135L vs 70-200 2.8IS

Trying to figure out which one to pick up. Pricing is a bit different, but I don't mind paying more if it makes sense.

I'm going to be shooting indoor events, concerts, some indoor dance events..

Which one will work best on a 5d mkii?

I figure the 135L is cheaper, faster, and looks sharp. But it's a prime.

The 70-200 has IS (not sure if it helps with moving objects?), has zoom.

Suggestions?

I guess it really depends on how much you're able to move at these events. I shoot a lot of theater and always use the 135L, but if my movement were more limited i would much prefer the 70-200.

In other words, If you're shooting a variety of events, the zoom may be a better place to start. Pick up the 135L later and you can decide which works best for you.

^^ In a similar situation. Some productions say, Musical Theater- I can move around at a dress run through. But at performance situations, I'm usually stuck unless I move during intermission!

Do you have any samples from Theater? Curious to see how the 135L does in low light.

I have both and I prefer the 135L for indoor events. The extra stop is very useful for low light.

I'd rather have an extra stop than IS to compensate for low lighting. As you mentioned, IS may not help much if the subject is moving. But I never bothered to try panning with the subject in conjunction with IS to see if was feasible or not.

Here's a couple samples of the 135L for theater. If I'm able to move, I definitely prefer it over the zoom. I sold my zoom a while back because the 135L does everything I need, but again, If you have a variety of events the zoom is extremely helpful.

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and another

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Wow they look sharp. What body are you using?

Damn, I want the 135L so I can get my prime collection going. (35L, 85L, 135L)

but the zoom would be more useful (24-70L, 70-200L)

crap. decisions.

Its a tough decision for sure. If you can move around the primes are really great, but maybe a mixture of primes and zooms would be ideal. You could always consider something like a 24-70, 85 f/1.8 and 135L lineup then get the 85L later. Oh and the body I used for these shots was a 5D classic.

Here are two with the 70-200 F2.8 L IS on a 5D Classic...

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Damn it these pics are making tough choices. Maybe I'll get the zoom and then later get the prime if I can swing it. I think that would keep the options open.

I would get the 70-200 2.8L IS II - even at f/2.8 and 200mm, it's about as sharp as the 135mm, and, much of the time, you won't want to shoot at f/2.0 anyway due to limited depth of field (particularly for close-up head-and-shoulders shots). IS is surprisingly useful - even in theatre, you have some moments where actors aren't moving very much. I don't have the photos on me at the moment, due to working from an outside computer, but I took some great photos at the Melbourne comedy festival last week at 1/4s @ f/2.8, ISO 6400 (pushed further in PS) at 200mm, on a 5D2...

here is one of my daughter at a dance recital, taken with 135L on a rebel xsi this year it will be with my 7d. I like the 135 but, my 70-200 2.8 (non is though) will be here on tuesday hopefully.

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Shadowblade wrote in post #9933365
I would get the 70-200 2.8L IS II - even at f/2.8 and 200mm, it's about as sharp as the 135mm, and, much of the time, you won't want to shoot at f/2.0 anyway due to limited depth of field (particularly for close-up head-and-shoulders shots). IS is surprisingly useful - even in theatre, you have some moments where actors aren't moving very much. I don't have the photos on me at the moment, due to working from an outside computer, but I took some great photos at the Melbourne comedy festival last week at 1/4s @ f/2.8, ISO 6400 (pushed further in PS) at 200mm, on a 5D2...

135L + 70-200IS mki or just get a 70-200IS mkii

Wow I didn't even see that option coming haha