canon 200mm f2 IS

Both are great but one is f2 the other f2.8 .

I've only got the older MkI 70-200mm f/2.8L IS to compare it too, and for me, the 135mm is on my camera all the time, where as the zoom spends a lot of time in the bag or not even packed.

I'm sort of a prime guy now though,. I consider my Zooms to be tools to get the job done, my primes are more tools for an artist.

And FYI, back to the original subject, I should point out I have owned the 200mm f/1.8L "Holy Grail"
If it matters, it's not exactly the same as the newer f/2 IS

It was quite simply the most amazing lens I have ever owned. I thought I would use it for shooting dance in dark theatres (and did) but it did not become the exclusive tool for that job. I found it's long fixed focal length too hard to work with and it's size intrusive in a dark theatre. I had made the mistake of getting it first, before the 135mm f/2.

I have long since sold the 200mm f/1.8L, but will never part with the 135mm
Yes, I'd love to own the 200mm gain, or the newer f/2L IS version, but frankly I doubt I will ever be able to justify it's cost... unless I win the lottery.

ah great comments ^^^

yeah it's quite costly but thinking about the possibility of getting it gets me excited and love doing research on it!

Both are excellent lenses, so I would recommend going with the 135L unless cost is no issue at all...

Wan't there someone here posting nice shots on running dogs and off road cars with his 85L?

Now. looking thru all the comments here, 135L is more recommended for its price, and some consider the 70-200 IS (Mk1 or Mk2)

IMO, I'd take the 135L cos I got no time to zoom ._.

bobbyz wrote in post #15675093
Wan't there someone here posting nice shots on running dogs and off road cars with his 85L?

I believe it's Newworld 666. Marc takes amazing action shots with his 85L.

Ouessant wrote in post #15697658
I believe it's Newworld 666. Marc takes amazing action shots with his 85L.

Yup he is the one. Maybe he just plays a big joke on us using his 135L or 300mm f2.8 IS instead.

He owns a 25 year old 300mm f/2.8 non-IS and takes awesome four-wheeler shots with it.
But what is particularly surprising is the job he does with his 85L, which is not known for being a great action lens. Just an example among so many others (found on his website).
Taken at f/1.2

if you don't need f/2 ... i'd echo the 70-200 f/2.8 IS II

-200 2 owner here

AlanU wrote in post #15495999
This question is upto the individual. In my case the "client" will NOT PAY me 6x more.

For my uses the 70-200 f/2.8is mk2 provides beautiful bokeh and gives me alot of flexibility. If I want more shallow dof I'll use my 85L.

If my wallet permits the 200L is great. I just find it and extremely niche lens that I can see the funds going elsewhere where I can gain more FL in lenses or other equipment.

As I said its upto every individual.

I agree with this comment by Alan.

I have used these lenses: 85L, 135L, 70-200 IS ii, 200mm f/1.8
love/loved them all but only keep 85L now. I do miss the longer focal length lens some time and thinking of buying the 135L again.

bobbyz wrote in post #15675093
Wan't there someone here posting nice shots on running dogs and off road cars with his 85L?

bobbyz wrote in post #15697684
Yup he is the one. Maybe he just plays a big joke on us using his 135L or 300mm f2.8 IS instead.

he also takes pretty crazy off-road shots with a 500mm mirror lens...

If you have to ask then the 200/2 IS isn't for you (at this stage), buy the 135/2 and enjoy.

both!

I have the 135 f2 and sometimes for my work it's just not quite long enough. The 200 f2 gives me that bit of extra reach and the stop (I shoot a lot inside, hand held, available light always, reportáge). If I'm shooting a group of people in a meeting sometimes the people facing into the group at the far end of the table are too far away for a good shot with the 135. So the 200 will work. If they are too close, then the 135 or 85.
I got out of zooms because I found the edge/corner degradation was too pronounced. I know Canon have done a lot on the newer zooms, but I am also old school ie. the only zoom mechanism you need is your feet
I'd get the 135, see if it has enough reach, then decide. I love my 135: easy to use, sharp as nails, good bokeh.