OntheRez Offline Upload & Sell: On
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One of the problems with threads like this is that the lens discussion goes on in a vacuum. As Les McCann use to sing, "Got to make it real, compared to WHAT?" In other words you want to use this or any lens to do what in what sort of light and situation? As the local paper's sports reporter/photographer, I've been forced to shoot all indoor sports - volleyball, boys and girls basketball - with primes. There just isn't enough light in any gym in this league to ever get near something as narrow as f/2.8. So bang, none of my "holy trinity" will work. Over the years I've developed a three lens system: the 35mm f/1.4L, the 85mm f/1.8, and the 135 f/2.0L. My working apertures vary between 1.8 and 2.4. All three lenses are actually superb, but because I'm shooting at such wide apertures my depth of field is narrow and it is a real challenge to nail the shot. Lots of wasted pix with superbly exposed backgrounds and the player in a blur.
I'd say the 135 is the quickest to acquire focus with the 35 almost the same and the 85 a half tick behind. IQ is excellent for all three lenses but I'd probably rate them as 35mm best, the 135mm barely behind, and the 85 again just behind the other two. Bokeh isn't really an issue in this situation, but when I use the 135 and the 35 in outdoor and other situations, I've got to say that the 135L is one of the finest lenses that I've ever used. Note that the 85mm f/1.8 is hanging right in there with lenses 2 to 2.5 times its price. It really is as Dan notes one of Canon's truly great deals (as is the 135L).
To be blunt, all three of these lenses are capable of excellent work. I would say photographer skill (or lack there of) is a far bigger variable than the small differences in the performance of these lenses. With skill - and in my case an occasion bit of good fortune - each can produce superb images. So buy the length(s) that fit your vision and shoot.
Oh, and as for the perception that 135mm is a "weird" FL, it's all a matter of how one sees. I find it a superb lens to carry around as it is light, beautiful, and by foot zooming it can be everything from mild telephoto to close up. I'll never sell mine.
Robert
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