Canon 85 1.8 or 100 2.0?

[Daniel Browning]

I'm trying to decide which to get: Canon 85 1.8 or 100 2.0. Suggestions?

Personally, I'd go for the 85mm f/1.8 because I find that focal length a little more useful. The 100 is a little farther from 50mm, so the perspective is a little flatter for certain portrait shots (but also enables more extreme closeups). But if you're shooting something besides portraits, like sports, the small amount of extra reach can really come in handy.

If I don't mind cropping some, am I better off with 85, just to have options when inside?

Yes. A cropped photo is better than no photo at all.

Is there much difference functionally between 1.8 and 2.0

Not really. It could make the difference between 1/500 and 1/400, but that's usually not a big deal.