85mm f/1.8 or 135L f/2.0

Hey guys,
Looking to get a lens for indoor shooting in really bad lighting for bball and indoor track, etc.

I have read that there are 2 different versions of the 85 1.8, the first being not as fast in to auofocus department....is this true?

And I have heard so many good things about the 135L

My question is not of which one is better but what lens in your experience would work for my needs... I know they will both work but wich one will be the best investment and get me the most keepers in the end?

Thanks
Adam

Seeing how your just getting going here, I would recommend the 85. The other 85 you are referring to is not the 85 f1.8, but it's faster optically L cousin. The 135 is a superb lens, and if you were only shooting track, I would recommend it. But it is a bit long for basketball. So save your self some money, and go grab yourself the 85.

i have them both and both are good but the 135 is too long for basketball and too short for fb (but i used it for fb anyway cause it's so light and fun to shoot)


what sports ?

What is the purpose of a poll with two identical options?

Well....I've been discussing this with myself and haven't made a final decision yet, but oh boy the 135L attracts me!

The 85 is my best indoor lens, PERIOD!

Kristian wrote in post #2897017
What is the purpose of a poll with two identical options?

Well....I've been discussing this with myself and haven't made a final decision yet, but oh boy the 135L attracts me!

lol, i think the subconscious made it's choice.

Hmmm, interesting poll

I don't know if I should vote for the 85/1.8 or the 85/1.8, haha.

But in all seriousness, I would go with the 85/1.8 of the 135/2. On your XTi, the 135 will just be too long, IMO.

nburwell wrote in post #2897142
On your XTi, the 135 will just be too long, IMO.

Depends where you're standing, but yeah I agree: I use a 85 1.8 on a 30D for basketball standing at the sideline or baseline and framing can be hard as it's just so long.

both are awesome, but the 135 is just amazing in every aspect

Kristian wrote in post #2897017
What is the purpose of a poll with two identical options?

Well....I've been discussing this with myself and haven't made a final decision yet, but oh boy the 135L attracts me!

he really wants this lens !

ed rader

BaumannPhotography wrote in post #2896803
Hey guys,
Looking to get a lens for indoor shooting in really bad lighting for bball and indoor track, etc.

I have read that there are 2 different versions of the 85 1.8, the first being not as fast in to auofocus department....is this true?

And I have heard so many good things about the 135L

My question is not of which one is better but what lens in your experience would work for my needs... I know they will both work but wich one will be the best investment and get me the most keepers in the end?

Thanks
Adam

don't forget the 100 f2....the one i use .

ed rader

sorry about the poll. I screwed it up.

So how is the 100/2 focus speed compared to the 85/1.8?
Do they both focus good in low light?

The nifty fifty i use for low light indoor just doesn't have the focus speed and accuracy that i need. I don't get that many keepers.

BaumannPhotography wrote in post #2897382
sorry about the poll. I screwed it up.

So how is the 100/2 focus speed compared to the 85/1.8?
Do they both focus good in low light?

The nifty fifty i use for low light indoor just doesn't have the focus speed and accuracy that i need. I don't get that many keepers.

i've owned both the 85 1.8 and the 100 f2 and they are pretty much the same besides the obvious differences (length and aperature).

they focus fast and are optically excellent. if either length suits you i would certainly recommend either instead of an L prime if you don't specifically need the L.

ed rader

I demand a recount