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Simple question:
Which is better for portraiture?
1.Canon 85mm f1.8
2.Canon 135mm f2L lens?
Which is better for portraiture?
1.Canon 85mm f1.8
2.Canon 135mm f2L lens?
Canon 85mm f1.8 vs Canon 135mm f2L
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markrichardson
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It's a pretty difficult question to answer really. I think it's pretty much universally acknowledged that the 135mm f2 produced better image quality overall, but that's clearly only one factor.
On a crop sensor camera, the 135mm is going to become around 200mm - too long for most portraits. Even on a full-frame sensor, some people find 135mm too long for portraits - and you would need a lot of room to do full length shots with it.
For what it's worth, I'd prefer the 135mm (on my full-frame) but currently own the 85mm as it's significantly cheaper!
On a crop sensor camera, the 135mm is going to become around 200mm - too long for most portraits. Even on a full-frame sensor, some people find 135mm too long for portraits - and you would need a lot of room to do full length shots with it.
For what it's worth, I'd prefer the 135mm (on my full-frame) but currently own the 85mm as it's significantly cheaper!
cuthbert
Pugh Pugh Barney McGrew Me Dibble and Grubb
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i love my 135/f2. i will never part with it.
i agree, on a crop it's quite long (but i note you've got a 5d2 so it doesn't matter), but it does depend on the style. it's a very sharp lens, even at f2. when i take a picture of my little girl i can count her eye lashes at 100%. it's stupidly crisp.
i take most of my photos outdoors and the 135 is perfect for that. in fact, i think it is probably *the* lens for outdoor portrait work... if you're doing indoor or studio work then i do think that, even on a fullframe body it will be too long - you will need quite a bit of space to get a full body shot.
it will be wasted in a studio anyway, part of the magic of the lens is how it turns even the most boring backdrop into a wonderful blur of colour.
personally, i like the working distance of the 135. not too far away, but not in your face. just right for me.
when i get home, i'll post a few of my favourite portraits if you like that i've taken with the lens?
i agree, on a crop it's quite long (but i note you've got a 5d2 so it doesn't matter), but it does depend on the style. it's a very sharp lens, even at f2. when i take a picture of my little girl i can count her eye lashes at 100%. it's stupidly crisp.
i take most of my photos outdoors and the 135 is perfect for that. in fact, i think it is probably *the* lens for outdoor portrait work... if you're doing indoor or studio work then i do think that, even on a fullframe body it will be too long - you will need quite a bit of space to get a full body shot.
it will be wasted in a studio anyway, part of the magic of the lens is how it turns even the most boring backdrop into a wonderful blur of colour.
personally, i like the working distance of the 135. not too far away, but not in your face. just right for me.
when i get home, i'll post a few of my favourite portraits if you like that i've taken with the lens?
OP
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I am exactly the same, I love my lenses and don't think I could part with them. I have the 85mm at the moment and just bought the 135mm. Now my dilemma is do I sell the 85mm or keep it?
It would be good if you could post some photos, just so that I can aim for something with my new toy
I own a 5D Mk II and a 50D but my primes always go on the 5D Mk IIThanks
Nadira
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To put it another way.
85 for half body shot, 135 for shoulder and above shot.
85 for half body shot, 135 for shoulder and above shot.
OP
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These are fantastic shots, the subject even better 
You are right about being able to count her eyelashes
Did you take these on a full frame? Also what settings did you use to get so sharp, were they mainly at the f2.8?
I am going to try out the lens just like you did here with my nephews and niece this weekend. These photos are just amazing. My 24-105 doesn't give anywhere as nice photos
You are right about being able to count her eyelashes Did you take these on a full frame? Also what settings did you use to get so sharp, were they mainly at the f2.8?
I am going to try out the lens just like you did here with my nephews and niece this weekend. These photos are just amazing. My 24-105 doesn't give anywhere as nice photos
LongLensPhotography
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I guess it depends on the amount of cash. 85mm is an awesome lens for slightly wider scenes. I am sure I will add 135mm to my collection as well at some point for tighter shots. I'd say get both.
cuthbert
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Thanks for your kind comments, Nadira.
Most of those photos were taken on the 5D2 - the top 3 were taken with a 500d.
All the photos would have been taken at f/2. i never need to stop down for sharpness, only DOF. a few group shots i've done i've needed to stop right down to f5.6 to get everybody in focus, but for those above... all wide open at f2.
Most of those photos were taken on the 5D2 - the top 3 were taken with a 500d.
All the photos would have been taken at f/2. i never need to stop down for sharpness, only DOF. a few group shots i've done i've needed to stop right down to f5.6 to get everybody in focus, but for those above... all wide open at f2.