Quote Originally Posted by realityinabox


<span style="font-size: 11.6667px;"]I am looking for a great portraiture lens that will make my work stand out even more. Ideally I'd buy both the 85L and the 70-200 2.8ii, but considering their pricetags, I'll have to make due with only one for a while.


Also, getting head shots can be slightly intrusive into the subject's space with such a short lens on a FF.


So really, my two main criteria are stellar bokeh (both quality andquantityfor great subject isolation) and something to fill the gap in my longer focal range. It seems to me that the first criteria leans toward the 85L, but the second toward the 70-200.


<span style="font-size: 11.6667px;"]On the other had, having the 85L could really make my work stand out and catch people's eye..


<span style="font-size: 11.6667px;"]

Two stellar lenses, and I agree with your plan to acquire both, eventually. I also have both lenses on a 7D, and I would say get the 85L first, since the winter is coming up and the days will be getting shorter, darker, and colder, therefore, you will probably be shooting with less light and indoors more frequently.., and then next Summer, get the 70-200mmL f/2.8L IS II.


I think the 70-200mm excels outdoors and the 85L II excels indoors and outdoors, however, if it's too bright out then you will need to avoid backlit subjects and stop down, or perhaps use a filter in order to avoid CA)


Your work will certainly stand out with the 85L, but the 70-200mm can also isolate a subject very well while also creating a wonderful bokeh.


I agree with you, that the 85L is a little short on a FF, especially outdoors. Not to confuse you even more, but another lens to consider for FF is the 135mm f/2L. For $1000, this will be the ultimate compromise between the two lenses and you could save a lot of money. There is no IS, and it can also handle the 1.4X extender pretty well, with only a mild loss in sharpness. Check out Bryan's review.





<span style="font-size: 11.6667px;"]Rich