ayn Posted December 31, 2004 Share Posted December 31, 2004 Hi all, first post here. I currently have a 24-70/2.8L on my 20D, the 24-70 is my only lens right now as I've sold all my non-L zooms from my 35mm days. I photograph people mostly; portraits, glamour, fashion, art nudes, etc. My other hobby is track so occasionally I'd like to photograph cars at the track when I volunteer as a corner worker, but I don't do that very often. I am looking at getting a new lens to take advantage of the triple rebate offers. I'd love to have the 85/1.2L, but there is no rebate on that lens right now. I might also consider the 100/2.8 Macro. I've always wanted the 70-200/2.8L IS, but for one, it's a bit expensive, and with my crop factor I'm not sure how useful it'd be for portraits. The 135/2L seems nice, I can get a 1.4x if I need a longer lens for track, and the 135/2L + 1.4x will still be less expensive than the 70-200/2.8L IS. But I might need the 70-135 range for some of my work. So I'm kindda torn between these 2 lens. Any advice would be highly appreciated! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
west_cork Posted December 31, 2004 Share Posted December 31, 2004 I love my 135 2.0 on my 20D. Hand held, 1600 or 3200 ASA, f2.0, indoors - amazing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bieg Posted December 31, 2004 Share Posted December 31, 2004 I don't know about the 135 but my new 70-200 2.8 L IS has fast become my favorite lens. I can't believe how versitile this lens is and the images are tack sharp. I also have the 1.4 converter and with the 70-200 it makes for a very flexible system.<div></div> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ayn Posted December 31, 2004 Author Share Posted December 31, 2004 that is a cool picture, Steven. A few questions: Do you also have a 1.6x crop factor camera? Do you find the lens too obnoxiously huge, especially with the hood on? Or does it feel just right in your hands? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ayn Posted December 31, 2004 Author Share Posted December 31, 2004 Just looked at the EXIF info of your pic, you used a 20D as well, cool. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bieg Posted December 31, 2004 Share Posted December 31, 2004 The lens is large and heavy but it handles well. I would suggest the portrait battery grip if you don't already have one.<div></div> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hkbmac Posted December 31, 2004 Share Posted December 31, 2004 I went with the non IS version of the 70-200. you'll need some big muscles in your arms to handhold the 20d, portrait grip, and a 70-200 IS all day long at the track. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andrew robertson Posted December 31, 2004 Share Posted December 31, 2004 Why not get the EF 135 f/2.8 SF? It's only a stop slower than the 135 L, and costs a whole lot less. I love mine. I also own the EF 100 f/2.8 Macro USM, and it's great too. I don't use that one as often as I should, though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pbizarro Posted January 1, 2005 Share Posted January 1, 2005 It is not a question of one vs. the other. One is a zoom, more versatile, the other is a fixed focal length lens. Both will give you very high optical quality. If you are going to miss shots because of missing the 70-135 mm range, then your answer is right in front of you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
r._j. Posted January 1, 2005 Share Posted January 1, 2005 The IS function takes some getting used to. Makes you dizzy when it wobbles the picture while you're looking through the viewfinder. It also drains batteries, so switch it off when you don't need it. As for your track shots, the Mode II of the IS will prove very useful for streaked/panned shots, if you don't already know it. As with most long lenses, I don't use the matching lens hood. I use a shorter one. That makes it less bulky. Overall, I'd say the 70-200mm f2.8 Canon IS lens is larger than many other (independent) 70-200 or 80-200 f2.8 lenses, such as the Tokina (manual focus) which I previously owned. I think Canon is one of the few mfrs with faith in the 135mm focal length these days. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mike t. Posted January 1, 2005 Share Posted January 1, 2005 Hello Andrew. Sounds like you need flexibility (many intended uses). Get the zoom now (non-IS since most of your apps don't require IS). Then buy a used 85mm 1.8 for $300 for pure portraiture when you have the money. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
yakim_peled1 Posted January 2, 2005 Share Posted January 2, 2005 <p> How about <a href="http://emedia.leeward.hawaii.edu/frary/toolbox6.htm">85/1.8 + 135/2.8</a>? Optically excellent, light and cheap. The 135/2 has USM, TC compatibility and is one stop faster. However, the 135/2.8 is a lot lighter and cheaper.</p> <p>Happy shooting, <br> Yakim.</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ayn Posted January 3, 2005 Author Share Posted January 3, 2005 Thanks for all the replies, I have ordered the non-IS version of the 70-200. There is a $150 Amazon cert offer for >$1k orders, after that, and the triple rebate, and my Amazon Assoc kickback, it ended up being less than $800, can't beat that! :) Me very happy, the lens should be here before the weekend. The 70-200/2.8L has been by "dream lens" since I was in high school. Thanks everyone for your suggestions! I didn't realize I don't really need IS until I read it here, and $500 for something I would rarely used is a bit too much for me right now, so decision was much easier. I would probably invest in a CF monopod. -Andrew Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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