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Photography Question 

Mickey
 

which is a better portrait lens?


I currently use canon ef 135mm/f2.0 lens for portraits and have difficulty using it in limited spaces. I need a shorter focal length lens and can't decide between ef 85mm/f1.8 and ef 100mm/f2.0. Which one would you recommend? Which allows more versatility? Thank you.


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February 03, 2004

 

Andy
  Between the 85mm and the 100mm, I would recommend the 85mm. They are both sharp with similar features. But the 85mm give you just a little more space to move around and a 1/3 stop faster over the 100mm. It is also about $50 cheaper. For outdoor, you can always use your 135mm. Hope this helps.


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February 03, 2004

 

John Papandreou
  Hi Mickey,
I have in front of me my Pentax 85mm F2.0 and Pentax 100mm F2.8, I am lucky enough to have both focal lengths.
I have found the 85mm to be a Jem
it will focus to 2.8 feet. Being a stop faster than the 100mm has got me out of trouble in low light places eg. Weddings in dim Church's. The 100mm will focus to 3.3 Feet and fills the frame more, When on Assignment or doing a model shoot I will take both with me.

If I had to choose between the Focal Lengths the 85 mm would be my choice.

Something you can do also is borrow a 70-210 zoom and set it at 85 and at 100
and use this as a framing guide.

Another thing you can do is go to a Camera shop that has both in stock take
a body loaded with Pro 160 film (Agfa 160 is my choice) take some shots in the shop and outside make shore you note which frames are each lens. This will give you some Idea as to how each lens performs.


Regards
John Papandreou
Studio 23


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February 03, 2004

 

Mickey
  Thank you very much for your responses. I was leaning towards the 85mm one and now I can hardly wait to get it. Keep on shooting!
Mickey


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February 03, 2004

 
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