85 1.8 or 100 f2 for portraits on APS-H ?

I want to buy something cheap before I can finally afford the 135 f2L.
I do think that 85 1.8 and 100 f2 are almost identical in optical design, IQ and build quality.
Which do you think is the preferable focal length?

Both would be fine. There is no generally preferable length, only what is preferable to you. If your plan is to get the 135, I'd get the 85 since you'd be more likely to keep it once you've purchased the 135.

85, One day, you'll probably get FF and 85 and 135 is a nice combo.

After trying both, I got the 100mm. I preferred the slightly longer length along with nicer bokeh and less CA when used wide open.

85 gets my vote, not because I think it'll be better than the 100, but because the focal length is more different from the 135.

Have not used the 100mm but I love my 85mm on my FF and crop body, very versatile either way.

100x1.3 = 130mm which is roughly the classic 135mm portrait length.

85 x 1.3 = 110mm which is pretty close to the 100/105mm portrait length.

I like a little wider, so I'd probably go 85mm.

When it's a coin toss I generally buy the one I can find cheaper and that's probably the 85mm, too.

Nightdiver13 wrote in post #16163696
Both would be fine. There is no generally preferable length, only what is preferable to you. If your plan is to get the 135, I'd get the 85 since you'd be more likely to keep it once you've purchased the 135.

+1

tkbslc wrote in post #16164608
100x1.3 = 130mm which is roughly the classic 135mm portrait length.

85 x 1.3 = 110mm which is pretty close to the 100/105mm portrait length.

I like a little wider, so I'd probably go 85mm.

When it's a coin toss I generally buy the one I can find cheaper and that's probably the 85mm, too.

This!

Plus for me the 100mm spot will be/is taken by a macro lens.

as others have stated: 85