Would like your opinion on this.

As the title says, I'd like your opinion on this shot I took today with my 5DII and 135L. Shot at 1/250, f/2, ISO 200. Honestly, probably a bit too slow on the shutter for this lens. This was my first time out with it and even though these aren't as sharp as I've seen from this lens on this forum I'm blown away by the lens. I'm excited to use it again next weekend.

Either way, here are the two images. Looking for opinions on the processing done to #2.

1. SOOC, imported into LR4 with basic sharpening

They look good to me...Nice sharpness, without being too sharp. Excellent isolation of the subjects. I like them.

Like both as well.
A few minor points that I often get picked up on...
1. Perhaps a little too much space at the top, although it does emphasise the DofF well.
2. Tight framing on the edge of the image, bottom hands and vertical hair.
3. With such a beautiful model, that guys eyes should be open all the time, poor chap looks asleep.
They aren't criticisms, just points that I know would be addressed for me.

1/250th of a 135L should be fine. Looks fine to me.

You stated that you specifically posted these two photos for opinions on your PP of image #2, and I'm not seeing a big difference between #1 & #2. On my laptop all I am noticing is a slight desaturation or lightening for #2.

JasonMK wrote in post #16781909
You stated that you specifically posted these two photos for opinions on your PP of image #2, and I'm not seeing a big difference between #1 & #2. On my laptop all I am noticing is a slight desaturation or lightening for #2.

Hmmm...Maybe side-by-side and a little bigger it's easier to see the difference? I'll admit that it's a subtle processing from the original. I was aiming for a fashion type look.

1.

rivas8409 wrote in post #16782099
Hmmm...Maybe side-by-side and a little bigger it's easier to see the difference? I'll admit that it's a subtle processing from the original. I was aiming for a fashion type look.

I like #1 better. The darkened top right corner looks artificial to me, and draws attention to the processing for no real benefit. As for the posing, I dont like the angle of the wall. You have sharp bricks in front left blurring out rapidly as you go to the right. I love the background blur, but the transition bothers me, It would have been better with all blur and no wall.

I prefer the processing (or lack thereof) on #1 as well. The 2nd isn't enough to replicate the popular washed out look, and it looks like it might be highlighting some grain/noise in the black shirt.

Dr Lazarus wrote in post #16782193
The 2nd isn't enough to replicate the popular washed out look...

My first thought, as well. If that's what you're going for, do a little more of it.

I would darken the wall above the woman's head a little. The brightest area will always draw attention.

Side-by-side, the picture with higher brightness, more contrast and a solid black point will almost always win a vote. So, #1.

But that said, if you processed an entire set to match #2, it would be fine too. I don't think that there is anything particularly wrong with this processing although I do agree that the mild vignette that you applied does become distracting at the top-right corner. Maybe if this was cropped tighter with less headroom this would not be an issue, though.

I have to agree with the majority here in choosing the first image as a preferred edit, but I have edits similar to #2 as well, so I can't knock it.

As for the sharpness of the 135L @ f2.0, the question would be, what was your focal point and what was your distance to subject? At 10 feet away its roughly a 2.5 inch "in-focus" area. Particularly if you focused on something and then recomposed. This could account for ending up outside your in-focus window (this is not a shutter speed issue as you were faster than the 1/focal length rule of thumb for hand held).

a vote for both, I don't dislike either version. Only thing I would say having his eyes almost closed doesn't quite fit the shot. JMHO

Thanks guys! All the shots in the set were processed the same at #2. #1 was untouched, nothing done to it except for my standard LR4 import setting. I guess I can't say it's 100% SOOC since the import settings were applied, but that's it. I wanted a film-ish look, without OVERdoing it. Someone commented above that #2 brought out noise/grain in the blacks. Actually, I added that grain in the processing.

I was using the center AF point on my 5DII, focused on her eyes using BBF, then recomposed and took the shot. I was standing about 15 feet away from them if I remember right. He's actually looking down and immediately following the shot leaned in to kiss her (they're married). I didn't tell him to, it was one of those "in the moment" things.

I know I was above the 1/focal length "rule" but I've heard from other 135L users that they don't shoot with it under 1/320 because the images don't come out as sharp. Either way, it's an awesome lens! I can't wait to use it again this coming weekend!

rivas8409 wrote in post #16786014
I know I was above the 1/focal length "rule" but I've heard from other 135L users that they don't shoot with it under 1/320 because the images don't come out as sharp.

My rule is 1/(2 x focal length). So 1/250 is about right for the 135L. 1/320 would have been a little safer but these all look fine. No need to bump up the shutter speed more if you are not having problems and if the subjects aren't moving (like kids).