85 1.2 or 135 2.0?

I am interested in purchasing either the 85 1.2 or the 135 2.0.
I need a wide aperture for low light portraits and indoor sports.
I have rented the 85 1.2 and used it for an indoor arabian horse show with mixed results. The slow focusing cut down on my keepers but the keepers were hot. I have no experience with the 135. Let me know if which you would purchase and why?
Joby

85 1.2 is almost too slow for anything that moves, especially when you shoot at large apertures. I use the 135

M Powered wrote in post #7021196
85 1.2 is almost too slow for anything that moves, especially when you shoot at large apertures. I use the 135

Yes the AF is slower than alot of lens, but your statement could n't be farther from the truth. I regularly use my 85L MKII to chase my daughters around the house.

But even still, the 85L is not known as a sports lens. Both the 85 1.8, 135L and 200L f/2.8 are all fantastic sports lenses, with blazing fast AF speeds. Choose the focal length that suites you the most, and any of the lenses listed will deliver.

BigBlueDodge wrote in post #7021324
Yes the AF is slower than alot of lens, but your statement could farther from the truth. I regularly use my 85L MKII to chase my daughters around the house.

I agree with this fully - especially in Servo mode. However, if 135mm isn't too long for your portraits, I'd go with that one for indoor sports. But if you can always get the 85mm 1.8 and the 135 for less than an 85L...

Yea, you shouldn't overlook the 85 1.8, it has great focusing

It would also depend on what camera you have

135L

When shooting these sports, how fixed is the distance from you? If it's a good distance away, then the micro focus adjustments should be fast enough. But if you ever need to make major focus shifts, it'll be too slow. 135 is a great lens too. It's probalby one of the POTN faves due to its low price of entry and L qualities. But unless you have an "Aztec-ish" studio, it maybe too long, especially on a crop.

90c4 wrote in post #7021354
I agree with this fully - especially in Servo mode. However, if 135mm isn't too long for your portraits, I'd go with that one for indoor sports. But if you can always get the 85mm 1.8 and the 135 for less than an 85L...

and you can get the 85 1.8 and the 200L 2.8 for about the same price as the 135L.

orisky wrote in post #7021634
135 is a great lens too. It's probalby one of the POTN faves due to its low price of entry and L qualities.

And it's also the one that is sold the most with the following line

"The 135L is an amazing lens, every bit as good as they say it is. But I find the focal length to be ackward, and as a result I just don't use it much"

It seems like every 135L has that same line in it (or close to it). Now, in now way does that demean the 135L. For pure IQ, it is top notch. I just dont' think alot of are in tune with the 135mm focal length.

What camera?

Yes, it is important to tell us what camera you use. Either way, I would pick the 85L in a heartbeat.

I don't like the 135L for the reason BigBlueDodge mentioned: it's a terrific lens, but the focal length is just weird for me. Either too short or too long, never just right, except for portraiture, which the 85L is better at anyway. 85mm is by far my favourite FL on full frame, and the 85L is a magical lens - it exudes epicness that the 135L doesn't have (I chose the 200 2.8L over the 135L). And the 85 lets you shoot in the dark.

I had the 85L for shooting Thai boxing and it was just way too slow. I now use the 85 1.8 and its perfect for me. Not used the 135 so cant comment on that

Thank you all for the comments! Here is what I already have and perhaps that will help.
1d Mk3
15 Fish
16-35 2.8
24-70 2.8
70-200 IS L 2.8
300 2.8 L

My biggest complaint with the 85L was that its auto focus couldn't quite keep up with the action... but I shot a lot of photos to compensate and the keepers were sweet. I did tend to shoot at f/2 though so that is why I am interested in the 135. The 85 mm focal length seemed good for my applications but since I use the 70-200 a lot I thought a prime focal length in the middle of that range would be useful. I could see how the 135 could be a little long for indoor portraits.
Joby

BigBlueDodge wrote in post #7021324
Yes the AF is slower than alot of lens, but your statement could farther from the truth. I regularly use my 85L MKII to chase my daughters around the house.

But even still, the 85L is not known as a sports lens. Both the 85 1.8, 135L and 200L f/2.8 are all fantastic sports lenses, with blazing fast AF speeds. Choose the focal length that suites you the most, and any of the lenses listed will deliver.

85L can't keep up with models in motion and I'm not talking about Runway.