Fast Primes

I have a 30D and some great zooms and will be adding at least 2 primes in the near future. Not too concerned with price but am concerned about quality and speed. I want super fast AF with the widest aperture. I will be shooting low light sports/portraits/and special moments.
I won't need the 200 2.8, I already enjoy my 70-200 2.8 IS. I'm tallking under 200mm
If money was no option and you were using a crop, what would you be getting.

I'm leaning towards a 50L and 85L or 135L, but I read the 85L focuses a bit slow for indoor sports and that the 85 1.8 is better for that sort of thing, or the 135L?
I will be adding FF in the future and I want the best there is.

Any thoughts? What did you end up with, which worked for you, which did you sell and why?

Looks like we are in much the same situation. I currently have a

30d with 430ex and
17-55 IS and 24-70L (debating which to keep. Indifferent except for focal length. Both have place.)
70-200 2.8L IS (SUPERBAD!!! Ecstatic with this lens.)
50 1.8 (Mine sucks!)
85 1.8 (Recommend)

Must admit, I personally love primes. You won't go wrong with any you ask about. Looks like your sold on the 50L and simply debating whether to go 85 or 135. Only you know the length best for you.

The 85 1.8 is a GREAT lens. Highly recommended for indoor sports. I've caught bat off ball and golf ball leaving tee box with nephew finishing gorgeous swing. If that's the focal length you need, get it. Great low in low light and gorgeous with light.

If longer, the 135L is said to be one of Canon's finest.

If 50, skip the 1.8 for sure. You won't like the AF. In a similar boat, I'm debating the 50 1.4 or 1.2L. Like you, I'd rather just skip all the intermediate purchases and get what I'll want down the road.

On the crop, I personally see more need for 50 and 85 for now. 135 will certainly follow later on. And, I think my 70-200 is as good as it gets. My 50, well, sucks. So, I'm good at 85 and above and wanting a better 50.

Uhmm, get the 50L and tell me what you think. If you hate it... Get the 50L and the 85 1.8 for now. Save up for a 5d and the 135L for later.

I don't own the 135L but it's an amazing lens and one that I want to own sooner than later. I love primes for studio work. I've tried an 85L and it certainly is as slow as they say when it comes to AF, so action and sports are out but for studio work I think it would be amazing. I happen to love the 50mm focal length on my 1.6 crop but based on all reports and reviews I don't think I would want the 50L.

I've seen some awesome pictures with the 135L. Its contrast and color renditions look awesome. Very similar to the 35L. I rarely use telephoto range, and when I do the 100 macro doubles for what I shoot, otherwise I would already have the 135L.

Yeah Otie, I had the 24-70 too but sold it to get the 17-55 and kept my 24-105 (for me, the right decision in the end) Thanks for the input.
It seems to confirm that perhaps the 85 1.8 and the 135L or the 50L. I will keep trying to rent the 50L as well as the 85L, both seem to be out of stock when I'm ready to rent. Renting the 135L and the 85 1.8 for another week next week, like them both. But I've seen some surreal pix with 50 and 85 L's and like Otie said, I don't want to end up upgrading lenses....again. but the 85 will be used for close action basketball as well as street Photography and kids so fast focus is a must have. 135L and the 85 1.8 and the 50L down the road??? With the 5DII???might make a very sweet match the 50L and a new 5DII

85 1.8 and 135L are nice ones.
I would think long and hard before pulling the trigger on the 50L.
I would much rather save $1000 and get the 50mm 1.4. Just better returns for your hard earned cash.

Well, I usually don't go to forums to ask which lens to buy but with so much $ on the line I figured I'd try. I have heard of some focus issues with the 50L, but if you look long enough you will find issues with every lens. Guess I should rent both and decide from there. Nicksan.....did you rent the 50L or own it?

I think I'm still with you. I also seem to see "surreal" pics with those L lenses. I've spent plenty of time in the lens archives and feel certain my eyes see something in those "L" shots. Don't know if I can put words on it but, man, oh man, do the subjects seem totally isolated, absolutely vibrant, lifelike colors and almost 3d with the 50, 85 and 135 L's.

So, I hate to say it, I could see me starting with the lower end lenses but still lusting for and/or eventually spending the extra cash. Example, use the 85 1.8 for action but the 85L for those "surreal" colors and isolation.

Just my additional two cents.

I can see the difference between consumer primes and L primes.
Consumer primes are very sharp but, pics don't pop

I would go with the 85 1.2L. It's the best lens I own (tied with 300 2.8). I use it for volleyball games and get great results. Percentage of keepers is a little less than the 85 1.8 but they are superior to the 1,8 and the 135L.

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I'd also vote for the 135L and 85 f/1.8. They are both excellent lenses and both relatively great value too. I do have the 85L also but only got it recently and so haven't given it much of a workout yet.

The 135L is on my camera 90% of the time. It's a great lens and suits my overall focal needs very well. I used it for a bit of martial arts shooting in a fairly lowly lit gymnasium with no problems at all.

The 85 1.2 is said to be slower than the 1.8 version. The 85 1.8 is my favorite lens, the quality and speed are the best bang for $350. It's the preferred lens for portraits and can tackle sports indoors without a flash. Sharp and accurate. The 50 1.4 is not as sharp, IMO, but still, a great purchase. If money was no object, the 135L would be in my bag, but I don't need it. I also have the 70-200 2.8 IS and for as often as I need the 135 length, that lens covers it well.

The 85L is a slow focuser and I doubt it'll make a good sports lens (it should do, but the AF is slow).

The 135L has the fastest AF I've seen anywhere.

135 Is fast and very nice. I have put a good copy on on my 5D. I think someday, when I'm rich and famous, I'll get the 85 1.2, just for fun. I know Maureen loves that lens. She uses it at weddings.

nicksan wrote in post #3765222
85 1.8 and 135L are nice ones.
I would think long and hard before pulling the trigger on the 50L.
I would much rather save $1000 and get the 50mm 1.4. Just better returns for your hard earned cash.

Agree! Saving that $1000 by choosing the 50mm 1.4 over the 50L also leaves you with just about enough money to pick-up a 24L or 35L

Mike