Lots of good discussion here. Really depends on your use. If mainly portraits / indoors, the 85, if a bit more reach the 135.
I started with the 85/1.2 as I do a lot of portraits, studio, and dance ; I added the 135 Plena for dance events (in theatre where need more reach) and ice hockey (as a sweet spot length for the shooting distance - for other sports it could be the 85, 200 or longer...)
So start with one, and add the other. You could start with the 85, and add a used Sigma ART which is great. Then if you end up loving and finding use for the 135, sell the Sigma and get the Plena
As some others have stated, it comes down to focal length choice as both lenses are masterpieces.
Let me offer a slightly different pov here as well. I got a Z8 some months ago and was also contemplating picking up one of these lenses. I prefer the 85-105 focal range for my use cases (indoor studio and some outdoor). I also have the Sigma 135 and Nikon 200/2 for longer reach. There are some f mount gems that I owned at one point, sold and then missed for their amazing character and rendering. Recently, I picked up LNIB 58g and 105e/1.4 and absolutely LOVE them. These can be had for great prices in the used market and you'll be left with money compared to a used 85/1.2z. The Z may be technical better but the 58/105 have such character and rendering. Food for thought.
RoamingScott wrote:
For those that have experience, which one would you reach for for indoor basketball on the baseline?
I don't owe any of these two, but I shot a lot of HS and NCAA from base line with 85mm and 70-200f2.8. Back then, I had d700 with 12MP sensor.
If I go with prime, 85mm would be my choice between these two.
With Z8/Z9, I would probably prefer even 50mm. That would give me enough flexibility for some wider FF shots, as well as some cropped to get tighter framing similar to what 85mm would give me.
The 135mm is too long for my taste..
cvrle59 wrote:
I don't owe any of these two, but I shot a lot of HS and NCAA from base line with 85mm and 70-200f2.8. Back then, I had d700 with 12MP sensor.
If I go with prime, 85mm would be my choice between these two.
With Z8/Z9, I would probably prefer even 50mm. That would give me enough flexibility for some wider FF shots, as well as some cropped to get tighter framing similar to what 85mm would give me.
Thanks, I've never been impressed with 2.8 zooms in terms of indoor light gathering, so in my mind it's likely the 50/1.2 or 85/1.2 for Z. Good point about the 50 being 75ish in DX.
My wife wants me to start shooting our kid now that I'm done coaching him...I can't catch a break from work, but I might be able to catch a "free" lens out of it
RoamingScott wrote:
Thanks, I've never been impressed with 2.8 zooms in terms of indoor light gathering, so in my mind it's likely the 50/1.2 or 85/1.2 for Z. Good point about the 50 being 75ish in DX.
My wife wants me to start shooting our kid now that I'm done coaching him...I can't catch a break from work, but I might be able to catch a "free" lens out of it
When I started with 70-200, I didn't have access to the floor, so I wanted zoom for reach.
When my son became sophomore, I managed to get media passes, and I was able to get down to the base line.
The problem with 85mm f1.8 was AF speed, 70-200 was much faster, and I could live with f2.8, those gyms have better lighting than HSs.
I mostly used that lens on short side, 95%, that's why I recommend either 85mm or even better, 50mm.
I wish, I could get f1.2 back then, that would've been something 😃
RoamingScott wrote:
For those that have experience, which one would you reach for for indoor basketball on the baseline?
if you'll have flexibility and can move around the arena, 135.
it's so much fun sniping with a fast prime across the floor from the other side or center court.
and it's nice to get three point action on the near side.
but if you're stuck on the baseline for the duration, 85.
RoamingScott wrote:
For those that have experience, which one would you reach for for indoor basketball on the baseline?
I was going to post a detailed reply, but Ryan just answered it almost verbatim to what I would have said. I've owned both and love both, but for your use case, I think the 85 makes more sense. As a sidenote, I owned and tested head to head between the 85 1.2 and 50 1.2 and to me at least, I think the 85 is a far better lens.
RoamingScott wrote:
For those that have experience, which one would you reach for for indoor basketball on the baseline?
Minimal experience with just my nieces' basketball game, but I went there with only the 50mm f1.8S and the Sigma 135mm 1.8 art. I only brought one body which was stupid but it was half social, half fun shooting. Anyway, those two lenses and focal lengths were great. Poor lighting yet the eye-AF with area mode was great with the Z8 (kids speed, so not super fast of course). I'll see another game soon and plan to try 35mm & 85mm, but 135mm was pretty sweet for action on the other end of the court. I stayed in the corner or at the baseline for almost all shots. Not the greatest images, poor shutter speed in some cases and not taken with the plena, but here's some examples for the 135mm focal length with a couple at the end that are 50mm. Enjoyable but I need to get some reps in. Would love to try the plena for this use.
There is a very performative less expensive 85 available, the 1.8S. Picking up the 135 and the 85 f/1.8 both might be a move to consider.
I've had the Plena a few months and have used it more for kids activities than anything. I had both the 70-200 S and 135 along for an indoor gymnastics meet. I didn't touch the 70-200 at all.
BSPhotog wrote:
Another thought to throw into the mix is this:
There is a very performative less expensive 85 available, the 1.8S. Picking up the 135 and the 85 f/1.8 both might be a move to consider.
I've had the Plena a few months and have used it more for kids activities than anything. I had both the 70-200 S and 135 along for an indoor gymnastics meet. I didn't touch the 70-200 at all.
That's good advice and a way for someone to have both FL's. The 85 1.8 is still a great lens at a bargain price.
Great comparison of same-same use. I'd go with a 35 (dunno if I'd need the 1.2) & 85/1.2 combo for your full length portraits. (Or, just the 50/1.2 alone and work harder.)
RoamingScott wrote:
Thanks, I've never been impressed with 2.8 zooms in terms of indoor light gathering, so in my mind it's likely the 50/1.2 or 85/1.2 for Z. Good point about the 50 being 75ish in DX.
My wife wants me to start shooting our kid now that I'm done coaching him...I can't catch a break from work, but I might be able to catch a "free" lens out of it
