I already have the Tamron 28-75 2.8 and am looking to get another lens soon. Currently, I am looking at two different ones, the Canon 135 2.8 softfocus (won't be using the sf) and the 85 1.8 (old version). Any preference? Other than the obvious difference in speed, would the 85 relly be that much better than the tamron in everyday use?

Since you are not using the sf. Why not consider buying 135mm f2?

Since you are not using the sf. Why not consider buying 135mm f2?

not within my budget for now.

85mm f/1.8 is really very sharp and a relatively fast focus lens. Superb for portraits. The 135mm soft focus!? Waste of time save up and get a 135mm f/2. It's one of the sharpest lenses Canon ever made. That said the 85mm f/1.8 is not far behind.

Well, "hey!", stranger - where on earth have you been? :)

I considered the 135SF myself and handled one at the store. My consideration for it was to use it with extension tubes (disabling the SF) to have a light field macro combo. The f/2 version would have been overkill and the 180mm Macro was too expensive (ended up with the 180mm in the end). But my memory of the 135 SF was that it was a bit flimsy in construction and the AF seemed a bit slow.

As for the 85mm f/1.8 I don't know how different the "old version" is from the current version. I have the current model - great lens. Together with an APS-C sensor, I think it's a tad too long for an "everyday" or walking lens tho.

Well, "hey!", stranger - where on earth have you been? :)



BUSY!! Did some shoots for a music magazine, some weddings and other events here and there. Haven't been out to shoot nature in what seems like forever. Thanks for the feedback on the 135, I was thinking about use for concerts/events. The 85 is supposed to be identical to the new version except it doesn't have usm. The 85 would be for low light/concert/weddings.

Maybe I'll just wait a little longer and get the 70-200 2.8 IS instead. :thumbsup:

Then again, I'm dying for the 300 4 IS... decisions :(

I'd have a 70-200mm L IS with x1.4 Tele II over the 300mm f/4 IS anyday. 70-200mm is top lens.

As for the 85mm f/1.8 I don't know how different the "old version" is from the current version. I have the current model - great lens. Together with an APS-C sensor, I think it's a tad too long for an "everyday" or walking lens tho.

The 50mm f/1.4 USM is top for a walkabout though. Very very sharp.

... I was thinking about use for concerts/events. The 85 is supposed to be identical to the new version except it doesn't have usm. The 85 would be for low light/concert/weddings...

In that case, I'd say get the f/1.8 lens. Though I've never shot concerts, I would think that having an f/1.8 in the bag would be a terrific advantage over an f/2.8.

Better to slightly crop a sharp image than to print out a full-frame blurry one.

Plus, the 85mm works great for macros with extension tubes :p

I'd have a 70-200mm L IS with x1.4 Tele II over the 300mm f/4 IS anyday. 70-200mm is top lens.
I'd have (and am persuading my wife I need) the 300 f/2.8 L IS over the 70-200 with tele.

f/1.8 is a HUGE advantage over 2.8 in concerts. 2.8 seems sloooowwww after you have used a 1.8 lens.

I was thinking get the $80 50mm f1.8 first. Then a 1.4x tc. The 50 is a great lens to have and the tc can be used with any lense.
Mark.

tc can't be used with any lens. at least the canon and sigma versions I used can't. They need to extend into the lens, meaning usually telephoto lenses only.

nevermind. upon further research, i have discovered it is possible to use converters with lenses other than telephotos. but not canon. kenko and tamron make some that work.

tc can't be used with any lens. at least the canon and sigma versions I used can't. They need to extend into the lens, meaning usually telephoto lenses only.


Thats too bad. I didn't realize that.

Thanks for all the feedback guys. My final decision is to get the 85, as it will be good for portraits which is where I suddenly find myself heading.

The 70-200 2.8 L IS is on my wishlist as is the 300 and 500 L IS lenses. That should give excellent coverage for my needs. Thanks again!

85mm f/1.8 is really very sharp and a relatively fast focus lens. Superb for portraits. The 135mm soft focus!? Waste of time save up and get a 135mm f/2. It's one of the sharpest lenses Canon ever made. That said the 85mm f/1.8 is not far behind.

Sounds about right to me.

I have the 28-75mm tamron f/2.8. Sharp quality. Worth the money, I bought mine used.

Glad that u made ur decision and went for the 85mm, its a good lens with sharp pics .... ill get the 50mm 1.4 USM later on, ill keep u posted .... byezzzzzzzz :thumbsup: