Zeiss ZE 100/2 vs 85LII

I am very interested into zeiss looks and I was considering the ZE100/2 Makro-Planar but I am so much missing the 85LII too. I am now torn between both for portraits, kids and landscape. Since I got a newborn, the makro aspect is interesting but lack of AF for kids is scaring me... i still have the 70-200 for that but...

I sold the 85 to get the zeiss 100. some consider the zeiss too sharp for portraits. Also with the 85 you get your AI Servo back which is helpful with kids.

Even though the ZE100 is MF, the AF of the 85L II is pretty slow and I wouldn't imagine you'd have more difficulty with one over the other for kids. And, as you say, you always have your 70-200 for speedy stuff.

For slower paced stuff, the ZE100 gets my nod but you have to take that with a grain of salt because I just love ZE lenses. There is just something about working that buttery smooth focus ring...

Try renting both?

Well, I prefer to buy and resell if i don’t want it...

hsmoscout wrote in post #15287169
Try renting both?

I sold my 85L but kept my ZE100MP. I'm also a sucker for Zeiss quality.

dog rocket wrote in post #15292998
I sold my 85L but kept my ZE100MP.

I did the same thing. The photos are much better with the Zeiss and it is more versatile.

OP, if you are concerned about manual focus, then try the Zeiss first. The 85L is not a bad second choice. Or just buy both and sell the one you don't like.

I just lost my Zeiss virginity w/ the 2/100. Love it... it's sick... and I don't shoot 100mm that much at all. 2/35 should be here in a few days. Thinking of selling off my brick and getting a 50L so I have something with AF when I need it.

That being said, I've only got one decent shot of my kid with it, as his ADHD is pretty brutal, and you've got better luck of playing a game of pickup sticks w/ your butt cheeks than getting him to pose for a picture.