<p>Thanks for the responses.</p>
<p>Paul, the 200 becomes a 135 at MFD!! wow. I did read about focus breathing, but those articles were mentioning it would be more like 165 or so. However, AFS is critical for me. The kids move really fast, so manual focus and slow focus is a total no - no. I actually, have the nikon 105 VR micro which I had got 2-3 years back when I used to shoot a bit of food and products. I did try it out on portraits, but it was too slow. I was missing a lot of shots. Also, I guess, at the head shot and shoulder shots, considering the angle of view, there might not be much of background anyway. My main intention was the compression and a slightly different perspective which would add some value to my customers. Right now, like I said, with the 50 and 85, head shots are a bit of a struggle for me, but when I do get them, they generally end up being the customers favourite. I also shoot a lot into the light, and a couple of years back had the 135 in mind but read that it was too slow and the CA was bad. I guess, it would be great to shoot adults with it, but not so sure about kids.</p>
<p>Wouter, generally, with kids, that I shoot in the 8-11 month age, most of them are busy doing their own thing, I generally get the parents to interact with them sitting behind or by the side outside the frame. In many cases I have noticed, If I actually interact with them, then they get a bit startled, eyes widen, pupils dilate etc when they see me so close. Also, I don't plan to make the 70-200 my primary and only lens, I continue shooting with 50/85 and then for head shots and maybe a few other shoulder/eye shots switch to the 70-200 and shoot only at 2.8 (hence not considering the F4 version). I will take a look at the 180 2.8 online to read about it.</p>
<p>Les - I have the 105 VR. But don't use it. Its too slow for kids. And also a bit too sharp for my liking. I prefer a slightly softer look.</p>