Canon EF 135mm f/2L USM or the Canon EF 100 mm f/2.0

Im looking for some advice. Im a new Xsi owner and I currenly have the kit lens and an old 50mm lens from my old film camera.


The two lenses I'm thinking about are the Canon EF 135mm f/2L USM and the Canon EF lens - 100 mm f/2.0


Im wondering if I should spend the extra money on the 135 or if the
100 will suit my needs. Im mainly interested in family photos and kids
sports. My kids are both in high school now and are involved in
various sports. My son plays baseball and swims, while my daughter is
a cheerleader. She is on the competive cheer team as well as sideline
cheer.


Now, I can get down close to the action so distance really isnt a
concern, which is why I thought the 100mm would be a good fit.
However, from everything I have read it seems the 135 is the superior
lens. The only thing that concerns me is if I am on the floor for
photos will the 135 be to long since it is a fixed lens?


Any thoughts or opinions would be greatly appreciated as well as any sample shots from both lenses.


Thanks

Reasons to prefer the 135 include 1) increased background blur at a given f/ number 2) greater reach 3) iq 4) build quality (in that order of importance for me).


IMO the iq and build quality of the 100 f/2 are easily good enough. And you've said 2) is not an issue. So unless you're looking for the absolute maximum possible background blur, I would say the 100mm will be fine.

Thanks Jon, I was leaning toward the 100mm as a first option. Im pretty much stepping up from the kit lens now so I think the 100mm will probably be a good choice, plus it wont break the bank so to speak. Im just hoping the 100mm will provide enough reach.

When I first purchased my 100 I was using an XTi. Canon could almost put a red ring around the end of this lens and pass it off as an 'L'.


I have used it for indoor basket ball, Horse speed events and portraites. It can get a little long for the XSi but I think you will love this lens.


Here is my daughter.


XTi, EF 100mm f/2.0, ISO 800, Av, 1/1000, f2.5, Servo AI. 8PM.


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Clemmb - Great shot of your daughter, thanks for sharing it!


Hope I can get some photos that are as good of my kids. Sure seems like the 100mm may work for me and what I want to shoot.