Help with lens purchase...

[majimikate]

I am trying to decide between 2 Canon primes and would love some input and info from anyone who might own either of them. I'm trying to decide between the 135mm f2.8 with softfocus (which from what I understand can be turned on and off) and the 85mm f1.8. I do some portrait photography, a bit of sports photography (most of which is indoor thus my interest in the faster lenses) and lots of childrens photography. I already have the kit lens (for the Rebel XT), the 50mm f1.8, and the 75-300mm f4.0-5.6 zoom. My dream addition would be the 80-200 f2.8L, but it's a bit out of my price range!!! Any thoughts would be really appreciated...thanks!!

Chris

 

[foto202]

I would go for the 85 1.8 I had this lens but for me it was a bit long. I traded it for a 28 1.8. I kinda wished I had the 85 1.8. For me the 135 could be workable if it was not the soft focus. More like the 135L because it is faster (2.0) For indoor sports this is a great lens(85 1.8)

 

[Groucho]

I would guess that you can emulate soft focus pretty effectively in software, and in non-portrait photos, you probably wouldn't want soft focus, so I would tend to avoid such a lens for digital photography.

Of course, I know almost nothing about soft focus so that's just a guess, but it makes sense to me.

 

[matthew_hull]

I've owned both, but I sold the 135mm f/2L. It was too long and stayed home too often. I use (and love) the 85mm f/1.8 prime. Very sharp and lovely bokeh. Good for family events. I would recomend renting/trying the soft-focus lens before making a purchase decision.
-- Matthew

 

[majimikate]

thanks, that's just the sort of info I was looking for!!!

Chris