70-300L or 135 f2?

So - I just sold my long lens so have abit of cash - enough to get either the 70-300L or 135 f2 second hand, so which would you get?

My sig shows my current lenses and most of the time if I'm not taking "zoo" shots I'm snapping the kids (fast little blighters that they are!!) - worth noting that I'm in the UK so grey clouds and drizzle all over

How will the 70-300L be any different than your Sigma 70-200 f/2.8?

The 70-300L is a very nice lens. Very versatile. The 135L is less versatile but it will give shots that the zoom just can't.

Thats what I was wondering and was really at the root of my question.

I guess to answer that - weather sealing, IS (mines the non-OS) and a little more reach.

As to the 135, never owned one but drooled over images I've seen taken with it! (also its cheaper so I'd have more cash left over)

Do you want more reach, or do you want shallow DoF and the ability to pull in more light? I'd go 135 in your shoes.

Cool, sounds like two for the 135 so far - I wonder if I can add a poll (shame not once its made)

If you are gonna do portraits - 135 is amazing - if you are doing zoos, than the 70-300. Seems like completely different needs/uses.

Okay then, my next question - is the 135 that much better than the 85mm 1.8? Sorry if its a dumb question to those in the know.

As to different uses - yes I get that, but its from the same cash pot so it makes for a very odd situation.

John_N wrote in post #15659453
Okay then, my next question - is the 135 that much better than the 85mm 1.8? Sorry if its a dumb question to those in the know.

As to different uses - yes I get that, but its from the same cash pot so it makes for a very odd situation.

The 85 is great, but there is less CA, and I'd say it's sharper. Between them I'd say hands down the 135 would be the one I'd keep if I could only have one.

70-300L is uber versatile, especially if you ever shoot wildlife. if you shoot mostly portraits, get the 135, otherwise go with the 70-300L. its one of the most underrated lenses out there.

For the main uses you suggested (the zoo and your kids), the 70-300L. It should focus fast enough and it zooms for the correct framing you would like of potentially fast moving kids, plus has more reach for the zoo.

In reference to the grey clouds, that is what a speedlite is for.

Now if you are looking for more a portrait style lens, then the 135L. The 85mm f/1.8 is very good, but it is not the 135L.