Opinions wanted - dealing with the 135 f2 when one already has a 85mm f1.8

Photography is my hobby, not at all my livelihood. I currently shoot on a 1.6 crop body, and I am getting used to almost always carrying another crop as backup/second shooter. IMO I have an excellent 85mm f1.8 that I really love, especially when I’m shooting candid facial portraits inside more so than my 50mm. When I am shooting in those conditions I prefer the 85mm to a longer length (I also have a 70-200mm f2.8 IS MKI).

I have the chance of getting a really good deal on a used 135mm f2. Not likely to see a savings like this again.

I may move to a full frame, but not anytime soon. If I made the move, the 135mm would then be the focal length I like. But, even if/when I move to a full frame, my carried backup will be a crop for a long time. Chances are, the backup will always be a crop. I will almost guarantee that I will always have at least one crop body; it is too cool having 500mm seem like 800mm.

Since I would carry the second body, I can always stick the 85mm on the crop and basically get the view I want, would I really need the 135mm? Is the 135 really so good that I would love the images that much more than what I get from the 85mm (and at times the 70-200)? I prefer the zoom, but do change lenses on the bodies as the need arises. It is a very good deal, but it still is going to cost enough. Yes, money is tight (almost always is) but I could raise it with some pain - in the wallet and from the spouse.

I (as many do) have GAS. But please your opinion, do you think that I need/(should get) this lens?

After a few days there will be no reason (for me anyway) to respond, as the deal will have left the building!

You obviously don't need this lens. All you need to decide whether you WANT this lens. (Hint - give the lens a try.

jimewall wrote in post #13667499
Is the 135 really so good that I would love the images that much more than what I get from the 85mm (and at times the 70-200)?

But you can't ask this question directly because the body does come in, always. 135mm is hopelessly too long for regular closeup portrait work on the 1.6x crop. Comparing 85mm and 135mm both on the FF the 135mm will probably win for casual shooting because of the more pleasing compression from the longer distance and having less junk visible in the background.

I like you had a 85mm when a good deal came up on the 135mm 2.0. I decided to purchase it for the same reasons you brought up. I have a crop sensor camera and I do not use it often but when I find the right circumstances, I am always happy that I have it.

If you have the $$$, it is a deal you can't pass up, and you possibly plan to buy a 2nd body/FF camera at some time too....I would say go for it. If you really are getting a great deal and you end up not liking or using it, selling it is always an option.

And of course be sure to share some good pictures with it.

If the deal is really awesome, buy the lens and try it out. If it doesn't work out, you can sell it down the road and not lose anything, or you can set me up with the seller and I'll buy it and let you know.

jolyroger7 wrote in post #13667758
If the deal is really awesome, buy the lens and try it out. If it doesn't work out, you can sell it down the road and not lose anything.

i concur.

i started with the 85/1.8 too, then bought a 135L. i grew to favour the 135mm perspective.

I am on FF and I have both the 85 and the 135. 135 is sharper for sure, but also a little long for portrait/model work. I use the 85 more often, that would certainly be so if I were on crop.

Ch.

jolyroger7 wrote in post #13667758
If the deal is really awesome, buy the lens and try it out. If it doesn't work out, you can sell it down the road and not lose anything, or you can set me up with the seller and I'll buy it and let you know.

+1 here. If the deal is good enough, you should be fine with resale. Hell, even if the deal is avarage, you should come out of the deal "ok" and won't be kicking yourself later.

uOpt wrote in post #13667662
But you can't ask this question directly because the body does come in, always. 135mm is hopelessly too long for regular closeup portrait work on the 1.6x crop. Comparing 85mm and 135mm both on the FF the 135mm will probably win for casual shooting because of the more pleasing compression from the longer distance and having less junk visible in the background.

I think he meant to compare the 85/1.8 on crop to the 135/2 on FF, so that when he buy a FF he can decide whether to keep 85 on his crop(future 2nd body), or to buy the 135 for his newly acquired FF, since his preferable 35mm equivalent focal length is 135mm.

Just pointing out the misunderstanding though, I don't have the knowledge to answer OP's question.

I agree with the others that suggested getting it and if it doesn't work for you, sell it. I have both, although I sold my 70-200, and use the 135 more than the 85. They're both excellent and doubt you'd sell either if you bought the 135. BTW, if it's a great deal, make sure it's not the 135 soft focus instead of the 135 f/2L.

Thanks all for answering!

The basic question was, if I was carrying a FF body & a crop body and I already have the 85mm, would I really need/use the 135mm. The question is because I can put the 85mm on the crop body and get the similar apparent focal length. Yes, I know I would then not have the benefits the full frame provides, but that is not the question at hand. At the moment I have camera bodies that work for me, so it is decent glass that I will use that I am looking for.

It was somewhat answered.

Pulsa123 yes, I want the lens. But unfortunately there are many lenses I want. Therefore, I have to try and figure how much they will be used and needed.

Getting and trying before I buy is not really an option. Generally once I buy a lens, I keep it for a long while, even if I only use it some of the time. So let say resale is unlikely. Therefore money for other focal lengths might not be there when I would like.

I’m just afraid for a crop body the way I currently use my prime, the 135mm will be way too long or way too short for my shooting. So, I just wonder if it would end up sitting used infrequently, waiting for the FF if come?

Everybody seems to say what a great lens the 135mm is, but this is usually on a full frame camera. Many seem to say it is too long for a crop camera for inside portraits. This is where I think I would eventually want it, but currently couldn’t use it for that. I already have the focal length in zoom (70-200mm f2.8 IS MKI), just not in speed or arguably quality.

uOpt, I do know the body will make a difference. But since I do sort of have the focal length in the zoom, which is why I asked the original question in the way that I did. For me the 85mm is more of a specialty lens the way I use it and the zoom for the casual shooting. And I theoretically would simultaneously be using both a FF and crop body.

Charlemagne I think helped the most so far with his opinion and description. But the look I like on crop is the 85mm. I do not dislike the 50mm perspective on the crop, but it is not nearly the same effect as I like with the 85mm (IMO).

This 135mm was not the focal length I was currently looking for, but it showed up with a price that could be real Real good - but maybe not if it sits somewhat unused until a full frame. And what if I never do get the full frame? Also, then the cash is not there for the other lenses that I originally wanted, so they are an even longer wait. I guess I’m not really sure if I want to be talk into or out of getting this lens. But I sort of need to decide soon.

Sorry for writing so much! Just trying for the help I need.

Thought I would let the responders know, I took the advice and bought today. I will see how I like it. So far I do, it is super sharp. Inside people shots are probably not going to happen much on a crop.

Again, thanks all for the comments. They ultimately helped. I really still don't know if I wanted to be talked into or out of the lens. But I have it now, and now we play!

Now you're going to have to try it on FF. (Ian laughs maniacally)

I can on film! Digital not just yet. In the last month this and 70-200mm f2.8L IS Mk1 - so not soon either. (me -Tears fill my eyes! Of joy? Mostly! But, echoes fill my wallet.)