which one is better? 85mm/f1.8 or 100mm/f2 ???

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I'm thinking of getting one of these two lens: 85mm/f1.8 or 100mm/f2. Is there any significant differences in sharpness and contrast between these 2 lens? I will use it mainly for portrait. Thanks for any advances. Any sample pics are appreciated! :)

-- Thomas Law (lespanda@hongkong.com), December 03, 2001

Answers

Having used both lenses, and having bought the 85, I'm slightly biased towards the 85 for portraits. I used the 100 for basketball and some photo-j work, and it's a wonderful lense, but just a touch to long for portrait work in my hands. But I work in close spaces. I do feel that the bokeh of the 1.8 is prettier, I can tell my shots from it in a heartbeat - this one lens has forever sold my on the EOS lineup.

-- Robert Landrigan (ral@entropyinaction.com), December 03, 2001.

I have the 100/2 and I love it for portraits. I have not used the 85, but I know it is very popular. Sometimes I find myself wanting a longer focal length. I'd like to have the 135/2 for portraits as well. They are close in length; it is a personal preference.

-- Derrick Morin (dmorin@oasisol.com), December 03, 2001.

I've never used the 100 f/2, but I have read several times from those that have used both that the 100 f/2 is a bit sharper than the 85 f/1.8, and the 85 is very sharp indeed. The 85 is a bit less money and is considerably more popular.

-- Jim Strutz (j.strutz@gci.net), December 04, 2001.

I think it really depends on what kind of working distance you prefer for your portraits. I prefer the slightly shorter working distance of the 85/1.8 for portraits.

-- Peter Phan (PPHAN01@HOTMAIL.COM), December 04, 2001.

BTW, Canon gives sample photos of each of their EF lenses on their US web site:

http://www.usa.canon.com/eflenses/lineup/index.html

-- Derrick Morin (dmorin@oasisol.com), December 04, 2001.



85. it's fast and you can use it for indoor sports without flash!

-- Jeff Nakayama (moonduck22@hotmail.com), December 04, 2001.

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