Just got myself a lovely new lens, the legendary Canon 135mm f/2 L, so I thought I’d take some test images on the way back from picking up Lucy from school this afternoon. Very pleased with the results, and will be using it at a wedding tomorrow.
A bee about to land on a flower:
A crop from the above image:
Lucy took this one herself, maybe she’ll be my assistant one day
Some shots of Lucy and Tom, scruffy but cute!
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Love the sharpness, color, and contrast. I’m evaluating the 100mm Canon prime (Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L IS USM) versus this one. How far away were you from your subjects in the 3 portrait shots? It’s a tough call between these two great lenses!
I also have a 100mm f/2, but after upgrading from a 40d to the 5d Mk II felt I needed a bit more length. My uses for it are when I need to shoot from the back of a church (usually using a tripod) and of course for portraits and candid shots. The head & shoulders shot of lucy was from about 10 feet away I think.
As for your decision, both are great lenses. The 135 should be better for portraits and low light situations (not hand held) but the 100 f/2.8 L has that great macro facility and IS. I would also consider the 100mm f/2 as it is faster then the 2.8, considerably cheaper and is still very sharp. The build quality isn’t up to L standard, but is better than the 50mm f/1.4 for example. Both of the non IS lenses are available second hand which might sway you if you are on a budget.
The 135 looks great at 10 feet. So much to consider… thank you for the input.
Just a follow-up to let you know that I picked up the 135mm f/2 and it is spectacular. I also picked up the Sigma 85mm f/1.4 and it is very, very good, also. Between these, I think I’m set!