Certainly faster with focus than the 85L, even version II which is what I have for clarification.
Nice thoughts on the zoom difference, Ill have to snap a few in a controlled environment to compare. The 135 is my second and sharper copy.
I don't have the 85L - but I do have the 85 1.8, the 135 f/2.0L and the 200 f/2.8 L - as well as the 70-200 f/2.8L IS. I use all four. The zoom is a beast, and very w h i t e - and visible. The 135 and the 200 are small, fast, crisp, and the look they produce is out of this world. The zoom is very flexible, sharp, reasonably fast, and has IS.
If you're obsenely rich like the rest of us here, keep them all!
Nov 18, 2008 at 02:58 PM
Lars Johnsson Offline • • • • • • • Upload & Sell: Off
Wouldn't the best solution be to wait and see if you actually need it...? If you find you use it often enough then keep it...if it sits and collects dust sell it. As I'm sure you know the two lenses are very different, whether or not the difference is enough to base a decision off is entirely up to you, no one here can tell you any different; only you can choose.
I recently gave up the 135 for the 70-200 2.8 IS. I currently prefer the convenience of the zoom and figured I may as well use it while I'm still healthy enough to not mind lugging its weight around.
Can anyone give me a good reason to keep both of these in my lineup?
I don't understand why people ask these questions. The 135 is twice as fast as your 70-200. The 135 and 85 have different ranges. But I think you already know this, right? Are you looking for someone on this forum to predict if you will need the range and speed of a 135L or 85L?
Well, I used to own the 135L and 70-200/2.8 IS. Just wasn't using the 135mm enough to warrant keeping it. Sure the 135L is fast but the zoom is no slouch and the flexibility of the zoom is more important to me so the prime was sold, don't miss it at all.
FWIW, the only reason I am considering the 135L when I already own the 70-200/2.8IS is for the lighter weight, smaller size, subtle/inconspicuous look and f/2 aperture. If none of that makes a difference to the OP then there is no apparent need for the lens...but again only he can decide.
While I have the 85, 135, and a sharp copy of the 70-200f2.8IS, the 85 and 135 are sharper wide open - colors and contrast are great with all three. The flexibility and IQ of the 70-200 make it one of my favorites for portraits, but I have taken some great shots with my 135 and I am constantly impressed with it every time I use it - same goes for the 85. You have to examine your kit and shooting style and see if there is something else that may be more beneficial for you. Do you want to get rid of the 135 to replace it with a wide angle? My kit with the 135 might be right for me and maybe even others who own it, but it may not fit in with your style.
luketrot wrote:
I don't understand why people ask these questions. The 135 is twice as fast as your 70-200. The 135 and 85 have different ranges. But I think you already know this, right? Are you looking for someone on this forum to predict if you will need the range and speed of a 135L or 85L?
And I dont understand why arrogant people post in a thread with a reply like this, If you think I am an idiot who doesn't know a crap then in the interest of keeping things friendly you should keep that comment to yourself and find elsewhere to post.
As for every other posters in this thread that had something to say constructive, even if you had to dig deep within yourself to not be insulting,
Thank you.
Everyone has their own shooting styles, there are books written and classes taught but in the end we are all different and use different glass for different things. Diversity is key as fellow FM'rs may be able to spark an idea and I may be able to some day return that favor. More commonly known as "What comes around goes around....Do unto others..."
The 135 is fast and focus is quick on spot on. The 85 is faster but the AF is not so fast, glass on the 85 is superlative. The 70-200 also has its place for quite a few venues.
The comments posted for what you use them for are most applicable to my query,
I have been seeing the 135 sit idle more since I began using the 85, but I still use it. Seems I am using the 85 for a good bit of what the 135 used to cover and use of the 135 is more specific. The IQ is awsome on all 3 lenses. 70-200 gets used more for sports when shooitng close on second body but I also used it a great deal for candids.
Thanks for the input, looks like the 135 survuved the block.
