85 1.8 vs 100L for portraiture and other uses.

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Archive 2012 · 85 1.8 vs 100L for portraiture and other uses.

EyeBrock
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p.1 #1 · 85 1.8 vs 100L for portraiture and other uses.

I'm really tempted to get the 85 1.8. I have the 100L which I have used for portraiture and it's been useful. I'm just wondering if I should get the lens made for it instead?

I've read the reviews and watched a few YouTube specials. The 85L isn't something I can justify but the 85 1.8 seems pretty reasonably priced. My only concern is that the 100L may already be enough of a lens for what I need.

I'm interested in feedback from anybody with both lenses and their views on the 85 1.8 vs 100L.

I'm a bokeh loving chap and have a 50 and 35 that give great bokeh so I'm looking at using the 85 for more than just portraits, the same way I look at the 100L for more than just macro really.

Cheers!

Feb 02, 2012 at 07:19 PM

gpop
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p.1 #2 · 85 1.8 vs 100L for portraiture and other uses.

85 1.8 is a fine lens.
personally, I'd be more excited to add the 135L.

>>My only concern is that the 100L may already be enough of a lens for what I need.

agreed.

Feb 02, 2012 at 07:44 PM

bobbytan
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p.1 #3 · 85 1.8 vs 100L for portraiture and other uses.

The 85L was my go-to lens for portraits but since I picked up the 100L I tend to use that lens far more than the 85L. The 100L is my general-purpose lens. It's equally at home shooting macros and shooting portraits. I will use my 85L if I want to shoot at f2 or lower ... but otherwise the 100L will do just fine.

Feb 02, 2012 at 08:06 PM

GC5
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p.1 #4 · 85 1.8 vs 100L for portraiture and other uses.

For head and shoulders type portraiture, the 100 is as good or better than the 85 in my opinion. You obviously need a bit more room if you want full body shots.

The 85 destroys it in AF speed because of the macro's longer focus throw, but that shouldn't matter in portraiture.

You can always buy a used one, try it out, and sell it if it doesn't add anything.

Feb 02, 2012 at 08:11 PM

cohenxa
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p.1 #5 · 85 1.8 vs 100L for portraiture and other uses.

I have both focal length in my set up (crop 7D) and have the same type of debate than you have: I have now the 100 (not L) and the 85L.
Note that there is a huge delta in DoF between 2.8 and 1.8 that can by itself justify the investment if you are into portrait. It is also a nice one to have for internal sport/dance show.

Here is an example: left 2.8, middle 1.8, right 1.2

This image is copyrighted by the owner

Hope it helps.

Feb 02, 2012 at 08:57 PM

Gary Petersen
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p.1 #6 · 85 1.8 vs 100L for portraiture and other uses.

I haven't mounted the 85 since getting the 100L.

Feb 02, 2012 at 08:58 PM

mco_970
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p.1 #7 · 85 1.8 vs 100L for portraiture and other uses.

I just picked up an 85 1.8 to go along with my 100L macro. The 85 focuses faster and it is quite compact compared to the L. I think I will likely have the 85 with me more often and will end up using it more often for portraiture for that reason, but I really like the 100L for portraits, too. Mainly I bought the 85 for the faster AF. The 100L is kind of a careful focuser and can hunt in low light, though it is always bang on when it gets there.

Feb 02, 2012 at 10:03 PM

EyeBrock
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p.1 #8 · 85 1.8 vs 100L for portraiture and other uses.

I think my question has been well answered, thanks everybody! I'll stay with the 100.

Feb 02, 2012 at 10:56 PM

EyeBrock
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p.1 #9 · 85 1.8 vs 100L for portraiture and other uses.

cohenxa wrote:
I have both focal length in my set up (crop 7D) and have the same type of debate than you have: I have now the 100 (not L) and the 85L.
Note that there is a huge delta in DoF between 2.8 and 1.8 that can by itself justify the investment if you are into portrait. It is also a nice one to have for internal sport/dance show.

Here is an example: left 2.8, middle 1.8, right 1.2

This image is copyrighted by the owner

Hope it helps.

Thanks for this! The 85 1.8 bokeh does look nicer.......

Feb 02, 2012 at 10:56 PM

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