 has been sitting in my bag because i don't want to carry the weight around. i can't imagine carrying around the 7-200 2.8 as part ofmy walk around kit. that's the biggest factor holding me back. i guess it's ok if you're doing a shoot with it, but if i want to walk around the city for the whole day i don't think i'll be too happy lugging it around.

i might decide on the primes since i'm starting to like primes more and i could carry them around easily. thanks everyone for their votes!

nikesupremedunk wrote in post #12975617
i just used the 135L for the past week and the images i got were amazing. i shot wide open 100% of the time and it was never disappointing. only disadvantage is that you can't zoom in or out although the f2 makes up for it.

bryan i'd prob have switched over to the 7-2 2.8 if it weren't for the weight and size. these days especially my 24-70 has been sitting in my bag because i don't want to carry the weight around. i can't imagine carrying around the 7-200 2.8 as part ofmy walk around kit. that's the biggest factor holding me back. i guess it's ok if you're doing a shoot with it, but if i want to walk around the city for the whole day i don't think i'll be too happy lugging it around.

i might decide on the primes since i'm starting to like primes more and i could carry them around easily. thanks everyone for their votes!

Thats a great point. I took my camera on vacation this past week, and although I have my L primes, I just took my 28 f1.8, 50 f1.4, and 85 f1.8. Much smaller, lighter, and easier to carry around.

Good luck with your decision. Like I mentioned, you will not be disappointed either way.

Or pick up a 70-200 2.8 IS version 1 AND the 135L for the same $ as the Mk II... I've owned both and there ISN'T a remarkable difference in the two lenses. Is the Mk II better? Yes, but marginally so. Depends on how picky you are, I would guess, but if you only have a few lenses and are looking to expand, that's what I'd recommend!