I don't usually like to do this.... a little help?

I Simonius wrote in post #4164567


get it

Evil man, just plain evil.

Dorman wrote in post #4164605
Evil man, just plain evil.

I'm really liking this lens the more I use it

http://digital-finger.smugmug.com …ry/2762041#2079​62031-A-LB

http://digital-finger.smugmug.com …ry/2762041#2079​89102-A-LB

http://digital-finger.smugmug.com …ry/2762041#2079​67268-A-LB

http://digital-finger.smugmug.com …ry/2762041#2079​67906-A-LB

http://digital-finger.smugmug.com …ry/2762041#2079​38421-A-LB

You're not making things any better.

Another thing that you should consider is that when I first purchased my 70-200 f/4 IS, I really didn't know whether this fit my shooting style. I knew I wanted a 70-200 focal length but whether f/4 or f/2.8 IS is for me, I didn't find out later that I actually shoot a lot under low light conditions. I don't do a lot of outdoor sports photography where the f/4 IS would probably be better well suited.

Back then, I was money conscious and I didn't see myself spending the extra 600+ to get the 2.8. now I'm kicking myself for it because I would rather pull out my 85 1.8 before the 70-200 f/4 IS indoors. Well it actually depends but the point is, if I had the 2.8 I wouldn't think twice of giving the 70-200 a try before using the 85mm.

Also, you'll hear that the the f/4 IS is an amazing lens and also Lighter than f/2.8. But due to my shooting under low light, I would sacrifice the little extra weight. Remember also that adding a TC would give you reach but you'll loose a stop or two.

Go with your gut. The 135L is outstanding. I do a lot of research before I buy my stuff and I am yet to find a bad word about this delightful piece if glass. I love mine and ALL of my best work has been shot with it.

burnxkr wrote in post #4167521
Go with your gut. The 135L is outstanding. I do a lot of research before I buy my stuff and I am yet to find a bad word about this delightful piece if glass. I love mine and ALL of my best work has been shot with it.

That's what I am leaning towards. Everytime I've thought with my wallet and tried to rationalize saving money, or doing what makes "better sense" I've usually wished I'd gone with my gut. That's not to say I don't want the 85mm F/1.8 & 580EXII, those are easier to come by later due to lower cost, whereas I have the $$ for the 135 now before I enter into some longer term financial committments myself (marriage, house, etc)

The 135 is a killer Lens,very sharp and very fast.just get it

I have no doubts about it's sharpness, I only worry that it might be too long on a crop body, or that I'd be better served by getting the 85 F/1.8 and something else (what though I don't know!)

Dorman wrote in post #4172408
I have no doubts about it's sharpness, I only worry that it might be too long on a crop body, or that I'd be better served by getting the 85 F/1.8 and something else (what though I don't know!)

I have both the 85MM f/1.8 EF and the 135MM f/2 EF L. Both are simply outstanding. But, on my 1.6 crop bodies I find myself using the 85MM much more often. It is my "bread & butter" portrait lens.

I shoot weddings (pro bono), group events, grandkids, and sports. My standing wedding setup is the 85MM on one body and my 17-55MM EF-S IS on the other. I put my 100MM Macro and my Sigma 30MM in the bag along with my 24-70MM EF L (backup only in case the 17-55MM goes south).

I also have the 70-200MM f/4 EF IS and have used it for one recent wedding when the pastor banned me to the rear of the church. It performed well in dim light and I got some great ceremony captures. I would give the 70-200MM f/4 IS version a try. But one word of caution here...I tried it last week at a HS football game and it just wasn't fast enough! So I learned from that lesson to match the lens to the mission. I am going back this weekend and try the 135MM and the 85MM in the football setting...I'll give up the zoom for faster glass capability.

Also, have you considered renting each of the lenses you are after to see how they perform to you? Pardon the pun but "a picture is worth a 1000 words" especially when you are doing the taking

Good luck on your quest,

Thanks Jim,

I actually spent the better part of the evening wandering around my home with my 70-200 set at 85mm and at 135mm. I think on my crop cameras the 85mm is probably the overall more useful focal length. The L just does have a certain quality about it, but my hesitation in purchasing it is I don't want to drop that much money on a lens unless I'm sure it will see alot of use. The 85 is a capable performer, and probably my better option as it will allow me to add another lens or flash to my kit as well.

Do you find that 85mm is enough to get in tighter on some ceremonies in a church?

Dorman wrote in post #4173001
Thanks Jim,

I actually spent the better part of the evening wandering around my home with my 70-200 set at 85mm and at 135mm. I think on my crop cameras the 85mm is probably the overall more useful focal length. The L just does have a certain quality about it, but my hesitation in purchasing it is I don't want to drop that much money on a lens unless I'm sure it will see alot of use. The 85 is a capable performer, and probably my better option as it will allow me to add another lens or flash to my kit as well.

Do you find that 85mm is enough to get in tighter on some ceremonies in a church?

Brad,

Good idea on using the 70-200MM to study the FLs you are considering.

As for the 85MM, in the past eight weddings the only time I needed more reach was when I was not allowed to shoot at the alter during the ceremony.

Cheers Jim, revisiting the idea of 85mm F/1.8 + 10-22, I'm a nutbar going back and fourth.haha

Bump for last minute advice, I want to order my gear tonight.

1. 135mm F/2 L
2. 85mm F/1.8 + 10-22mm
3. 85mm F/1.8 + 200mm F/2.8 L
4. None of the above, work with what you have and buy something strictly for fun (such as an 400mm F/5.6 L)
5. Other
6. 135 f/2 L + 580 EXII
7 85 + 580 EXII

Get it over with and get the 135 f/2

I'm sure in the next couple weeks, you'd be adding the 85 f/1.8 and the 10-22.

nutsnbolts wrote in post #4177748
Get it over with and get the 135 f/2

I'm sure in the next couple weeks, you'd be adding the 85 f/1.8 and the 10-22.

I'm afraid it has to be one or the other, not all. Only so much $$ to go around which is what makes this hard as I know it'll be quite some time before I have the opportunity to splurge again.